Breeding waterfowl populations have increased from 2010 estimates for eight of the ten duck species surveyed; and overall, duck estimates increased 11 percent from last year to just over 45 million birds.  The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service conduct annual waterfowl population surveys on the breeding grounds to monitor waterfowl populations and help set hunting season frameworks.
The 2011 May pond count was 8.1 million ponds, an increase of 22 percent over the 2010 count of 6.6 million ponds. 
“Last year’s May pond counts held steady with recent years, which were very good.  This year’s counts were significantly higher” said Houston Havens, Waterfowl Program Biologist for the MDWFP.

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