New Goslings

[Birdguy]

I saw a pair of Canadian geese today with 4 green goslings!!! These things had to be a few days old as well as they were getting around probably 6 or 7" tall. I do not track them as a rule but hatched goslings on February 17 means that hen was setting before mid January!!! Thats crazy. Anyone else seen any babies?

[Mfowl]

I have not seen any yet but glad to hear about them. I really don't recall ever seeing ducklings before mid March and gosling aren't usually til April. Hope those little guys survive! Suppose to get cold next week.

[metlhead]

Are they fair game for the extended late season?

[PKC]

I saw 4 goslings on Harbor Island a few weeks ago.  I also thought it was very early.

[boneaddict]

um no...Thats weird

[CasterlyRock]

Are they fair game for the extended late season?

 

[metlhead]

😆Just thinking that ammo being expensive, I could line em up and really put the hurt on em!

[h2ofowlr]

Seems early, but who knows.  I usually don't see little ones for a few more weeks.  Hopefully all this rain didn't flood any others out if they had nested. 

[hdshot]

Seems early, but who knows.  I usually don't see little ones for a few more weeks.  Hopefully all this rain didn't flood any others out if they had nested.

I just hope the DU finds more ducks this year.  People jump off bridges when their portfolios crash like ducks have over the past 3 years.  Mallards down 19% since 2019, things have to turn asap fingers crossed.

[hunterednate]

Seems early, but who knows.  I usually don't see little ones for a few more weeks.  Hopefully all this rain didn't flood any others out if they had nested.

I just hope the DU finds more ducks this year.  People jump off bridges when their portfolios crash like ducks have over the past 3 years.  Mallards down 19% since 2019, things have to turn asap fingers crossed.

Natural drought cycles likely play into the decline in recent years, and the bounce back post-drought can be strong...so no need to jump off bridges yet:

https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-research-science/understanding-waterfowl-the-two-sides-of-drought

In terms of Eastern Wa mallards....

...park your truck near a corn-pond complex around sundown in Nov. or Dec. You will have no more doubt where all the mallards have gone.

[boneaddict]

Curious to see what bird flu does

[hdshot]

Seems early, but who knows.  I usually don't see little ones for a few more weeks.  Hopefully all this rain didn't flood any others out if they had nested.

I just hope the DU finds more ducks this year.  People jump off bridges when their portfolios crash like ducks have over the past 3 years.  Mallards down 19% since 2019, things have to turn asap fingers crossed.

Natural drought cycles likely play into the decline in recent years, and the bounce back post-drought can be strong...so no need to jump off bridges yet:

https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-research-science/understanding-waterfowl-the-two-sides-of-drought

In terms of Eastern Wa mallards....

...park your truck near a corn-pond complex around sundown in Nov. or Dec. You will have no more doubt where all the mallards have gone.

True, don't jump off a bridge and don't buy a hunting license or duck stamps until you can find a place or invite that gives you a few decent hunts at least.   Learned this past season and paid off since I couldn't find huntable numbers with access.