Central Flyway Mid-winter Survey Results 2021

The Central Flyway’s 2021 Mid-Winter Waterfowl Survey results are shared in this report.  It was completed during January 1-13, 2021.  Most areas important to waterfowl were covered by aerial or ground survey crews.

The total waterfowl count for 2021 was 16% lower than in 2020. The total duck count decreased 34% and the total goose count increased 14%. The 2021 total duck count also was 34% below the 2010-2019 average, and the total goose count was 30% above the average. The mallard count decreased by 7% from that of last year, and was 30% below the 2010-2019 average. Counts of both dabbling ducks and diving ducks declined by 34% from last year, with dabbling ducks 35% below the 2010-2019 average and diving ducks 16% below the average. The increase in goose counts in 2021 was due to increased numbers of light geese; the numbers of greater white-fronted geese and Canada/cackling geese both were slightly higher than counts from last year. Both Nebraska and South Dakota had high counts of trumpeter swans; the count at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge in South Dakota was a record-high one day count. More specific information for species and populations are provided in this report.