pacific flyway

Well, here it is— a look back on what has been referred to as “one of the worst hunting seasons in memory.” Co-hosts Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher are joined by Jim Ronquest, Vice President of Development for Drake Waterfowl, to discuss the season from start to finish, north to south, and east to west. Numerous factors conspired to make the 2023-24 season a challenging one for even the most seasoned hunters, including low breeding populations, El Nino, widespread drought, limited snowfall, record low ice cover, and temperature swings from record warmth to record cold. As one season ends another begins, and the group looks ahead to dry conditions on the prairies and what is needed to turn things around.

Buckle Up for fun and laughter as Sydnie Wells of Barstool Outdoors joins Dr. Mike Brasher on this special episode with first-time duck hunters Wonton Don and Feitelberg of Barstool Sports, along with DU’s own Matt Harrison and Mallori Murphey. Topics include anxious energy amid the morning darkness, mallards backpedaling over decoys, shooting clays among friends, bird migration and the importance of conservation, neckties in the timber, and our love of sharing outdoor experiences with others.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Known by many names – sprig, pinny, bull – but unmistakable in appearance, the northern pintail is one of North America’s most recognizable, graceful, and well-studied duck species. Unfortunately, much of that attention was garnered because of dramatic population declines and the mystery surrounding it. Dr. Scott Stephens joins Chris Jennings and Dr. Mike Brasher to profile this iconic species, discussing its ecology, population status, causes of its decline, and conservation opportunities.

www.ducks.org/DUPodcast

Charlie is one of the industry's top guide in the waterfowl Community. Stay tuned as me and Joe interacted with Charlie and his lifestyle.

We visit the Fraser Estuary, where fresh water meets the salty Pacific Ocean in British Columbia, Canada. Scientists are confirming what locals and birders have long known -- these mudflats are a unique and important pitstop for Western Sandpipers during their epic migration. 

The Pacific Flyway is a migratory route for at least a billion birds. For many, like the Western Sandpiper, it’s an epic journey twice a year. Each spring they fly from wintering grounds in South America all the way to the Arctic where they breed in the summer. They then fly back down in the fall. Our understanding of what fuels that journey is changing, and a port expansion could jeopardize an important food source. 

There's more to the story!

• Learn more about the Fraser River Estuary
• Check out the shorebird conservation partnership
• Learn why First Nations oppose the Delta terminal expansion

For the full transcript and more visit BirdNote.org

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