Still counting after all these years

Since 1955, federal and state wildlife biologists across the country have been counting waterfowl in early January to track populations and habitat use over time.

This year’s Midwinter Waterfowl Survey (MWS) was conducted from the air and on the ground Jan. 2-5 by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel and citizen volunteers at hundreds of sites across the state.

“In many cases this count provides the only estimate of waterfowl use for specific areas,” said WDFW Waterfowl Section Manager Don Kraege of Olympia.
“Surveys in Washington are part of a larger effort to obtain an annual wintering waterfowl population index for the Pacific Flyway.”

WDFW wildlife biologist Michelle Tirhi of Tacoma noted that many of the count sites are in and around suburbia, so she enlists help in the task from Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary managers and other volunteer “citizen scientists.”

“It’s a great way for those interested in birds to learn more about our great variety of waterfowl in Washington,” she said. “It’s one of our most meaningful uses of citizen scientists. I hope we get even more participation next year.”