2002 

WATERFOWL PRODUCTION SURVEY 

FOR 

SOUTH DAKOTA AND NORTH DAKOTA 

Williston 

Dickinson 

Garrison 

Bismarck 

Minot Devils Lake 

Grand 

Forks 

Jamestown Fargo 

Aberdeen 

Watertown 

Sioux Falls 

Madison 

Huron 

Mitchell 

Pierre 

Camp Crook Mobridge 

Belle Fourche 

Rapid City 

49 

44 48 

46 

43 47 

45 
TITLE: Waterfowl Production and Habitat Survey for South and North 

Dakota 

STRATA SURVEYED: 44, 48, 49 (South Dakota) 

43, 45, 46, 47, 48 (North Dakota) 

DATES: 1 - 17 July 2002 

DATA SUPPLIED BY: United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

Strata 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 

Observer/Pilot - John W. Solberg, Flyway Biologist, 

WPS/DMBM, USFWS, Bismarck, ND 

Observer - Sue Thomas, Wildlife Biologist, MBSP, USFWS, 

Portland, OR 

Strata 43 and 44 

Observer/Pilot - James F. Voelzer, Chief - WPS/DMBM, USFWS, 

Portland, OR 

Observer/Pilot - Ray Bentley, Flyway Biologist, WPS/DMBM, 

USFWS, Corvallis, OR 

ABSTRACT: The 2002 Waterfowl Production and Habitat Survey for eastern South and North 

Dakota was conducted during 1 - 17 July. Survey procedures in 2002 were unchanged but 

traditional coverage was incomplete. June precipitation and temperatures were more detrimental 

to habitat in South Dakota than in North Dakota. Wetland counts decreased in South Dakota 

compared to July of 2001 (-43%), the ten-year average (-52%), and the long-term average 

(-27%). In North Dakota, water counts were lower than July 2001 (-21%) and the ten-year 

average (-26%), but were above (18%) above the long-term mean. The Duck Brood Index (DBI) 

in South Dakota (47.2) was below the 2001 figure (-47%) and the ten-year mean (-49%) and is 

average (2%) compared to the long-term. In North Dakota, the 2002 DBI (118.1) fell 32% since 

last year, is 12% below the ten-year average, but remains well above (90%) the long-term 

average. The total duck late nesting index (LNI) in both states was well below the three standard 

time comparisons (SD: -48%, -52%, -42%, ND: -15%, -50%, -62%). 

METHODS: The procedures followed in conducting the 2002 waterfowl production survey are 

described in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Aerial Waterfowl Breeding Ground 

Population and Habitat Surveys in North America, Section IV, revised 1987. Aerial observations 

were recorded using laptop computers and were georeferenced. Survey coverage in 2002 was 

incomplete. Due to weather (fog), coverage of one segment in Stratum 48 was incomplete. The 

expansion factor (and resulting estimates) for the stratum were adjusted accordingly. Survey 

design and 2002 coverage are depicted in Tables 4 and 8. All survey data reported in 2002 are 

considered comparable to earlier years. There were no personnel changes in the crew area or 

reporting unit in 2002. Transects in the Western Dakotas (strata 43 and 44) were completed by 

the Montana survey crew led by James Voelzer. Our appreciation is extended to the Montana 
crew for their help. Transect flying began in south eastern South Dakota on 1 July and was 

completed in North Dakota on 17 July. Four days of surveying were lost to inclement weather 

(rain/wind) and on another day, one segment in Stratum 48 was not completed because of fog. 

Survey time parameters, outlined in the SOP, were violated during one day of sampling. On this 

day, thunderstorms lasting into the late morning caused us to survey later than the noon cut-off 

specified in the SOP. All survey flights were conducted in N-761, a wheeled Cessna 185. 

Required flight time was about 61 hours. 

WEATHER AND HABITAT CONDITIONS: Following the generally cooler and drier than 

normal spring, June weather provided no assistance in improving the already degraded habitat 

conditions in South Dakota. Temperatures during the first half of June were 5° to 10° above 

normal, then moderated to near normal. Many locations received precipitation during the first 

week, but significant amounts fell only in the south east. Little or no precipitation was delivered 

during the second week. During the second half of the month, above average temperatures 

returned, which included many stations experiencing temperatures at or above 100° late in the 

month (Milesville - 113°). Although many stations reported some precipitation during the third 

week (of significance: Sisseton 3.23", Pierre 3.12"), the final week of the month provided only 

spotty rain and of much lesser amounts than the previous week. The higher than normal 

temperatures, coupled with the common prairie winds, continued to deplete soil moisture levels 

and degrade wetland conditions. By months end, nearly the entire state was experiencing 3" - 6" 

precipitation deficits (since Jan. 1). During the last week of June alone, the agricultural 

department reported 10% increases in the short and very short topsoil moisture ratings and the 

western 3/4 of the state was considered abnormally dry or in moderate or severe drought 

condition. 

Hot, windy conditions continued into the first week of July. One localized storm (7/2) delivered 

3.5" to the Redfield-Faulkton area. Three days following this event we surveyed the area. No 

evidence of recent rain was observed as the thirsty soil had absorbed the downpour. Near the 

end of the first week of July, a weather system triggered rains to the northeastern quarter of the 

state. Areas in the north (Pierre - Mobridge east), collected nearly a half inch. Environmental 

conditions in the aircraft were hot and humid with winds increasing, generally in the afternoon. 

Cover was quite variable in South Dakota. Crops in (particularly) the western portion of the drift 

plain looked stunted and stressed. As expected, no seasonal water was observed in stratum 48 or 

49. Many of the semi-permanent wetlands and creeks in central and western portions of the drift 

prairie had completely dried since the May survey. Those (semi-permanents) in the eastern 

quarter of the state survived at a higher rate but were further receded than in May. Even some of 

the permanent wetlands again, mainly on the drift plain, are showing indications of recession. 

Wetlands in the coteau areas, although degraded since May, are generally in better condition than 

those on the plain. Throughout the area, temporary and seasonal basins now sport the row crop 

of the surrounding acreage. These basins will require excessive moisture and no agricultural 

impact next spring to begin recovery. Those semi-permanent basins that have dried since May 

have produced good stands of wetland vegetation. If undisturbed and flooded next spring, these 

basins will offer the required associations of cover and water. Cover in permanent basins has 

responded to the warm temperatures and looks fairly decent. The artificial dugouts (now ranging 

from dry to near full) occurring in fields that contain livestock, have perimeters and vegetation 
“pounded” by stock entering the water to cool off. Upland cover often appeared stressed from 

heat and the lack of moisture. These conditions vary with location but again were most 

pronounced in the west. Although first attempt early nesting species probably weren’t threatened 

by swathers, mid- and late-season nesting birds are now contending with aggressive haying being 

conducted in anticipation of the drought caused, livestock feed shortage. Habitat conditions in 

South Dakota will be grim in 2003 without normal to above precipitation in the upcoming 

weather cycle. 

SOUTH DAKOTA (St. 48/49: 1 - 9 July) 

Wetland counts statewide decreased 43% in South Dakota compared to July 2001 (Table 3). The 

2002 index (253,100) was similar to and the lowest since 1990. Total counts were well below 

the ten-year (-52%) and long-term (-27%) averages. 

Stratum 44 - Although the west river crew reported a 7% increase in wetland numbers since May 

of this year, the July 2002 index is the lowest since 1992. The 2002 index decreased compared 

to July of 2001 (-38%), the ten-year average (-48%), and the long-term average (-28%). 

Conditions in the stratum were described by the crew as parched and devoid of new grasses. 

Central and northeastern portions were considered poor while northwest, eastern, and southern 

areas were rated fair. 

Stratum 48 - Wetland counts in Stratum 48 declined 50% since the May survey and were at their 

lowest level since 1990. The index was well below the July 2001 figure (-48%), the ten-year 

mean (-55%), and the long-term average (-27%). Probably a bit generous in our habitat rating, 

narrow north-south strips in the Leola Hills and the Prairie coteau were considered good. Much 

of the western two-thirds of the stratum was considered poor habitat and remaining portions in 

the south central and south eastern areas were classed as fair. 

Stratum 49 - Stratum 49 experienced the greatest decrease in wetland numbers since May (-59%) 

of any stratum in the state. As in Stratum 48, the 2002 July wetland count was the lowest since 

1990. The 2002 index decreased 42% since 2001 and was below both the ten-year (-49%) and 

long-term (-24%) averages. The majority of the stratum was in fair condition. Two tiny areas, 

the southern end of the Prairie coteau and a localized area near Platte, were considered good; 

while a forty mile-wide strip extending down from Stratum 48, was poor. 

June weather patterns in North Dakota more closely approached habitat maintenance and in 

some cases, improvement. Temperatures in early June were above normal but returned to cooler 

than normal the second week. Precipitation was generally light to moderate statewide with the 

heaviest areas of rain in the north east (Grand Forks 5" on 6/8). Following the night of the 8th, 

sheetwater was present in the northern 2/3rds of the Red River Valley, an area considered in poor 

condition in May. Heavier rains fell during week two (2 week total for Cavalier in the north east 

was 6.1") and the statewide trend of negative departure from normal precipitation was reversed. 

During the third week, and for the second week in a row, widespread thunderstorms provided 

additional precipitation, mostly in the norther 2/3rds of the state. By this time, temperatures 

were seasonal and the southern 1/3 (particularly the south central region) was driest. The blast 
furnace turned on the final week of June when temperatures soared to 10° to 15° above normal. 

Reporting stations were in the 90°’s for most of the week and many areas reached 100° at least 

once (Bismarck 104° on 6/28, 111° on 6/29). Little precipitation fell during the last week but by 

months end, the north east region of the state (considered poor in May) had entered into positive 

values for average precipitation for the year. The remaining eight general regions of North 

Dakota remained 1" to 5" below average with the south central region being driest (-5"). 

North Dakota temperatures returned closer to normal during the first week of July. Isolated 

thunderstorms provided much needed precipitation to central, east central, and south eastern 

regions. The south west and south central areas remained dry. In the second week, temperatures 

were normal to slightly above. Fire danger was reduced by rain in the south central region, 

where moisture levels were significantly below normal. Much of the state received precipitation 

during this week with eastern areas (particularly east central - the Red River Valley) 

experiencing widespread flooding and inundated farm land. During the final period of the 

survey, a weather system provided cooler temperatures, less humidity, and calmer winds until the 

last day when thunderstorms delivered significant precipitation across the entire northern 1/3 off 

the state. By survey’s end, the south central region and the southwestern 1/4 of the state were 

considered abnormally dry or in moderate or severe stages of drought. 

As in South Dakota, habitat conditions in east river North Dakota were highly variable. Wetland 

conditions looked fairly “typical” for July in northern regions. Conditions were much drier to 

the south, especially the south central and south west areas. Temporary and seasonal wetlands in 

North Dakota have suffered less agricultural impact this year than those in South Dakota. 

Although many temporary basins were planted (more so in southern North Dakota than in the 

north) some seasonal and most semi-permanent basins were too wet for mechanical 

encroachment. Burning of some cover was accomplished earlier in the season (especially in 

semi-permanent basins) and they have since responded with lush regrowth. A small portion of 

the seasonal and semi-permanent basins have been partially recharged and now offer good areas 

for brooding. Permanent wetlands have diminished slightly in the drier areas, but in regions 

where rain has fallen they are maintaining. Typically following heavy rains, we encountered 

small complexes of temporary and seasonal water ....a rare commodity during any July survey. 

As expected though for this time of year, most temporary and seasonal basins were dry. 

Emergent wetland cover in North Dakota appeared less impacted by livestock. Many of the 

basins in recessed condition are offering the same perimeter cover condition described in South 

Dakota. That is, the perimeter vegetation is not providing safe escape cover to broods. The 

emergents are responding though, to the drawdown conditions, by expanding coverage toward 

the water. Following this growth cycle, additional water will create very good combinations of 

water/cover. As expected, both crops and upland cover appear best in the northern 1/3 of the 

state with lessening conditions to the south and west. By the end of the survey, CRP lands had 

been opened to grazing and haying under the auspices of drought emergency. This loss of cover 

will lower brood survival and will impact residual nesting cover stores for next year. Normal or 

above precipitation is required, especially in the southern 1/3 of the state, to improve habitat 

conditions for 2003. 
NORTH DAKOTA (St. 45/46/47: 11 - 17 July) 

Total wetland counts in North Dakota decreased 26% since the May 2002 survey. The 2002 

index dropped 21% compared to the July 2002 and was below the ten-year average (-26%) as 

well. The 2002 index (503,600 wetlands) is the lowest of record since 1994 yet exceeded the 

long-term mean by 18% (Table 7). 

Stratum 43 - Rated by the west river crew, conditions in the extreme western and northeastern 

portions of the stratum were considered good while the central and southern parts were 

considered only fair. Stratum 43 posted the only gains (34%) in wetland numbers since the May 

survey. The 2002 water index was similar to the 2001 figure (-1%) and was above both the tenyear (13%) and long-term (47%) averages. 

Stratum 45 - Although wetland counts in Stratum 45 decreased 36% since May, overall 

conditions actually improved since that survey. Areas in the north west, north central and north 

east, that were classed as poor in May, were upgraded to fair. A significant area in the eastern 

half of the stratum (considered mostly fair in May) improved to good condition. As in May, 

much of the Missouri coteau remained in the good category. The 2002 July index trailed 2001 (-

29%) and ten-year (-31%) figures, but was slightly above (11%) the long-term average. The 

2002 index was lowest of record since July of 1994. 

Stratum 46 - During the July survey, observed wetlands posted a 39% decrease since May. The 

2002 index for Stratum 46 was similar to the long-term average (+7%) but below last year’s July 

figure (-27%) and the preceding ten-year average (-42%). Habitat conditions in the stratum 

deteriorated since May with areas of poor creeping into south western and south central regions 

from South Dakota. Areas considered good in May, including the Missouri coteau and the 

extreme south east portion of the drift prairie remained, but were smaller in size. The balance of 

the stratum was considered fair waterfowl habitat. 

Stratum 47 - As in Stratum 45, habitat conditions in Stratum 47 actually improved since the 

Breeding Population survey. Northern reaches, considered poor in May, improved to fair. In the 

central region, a wedge of good habitat extended in from 45/46. Crop damage (from excessive 

moisture) and standing water was observed in the central region of 47. The July wetland index 

was similar to May 2002 (-6%) and the ten-year (-6%) figure, and was well above July 2002 

(50%) and long-term (38%) indices. 

Production Indices: Each year, the schedule of the pre-season waterfowl banding program in 

August, is a major determinant in initiation/completion of the July waterfowl production survey. 

Because of the banding commitment, the July surveys are typically conducted earlier than would 

provide for capturing the maximum number of pre-fledged waterfowl broods. This annual 

problem of surveying too early, was further aggravated this year by the late spring and 

corresponding late initial nesting attempts. It is possible that some early nesting species were 

negatively impacted by May snow. The late migration delayed mid- and late season nesting 

species in becoming active one to two weeks later than last year. As a result, we observed a 

slight shift to younger age classes this year. Through the last day of our survey, we witnessed 

many class I broods. This observation was supported by other field personnel conducting 
experimental brood counts in the Dakotas. 

We suspect this year that brood survival may be more of a challenge than “normal.” Intense 

grazing and haying in the upland areas, drought caused reduction in wetland numbers, and 

generally receded conditions (below emergent vegetation levels) in those basins containing 

water, are offering less available escape cover to broods. Reduced wetland numbers have also 

caused nesting and brooding activities to concentrate, thereby increasing the effectiveness of 

predators. Furthermore, wetlands in certain areas are drying rapidly, forcing brood relocation 

and added exposure to the peril of predators. Lastly, with the late hatch and time required to 

fledge, some birds may not attain flight prior to the fall arrival of inclement weather to the north 

central prairies. Despite these negative influences, overall production appears near the long-term 

average (2%) in South Dakota and well above average (90%) in North Dakota (Tables 2 and 6). 

In South Dakota, the DBI (47,200) was the lowest recorded since 1993 but 14th highest in 44 

years of record (Table 1). The 2002 index decreased compared to 2001 (-47%) and the ten-year 

(-49%) average. Although no change in production (8,500 broods) was observed in Stratum 49, 

significant decreases occurred in Stratum 48 (-46%) and Stratum 44 (-66%) compared to last 

year (see 2001 report). Average brood size in South Dakota was unchanged since 2001 and is 

similar to the ten-year (-7%) and long-term (6%) average. Responding to degraded habitat 

conditions, the South Dakota coot brood index fell sharply compared to last year (-73%), the tenyear mean (-80%), and the long-term average (-54%). 

Waterfowl production in North Dakota (118,100 broods) suffered smaller losses than in South 

Dakota. The 2002 index was 7th highest in 45 years of record (Table 5). Compared to 2001, the 

2002 DBI decreased 32% and was 12% below the ten-year average. Decreases in observed 

broods since last year (see 2001 report) were significant in all strata (St. 43 -37%, St. 45 -32%, 

and St. 46 -26%). Even though the sample is typically small, no duck broods were observed in 

Stratum 47 this year. Average brood size state wide was similar to last year (6%), the ten-year 

average (-9%), and the long-term average (-2%). Coot broods in North Dakota (-70%, -80%, -

46%) provided decreases similar to those in South Dakota. 

As always, we believe our DBI’s are conservative. Admittedly, our survey timing was early this 

year and we forfeited the opportunity to count successful broods after 7/17. And though we feel 

brood visibility in 2002 was better than normal (reduced water levels removing emergent 

vegetation as cover), the proportion of observed/actual broods, without ground truthing, remains 

unknown. Even though DBI’s in the Dakotas remained average or above the long-term, 

production comparisons to last year and the ten-year mean correspond to the drought conditions 

present in many areas. 

Late Nesting Indices: The Late Nesting Index is intended as a relative measure of late or 

secondary nesting effort. (Tables 1 and 5). In South Dakota, total LNI decreased 48% compared 

to last year, was 52% below the ten-year mean, and 42% short of the long-term average. In 

North Dakota, LNI decreased 15%, 50%, and 62% from the respective 2001, ten-year, and longterm figures. 
The lack of apparent late nesting activity is not surprising considering the depressed habitat 

conditions. This is particularly evident in South Dakota. The absence of water, widespread 

deterioration of existing wetlands, the poor offering of emergent wetland cover, diminished 

cover (stunted, grazed, hayed) in many upland areas, all coupled with late initial nesting efforts, 

suggest that the late/second nesting effort will be minimal. 

Conclusions: 

1. June/July weather patterns provided slightly more benefit to habitat conditions in North 

Dakota (particularly the northern 1/3) than in South Dakota. Although wetland counts in 

North Dakota fell below 2001 (-21%) and ten-year (-26%) levels, the 2002 index was 

18% above the long-term average. In South Dakota, this year’s wetland counts fell short 

of all three time comparisons (-43%, -52%, and -27%). Generally in the crew area, 

coteau regions are considered good along with the north east portion of Stratum 45. 

Nearly the western 2/3rds of east river South Dakota are poor and the remainder of the 

crew area is considered fair. 

2. The DBI in South Dakota decreased 47% compared to 2001 and is the lowest of record 

since 1993. The 2002 index is below the ten-year average (-49%) but similar to (2%) the 

long-term average. In North Dakota, the 2002 DBI decreased 32% since last year and the 

ten-year (-12%) average, but is 90% above the long-term mean. The 2002 North Dakota 

DBI is lowest of record since 1995. Average brood size in both states was similar to last 

year. Although down significantly from last year and the (wet) ten-year average, 

waterfowl production in these states is above average for 2002. 

3. Total LNI decreased in South Dakota (-48%) and North Dakota (-15%) compared to 

2001. The 2002 LNI was below ten-year averages (SD -52%, ND -50%) and long-term 

figures (SD -42%, ND -62%) as well. Low LNI’s and degraded habitat conditions 

suggest that additional recruitment from late nesting efforts will be negligible. 

John W. Solberg 

July 2002 
Table 1. Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in South Dak

1959-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index Average brood sizeb

Coot brood index 

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers

Mallard Am. black duck Gadwall Am. wigeon Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal N. shoveler N. pintail 

Subtotal 

Divers

Redhead Canvasback Scaups Ring-necked duck Goldeneyes Bufflehead Ruddy duck 

Subtotal 

Miscellaneous

Oldsquaw Eiders Scoters Mergansers 

Subtotal 

Total ducks 

130.2 115.4 89.7 47.2

5.8 5.3 5.4 5.4

20.7 5.4 8.1 2.2

13.6 6.0 18.6 10.2 

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.9 2.1 6.3 4.2 1.5 1.1 1.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.3 4.8 1.0 3.9 2.0 0.3 1.1 1.0 0.9 

0.5 2.2 0.5 0.8 

27.6 13.5 31.8 18.7 

1.1 0.2 1.8 0.2

0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0

0.2 0.8 0.5 0.0

0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.9 0.9 1.9 0.2

2.2 1.9 4.6 0.40.0 0.0 0.0 0.00.0 0.0 0.0 0.00.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0

0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0

29.8 15.7 36.4 19.1

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 1 (cont). Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in So

1959-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 25.7 18.9 27.5 14.3 36.4 110.9 68.5 114.4 

Average brood sizeb 4.9 4.3 4.4 5.8 5.9 6.2 6.2 5.4 

Coot brood index 2.6 1.9 1.5 5.0 4.7 15.6 12.9 15.3 

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 11.1 38.0 30.2 21.7 25.4 5.2 30.8 17.9 Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Gadwall 6.6 23.7 16.8 11.3 17.4 4.3 24.1 9.5 Am. wigeon 1.8 3.0 2.7 1.8 2.2 1.5 4.8 3.5 Green-winged teal 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.7 0.5 Blue-winged teal 3.8 21.5 17.4 15.8 10.7 1.8 14.5 3.7 N. shoveler 0.4 2.2 2.4 1.5 3.5 0.3 0.8 1.0 N. pintail 4.5 1.9 6.2 1.3 4.4 1.8 4.9 2.5 

Subtotal 28.3 90.5 75.7 53.7 63.8 14.9 80.6 38.6 

Divers 

Redhead 1.6 1.1 1.6 2.0 5.5 0.3 3.5 0.0 Canvasback 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 Scaups 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 1.6 0.0 1.2 0.2 Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.2 Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Ruddy duck 1.6 2.8 1.6 3.1 2.4 1.1 1.7 0.8 

Subtotal 3.5 5.0 3.7 5.7 9.5 1.4 7.5 1.2 

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scoters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Mergansers 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Subtotal 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Total ducks 32.0 95.7 79.4 59.4 73.3 16.3 88.1 39.8 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 1 (cont). Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in So

1959-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 28.7 16.3 6.5 41.4 41.3 58.6 23.4 65.0 

Average brood sizeb 5.0 4.6 4.7 4.6 4.5 4.3 4.2 4.5 

Coot brood index 1.2 3.3 0.8 3.5 5.2 8.6 2.7 8.3 

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 6.7 3.9 4.5 10.7 14.4 21.6 8.8 13.4 Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Gadwall 2.0 1.0 2.5 5.1 12.6 14.1 2.8 6.8 Am. wigeon 1.6 0.2 1.2 2.1 2.2 5.4 2.7 1.9 Green-winged teal 0.3 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.5 Blue-winged teal 0.7 1.2 1.7 5.1 8.9 19.8 2.6 8.7 N. shoveler 0.3 0.3 0.2 1.1 0.7 4.9 0.2 1.6 N. pintail 0.7 0.5 2.0 4.0 4.2 10.2 1.2 5.0 

Subtotal 12.2 7.6 11.9 28.0 42.9 76.1 18.4 38.0 

Divers 

Redhead 0.0 0.0 0.5 2.4 2.1 3.6 1.0 1.0 Canvasback 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 Scaups 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.8 0.0 0.2 0.3 Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 Ruddy duck 0.8 1.5 1.6 1.5 2.0 2.8 0.8 2.4 

Subtotal 0.8 1.5 2.3 4.6 5.1 6.6 1.9 3.8 

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scoters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Mergansers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Subtotal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Total ducks 13.0 9.1 14.2 32.7 48.0 82.8 20.3 41.8 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 1 (cont). Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in So

1959-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 41.5 38.7 26.3 58.8 42.3 18.8 21.1 10.9 

Average brood sizeb 5.5 5.7 5.5 5.4 4.4 4.8 5.0 4.8 

Coot brood index 4.7 3.3 1.0 6.6 1.8 0.3 0.0 0.3 

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 12.6 11.9 5.9 13.8 11.0 9.1 12.3 5.2 Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Gadwall 9.0 4.6 3.8 8.1 3.4 8.2 8.0 2.4 Am. wigeon 1.3 2.4 0.0 2.5 2.3 1.0 1.5 1.2 Green-winged teal 0.9 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.2 0.0 Blue-winged teal 6.8 3.3 3.7 7.6 4.1 5.0 7.5 0.6 N. shoveler 1.1 1.6 0.0 0.3 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 N. pintail 2.4 2.0 1.0 2.8 4.3 1.7 1.5 2.5 

Subtotal 34.1 27.9 14.4 35.0 26.3 25.7 31.0 11.9 

Divers 

Redhead 1.0 0.8 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.2 0.5 0.0 Canvasback 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 Scaups 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Ruddy duck 1.4 2.2 0.9 3.4 2.0 1.3 2.7 0.0 

Subtotal 2.4 3.9 0.9 4.2 2.5 1.5 3.1 0.3 

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scoters 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Mergansers 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Subtotal 0.0 0.4 0.0 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Total ducks 36.5 32.2 15.3 40.9 28.8 27.2 34.1 12.2 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 1 (cont). Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in So

1959-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 11.2 33.5 41.2 42.2 62.8 11.6 18.8 45.1 

Average brood sizeb 4.4 5.2 5.2 5.1 5.0 6.4 4.5 7.2 

Coot brood index 0.3 0.6 2.2 2.7 1.0 1.1 0.4 15.2 

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 6.6 11.1 7.4 14.0 3.5 6.1 19.1 8.4 Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Gadwall 0.0 1.4 0.1 5.9 3.3 2.5 7.2 6.0 Am. wigeon 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Green-winged teal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Blue-winged teal 1.3 2.6 4.5 21.7 2.2 7.6 9.2 1.0 N. shoveler 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.4 0.0 2.2 N. pintail 0.3 2.4 1.9 4.5 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.6 

Subtotal 8.2 17.6 14.1 47.3 9.9 16.7 35.5 18.1 

Divers 

Redhead 0.0 0.3 0.1 1.7 0.3 0.6 3.0 0.0 Canvasback 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 Scaups 0.0 0.4 0.5 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Ruddy duck 0.0 1.1 4.7 1.9 2.4 0.4 6.0 4.7 

Subtotal 0.0 1.8 5.3 4.5 2.7 1.1 9.0 4.9 

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scoters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Mergansers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Subtotal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Total ducks 8.2 19.5 19.4 51.8 12.6 17.8 44.4 22.9 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepanices may exist in column totals.
Table 2. Status of waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by stratum in South Dakota, comp

2001, the 1992-2001 previous 10-year mean, and the 1959-2001 long-term mean (index 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pe

Strata (2002) 2002 2001 10-year Long-term 

Species 44 48 49 Total Total Mean Mean 2001 _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 8.0 30.7 8.5 47.2 89.7 91.8 46.2 -47% 

Average brood sizeb 4.5 5.6 5.0 5.4 5.4 5.8 5.1 NC% 

Coot brood index 0.0 1.3 0.9 2.2 8.1 11.1 4.8 -73% 

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 5.1 2.7 2.4 10.2 18.6 15.5 12.1 -45% Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Gadwall 1.6 1.1 1.5 4.2 6.3 9.2 6.6 -33% Am. wigeon 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 1.0 2.2 1.6 -70% Green-winged teal 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.5 0.2 0.2 -40% Blue-winged teal 0.8 0.6 0.6 2.0 3.9 6.1 6.1 -49% N. shoveler 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.9 1.0 1.1 0.9 -10% N. pintail 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.8 0.5 2.1 2.3 60% 

Subtotal 9.1 4.9 4.7 18.7 31.8 36.4 29.8 -41% 

Divers 

Redhead 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 1.8 1.5 1.0 -89% Canvasback 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 - Scaups 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.6 0.3 - Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.0 - Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Ruddy duck 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 1.9 1.4 1.7 -89% 

Subtotal 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.4 4.6 3.7 3.2 -91% 

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Scoters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Mergansers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 - 

Subtotal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 - 

Total ducks 9.1 5.1 4.9 19.1 36.4 40.1 33.1 -48% _____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 3. Long-term trend in July pond indices by stratum in South Dakota, comparing 2002 with 20

1992-2001 previous 10-year mean, the 1970-2001 long-term mean, and comparison of May wiponds in 2002 (estimates in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Strata 

Year 44 48 49 _____________________________________________________________________________________________1970 77.6 98.3 52.6 1971 115.1 117.7 70.5 1972 145.6 129.0 59.4 1973 119.3 76.0 54.8 1974 62.7 61.0 38.1 1975 105.4 80.7 39.4 1976 95.3 64.0 43.5 1977 93.8 43.2 25.5 1978 99.3 100.5 43.9 1979 114.6 61.4 37.4 1980 52.3 33.3 18.1 1981 75.8 37.5 31.7 1982 122.3 88.2 55.7 1983 74.6 134.3 125.9 1984 102.9 341.7 184.8 1985 120.1 93.2 71.8 1986 139.0 175.8 99.1 1987 133.7 102.1 60.2 1988 92.0 59.3 46.5 1989 119.6 74.2 46.3 1990 117.5 81.2 52.6 1991 113.2 130.8 64.4 1992 93.8 128.8 72.0 1993 406.4b 224.3 129.4 

1994 143.8 194.7 94.1 1995 186.0 252.0 105.0 1996 112.5 223.9 100.2 1997 109.2 263.4 114.2 1998 170.4 248.5 110.0 1999 246.4 394.6 250.7 
Table 3 (cont). Long-term trend in July pond indices by stratum in South Dakota, comparing 20

1992-2001 previous 10-year mean, the 1970-2001 long-term mean, and comparison 

ponds in 2002 (estimates in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Strata 

Year 44 48 49 _____________________________________________________________________________________________2000 160.7 182.5 78.5 

2001 146.8 197.0 101.5 2002 91.6 102.8 58.7 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 

10-year mean 177.6 231.0 115.6 Long-term mean 127.1 140.4 77.4 

Percent Change

2002 from 2001 -38% -48% -42% 2002 from 10-year mean -48% -55% -49% 

2002 from long-term mean -28% -27% -24% 

May ponds 2002 (adjusted) 

Percent change

May to July 2002 

(adjusted) (unadjusted) 

85.9 204.1 143.8 

7% -50% -59% 

aJuly ponds unadjusted for visibility bias.

bDue to an abnormally high visibility rate in May, 1993 July ponds for stratum 44 were calcula

from May to July raw data, to adjusted May ponds.Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
 Table 4. Survey design for South Dakota, July 2002.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Stratum

44 48 49 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Survey design

Square miles in stratum 28,930 24,587 15,830 

Square miles in sample - water 216 315 171 Square miles in sample - ducks 108 157.5 85.5 Linear miles in sample 864 1,260 684 

Number of transects in sample 5 9 11 Number of segments in sample 48 70 38 

Expansion factor - water 133.9370 78.0539 92.5731 Expansion factor - ducks 267.8740 156.1079 185.1462 

Current year coverage

Square miles in sample - water 216 310.5 171 

Square miles in sample - ducks 108 155.25 85.5 Linear miles in sample 864 1,242 684 

Number of transects in sample 5 9 11 Number of segments in sample 48 69 38 

Expansion factor - water 133.9370 79.1852 92.5731 Expansion factor - ducks 267.8740 158.3704 185.1462 

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Table 5. Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in North Dak

1958-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index Average brood sizeb

Coot brood index 

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers

Mallard Am. black duck Gadwall Am. wigeon Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal N. shoveler N. pintail 

Subtotal 

Divers

Redhead Canvasback Scaups Ring-necked duck Goldeneyes Bufflehead Ruddy duck 

Subtotal 

Miscellaneous

Oldsquaw Eiders Scoters Mergansers 

Subtotal 

Total ducks 

196.7 189.4 217.6 173.8 118.1

6.2 6.6 5.3 5.0 5.3

78.6 82.5 66.7 33.2 9.8

3.3 5.1 3.9 4.7 5.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.1 1.5 2.6 1.2 0.8 0.9 0.5 0.0 0.8 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 2.4 1.1 2.6 1.6 1.5 0.8 0.2 0.5 0.5 0.7 

0.0 0.5 1.0 0.0 0.4 

10.5 8.9 10.7 8.8 9.1 

0.7 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.0

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.1 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.3

0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

4.7 2.6 2.8 2.2 0.4

5.6 3.0 4.2 2.7 0.70.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

16.1 11.9 14.9 11.5 9.8

_____________________________________________________________________________________________aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 5 (cont). Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in No

1958-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 46.9 40.9 14.3 23.5 17.5 29.3 85.3 107.3 

Average brood sizeb 4.8 4.8 4.5 5.3 5.7 6.1 5.7 6.1 

Coot brood index 5.7 3.7 1.3 1.1 4.3 5.1 25.2 52.8 

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 3.8 11.7 11.8 9.0 7.8 10.7 3.1 5.5 Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Gadwall 3.1 3.4 5.7 3.4 3.6 13.0 0.9 6.5 Am. wigeon 1.0 1.5 0.7 0.9 1.3 1.5 0.9 0.7 Green-winged teal 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 Blue-winged teal 2.8 3.3 6.2 5.0 4.0 4.1 0.5 4.5 N. shoveler 0.5 0.3 0.6 0.8 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.0 N. pintail 2.2 3.9 0.8 1.5 1.1 0.8 0.7 0.3 

Subtotal 13.5 24.1 25.9 20.7 18.1 30.6 6.3 17.6 

Divers 

Redhead 0.8 1.2 1.3 0.4 1.4 4.0 0.9 1.8 Canvasback 0.0 0.8 1.2 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.1 Scaups 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.1 Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 Ruddy duck 0.7 3.0 1.0 1.6 3.5 4.8 2.9 7.8 

Subtotal 1.8 5.5 4.1 2.4 5.1 9.3 4.2 9.8 

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scoters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Mergansers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 

Subtotal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 

Total ducks 15.2 29.6 29.9 23.1 23.2 40.1 10.5 27.4 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 5 (cont). Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in No

1958-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 19

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 37.6 30.7 37.8 25.5 72.7 52.2 84.3 46

Average brood sizeb 5.5 5.1 4.8 4.8 5.0 4.7 4.3 4

Coot brood index 1.2 3.4 3.6 3.5 30.6 12.1 11.9 11

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 5.2 2.7 2.3 3.8 13.1 9.3 13.9 5Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Gadwall 1.9 2.0 0.3 1.6 6.7 14.2 10.4 2Am. wigeon 0.5 0.4 0.1 1.0 3.0 2.1 1.5 1Green-winged teal 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.9 0.1 0Blue-winged teal 1.4 1.0 0.0 1.2 7.1 8.2 6.2 2N. shoveler 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.2 1.7 1.0 1.1 0N. pintail 3.5 1.9 0.2 1.1 1.6 6.3 2.8 1

Subtotal 12.5 8.4 3.1 9.1 33.4 42.0 36.0 13

Divers 

Redhead 2.7 0.7 0.0 0.0 3.4 2.4 1.6 0Canvasback 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.7 0.2 1.0 0Scaups 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.9 3.5 4.3 1Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Ruddy duck 2.3 1.3 0.7 1.2 13.2 9.6 9.0 3

Subtotal 5.8 2.4 0.8 1.5 18.2 16.2 16.1 5

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Scoters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Mergansers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0

Subtotal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0

Total ducks 18.3 10.8 3.9 10.6 51.5 58.1 52.1 19

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 5 (cont). Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in No

1958-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 19

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 27.3 50.0 57.6 39.0 51.9 36.9 34.1 41

Average brood sizeb 5.5 6.2 6.5 5.6 5.5 5.2 5.8 5

Coot brood index 5.2 14.2 19.5 15.0 16.0 8.1 12.6 6

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 7.9 9.4 9.7 9.0 9.6 7.7 8.5 33Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Gadwall 4.9 9.6 5.9 6.3 10.7 2.0 15.1 31Am. wigeon 0.6 0.9 0.0 0.3 1.0 1.6 0.4 1Green-winged teal 0.0 1.0 2.6 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.3 0Blue-winged teal 0.4 11.7 2.4 4.8 7.7 2.9 11.0 29N. shoveler 0.0 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0N. pintail 0.0 3.2 2.0 0.6 1.5 0.6 0.4 3

Subtotal 13.8 36.6 22.7 21.5 30.8 15.0 35.7 99

Divers 

Redhead 0.2 1.4 1.6 0.1 0.7 0.5 0.6 3Canvasback 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0Scaups 0.0 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.9 0Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Ruddy duck 3.1 4.7 5.0 1.4 5.6 1.6 4.8 8

Subtotal 3.3 6.7 7.0 1.9 6.7 2.9 6.2 12

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Scoters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0Mergansers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0

Subtotal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0

Total ducks 17.1 43.3 29.8 23.3 37.5 17.9 41.9 111_____________________________________________________________________________________________aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 5 (cont). Long-term trend in waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by species in No

1958-2002 (index in thousands).a

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Species 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 68.7 13.5 42.5 26.7 24.3 31.6 15.6 15.9 

Average brood sizeb 5.6 4.9 5.4 4.1 4.7 5.0 5.6 6.1 

Coot brood index 13.3 1.3 4.8 1.1 1.4 1.4 3.1 4.0 

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 4.5 4.2 9.4 3.5 19.9 6.7 5.5 6.0 Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Gadwall 1.7 0.6 2.7 2.3 6.2 0.6 2.8 6.5 Am. wigeon 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.3 Green-winged teal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 Blue-winged teal 2.1 0.6 4.0 1.5 13.9 3.8 5.5 3.6 N. shoveler 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.9 0.0 1.0 0.0 N. pintail 0.0 1.1 0.6 2.1 4.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Subtotal 9.6 6.4 16.9 9.7 45.0 12.1 14.7 16.3 

Divers 

Redhead 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.2 3.8 0.2 0.0 0.3 Canvasback 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scaups 0.0 0.3 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Ruddy duck 0.0 1.9 3.8 1.7 4.3 2.4 0.6 1.5 

Subtotal 0.3 2.8 5.8 2.2 8.1 2.6 0.6 1.8 

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Scoters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Mergansers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Subtotal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

Total ducks 9.9 9.3 22.8 11.8 53.1 14.7 15.3 18.1 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 6. Status of waterfowl brood and late-nesting indices by stratum in North Dakota, comp

2001, the 1992-2001 previous 10-year mean, and the 1958-2001 long-term mean (index 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pe

Strata (2002) 2002 2001 10-year Long-term 

Species 43 45 46 47 Total Total Mean Mean 200

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Broods

Duck brood index 12.9 62.4 42.8 0.0 118.1 173.8 134.4 62.2 -32

Average brood sizeb 5.2 5.5 5.2 0.0 5.3 5.0 5.8 5.4 6

Coot brood index 1.1 7.0 1.7 0.0 9.8 33.2 49.9 18.2 -70

Late-nesting indexc

Ducks

Dabblers 

Mallard 3.8 0.7 0.7 0.0 5.2 4.7 5.4 7.9 11Am. black duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Gadwall 0.0 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.8 1.2 4.2 5.3 -33Am. wigeon 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.8 0.8 0.8 -38Green-winged teal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 NC Blue-winged teal 0.7 0.7 0.1 0.0 1.5 1.6 2.6 4.5 -6N. shoveler 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.4 40N. pintail 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.6 1.5 + 

Subtotal 5.9 2.1 1.1 0.0 9.1 8.8 14.0 20.7 3

Divers 

Redhead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 1.2 1.0 - Canvasback 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 NC Scaups 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.2 0.4 + Ring-necked duck 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.0 - Goldeneyes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Bufflehead 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Ruddy duck 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.4 2.2 4.2 3.7 -82

Subtotal 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.7 2.7 5.7 5.4 -74

Miscellaneous 

Oldsquaw 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Eiders 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Scoters 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC Mergansers 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC 

Subtotal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NC 

Total ducks 6.1 2.1 1.6 0.0 9.8 11.5 19.7 26.1 -15_____________________________________________________________________________________________

aUnadjusted for visibility bias.bFrom complete Class II and III broods observed.cAs indicated by observed adult pairs and singles.

Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.
Table 7. Long-term trend in July pond indices by stratum in North Dakota, comparing 2002 with 20

2001 previous 10-year mean, the 1970-2001 long-term mean, and comparison of May with Ju2002 (estimates in thousands).a

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Strata 

Year 43 45 46 47 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

1970 46.1 286.1 80.4 23.2 1971 104.4 230.8 77.9 9.7 1972 71.9 191.1 57.5 10.4 1973 87.3 130.7 24.5 7.3 1974 42.0 194.7 44.5 15.6 1975 73.9 213.2 155.6 25.0 1976 74.0 215.2 63.4 8.7 1977 68.7 71.2 32.4 2.8 1978 59.4 104.3 64.4 2.1 1979 79.1 156.7 66.0 15.6 1980 38.7 51.1 30.3 2.4 1981 55.2 95.9 35.0 8.7 1982 97.6 175.6 73.8 10.8 1983 50.4 281.3 140.4 21.6 1984 75.0 265.0 143.6 15.6 1985 94.9 132.1 51.4 9.7 1986 101.9 182.8 94.1 18.8 1987 88.6 149.9 93.4 5.2 1988 63.3 79.2 34.1 4.2 1989 105.1 63.3 39.3 5.6 1990 99.5 75.3 36.2 5.6 1991 99.2 60.4 53.4 5.6 1992 76.2 70.0 44.6 9.7 1993 229.8b 312.0 174.4 18.4 

1994 97.6 211.8 156.4 19.1 1995 146.2 343.9 260.3 27.5 1996 73.2 330.1 206.9 15.6 1997 73.5 344.2 238.9 26.1 1998 78.0 274.4 218.3 25.0 1999 137.4 811.9 338.7 27.1 
Table 7 (cont). Long-term trend in July pond indices by stratum in North Dakota, comparing 2002 

2001 previous 10-year mean, the 1970-2001 long-term mean, and comparison of May 2002 (estimates in thousands).a

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Strata 

Year 43 45 46 47 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 10-year mean Long-term mean 

Percent Change

2002 from 2001 2002 from 10-year mean 

2002 from long-term mean 

99.8 416.8 219.9 19.8 

131.1 334.2 160.1 12.5 129.5 238.2 117.1 18.8 

114.3 344.9 201.9 20.1 

88.1 214.2 109.7 13.6 

-1% -29% -27% 50% 13% -31% -42% -6% 

47% 11% 7% 38% 

May ponds 2002 (adjusted) 96.4 373.7 192.5 19.9 

Percent change

May to July 2002 

(adjusted)(unadjusted) 34% -36% -39% -6% 

aJuly ponds unadjusted for visibility bias.

bDue to an abnormally high visibility rate in May, 1993 July ponds for stratum 43 were calcula

from May to July raw data, to adjusted May ponds.Resulting from rounding techniques, slight discrepancies may exist in column totals.