Why are so many ducks present in some areas during poor seasons?
During drought conditions or periods of severe rainfall deficiency, habitat availability declines as wetlands dry. Under these circumstances, habitat is generally restricted to coastal refuges, large water storages or artificial structures like dams and irrigation channels. This can result in large concentrations of waterbirds, including ducks, on the available habitat and give the perception that duck numbers have increased. These large flocks represent the residual population and form the core breeding stock for the next year. Over-harvesting of these stocks could reduce future productivity.
