Research Team Advances Our Understanding of Pintail Duck Populations

Dr. Mitch Weegman, his collaborators and his students are in the vanguard of research in waterfowl ecology and statistical ecology. Their work aims to help foster sustainable, resilient waterfowl populations in our changing world. One of their most recent research projects focuses on advancing our understanding of northern pintail duck population drivers. Pintail populations have been declining for the past 30 years, while the numbers of many other waterfowl species have tended to rebound when wet weather cycles return and wetlands become numerous again. Find out about the key reasons behind the pintail population decline and the fascinating research to help these birds make a comeback led by Weegman, an associate professor and the Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Endowed Chair at the University of Saskatchewan – view article.

Science Matters. Through our Science Fund, the Alberta NAWMP Partnership supports research towards achieving our vision of maintaining healthy prairie, parkland and boreal landscapes that support sustainable bird populations and provide ecological and economic benefits to society.

We are grateful to everyone who contributes to this work and their willingness to enable us to profile their research through our Science Stories Series. For additional Science Stories, visit https://abnawmp.ca/science/#science-stories. For further information regarding their work, contact the researchers directly or email the Alberta NAWMP Partnership Coordinator.

Below: DUC Endowed Chair Weegman and his research group at USask in 2024.
Photo by: Chris Putnam, USask