Waterfowl Band Recovery Maps
While not an exact science, band recovery mapping can help give a general overview of waterfowl migration patterns into a certain state or region from associated breeding areas. Listed below are recovery maps for all 50 states except Hawaii and Alaska.
These maps represent recoveries from 1986-2007 for states and provinces in all 4 flyways, ducks that were banded in July and August only, and birds recovered during the regular duck season (generally, between Sept and Jan). Only banded birds recovered and reported by hunters were used in the production of the maps. [read more].
Choose a state below to view band recoveries.
Reporting Leg Bands
Tens of thousands of waterfowl are marked each year with leg bands. This effort includes banding programs from the coast of Louisiana to the plains of the Dakotas to the Arctic breeding grounds of geese and eiders. Every summer, Ducks Unlimited operates waterfowl banding crews at stations in the Prairie Pothole Region of North and South Dakota.
In simple terms, recovery of leg bands helps us to estimate survival probability of banded waterfowl by indicating how many birds died. Not all leg-banded birds that are killed are recovered and reported to the Bird Banding Laboratory because some birds are not retrieved, or if retrieved, are not reported.
This loss of information reduces precision or confidence in an estimate. We can improve precision by increasing both recovery and reporting rates.
Hunting with a well-trained retriever will help reduce crippling loss and therefore improve recovery rates. Calling your band number in to the Bird Banding Laboratory (800-327-BAND) or reporting your band online will improve reporting rates.
Related: Interesting Band Stories