Saskatchewan
With virtually all agricultural areas receiving above-average precipitation in April and May, habitat conditions have continued to improve. In several areas, spring rains have even increased the number of ephemeral and temporary ponds. Many semi-permanent and permanent wetlands are flooded beyond emergent vegetation and even beyond willow/aspen rings. These high water levels are ideal for divers looking for overwater nesting sites in flooded cattail and bulrush.
Most species of ducks are now well into nesting, and some early broods are already being reported. Canada goose broods have been observed regularly since mid May. The majority of staging arctic geese have now moved north to their breeding grounds, with some flocks of white-fronted geese and snow geese still migrating in late May.
Seeding operations are being completed at the usual pace, although wet field conditions have farmers behind schedule in east-central areas. Above-average spring moisture has created excellent hayland and pasture conditions.
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