Manitboa

It will likely be a good waterfowl production year. Eastern portions of the Killarney landscape have received the least amount of rainfall, while accumulations have been greatest in the northwest range of the Minnedosa/Shoal Lake pothole region.

Despite recent rainfall, individual wetland conditions still vary depending on how they were affected by last year's major spring flood event. Semi-permanent wetlands, as well as those lower in the watershed, are in much better shape than temporary and seasonal basins or wetlands that experienced less overland flood effects in 2011.

Temperatures have remained favourable since the spring thaw, which will bode well for early-nesting birds. The presence of grouped drake mallards, as well as lone males of later-nesting species (e.g., shoveler and gadwall) indicates good initial nesting for most dabbling species. Lone drake blue-winged teal have been particularly abundant recently, which indicates an excellent initial nesting attempt by this species. Prospects are not as clear for diving species (e.g., canvasback and redhead) in eastern areas where wetland conditions are not as favourable for overwater nesters. Canada goose nesting was successful and broods are currently abundant.

Winter wheat and natural grasslands are growing well, which is providing good nesting cover. Spring seeding is largely complete in the eastern Killarney region.

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