Atlantic Canada

The spring season started with extremely warm, sunny periods. Although more rain has fallen recently, warm temperatures continue. For nearly a week, many daily-high temperatures broke all-time records across the Maritimes.

With the milder weather, nests were initiated earlier than usual. Most geese are now with young or at the latter stages of incubation. Several broods of black ducks have been reported — some several weeks old already. Few hens have been observed on wetlands lately, suggesting that they will soon be with young.

Given current conditions, production will likely be average for early-nesting species. Wetland vegetation is well advanced, which should provide good brood-rearing habitat.

Although water levels are a bit low for this time of year, they are not low enough to cause concern. Overall, habitat conditions are good in Atlantic Canada.