Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Conservation Projects

This multi-component project focuses on the conservation and management of migratory birds and waterfowl across North America and the Western Boreal Forest. The Spirit of Conservation Migratory Bird Program, funded by ConocoPhillips and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports competitive grants to protect, restore, and manage habitats for high-priority migratory bird species near operational areas. The Migratory Bird Boreal Habitat Assessment project investigates the effects of habitat characteristics and anthropogenic disturbances, such as seismic lines and agricultural proximity, on duck abundance at both large (eco-zone) and smaller (basin-level) spatial scales. Data collected includes wetland density, vegetation type, and disturbance metrics to generate habitat association models and waterfowl distribution maps. The Distribution and Abundance of Waterfowl in the Western Boreal Forest project uses basin-specific and grid-based surveys to map breeding waterfowl across 400,000 hectares, stratifying species into nesting guilds for improved statistical power. Modeling outputs predict abundance based on wetland density and other ecological and anthropogenic variables, providing insight into high- and medium-density waterfowl areas. Collectively, these projects aim to guide conservation priorities, inform land-use planning, and identify key habitats for protection and restoration. The research integrates field data, modeling, and collaborative partnerships to ensure practical application of results to conservation and resource management decisions.

The projects demonstrate that habitat characteristics, wetland density, and human disturbance strongly influence the distribution and abundance of migratory birds and waterfowl. High-priority habitats, including restored grasslands, wetlands, and boreal basins, support disproportionately large portions of bird populations and are critical targets for conservation. Anthropogenic disturbances, particularly linear features like seismic lines and proximity to agriculture, negatively affect certain waterfowl guilds and warrant further investigation to mitigate impacts. Distribution models provide broad-scale guidance for identifying areas of highest conservation priority, while highlighting the importance of maintaining ecological function across the remaining landscape. The findings underscore the need for integrated management strategies that combine habitat restoration, access control, and land-use planning. Collaborative partnerships and grant-funded programs like Spirit of Conservation effectively support on-the-ground habitat improvements and innovative conservation approaches. Continued monitoring and refinement of modeling approaches are necessary to account for spatial variability and landscape-level disturbances. Overall, these efforts contribute to sustainable management of migratory bird and waterfowl populations while supporting broader ecological and societal benefits.