Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of habitat is recommended for nesting mottled ducks?
What type of habitat is recommended for nesting mottled ducks?
- Coastal marshlands with dense vegetation
- Croplands with levees for flooding
- Upland depressions with permanent water
- Shallow flats around ponds (correct)
What steps should be taken to improve waterfowl habitat in upland depressions?
What steps should be taken to improve waterfowl habitat in upland depressions?
- Create deep pools of water for swimming
- Discourage the growth of perennial vegetation
- Construct embankments and water control structures (correct)
- Introduce invasive plant species for food sources
What is the recommended practice after harvesting rice, soybeans, or grain sorghum in cropland?
What is the recommended practice after harvesting rice, soybeans, or grain sorghum in cropland?
- Leave the field untouched for natural regeneration
- Immediately plant the field with winter wheat or ryegrass
- Disking several portions of the field to create holes for ducks and geese (correct)
- Introduce livestock for grazing to improve soil fertility
What specific measure is recommended to improve nesting habitat for mottled ducks around farm ponds?
What specific measure is recommended to improve nesting habitat for mottled ducks around farm ponds?
Which of these practices is NOT recommended for managing coastal marshlands?
Which of these practices is NOT recommended for managing coastal marshlands?
What is the primary purpose of creating shallow flats and installing water control structures around farm ponds?
What is the primary purpose of creating shallow flats and installing water control structures around farm ponds?
In greentree reservoirs, what has been observed in hardwood growth?
In greentree reservoirs, what has been observed in hardwood growth?
What recommendation is given for managing farm ponds for waterfowl?
What recommendation is given for managing farm ponds for waterfowl?
What is the recommended practice for improving waterfowl habitat in croplands that have been idle for a year?
What is the recommended practice for improving waterfowl habitat in croplands that have been idle for a year?
Which of these is a recommended practice for managing coastal marshlands?
Which of these is a recommended practice for managing coastal marshlands?
Which type of duck is best known for feeding by dabbling or tipping in shallow areas?
Which type of duck is best known for feeding by dabbling or tipping in shallow areas?
Which of the following is a characteristic of diving ducks?
Which of the following is a characteristic of diving ducks?
How do Canada geese differ from snow geese in flight formation?
How do Canada geese differ from snow geese in flight formation?
Which waterfowl species has seen an upsurge in numbers in East Texas in recent years?
Which waterfowl species has seen an upsurge in numbers in East Texas in recent years?
Which statement is true regarding lesser snow geese?
Which statement is true regarding lesser snow geese?
What is the primary differentiation factor between the Ross' goose and the snow goose?
What is the primary differentiation factor between the Ross' goose and the snow goose?
Which type of duck primarily inhabits deeper marshes, bays, and lakes?
Which type of duck primarily inhabits deeper marshes, bays, and lakes?
What physical feature distinguishes whistling ducks from other duck types?
What physical feature distinguishes whistling ducks from other duck types?
What is the primary distinguishing feature of whited-fronted geese when observed from a distance?
What is the primary distinguishing feature of whited-fronted geese when observed from a distance?
Which of the following is NOT a primary requirement that wetlands furnish for waterfowl?
Which of the following is NOT a primary requirement that wetlands furnish for waterfowl?
What percentage of the U.S. population lives in counties bordering oceans and major lakes?
What percentage of the U.S. population lives in counties bordering oceans and major lakes?
Which of the following wetland categories does NOT pertain to Texas?
Which of the following wetland categories does NOT pertain to Texas?
What has contributed to the reduction of bottomland hardwood habitat in Texas?
What has contributed to the reduction of bottomland hardwood habitat in Texas?
Which practice is recommended for waterfowl management in wetlands?
Which practice is recommended for waterfowl management in wetlands?
What is the best depth range for shallow water that supports puddle ducks?
What is the best depth range for shallow water that supports puddle ducks?
What is a recommended method for enhancing the habitat for waterfowl in river bottom areas?
What is a recommended method for enhancing the habitat for waterfowl in river bottom areas?
Which type of duck prefers deeper water for feeding compared to puddle ducks?
Which type of duck prefers deeper water for feeding compared to puddle ducks?
What management practice should be executed during the summer to benefit waterfowl habitats?
What management practice should be executed during the summer to benefit waterfowl habitats?
What is a suggested alternative if an area does not flood naturally at the necessary frequency for waterfowl?
What is a suggested alternative if an area does not flood naturally at the necessary frequency for waterfowl?
What impact does saltwater intrusion have on Gulf Coast Wetlands?
What impact does saltwater intrusion have on Gulf Coast Wetlands?
Why is it important to mark trees when managing river bottom habitats?
Why is it important to mark trees when managing river bottom habitats?
What should be considered when constructing a greentree reservoir?
What should be considered when constructing a greentree reservoir?
Which type of duck is characterized by its ability to fly directly from any surface, without the need to run or paddle?
Which type of duck is characterized by its ability to fly directly from any surface, without the need to run or paddle?
What is the primary distinguishing feature of the Ross' goose, compared to the snow goose?
What is the primary distinguishing feature of the Ross' goose, compared to the snow goose?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of 'diving ducks'?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of 'diving ducks'?
What is the main reason for the increasing numbers of Ross' geese in recent years?
What is the main reason for the increasing numbers of Ross' geese in recent years?
Which of these waterfowl groups is LEAST known in North America?
Which of these waterfowl groups is LEAST known in North America?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of snow geese flight?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of snow geese flight?
Which of these statements is true regarding Canada geese?
Which of these statements is true regarding Canada geese?
Which of these waterfowl types is considered a sure-footed walker and runner on land?
Which of these waterfowl types is considered a sure-footed walker and runner on land?
Which of the following is NOT a benefit provided by wetlands?
Which of the following is NOT a benefit provided by wetlands?
What is the primary reason for the significant reduction in bottomland hardwood habitat in Texas?
What is the primary reason for the significant reduction in bottomland hardwood habitat in Texas?
Which of the following management practices is NOT recommended for greentree reservoirs?
Which of the following management practices is NOT recommended for greentree reservoirs?
Which of the following wetland categories in Texas has experienced the most significant net wetland loss between 2004 and 2009?
Which of the following wetland categories in Texas has experienced the most significant net wetland loss between 2004 and 2009?
Which of the following best describes the feeding habits of puddle ducks?
Which of the following best describes the feeding habits of puddle ducks?
What is the recommended depth range for flooding a greentree reservoir to provide optimal habitat for waterfowl?
What is the recommended depth range for flooding a greentree reservoir to provide optimal habitat for waterfowl?
Which of the following is a key practice for managing river bottom hardwoods to enhance waterfowl habitat?
Which of the following is a key practice for managing river bottom hardwoods to enhance waterfowl habitat?
What is the most distinguishable characteristic of whited-fronted geese when observed from a distance?
What is the most distinguishable characteristic of whited-fronted geese when observed from a distance?
What is the main purpose of planting crops like red rice, Japanese millet, and browntop millet in waterfowl management areas?
What is the main purpose of planting crops like red rice, Japanese millet, and browntop millet in waterfowl management areas?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the management of wetlands for waterfowl?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the management of wetlands for waterfowl?
Which of the following is a recommended management practice for areas that do not naturally flood with sufficient frequency for waterfowl habitat?
Which of the following is a recommended management practice for areas that do not naturally flood with sufficient frequency for waterfowl habitat?
What is the primary reason for marking trees prior to harvesting them in river bottom hardwood management?
What is the primary reason for marking trees prior to harvesting them in river bottom hardwood management?
What is the main reason for constructing small openings in the tree canopy of a greentree reservoir?
What is the main reason for constructing small openings in the tree canopy of a greentree reservoir?
Which of the following is a significant factor contributing to the degradation of Gulf Coast Wetlands?
Which of the following is a significant factor contributing to the degradation of Gulf Coast Wetlands?
What is the main reason for managing water levels in wetlands during the fall, winter, and early spring?
What is the main reason for managing water levels in wetlands during the fall, winter, and early spring?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for improving waterfowl habitat in river bottom areas?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for improving waterfowl habitat in river bottom areas?
What is the recommended practice after harvesting rice, soybeans, or grain sorghum in cropland to benefit waterfowl?
What is the recommended practice after harvesting rice, soybeans, or grain sorghum in cropland to benefit waterfowl?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for managing coastal marshlands?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for managing coastal marshlands?
What is the recommended depth range for shallow water that supports puddle ducks?
What is the recommended depth range for shallow water that supports puddle ducks?
Which of these practices is recommended for managing farm ponds to enhance waterfowl habitat?
Which of these practices is recommended for managing farm ponds to enhance waterfowl habitat?
What is the recommended management practice for improving waterfowl habitat in upland depressions?
What is the recommended management practice for improving waterfowl habitat in upland depressions?
Which of the following is a suggested alternative to encourage flooding in areas that do not naturally flood at a frequency suitable for waterfowl?
Which of the following is a suggested alternative to encourage flooding in areas that do not naturally flood at a frequency suitable for waterfowl?
What is the recommended practice for improving waterfowl habitat in greentree reservoirs?
What is the recommended practice for improving waterfowl habitat in greentree reservoirs?
What is the primary benefit of installing water control structures in croplands, besides erosion control?
What is the primary benefit of installing water control structures in croplands, besides erosion control?
What is the primary concern associated with saltwater intrusion on Gulf Coast wetlands?
What is the primary concern associated with saltwater intrusion on Gulf Coast wetlands?
Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when constructing a greentree reservoir?
Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when constructing a greentree reservoir?
Flashcards
Puddle Ducks
Puddle Ducks
Ducks that typically inhabit shallow marshes and rivers, feeding by dabbling or tipping rather than diving.
Diving Ducks
Diving Ducks
Ducks adapted for diving in deeper marshes, bays, and lakes. Their feet are positioned far back on their body and have lobed hind toes.
Canada Geese
Canada Geese
A group of waterfowl that includes 11 recognized races, ranging in size from the giant Canada goose to the smaller cackling goose.
Lesser Snow Goose
Lesser Snow Goose
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Ross' Goose
Ross' Goose
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Whistling Ducks
Whistling Ducks
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Migratory Waterfowl
Migratory Waterfowl
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Wintering Residents
Wintering Residents
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Wetland
Wetland
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Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
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Playa Lakes
Playa Lakes
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Greentree Reservoir
Greentree Reservoir
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Water Management for Waterfowl
Water Management for Waterfowl
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Waterfowl Food Plants
Waterfowl Food Plants
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Waterfowl Food Plots
Waterfowl Food Plots
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Managing River Bottom Hardwoods
Managing River Bottom Hardwoods
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Controlling Undesirable Species
Controlling Undesirable Species
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Planting Native Species
Planting Native Species
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Water Manipulation
Water Manipulation
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Fencing Wetlands
Fencing Wetlands
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Installing Wood Duck Boxes
Installing Wood Duck Boxes
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Upland Depressions
Upland Depressions
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Flood-and-Drain Management
Flood-and-Drain Management
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Rolling or Disking Fields
Rolling or Disking Fields
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Progressive Flooding
Progressive Flooding
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Delayed Disking
Delayed Disking
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Coastal Marsh Management
Coastal Marsh Management
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Planting Waterfowl Foods
Planting Waterfowl Foods
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Controlled Grazing
Controlled Grazing
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Managing Farm Ponds
Managing Farm Ponds
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Perimeter Buffer Zone
Perimeter Buffer Zone
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Managing Farm Ponds for Waterfowl
Managing Farm Ponds for Waterfowl
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Planting Native Species for Waterfowl
Planting Native Species for Waterfowl
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Controlling Undesirable Tree Species
Controlling Undesirable Tree Species
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Wetland's Value for Waterfowl
Wetland's Value for Waterfowl
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Managing Desirable Trees in Bottomland Forests
Managing Desirable Trees in Bottomland Forests
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Greentree Reservoir Construction
Greentree Reservoir Construction
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Creating Openings in Greentree Reservoirs
Creating Openings in Greentree Reservoirs
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Water Manipulation for Waterfowl
Water Manipulation for Waterfowl
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Water Management Timing for Waterfowl
Water Management Timing for Waterfowl
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Study Notes
Waterfowl in Texas
- Texas is a crucial wintering area for millions of waterfowl; some species breed and raise young, others migrate, and still others are resident winterers
- "Puddle ducks" prefer shallow marshes and rivers; they are good divers, but feed by dabbling or tipping; they are sure-footed and can fly off any surface without running or pedaling
- Common puddle ducks include mallard, gadwall, pintail, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, American widgeon, shoveler, wood duck, and mottled duck
- "Diving ducks" (divers) prefer deeper water in marshes, bays, and lakes; their feet are set further back, with lobed hind toes; they run or pedal to take flight
- Common divers include redhead, canvasback, ring-necked duck, bufflehead, goldeneye, merganser, lesser scaup, and ruddy duck
- Fulvous whistling duck and black-bellied whistling duck populations are increasing in East Texas; these are the least known ducks in North America
- Four common goose species winter in Texas: Canada, lesser snow, Ross', and white-fronted
Canada Geese
- Canada geese are most familiar to North Americans
- Eleven subspecies range from a giant 12.5 lbs to a small cackling goose of only 3.4 lbs.
Lesser Snow Geese
- Have two color phases: blue (dark plumage) and white (often mistaken for a separate species); thought to be separate species until 1961
- Fly in undulating, irregular patterns rather than typical V-formations; fly faster with a quicker wing beat than Canada geese
Ross' Geese
- Small, white geese with black wingtips; often mistaken for snow geese
- Smaller body size, shorter necks, more rapid wing beat, and higher-pitched call than snow geese; numbers greatly increased over the last 25 years
White-Fronted Geese
- Brownish-gray in appearance; show no plumage distinguishing characteristics at a distance
- Fly in large flocks and V formations; have a distinctive high-pitched, laughing call
Wetland Habitat
- Wetlands are crucial to waterfowl, providing food, water, resting/roosting cover, and nesting grounds; they are the most productive wildlife areas
- Provide important benefits to humans: flood protection, erosion control, fisheries, water quality, and recreation
- Significant wetland loss across the 48 continental US states; over 40% permanently altered
Texas Wetlands Types and Loss
- Texas wetlands include Gulf Coast wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, playa lakes, freshwater springs, West Texas riparian areas, and coastal pothole wetlands
- Gulf Coast wetlands lost 257,150 acres between 2004-2009; much degraded by saltwater intrusion
- Bottomland hardwoods reduced by 63% (from 16 million to 5.9 million acres) due to agricultural conversion, reservoirs, and development
Wetland Management Practices
- Waterfowl habitat improvements focus on shallow water (6-18 inches) for puddle ducks, deeper water for divers to maintain during fall, winter, and early spring; drained in summer for vegetation growth
- Encourage desirable plants (smartweed, barnyard grass, etc.); plant crops like red rice, Japanese millet, or browntop millet as food
- Follow state/federal laws on baiting
- River bottom management includes maintaining beneficial hardwood species, controlling unwanted species, and creating greentree reservoirs for seasonal flooding. Managing trees for mast production is important, as are controls on undesirable species.
- Fencing protects areas from livestock
Managing Upland Depressions and Croplands
- Upland depressions improved by creating shallow water and managing water levels; planting waterfowl food crops when natural options are lacking
- Install water control structures in fields for water manipulation or erosion control
- Post-harvest rolling or disking; gradually flooding to 12 inches or less until late March or as long as possible
- Planting ryegrass or winter wheat in fall for geese in unflooded areas
Managing Coastal Marshlands
- Control saltwater intrusion; construct small embankments to hold shallow water
- Plant winter wheat or ryegrass, controlling unwanted vegetation through grazing, burning, or mowing
- Careful monitoring is critical
Managing Farm Ponds
- Select areas with shallow flats (or create them); trap rainwater and drain shallow water in early spring
- Leave deeper water for recreation, fish production, or livestock; plant tall grasses around perimeter for nesting habitat; install wood duck boxes
Waterfowl Identification
- Identifying waterfowl requires effort and practice; accurate identification is crucial for waterfowl hunters
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