Beavers Provide Key Duck Habitat

Northern Alberta experienced an early spring. Although some of the lakes at higher elevations are still partially ice covered, break-up came early to the region. The beaver ponds, streams, and small lakes have been open for a few weeks and waterfowl nesting appears well underway. We are seeing lots of flocked mallard drakes, which indicates that the hens are incubating. Dryer conditions prevail; however, the beaver pond habitat and larger lake shorelines appear ideal. The early spring will bode well for waterfowl production here. We have now finished northern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia and have begun flying the Northwest Territories.

Typical beaver pond in Northern Alberta. Credit: Caleb Spiegel, USFWS

Multiple beaver dams in the same drainage, Nature's Engineers!!! Credit: Caleb Spiegel, USFWS

Credit: Caleb Spiegel, USFWS