Outdoor Notes

By Staff
October 1, 2004
Waterfowl migration map available
Ducks Unlimited and Waterfowler.com, the online authority in migration tracking and reporting, have joined forces to heighten hunter awareness and provide real-time Mapping of the North American Waterfowl Migration during the 2004-2005 general waterfowl hunting season.
The real-time mapping of North America's ducks and geese had not been accomplished prior to the creation of Waterfowler.com's interactive GIS Migration Mapping System in 2002. With over 100,000 active participants providing zip code based field reports, this tool captures the interest and imagination of web-browsing waterfowl hunters and birding enthusiasts across the nation.
This season, hunters will be able to view the map and contribute information online through DU's web site or Waterfowler.com. "WFC's Migration Map is a magical experience for any passionate waterfowl hunter," stated Waterfowler.com's Webmaster and Publisher, Darin Sakas. "The map allows users to stay in touch with what's going on in the field, even when they are trapped behind their desk at work."
The map relies on input from the hunting community, who are most qualified to provide accurate, day-to-day, field observations. "This collaboration with DU will undoubtedly increase participation which will also improve the accuracy and reliability of the Mapping System," added Bradley Ramsey, Editor of Water fowler. com Journal.
How it works:
The map is a GIS program that plots the intensity of waterfowl migration for the U.S. and displays it in a simple color-coded format. The information submitted by users is averaged and updated every fifteen minutes and reset to zero every twenty-four hours.
Migration intensity is measured by the hunter's estimate of flight activity for their area. "Yes, this information is subjective but is also a powerful tool based on the knowledge and observation of the seasoned waterfowler. With our advanced data averaging, discrepancies are minimized," said Ramsey.
A complete "How-To Guide" is available at Waterfowler.com. Map participation is open to all readers, registered guests and members of Waterfowler.com. Registration and membership are not required to submit or view map data.
Contact: Bob Benson, Manager of Media Relations, bbenson@ducks.org, (901) 758-3859.
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest wetland and waterfowl conservation group.