Spring waterfowl migration in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah

Authors

Mary E. Sangster, Gaylord Memorial Laboratory, Puxico, Missouri

Abstract

Spring waterfowl migrations at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge and Pelican Lake, Uintah County, Utah, were monitored during 1975 and 1976. Peak numbers occurred during the first week in April 1975 when 11,440 birds were counted. In 1976 the highest count, 9,650 birds, was made on 15 March. Most numerous early-season migrants were Mallards and Pintails. Important midseason migrants included Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Canvasbacks, and Redheads. Late-season migrants were Gadwall and Ruddy Ducks. Surveys conducted only at Ouray Refuge or at Pelican Lake would not adequately have reflected species composition of spring migration. Results point up the advisability of sampling large open water areas to obtain a representative view of waterfowl species composition in a given area during spring migration.

Recommended Citation

Sangster, Mary E. (1977) "Spring waterfowl migration in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 37: No. 2, Article 13.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol37/iss2/13