• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

    Mississippi

    National River & Recreation Area Minnesota

Waterbird Survey Overview

American white pelicans rest on a log partially sunken in the Mississippi River

The Mississippi Flyway is the longest migration corridor in the Western Hemisphere. From the Mackenzie River Valley in the Northwest Territories to the Mississippi Delta in Louisiana, the Mississippi Flyway provides over 3,000 miles of quality habitat uninterrupted by mountains making this route an ideal passage for millions of migrating birds, including 40% of the continent's waterfowl.

For over 20 years the survey--which runs through the fall migration--has monitored waterfowl/waterbird abundance and distribution, population dynamics and peak migration times in the upper Mississippi River (map). This data helps biologists and officials make important decisions about hunting regulations and habitat management.

2011 Survey
Aerial Survey: The 2011 waterbird survey included aerial surveys from Pool 2 near Hastings, MN southward to Pool 14 at LeClaire, IA (map). This also marks the third consecutive years that surveys have been conducted above Pool 4. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website has survey results by species.

Ground survey: The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area continued yearly fall ground surveys at Red Rock Lake in St. Paul, MN.
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2010 Survey
Aerial Survey: The 2010 Waterbird Survey included aerial surveys from Pool 2 near Hastings, MN southward to Pool 14 at LeClaire, IA (map). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website has survey results by species.

Ground Survey: The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area initiated a ground survey to understand how many of these birds visit our urban lakes. Yearly surveys are conducted each fall at Pigs Eye and Red Rock lakes in St. Paul, MN.
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2009 Survey
Starting in 2009, aerial surveys included Pool 2, the stretch of the Mississippi from the Twin Cities to Lock and Dam 2 in Hastings. Because of the poor habitat conditions, Pool 2 is considered high priority for restoration efforts.
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The ultimate goal of these efforts is to ensure the health of waterfowl and waterbird populations and to protect these resources for the enjoyment of future generations.

This multi-year study of migratory waterbirds is a partnership of the National Park Service, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Mississippi River Fund, and the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Did You Know?

A flooded street in 1952

In 1952, the Mississippi River flooded hundreds of acres of farmland and multiple cities.  Over  2,000 families were homeless because of the high water. More...