Blue-winged teal research volunteer Karen Keiffer releases a captured male in Columbia County, Wisconsin. USFWS photo by Greg Soulliere

During completion of the 2007 Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture Implementation Plan, many information gaps and uncertainties in bird conservation were uncovered.  One of the evaluation needs identified by the JV’s waterfowl committee was to determine habitat requirements and population limiting factors of breeding blue-winged teal in the Prairie Hardwood Transition.  This area, also known as Bird Conservation Region 23, lies entirely within FWS Region 3 and includes central Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, and southern Michigan.  The diminutive blue-wing has been a relatively common breeder across the north half of Region 3 since waterfowl surveys began decades ago, but eastern populations of this species have been declining precipitously during recent years. 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (a member of the JV) recently completed a pilot study to evaluate habitat features influencing breeding blue-winged teal.  Building on findings of this initial research, the Wisconsin DNR submitted a grant proposal for a three-year study, which was funded in large part by the JV.  Earlier this month JV science staff joined Wisconsin DNR researchers and volunteers trapping and placing tiny radio transmitters on the birds.  “Decoy traps” were used to help assure only resident breeders (vs. migrants staging in the area) were captured.  Crews then transported pairs to a local farm for the delicate procedure of attaching transmitters on the backs of the hen and where bird health was evaluated and fitness characteristics recorded.  The surgical procedure took only about 30 minutes, and within two hours females and their mates were released back onto their territorial wetlands. 

Marked birds will be followed (radio tracked) throughout the spring and summer to determine habitat use, nest success, hen and brood survival, and the landscape characteristics most related to reproductive success.  The types of predation will be determined and the “ideal” habitat composition of wetland, grassland, and other landscape features will be predicted based on findings of the study.  The JV planning process uses an adaptive approach – plan, implement, and evaluate – with JV Bird conservation strategies being periodically revised as new information can be incorporated.  Other evaluation needs (both research and monitoring) to fill information gaps are listed in the 2007 JV Implementation Plan and associated Bird-group Strategies.  For more information about the JV partnership and Implementation Plan visit http://www.uppermissgreatlakesjv.org/.