Maryland's Mid-Winter Waterfowl Inventory, an aerial survey taken between Jan. 3 and 13, showed a significant increase in ducks and snow geese and a small drop in Canada geese, according to statistics released last week by the Department of Natural Resources.
The total number of waterfowl increased from 549,800 in 1994 to 651,300 this winter. Canada goose numbers were 259,200 compared to 260,300 last year.
In the Canada goose hunting season, said Larry Hindman, waterfowl project manager, preliminary information suggests that adult birds dominated the kill again.
While Canada geese continue to be well below the state's target population of 400,000, snow geese numbered more than 124,000, the highest population recorded in Maryland.
The number of snow geese is reaching levels where they may soon begin to damage their habitat, Hindman said.
"Our concern is that [if the increase continues] the population might crash," Hindman said, "because of disease or damaged habitat."
Increases in ruddy ducks, ring-necked ducks, American coot, pintails, wigeon and green-winged teal were noted by the survey. Mallards were down to 43,600 from 52,500 last year.
The canvasback population was 47,700, up from 46,700 last year.