Ducks Unlimited Canada

Spring is here and bird migration is underway — which means we're back to sharing featured observations from our #DUCMigrationTracker project on iNaturalist. This week’s featured observation is an American woodcock observed by iNaturalist user "whistlingduck" in Waterloo, Ont., and written by Brandon Edwards, an ecological statistician with Ducks Unlimited Canada's Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research. 📖👇 "Peeent! In many parts of eastern Canada, the buzzy “peeent” call of the American woodcock (also known as the timberdoodle) is among the first true signs of spring. Each year in early spring, after making a relatively short migration from the southern United States, American woodcocks start to establish their breeding territory in upland habitats such as brushy, damp forest edges and swamps. In early spring evenings, however, is when the real magic begins, when the American woodcocks begin their sky dance. Males will begin by making a series of buzzy “peeent” calls while on the ground, before taking off into the evening sky. When flying up, air passes through their flight feathers, creating a twittering sound. This twittering sound gets quieter and quieter as the male slowly spirals up into the sky. After reaching close to 100 metres in height, the male will begin to produce a series of chirping sounds, as he begins to spiral back down to earth. Once landed, he will begin this process again. On a good evening, when many American woodcocks have made their migration, you can sometimes hear 10 or more males doing their sky dance all at once! Next time you are out in a woody patch near you, particularly on a warm, spring evening, take a listen! You may get to witness the magical sky dance display of the American woodcock." #SpringMigration #WildlifeFacts #Conservation #Habitat #Birdwatching

The Ducks Unlimited Canada team was out in full force at the Winnipeg Jets game on March 28! We shared our passion for wetland conservation in the province where we were founded by turning the arena DUC green. 🦆🌱 From frozen ponds to backyard rinks, wetlands help fuel hockey dreams. As Canada’s largest land conservancy, we’re celebrating the connection between healthy wetlands and our national sport! 🏒 Discover more at ducks.ca/hockey #SmallPondsBigGoals #WetlandsForTheWin #WetlandConservation #PondHockey

On April 1, Ducks Unlimited Canada proudly celebrates its 87th anniversary. Established in 1938 in response to declining waterfowl populations and the widespread loss of wetlands on the Canadian Prairies, DUC has grown into a national leader in conservation. While our scope of projects now spans the country, our mission remains unchanged: to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for the benefit of North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. As we reflect on the journey we have undertaken with so many invaluable partners, volunteers and donors, we're reminded that our work is as vital today as it was in 1938. When you hear spring peepers, enjoy a swim in a clean lake, watch a child joyfully dip a net in search of a marsh critter, or watch migratory birds fly overhead...take a moment to celebrate! These are just some of the small everyday reminders that conservation works—for wetlands, waterfowl and people. -------------------- Le 1er avril prochain, Canards Illimités Canada (CIC) célèbrera fièrement son 87e anniversaire. Fondé en 1938 pour freiner le déclin des populations de sauvagine et réduire la perte généralisée des milieux humides dans les Prairies canadiennes, CIC est devenu un chef de file national en matière de conservation. Bien que l’étendue de ses projets couvre maintenant tout le pays, sa mission reste la même : assurer la conservation, la restauration et la gestion des milieux humides et des habitats qui leur sont rattachés au profit de la sauvagine de l’Amérique du Nord. Ces habitats profitent également à d’autres espèces sauvages et à l’homme. En réfléchissant au chemin parcouru avec tant de partenaires, de bénévoles et de donateurs inestimables, CIC ne perd pas de vue que son travail est aussi essentiel aujourd’hui qu’il l’était en 1938. Lorsque vous entendez des pépiements printaniers, que vous vous baignez dans un lac propre, que vous regardez un enfant plonger joyeusement un filet dans un marais à la recherche d’une bestiole ou que vous observez des oiseaux migrateurs voler au-dessus de votre tête… prenez un moment pour vous réjouir! Ce ne sont là que quelques-unes des petites choses qui nous rappellent que la conservation fonctionne, et ce, tant pour les milieux humides, la sauvagine que les gens.

Since Ducks Unlimited Canada’s inception, we have protected and restored more than 9.2 million acres, influenced more than 244 million acres, and enhanced 492,695 acres of vital wetland and associated habitats. On April 1, DUC proudly celebrates its 87th anniversary. Established in 1938 in response to declining waterfowl populations and the widespread loss of wetlands on the Canadian Prairies, we have grown into a national leader in conservation. As we reflect on our journey, we're reminded that our work is as vital today as it was in 1938. Looking ahead, our long-term vision is to conserve and restore 10.2 million acres by 2038 — our 100th anniversary! #DucksUnlimitedCanada #Waterfowl #Habitat #WetlandConservation

As Ducks Unlimited Canada celebrates its 87th anniversary on April 1, we're proud to reflect on our journey as a Canadian leader in wetland conservation. Since 1938, we've worked to keep Canada's water clean, wildlife abundant, and communities healthy. What started in the Prairies has grown into a nationwide effort driven by our belief that nature is the foundation of strong communities, a prosperous economy, and a sustainable future. In 2022, DUC was honoured to become the first conservation organization to receive a Designation of National Historic Significance from the Government of Canada — recognizing our long-standing impact on Canada's natural and cultural heritage. Here's to continuing our work for a sustainable and prosperous future for all Canadians! #DucksUnlimitedCanada #Waterfowl #Wildlife #WetlandConservation #NatureBasedSolutions

Throughout the 1930s, waterfowl populations were in decline and it was found that low population numbers corresponded with the widespread loss of wetlands on the Canadian Prairies. In 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada gave wings to wetland conservation in Canada. As we approach our 87th anniversary on April 1, take a stroll down memory lane with us to see how the more things change, the more they stay the same. DUC is still proudly based in Manitoba, our supporters and volunteers are integral to our mission, and while we have grown our scope of projects to impact areas across the country, we remain committed to conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats for the benefit of North America’s waterfowl. #DucksUnlimitedCanada #Waterfowl #Habitat #WetlandConservation

On March 17, we recognized Ducks Unlimited Canada Day in Manitoba, where our work in conservation began. Our story started at Big Grass Marsh, home to Ducks Unlimited Canada's first-ever project back in 1938. As we approach our anniversary on April 1, we're looking back and celebrating 87 years of Ducks Unlimited Canada's commitment to science, wetlands, and conservation success. Our journey has been one of collaboration and dedication that has grown to safeguarding habitats and wildlife across the nation. The archival film "A Dam Site" provides a look at the people that built the foundation to make the last 87 years possible. 🎥 Watch it here: https://loom.ly/IUjWjJM #DucksUnlimitedCanada #WaterfowlHabitat #Wildlife #WetlandConservation

March 22 marks #WorldWaterDay — and this year, we'd like to take the opportunity to highlight Water Canada. 💧 When we co-operate on water, we create a positive ripple effect. Check out our article "Reclaiming Nature" in the latest edition of Water Canada magazine, which highlights how the town of Ajax in Ontario is mitigating flood risk and building climate resilience, while creating vital habitats through nature-based solutions. 📖: https://loom.ly/uphWo90 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) #WetlandConservation #WetlandRestoration #EcosystemServices #Habitat

“My six brothers and I would go out behind the barn to the big slough after milking cows and play shinny under the stars. Six of us would go on to play in the NHL. If that slough could talk!!!!” 🏒 Darryl Sutter recently became one of Ducks Unlimited Canada's newest landowners after placing almost 800 acres of his working ranch in Viking, Alberta, under a conservation agreement. Learn more about his connection to the land and how it helped shape his hockey skills in a new NHL article, linked below. #SmallPondsBigGoals #WetlandsForTheWin #WetlandConservation

Ducks Unlimited Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Duguid to the newly created role of Director of British Columbia & Boreal Operations. Based in the Edmonton area, Scott brings over 14 years of leadership experience in land and resource management with Indigenous communities, as well as over 17 years of department policy setting and guidance in Indigenous relations and consultation, land use planning and the environmental industry. Welcome to our flock, Scott! -------------------- Canards Illimités Canada est heureux d’annoncer la nomination de Scott Duguid au nouveau poste de directeur des opérations de la Colombie-Britannique et de la région boréale. Basé dans la région d’Edmonton, Scott possède plus de 14 ans d’expérience en leadership dans la gestion du territoire et des ressources avec les communautés autochtones. S’ajoutent à ceci plus de 17 ans d’expérience dans l’élaboration de politiques ministérielles et d’orientations relatives aux relations et à la consultation avec les communautés autochtones, l’aménagement du territoire et l’industrie environnementale. Bienvenue dans notre équipe, Scott!