Prairie Habitat Update & Spring Migration Timing with Dr. Scott Stephens (Ep 760)

Ducks are heading north, and we’re getting the first hints of what breeding habitat may look like this spring.

DU's senior waterfowl scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher, sits down with Dr. Scott Stephens, DU's senior director of conservation strategy, for a timely update on prairie conditions, recent snowfall, runoff potential, and what these early signs may mean for breeding ducks in 2026. They also break down the migration chronology of different duck species — who arrives first, who lingers longest, and why evolutionary history shapes these patterns.

In this episode:

• A flyover view of recent prairie snowfall and soil moisture
• Where runoff potential looks promising — and where it doesn’t
• How dry wetland basins from last fall influence spring habitat recovery
• Why “some water” doesn’t equal “full recovery”
• The importance of seasonal vs. semi‑permanent wetlands for brood success
• How multiple years of improved conditions are needed for strong fall flights
• Migration timing: early (mallards, pintails), mid (shovelers, teal, divers), and late (gadwall, scaup)
• Why ducks “follow the ice line” and how late storms disrupt timing
• Boreal nesters vs. prairie nesters — who waits for the thaw
• Canada geese and snow geese movement patterns during March–April
• Long‑term conservation reminders: habitat base matters more than any one wet year

Join us for a concise, informative episode for anyone tracking habitat conditions and dreaming about next fall’s duck season.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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