The Mallard Migration
And they’re off, south for the winter! As birds head toward the winter home, they follow specific paths called “Flyways.” Along the way, they have to handle plenty besides the long journey alone, including urbanization, pollution, and changing conditions related to climate change. Throughout the years, Conservation Law Center has worked to preserve the migratory habitats the birds need to survive.
Photo: Richard Hebhardt/Audubon Photography Awards
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/mallard
Hundreds of species use the Midwest flyway, which includes Indiana. One of the most common and beautiful is the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
These ducks breed far north across Canada and Alaska and fly to warmer climates in the fall, many landing in the southern United States and northern Mexico. Birds tagged for research in the Yukon have even been tracked to Monroe County, Indiana, on their journey. For 16 years, CLC has worked with land trusts and other nonprofits to protect the vital habitats of these birds, including wetlands, forests, and marshes. Without legal protections in place, Mallards and many other birds would not be able to rest safely along their migration path.
Protecting the habitats of migratory animals is vital to preserving the balance of our earth’s ecosystem. Protecting nature, including wildlife and their homes is what we do.
Cover Image: A Whole Bunch of Ducks by Steve Gifford
Sources:
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/mallard#
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-Birds_Of_Indiana.pdf
https://www.in.gov/dnr/naturepreserve/files/fw-Endangered_Species_List.pdf