Hi Earth Rangers! Cat here from Ducks Unlimited Canada! Ducks need clean, healthy wetlands to raise their families, but what happens when those wetlands are close to farms? That’s what we set out to discover!
Last summer, our team visited more than 150 wetlands across the Canadian Prairies. First, we counted ducks, like mallards, using drones with super-zoom cameras. We counted pairs in the spring and checked for ducklings in the summer to see how many babies hatched.
Next, we collected water samples and scooped up tiny bugs (a duck’s favourite food!) to learn if nearby farming changes what ducks eat. We also set up hidden cameras and sound recorders to spot predators like fox and raven.
When the ducks flew south for the winter, it was time for lab work! We tested water quality, identified the bugs living in wetlands, and even used smart computers to listen for bird songs and spot animals in photos. All of this helps us understand how farming affects ducks and their habitats, and more importantly how we can protect wetlands so ducks can grow strong and thrive!
Want to help protect animals like the Mallard? Head to the Adoptions section in the App or visit the Earth Rangers EStore to get your own Mallard Adoption Kit and help support conservation efforts for these awesome animals!
