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Bowers Field Wildlife Hazard Management Plan <br />Waterfowl <br />Waterfowl were the 5th most commonly struck guild in the United States, 1990 — 2020, <br />but involved in 28% of all damaging strikes (Dolbeer et al. 2021). <br />Waterfowl were common throughout most of the year. The fewest waterfowl <br />observations occurred in June. This guild nests in June/July, which is also when they <br />molt their flight feathers, preventing them from flying and being observed during most <br />surveys. Very few waterfowl were observed when ice formed over areas that were <br />normally open water. There was a notable abundance in February, likely due to thawing <br />ponds and ducks from the south starting to migrate back north. <br />Most waterfowl were observed using open water in the north and northeast pasture areas, <br />with pond V (Figure 1) in the north pasture being the most significant attractant identified <br />during the WHE (Figure 9). <br />Waterfowl were seen individually and in flocks of up to 75 birds. <br />Figure 9. Waterfowl were most attracted to areas of open water north of the runway. <br />2-6 <br />31 December 2024 <br />