Located in Laurel, MD, the US Fish & Wildlife Service's Division of Migratory Bird Management Data Center is responsible for conducting the Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey, which provides valuable information on population trends and habitat use of ducks, geese, and swans during the winter months. However, the survey has been criticized for its limitations, including lack of a statistical sampling design, variations in field methods, and changes in survey personnel, among others.
The survey is conducted annually using fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, automobiles, or boats, depending on the specific needs of each state. The data collected from the survey are entered into a centralized database, which is available online for the Atlantic Flyway. Efforts are ongoing to incorporate data from the Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyways. Despite the limitations, the Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey remains an important tool for understanding the distribution and abundance of waterfowl on their wintering grounds.
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