NCWA
exists to conserve, enhance and perpetuate our waterfowl heritage.
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NCWA
exists to conserve, enhance and perpetuate our waterfowl heritage. |
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Whether you’re in the Mallard Release Program or just looking to draw in migratory birds, one factor remains constant: wintering waterfowl need a solid diet to offset the energy expenditure of migration and fuel reserves for the spring breeding season. Despite all the time and money spent by various conservation organizations and countless biologists, little is known on the basic biology of wintering waterfowl. General logic suggests that the most influencing factors to waterfowl populations occur on the breeding grounds. So if our beloved birds, the pintails, mallards, teal, etc. are breeding during the spring up in the potholes, what can we do to make a difference in the action? The fact is, the condition of habitats during the winter does have an affect on the breeding ability in the spring. As evidenced by the plumage pattern in ducks, much of the courtship and pairing occur on the wintering and migration areas, thus it is extremely important to provide not only a good quantity of food to attract the ducks, but a good quality of food to prepare the ducks. It’s also very important to provide food throughout the October–March wintering period. Look in any biological publication, and most of the ducks we see around here share a similar diet, protein rich invertebrates during the summer, grains, pondweeds, and sedges during the winter. Find out just how healthy your food plot is from the list below, composed of a few commonly planted crops in this area. Chufa- aka Tiger nut, rush nut, yellow nutgrass A crop that’s worth the price. Once an important food crop in ancient Egypt, it is today cultivated in West Africa, Spain, and China. A fast growing perennial sedge that does well in warm climates, moist or wet soil. The small round tubers along the root are 12% protein, high in carbohydrates, and rich in oleic acid. Can be planted up until Aug. 1 in coastal areas. Rice- Oryza sativa Grains are highly nutritious, with a protein content approaching 14% (13.8%), similar to that of wheat (14.8%). Also has a higher content of amino acids (lysine and methionine), along with essential fatty acids (linolenic and linoleic) than most cereals. Good source of Vitamin B. Drawbacks include difficulty to grow efficiently, as well as in areas where blackbirds are a problem. Valued also for cover and as a substrate and for food for invertebrates which waterfowl also feed on. Seeds mature in 90-100 days. Japanese Millet- echinochloa crusgalli var. frumentecea An excellent crop to drill in or plant where equipment access is limited. May be broadcasted onto exposed mud flats. Millet contains 8.3% protein, along with 25.8% crude fiber. An annual reseeding grass of Asiatic origin that produces heavy seed yields. A tiny seed, approximately 145,000 per pound, are relished by gadwall, mallard, wood duck, and teal. Seeds mature in about 90 days. Sorghum- sorghum spp. An annual small grain crop that is closely related to corn. 9% crude protein, with 2.2% crude fiber. Known for being drought tolerant, with a planting range from April 15 to July 15, or when the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees F. As with any food plot, perform a soil test from several different areas to be planted to determine fertilization requirements. Weigh your options and use this guide to determine the choice crop for your area, and hopefully they will put more ducks in your area for years to come. |
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