shurshot
Ten Pointer
Yep, definitely weather has a lot to do with it. I also believe birds are not staying/using the traditional areas for any length of time for a number of reasons, food or the lack of it (natural) being the main culprit. I’ve noticed this big shift in puddlers about 4-5 seasons ago not just in my area but in others as well. Seemed to have started when we had that extremely warm season awhile back. Places (rivers, lakes, sounds) that had grasses back then are almost void now. Herbaceous feeding ducks won’t stay if there’s not enough food. Divers (scaup) that mainly feed on mollusks will do the same. The New River is a classic example of this. The place stays loaded with birds when there’s a good recruitment of small clams but will leave quickly if they don’t find it sustainable.
I’ve been chasing birds for many decades now and lots of things are just cyclical for whatever reason. But there are lots of other factors play into it also and I firmly believe the popularity of corn impoundments all over the US has had a significant effect on the overall hunting and possible migration of the birds. Whereas 25-30 years ago I could Successfully hunt divers and puddlers from the Hyde Co sound area, I’m hard pressed to have a successful diver hunt now. And forget puddlers. One thousand corn impoundments in that area pretty much precludes any chances of catching the birds out there.
I’ve been chasing birds for many decades now and lots of things are just cyclical for whatever reason. But there are lots of other factors play into it also and I firmly believe the popularity of corn impoundments all over the US has had a significant effect on the overall hunting and possible migration of the birds. Whereas 25-30 years ago I could Successfully hunt divers and puddlers from the Hyde Co sound area, I’m hard pressed to have a successful diver hunt now. And forget puddlers. One thousand corn impoundments in that area pretty much precludes any chances of catching the birds out there.