Greater white-fronted geese, commonly known as speckle bellies, have finally arrived in decent numbers along the Illinois River. We witnessed several groups of “specks” between Pekin and Beardstown, IL this week. In contrast, duck numbers along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers continued to decline. Total ducks (132,360) were 20% below normal along the Illinois River, yet mallard concentrations were holding at some refuges (www.bellrose.org). Mallards were still plentiful (254,820; 94.6% above average) on the lower Mississippi River between Grafton and Quincy, IL; however, mallard numbers were down 26% from the previous week. Canvasbacks were holding steady along Pool 19 between Nauvoo, IL and Fort Madison, IA.
Be safe and happy hunting! Stay tuned for more updates next week…