Epic Flights: Migrations of Male Northern Shovelers and Blue-Winged Teal Drake
July 22, 2024
Tracking the astonishing journeys of migratory birds, 50 Ducks serves as a beacon for conservation enthusiasts. Engaging birdwatchers, waterfowlers, and data nerds alike, our mission is to educate and inspire through incredible stories of annual treks.
Today, we highlight the epic travels of the male Northern Shoveler and Blue-Winged Teal. These avian athletes overcome immense distances, showcasing nature’s resilience.
With cutting-edge tracking capabilities, we can uncover tales that spark community action and appreciation for wildlife. Here are a few of these remarkable species we’re monitoring at present.
The Adventures of Sir Dabble
Meet Sir Dabble
Every journey tells a story, and Sir Dabble’s adventures are truly extraordinary. Named by enthusiastic 6th graders in Atlanta, Georgia, Sir Dabble is a mature Drake Shoveler with an impressive migration history. Originally GPS-banded in Texcoco, Mexico, his travels have captivated young students and seasoned birdwatchers alike.
Sir Dabble’s Legacy
Over 435 days, this male shoveler covered a total distance of 10,864 miles. His meticulously tracked journey offers invaluable data for researchers and enthusiasts. By following Sir Dabble’s path, we gain a deeper understanding of avian migration patterns and the challenges these birds face. Such knowledge is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
Northern Flight Statistics
Sir Dabble’s northern flight began with a remarkable trek to Utikuma Lake in Alberta, 470 miles north of the U.S.-Canada border. During this journey, he achieved an airspeed of 96.3 miles per hour and completed a non-stop flight of 398 miles, showcasing his endurance and strength. On his southern sojourn, Sir Dabble flew along the Gulf of Mexico to Tabasco, Mexico.
One of the most notable aspects of this journey was his remarkable 235-mile night flight, during which he reached an altitude of 14,583 feet. This part of his journey highlights the adaptability and resilience of waterfowl. For birdwatchers and conservationists, witnessing such feats underscores the importance of preserving their habitats.
Picture a classroom where students track Sir Dabble’s journey in real-time, connecting with his flights and understanding the data behind his movements. With a deeper appreciation for the marvels of waterfowl, enthusiasts can actively participate in near real-time. Explore our Drake Shoveler’s adventures on our Instagram for more in-depth insights.
Blaze and His Extraordinary Migration Journey
Who is Blaze?
Blaze, a striking male Northern Shoveler banded by Tierra de Aves, embodies the wonders of avian migration. Leaving Mexico City on April 26th, Blaze embarked on an awe-inspiring 46-day journey northward, traveling an astonishing 3,500 miles to reach his breeding grounds in Canada.
Northbound Highlights & Return To Mexico
His trek included fascinating stops at Lucky Lake and Old Wives Lake near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, before settling at Kiyiu Lake. Incredibly, Blaze achieved a single-day travel high of over 600 miles on April 29th. As summer waned, Blaze returned south to San Luis Potosi.
Blaze by the Numbers
Displaying remarkable precision, this resilient bird completed the 3,500-mile trek in just 22 days, landing within 100 yards of his departure point from the previous spring. Over 608 days, Blaze covered an impressive 8,279 miles, reaching speeds up to 96.32 MPH.
Tracking Benefits
These incredible feats highlight the importance of monitoring avian migration for conservation research. Imagine witnessing his journey firsthand through real-time updates on our platform. Connecting with such epic migrations enhances our understanding of these behaviors and the subsequent challenges each bird faces.
This magical story is not one to miss for birdwatchers, waterfowlers, and students of all ages. For in-depth insights, follow the journey and more incredible tales on our Instagram, and join us in fostering a deeper appreciation for the marvels of nature.
Blue-winged Teal #35’s Remarkable Journey
Introducing Our Blue-Winged Teal Drake
The next avian migration marvel, tagged just outside Port Barre, Louisiana, has captured the hearts and minds of conservationists and bird watchers alike. His journey, tracked meticulously over 389 days, offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into the life of these resilient waterfowl.
The Adventure Begins
Starting his northbound expedition on April 20th, #35 embarked on a 5,549-mile odyssey filled with remarkable milestones. One notable stop was in Batesville, Arkansas, after a breathtaking 377-mile flight. Continuing his progress north, he reached Utica, Missouri, without another pause until then.
Each GPS data point, 1,339 in total, paints a detailed picture of his path. Further, along his journey, this male blue-winged teal took a much-needed rest outside Fargo, North Dakota, for nine days before crossing into Canada on May 13th. He settled in the lush landscapes of Manitoba and Saskatchewan for the summer months.
Tracking his journey, we witnessed his flight patterns to understand the immense distances covered. The return journey south presented its own set of challenges, taking a more eastern route through various states, including Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Migration Highlights
A defining moment of this southbound adventure was his daring 235-mile night flight over the Gulf of Mexico, landing in Havana, Cuba. This migration highlight underscores the endurance and adaptability of the male blue-winged teal.
His 55-day southbound migration stands in stark contrast to his 23-day northward trek, which showcases the varied and complex nature of navigational instincts.
Remarkably, the final five months of tracking saw #35 confined to a 36-mile stretch between Cajio Beach and Playa del Caimito in Cuba—a testament to the teal’s remarkable homing abilities and resilience.
Following the journey of this blue-winged teal drake brings the wonders of waterfowl to life. Engaging with such data contributes to broader conservation efforts, ensuring that these magnificent birds continue to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Blaze’s epic trek of 8,279 miles, Sir Dabble’s remarkable endurance covering 10,864 miles, and Blue-Winged Teal #31’s incredible 5,549-mile journey exemplify the astounding resilience of waterfowl. These stories inspire and highlight the significance of tracking avian migration for conservation.
By studying these patterns, we can better understand and protect these birds’ habitats, ensuring their survival for future generations. Engage with these captivating narratives by exploring our home page, duck map, and historic tracker on the 50 Ducks website.
For those passionate about male Northern Shovelers and the Blue-Winged Teal Drake, joining our mailing list will keep you updated with live duck movements and ongoing conservation efforts. Fly with us and join an active community dedicated to preserving our feathered friends.
