Canvasbacks are having a good year. The 2025 breeding population improved to an estimated 690,000 individuals. This was +22% from 2024 and 17% above the long-term average. This is good news for a species that has had its share of ups and downs.

I pay attention to waterfowl of all kinds. It was waterfowl that first led me to take as deep dive into birds. I think I was about 12 or 13. This led to a long career in bird conservation and a life-long interest in bird photography. I still get excited seeing species such as Canvasback (not common where I live) and even more excited with the chance to photograph them.

And I’m always delighted to hear that waterfowl populations have increased.