[Hugh R]

Blame it on Bush and Global Warming. All kidding aside, I think they, like all migratory birds are sensitive to climate change and opportunity. I read an article recently where migratory birds are flocking back to Owens Lake, a salt bed since the 1930's in the Bishop, CA area that has been dry since then due to the water grab by Los Angeles. Under court order, the dry lake bed has been flooded with an inch or so of water and the birds have shifted their migratory patterns. I have about an acre flood control basin in front of my house and in wet winters the ducks are flocking there in dry winters, no ducks.