Black Ducks Dabbling in Slocums - Jamie Bogart Brant and Scaup Mixed Flock at Fort Rodman, New Bedford by Jamie Bogart The last time temperatures were cold enough to cause ice to form on coastal ponds and estuaries surveyed for the Lloyd Center Winter waterfowl survey was the 2014/’15 season, which was the third consecutive season of high ice coverage for the traditionally colder January survey when more migrants have arrived. Two of those years featured low counts due to the ice, the 2014/’15 season showing higher numbers only due to an increase in Canada Geese, known to rest on ice and utilize nearby fields. What followed were consecutive years of low to moderate ice coverage and balmy temperatures for January counts, including the 60 degree day a year ago on January 26, 2020, when heavy rains had also caused higher than usual tides. Balmy conditions continued for the December 13, 2020 count, with the winter waterfowl conversation focusing on global warming.