The event runs from 27 to 31 January at the Peabody Hotel, home of the world-famous mallard ducks.

"This symposium will identify the most important topics for waterfowl research, habitat and population management, and hunting -- immediately and for the next decades," said event co-chair Rick Kaminski, the James C. Kennedy Chair for Waterfowl and Wetland Conservation and Management at MSU’s College of Forest Resources. "The best science from the past 20 years and current research will be presented, published in an international journal, and integrated into management and conservation strategies."

Mr Kaminski said 25 years have elapsed since the last all-waterfowl meeting, and understanding of waterfowl throughout their annual cycle and range has grown tremendously.

"This symposium is needed to synthesize current knowledge of waterfowl and their habitats and help guide science and conservation of these birds in the 21st century," he said.

Sessions will be held daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A complete agenda is available at http://www.northamericanducksymposium.org.