SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia's annual mid-winter waterfowl survey found fewer ducks and geese.

The survey was conducted Jan. 8 and 9 by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Waterfowl biologist Mike Peters says observers counted 7,844 ducks and 6,390 geese. Duck numbers were down from last year's count by 11 percent, while goose numbers were down 4 percent.

Canada geese, mallards and American black ducks were the most common species seen. Also spotted, but in fewer numbers, were snow geese, buffleheads, redheads, goldeneyes, American widgeon, ruddy, ring-necked, canvasbacks, scaup and wood ducks.

Peters says common and hooded mergansers are starting to make up a larger portion of the observed waterfowl.

Eleven bald eagles and one golden eagle also were observed during the survey.