298 Alaskan Science Conference 



Another area which contains a considerable concentration of 

 nesting waterfowl is Minto Lakes between Fairbanks and 

 Nenana. It is smaller than the units previously discussed, but 

 has quite a number of waterfowl, principally scaup and Pin- 

 tails. It has been chosen as a study area by the Cooperative 

 Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Alaska and more 

 detailed information should become available as this study 

 progresses. 



The Copper River Flats is likewise smaller, although large 

 when compared with many waterfowl units in the states. A 

 variety of waterfowl remain through the summer, but no 

 studies have been made of nesting populations. Canada Geese, 

 Mallards, Shovelers, Pintails, Green-winged Teals, Gadwall, 

 and Baldpates are in the area during breeding season, and I 

 have found goose and mallard nests or broods. From their be- 

 havior it is almost certain that some of other species also nest 

 in greater or less numbers. 



A larger area that has some value as a nesting ground, but 

 which has its greatest value as a fall concentration and feeding 

 area for northern birds, is located at Cold Bay on the outer end 

 of the Alaska Peninsula. Here, Cackling, Snow, and Emperor 

 Geese, and many varieties of ducks gather to rest and feed 

 before undertaking the long migration to the marshes and grain 

 fields of the Pacific states or the shallow bays of the Aleutians 

 that provide winter food for the Emperor Geese and to a less 

 extent for other species. It is an essential key to the future of 

 Alaska's waterfowl resources. 



The Stikine Flats, at the mouth of that river near Wrangell is 

 another unit that is probably essential as a feeding and resting 

 area for migratory birds. It is the major concentration area in 

 southeastern Alaska, and is used by Canada Geese, Snow Geese, 

 White-fronted Geese, and a variety of ducks, principally Mal- 

 lards, Pintails, Green-winged Teals, Baldpates, and Greater 

 Scaup. 



Mallards, Pintails, Green-winged Teals, Baldpates, Shov- 

 elers, and Greater Scaup are widely scattered outside the major 

 nesting areas, breeding over a wide range wherever suitable 



