1920 J Hollister, Abundance of Wild Ducks. 371 



Hooded 

 Season Merganser Buffle-head Golden-eye 



Spring (1893-1899) 14 22 18 



Autumn (1892-1899) 142 74 52 



156 96 70 



It is doubtful if records for the present or for any future period 

 will give anything like the above relative abundance. That the 

 records may be equalled in numbers is entirely possible, as they 

 are by no means large as such records go; but I do not believe 

 that ever again will the Hooded Merganser, Buffle-head, or Golden- 

 eye stand so near the top of such a list. These three species have 

 suffered a greater reduction proportionally than have most of the 

 other ducks. On the other hand, the Canvas-back and Redhead 

 are much more common on Delavan Lake than they were during 

 the period covered by this report; and the Black Duck, in that 

 region, is now increasing in numbers year by year. A successful 

 planting of wild celery in the lake accounts for the increase in the 

 Canvas-back and Redhead; but only a general western extension in 

 the regular distribution of the Black Duck would seem to explain 

 the more common occurrence of that species. 



Spring shooting, we all hope, has been permanently abolished, 

 and under careful protection ducks may, on the whole, increase 

 in numbers in North America; but certain species, if they do not 

 actually disappear from our fauna, will undoubtedly become very 

 rare within a comparatively short time. There must be, scat- 

 tered throughout the country, many records of gun clubs, or of 

 individual sportsmen, that might be consulted by those who have 

 the opportunity. If the species are properly distinguished in the 

 lists, accurate data on the former relative abundance of various 

 species of wild ducks may be obtained from them. This exact 

 information can be had from no other source, and in view of the 

 still greater changes that are to be expected in the future, it will 

 become of very great interest and value. 



National Zoological Park, Washington, D. C. 



