The excessive annual variation in water-level, which may exceed 30 feet, has 
prevented the eetablishment of a good supply of waterfowl food plants. The 
following numbers of broods were seen during a one-day inspection of the delta 
area: Mallard, three; blue-winged teal, three; wood duck, two; American 
merganser, one; and hooded merganser, one, 
In the Columbia Valley north of the river mouth are a few small ox-bow 
sloughs. 5mell numbers of mallard and wood duck were observed there. 
Although the Arrowhead area is not now of major importance as a water- 
fowl habitat, it is likely that waterfowl values would be increased under 
conditions of water-level stabilization, 
Duncan River 
The Duncan River lies in the Purcell Trench, rising near the southern 
boundary of Glacier National Park, and flowing through Duncan Lake into the 
north end of Kootenay Lake, Between Duncan and Kootenay Lakes it is joined by 
the Lardeau River which drains Trout Lake. The Lardeau River and that part of 
the Duncan River between Duncan and Kootenay Lakes are rapid streams with 
little attractive waterfowl habitat in their vicinity. The valley of the 
Duncan River for ten miles north of Duncan Lake is a flood plain area, similar 
to the Upper Columbia Valley, with many sloughs and secondary river channels. 
Growth of valuable aquatic plants is limited. Very small numbers of waterfowl 
were noted; the only broods seen were one of wood duck and one of hocded 
merganser. Local residents state that Canada geese breed in the area. The 
Duncan River area does not appear to support a significant breeding population 
of waterfowl, The rather high annual precipitation is probably an unfavourable 
factor. 
Banding 
The British Columbia Game Commission and University of British Columbia 
party has banded aporoximately 1,600 ducks, mostly young, and 25 Canada geese. 
Their activities will continue through the latter part of the summer. 
The technique of capturing Canada geese by means of rocket-thrown nets 
was employed on an experimental basis in the Columbia Valley. It was honed 
that 9 estisfactory procedure in which only one rocket need be utilized 
coulda be devised. In view of the rather unsatisfactory results attained and 
the comparative costs involved there seems little doubt that this method must 
be abandoned in favour of the mortar-thrown net method. - 
Summary 
Three parties have conducted waterfowl population studies, banding 
activities, and exploratory work in British Columbia during 1949. Most 
species of waterfowl observed in the early summer showed a decline in numbers 
with respect to past years; however, favourable weather and water conditions 
prevailed and observations of broods suggested a very satisfactory breeding 
season. By early summer a slight increase in populations of blue-winged teal, 
canvasback, and redhead was indicated. A decline in population of ruddy duck 
was considered serious. 
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