any year since the study began, as are ring-necks and green-winged teal. 
Blue-winged teal are still below the 1945 level, and golden-eyes have shown 
a spectacular drop off since they peaked in 1947. This problem is being 
investigated as a thesis assignment by a member of the Station's staff. The 
breeding population as a whole ie above the 1945 level, for the first time 
this year, showing an average of 43 percent increase. 
Conclusion 
The 1949 season has been the most successful one for breeding waterfowl 
in the St. John Eetuary in the last five years. The most important game 
species, the black duck, has made important gaine and ie for the firet time 
in five years above the 1945 level. All species with the exception of blue- 
winged teal and golden-eye are above the 1945 level. The prospects are 
therefore excellent for the fall flight from this area. Banding is proceeding 
at the three northern banding stations at Tinker FAarbour, Labrador; Grand 
Codroy River, Newfoundland; and at Baie Jchan Beetz, Quebec. Storms handi- 
capped the banding operations in Labrador and in Newfoundland in August, but 
satisfactory progress is being made. 
97 
