164 
and May was considerably less this year, which may be due to the peak of their 
migration coming earlier. 
Summary 
Although most of the information on duck production in Colorado would appear 
to show an increase this year over last, it is believed that on the whole production is 
little greater because of reduced available water. The resulting crowded and concen- 
trated conditions seem responsible for less successful nesting and an increase in 
predator activity. - 
Waterfowl Banding 
Waterfowl trapping and banding operations during the summer were confined 
to the San Luis Valley where a total of 817 waterfowl were banded between July 1 and 
August 31. Of the 817 banded, 788 were mallards. j 

Species Male Female Total 
Mallard 148 640 788 
Pintail 10 7 19 
Gadwall 3 2 +5 
Baldpate -- 1 1 
Shoveler ate 1 1 
G-w. teal 1 -- 1 
Coot 2 oie 2 
Total 164 653 817 
Although still limited in numbers, band returns indicate Colorado harvested 
the greatest percent of waterfowl produced in the San Luis Valley in 1949. Returns 
of 1950 bands should help to clarify this indication. A few returns in the summer of 
1950 may indicate that a large part of 1949 summer residents return or remain on or 
near the nesting grounds. 
