168 
The average brood size was seven-birds at the time of observation. No trend 
data are available for nesting success or brood rearing. The record for 37 duck nests 
and 26 coot nests in 1950 indicates a high rate of nest destruction. However, broods 
were seen later in the season on areas of high nest destruction, indicating the likeli- 
hood that the destruction may not have been the limiting factor. 
The blue-winged teal is the number one nester in the Sandhills according to 
the data obtained. Mallard, pintail, redhead, and ruddy are important nesters. 
A total of 152 ducks were banded at the Spring Lake Banding Station during 
the August 19 - September 9 period. One brood of flightless mallards was included. 
Mallard (89), pintail (6), blue-winged teal (56), and green-winged teal (1) were the 
species banded. 
