189 
Water and Weather Conditions 
Water levels were much reduced during the late fall of 1949 in the marshes 
and sloughs of northwest lowa. Little rainfall during the early spring of 1950 may 
have caused a slight reduction in the over-all nesting habitat available. Ample rainfall 
during late spring and early summer maintained almost all waterfowl preducing areas 
throughout lJowa in better than average condition for the remainder of the production 
period. Up until September 15, 1950, below-normal summer temperatures prevailed. 
Banding Operations 
“Iowa is now cooperating with the Fish and Wildlife Service under the master 
permitee system and bird-banding supplies are on hand, No waterfowl banding was 
carried on during 1950, but provisions are being made to carry on a limited banding 
program as soon as it is practicable, 
Summary 
A late spring in 1950 caused large concentrations: of migratory waterfowl-in. 
Iowa, but there is no conclusive proof indicating that larger total numbers of waterfowl 
passed through Iowa in 1950 than in 1949. 
The 1950 migratory flight was of shorter duration than it was in 1949. The 
migratory flight of blue-winged teal, Hutchin's goose, Wilson's snipe, and Wilson's 
phalarope was estimated to be larger in total numbers in 1950 than in 1949. 
Migrant coot populations were estimated to be low, and approximately the 
same number of migrants were observed in 1950 as in 1949, . 
Nesting coots appeared fewer in number and reduced in density per area 
checked during 1950 as compared with 1949. 
Data would indicate fewer ruddy ducks nesting in the check areas this year, 
but the data alone are not conclusive. 
It is the opinion of the writer that the breeding populations of mallards and 
redheads in Iowa were slightly more numerous in 1950 than in 1949. 
The blue-winged teal population trend was about the same as last year with 
no indication of any decrease in Iowa production. 
It is the opinion of the writer that lowa produces a substantial number of 
wood ducks and that their production is increasing; and that wood duck production may 
equal or exceed the production of any other species of waterfowl in the State at the 
present time. 
