211 
Mallards and wood ducks increased 15 and 17 percent, respectively, on the 
second coverage. Black ducks and blue-winged teal percentages revealed little change 
and coot increased slightly. Other species, being non-breeders, warrant little dis- 
cussion. It should be pointed out that the increase in mallards is due to a flock of 11 
birds being observed on one study area during the second visit. These were probably 
transient birds. The number of loafing and molting drakes accounts for the increase 
in wood duck numbers - one small study plot producing 14 males on the second census. 
Table 6. -- Adult Waterfowl Composition, By Species, On All Study Areas - 
Northern Indiana - 1950 
—— ee 



First Second Percent Percent 
Coverage Coverage of total of total 
Species May 11-29 June 20-July 10 (first) (second) 
Mallard 16 30 8.3 24.2 
Black duck L l 0.6 0.8 
Gadwall 2 0 l.l a 
Baldpate 3 0 1.7 = 
Blue-winged teal 70 44 38,7 35.5 
Shoveler zZ 0 Lal - 
Wood duck 11 29 6.1 23.4 
Ring-necked duck — 3 3 1.7 2.4 
Canvasback 1 0 0.6 - 
Lesser scaup 70 9 38.7 7.3 
Bufflehead r4 0 1.1 - 
American golden-eye 0 1 - 0.8 
Ruddy duck 0 4 - 3.2 
Hooded merganser 0 3 - 2.4 
Total 181 124 100.0 100.0 
Coot 76 
~ 
Weather and Water Conditions 
The last week of March was marked by heavy rains which brought rivers 
above flood stage throughout the State. March temperatures averaged 3.9 degrees 
below normal. 
April was the third coldest on record in 64 years, and very wet. At Angola, 
situated near some of the best waterfowl breeding range in the State, 8.28 inches of 
rain were recorded during the month. Temperatures averaged 5.6 degrees below 
normal and a severe ice storm occurred on April 9. Vegetative growth was retarded 
from 2 to 3 weeks in northern Indiana and potholes were flooded. An abundance of 
temporary potholes were formed by excess surface water, especially in wheat and 
other cultivated farm fields. 
May and June temperatures were near average, in general, but potholes 
still remained full until about July 1. During the first week of July, rainfall was 
slight and water levels began to fall. Young mallards, black ducks, and wood ducks 
were capable of flight by this time and the first blue-winged teal broods were nearly 
at flight stage. 
The excessive amount of water probably was to the advantage of nesting. 
waterfowl. The fact that potholes were already flooded in April might have decréased 
losses from inundation of nests. No such nests were located. P 
