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WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEY IN OREGON 
Chester E. Kebbe 
Introduction 
The 1953 waterfowl breeding ground survey represents the fifth consecutive 
year such a survey has been carried on in Oregon, Permanent samples are located 
in most waterfowl areas of the State, with the exception of Upper Klamath Lake area, 
Personnel are not assigned permanently to waterfowl investigation work, except 
biologists on three game management areas. The investigation work in the balance 
of the State is carried on by game biologists as one of their many and varied duties. 
Methods of Sampling 
The transect method of sampling by foot ana by car was used on all areas. 
No aerial transects were run. The samples run are those which have been run in 
previous years. No attempt has been made to count or estimate total reproduction. 
Weather and Water Conditions 
The water conditions in southeastern Oregon, the major production area in the 
State, were ideal from the nesting standpoint. An abundance of water made consider- 
ably more nesting habitat available. The water during the spring months remained 
stable. In 1952 the increased run-off destroyed a large number of waterfowl nests. 
The late spring, in which sunshiny days were the exception rather than the rule, 
had an effect on nesting. Both normal migration and nesting were two weeks later 
than past averages. 
Breeding Population Trends 
Increased water in the two major areas in eastern Oregon on which we have 
census samples made re-location of the samples necessary for foot and car sampling. 
However, in these two areas a noticeable increase in mallard and cinnamon teal 
reproduction was noted. No preat change in reproduction of other species was 
recorded. The balance of samples are located in areas with little waterfowl habitat. 
Downward trends were noted in these but in view of the increased areas which became 
available through an abundance of water it is felt that the over-all production was 
comparable with that of 1952. 
Success of the Season 
The large marsh areas of eastern Oregon are the major waterfowl production 
sections in the State. These areas include Malheur Refuge, Warner Valley, Summer 
Lake and the Klamath Basin. In addition, there are numerous small marshes, potholes, 
lakes and streams, each of which has varying degrees of waterfowl reproduction. 
Table I gives the brood data for eastern Oregon. 
