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In western Oregon little waterfowl breeding takes place. , The main breeding 
species being the mallard and wood duck. Occasional blue-winged teal broods are 
observed, Geese have never been recorded as. breeding west of the Cascades until 
a transplant was made on Sauvie Island. Some reproduction is taking place there, 
Table II shows brood data for western Oregon. 
Nesting Studies 
A continuation of the nesting studies of the wood duck has been carried on at 
Sauvie Island. This is the fourth year of this project. Of interest is the fact that 
we have had approximately 80 percent usage of nest boxes each year since the first 
nests were putup. We had installed 25 nests the first year, a total of 50 the second, 
80 the third and 200 the fourth year. Apparently these birds are increasing on the 
island but our census shows little change. This is probably due to the location of 
our samples and the secretive nature of the bird. 
Banding 
During the: period of June 1 through September 30, 1953, a total of 838 ducks, 
83 coot and 87 geese were banded. The adult female wood ducks were banded in nest 
boxes, A break-down shows the species and numbers. 
Table III. - Waterfowl Banded in Oregon -- June 1 through September 30, 1953 

Adult Immature Adult Immature Unclassified Total 
Species Male Male Female Female 
Mallard 231 130 56 108 ~ 525 - 
Pintail 32 65 27 43 - 167 
Baldpate = 1 - ~ =" 1 
G-w. teal - 2 - 1 2 5. 
Gadwall -~ 2 - 8 - 10 
Redhead - - - l 14 15 
Cinn. teal - 14 1 9 38 62 
Wood ducks - - 46 - 7 : 53 
Total ducks 263 214 130 170 61 838 
Canada geese. 17 | 19 1 49 87 
Coot - ~ - . 83 83 
Summary 
1. Excellent nesting success was apparent throughout the State on most species. 
Increased nesting was observed with mallards and cinnamon teal. 
2. A late spring retarded nesting approximately two weeks from normal. 
ay Nesting studies of the wood duck were continued. 
4, A total of 838 ducks, 83 coot, and 87 Canada geese was banded between 
June 1, 1953 and September 30, 1953. 
