all cases the figures shown previously for "nesting pairs" are more 
accurate than those indicating "total fall population," 
The 1952 and 
1953 figures are not directly comparable with the 1950 and 1951 
figures since basic changes were made in the methods of obtaining 
data from the Tule Lake and Lower Klamath refuges in 1952, 
Estimated Total Nesting Pairs 

Total Fall Population 
145 
Species 1950 1951 1952 1953 1950 19 1952 19 
Canada Geese 3,250 3,500 3,200 2,740 22,300 24,850 19,240 17,562 
Mallard 38,843 40,543 49,880 37,250 202,400 217,240 271,930 156,990 
Gadwall 7,572 8,275 5,510 6,580 59,350 63,600 41,560 54,650 
Pintail 2,328 2,477 3,240 1,830 13,760 11,125 21,260 10,110 
Ginn. Teal 5,230 3,823 4,600 3,200 40,350 27,250 27,040 17,910 
G-w. Teal 90 130 40 10 1,160 1, 140 200 50 
B-w. Teal 395 170 120 80 3,240 1, 360 830 560 
Redhead 5,540 5,763 3,310 4,100 52,500 50,220 24,810 34,560 
Shoveler 1,197 934 1,110 810 8,910 8,010 8,460 3, 630 
‘ Scaup 910 1,150 290 200 8, 800 9, 880 2, 240 1, 680 
Ruddy duck 3,581 5,318 1,510 1,420 32,230 39,660 9, 340 9, 730 
Others 696 640 430 440 4,640 4,840 2,220 2,130 
Total (ducks) 66,342 69,222 70,040 55,920 427,340 434,325 409, 890 292, 000 
Coot 
e. 
8,036 10,154 11,190 20,470 50, 400 64, 300 61,970 89, 250 
Remarks: The accumulated data indicates: 
(1) A 14 percent decrease in nesting pairs of the Canada geese and 
-a 9 percent decrease in the total fall population, which continues the 
gradual decline recorded for this species. 
Prior to this year the 
goose population had been characterized by a decrease in the 
Klamath Basin, and an increase in the rest of Northeastern 
California, It was presumed that this condition was brought on 
mainly by agricultural development in the Klamath Basin and a 
wet cycle which furnished more and better habitat in the remainder 
of Northeastern California. If the decline continues on both areas, 
it would seem that over-shooting might be taking place since special 
studies indicate that nesting is fairly successful. 
(2) The number of breeding pairs of ducks decreased 20 percent and 
the total fall population was down 29 percent. There was an indicated 
decrease in all species except gadwall, redhead, and ruddy duck. 
Mallards dropped 42 percent and accounted for most of the over-all 
decrease since it is major species nesting in the State. Botulism in 
the Central Valley last fall and the early spring migration might have 
accounted for the decrease. 
(3) The nesting coot population increased 83 percent and the total 
fall population showed an increase of 44 percent. Some of this 
increase may be due to an increased awareness of the presence of 
