146 

this bird. Five years ago not too much attention was paid to this 
Species, but each year since then its increasing numbers, and 
aggravating depredation problems have brought it into the 
limelight. That it has increased cannot be denied. It is felt that 
future surveys will indicate more accurately the trend, since 
an attempt was made this year to get an accurate count of coot 
on all areas. 
Nesting Studies 
Duck nesting studies were carried on at Honey Lake, Suisun Marsh and in 
the Grasslands of the north San Joaquin Valley. They are briefly summarized 
below: 

Fate Honey Lake Suisun Marsh Grasslands 
Hatching success 50 percent 48 percent _ 16 percent 
Destroyed by predator 55 48 ut 61 Mf 
Destroyed by cattle 0 " 0 u 6 tk 
Flooded 1 " 0 i 7 " 
Deserted 14 as 4 mM 10 be 
100 percent 100 percent 100 percent 
Total Number of Nests 
Found: 358 29 * 319 
Coot Nesting 

Fate Honey Lake Grasslands 
Hatching success 98 percent | 10 percent 
Destroyed é aA 85 a 
Flooded 0 i 0 “ 
Deserted 0 " 5 " 
100 percent 100 percent 
Total Number of Nests 
Found 143 20 
Banding 
During the summer and fall 16,206 ducks, 1,503 Canada geese and 183 coots 
were banded on six major waterfowl areas prior to September 15. Species, sex 
and age data are presented in the following table: 
