150 

Table IV. - Total of all Brood Classes by Species for Franklin Lake Area 

Species . Broods Young Average 
a a a a a 
Mallard 2 14 7.0 
Gadwall 18 136 7.239 
Cinnamon teal 14 85 6.1 
Redhead 13 78 6.0 
Canvasback | 1 5 5.0 
Total 48 318 6.64 
The Sheldon National Antelope Refuge and Ruby Lakes National Wildlife Refuge 
both report an increase in production of approximately 10 percent. 
Goose Production 
Pyramid Lake - On June 19, 2,627 geese were observed on an aerial count. They 
were in groups of from 4 to 400 within separate areas around the lake except for the 
south half of the west side. The congregation of groups ranged from 100 birds to 
1,155 birds. No young were observed, all birds being fully feathered. They were 
not pressed to determine what percent was molting and flightless, 
Washoe Lake - Washoe Lake was covered on June 18, but high winds prevented 
covering anything but some of the nesting islands. A check of 54 nests revealed that 
22 contained no unbroken eggs; 10 contained 2 unbroken eggs with 13 and 14 eggs 
being found at 2 nest sites. The 54 nests contained a total of 118 eggs for an average 
of 2.18 unbroken eggs per nest. Again wave action and high water are believed to be 
the main cause of unsuccessful nests or incomplete hatching of clutch, 
On July 10 a check of the Lake was made and 363 young were seen accompanied 
by 94 adults for an average of 3.86 young per adult. 
Summary 
The breeding population this season was higher than that of the previous 
season, 
Water conditions were not as good as last year, but were in general better 
than for the 1949 through 1951 period. 
Gadwall production was lower on all areas checked with an average decrease 
of 66 percent in numbers of broods seen and 55 percent decrease in numbers of 
young seen. 
Based on the brood data gathered this season the species in order by number 
of young seen was redhead, cinnamon teal, gadwall, mallard, ruddy duck, baldpate, 
pintail, scaup and green-winged teal. 
Banding was carried on for a 2 week period during September with a total of 
316 ducks being banded. 
