234 
. Data Collected, .. 
5 es cap co vo or ‘hag 
In collecting and tabulating the data, a classification of the State by natural 
divisions has again been used. A map showing the divisions is included (See Map 1). 
The data consists largely of the number of broods and potential broods observed in 
each of the divisions. These figures are shown in Table I, and include totals for 
1952 and 1953 for areas visited both years. Under broods are included the number 
of broods. actually observed, whether complete or incomplete. Under potential 
broods are all probable broods as indicated by groups of immature ducks, and 
possible broods as indicated by actions of maternal females. The figures on 
potential broods are included simply because they may represent a better measure- 
ment of production than is indicated by the total of reasonably sure broods. 
Weather and Water Conditions 
The spring of 1953 was characterized by cold, rainy weather. Flood conditions 
prevailed in many sections during the early part of the nesting season. Heavy snow- 
storms in early May in the Northern region caught many ducks that were already 
nesting. Water levels stabilized in early June at a somewhat higher level than in 1952, 
July and August saw drought conditions grip the State and many small areas dried up. 
Aquatic and marsh vegetation was retarded in the early part of the nesting season and 
observation during this period was especially good. 
Breeding Population Trends 
Early in the survey it was anticipated that due to the degree of renesting having 
been carried out because of high water conditions, the clutches would average smaller 
than in 1952, This factor when combined with the natural mortality occurring in 
broods would materially reduce the average brood size for all age classes. 
Examination of the figures in Table I reveal increases in all species ona 
State-wide basis with the exception of the Black Duck and Goldeneye. Here a 10 
percent reduction in Black Ducks and a 1 percent reduction m Goldeneyes can be 
noted. 
Wood ducks showed a marked increase of 43 percent over their 1952 production 
level, having reversed their downward trend of the past 2 years. The brood production 
of this species this year now compares favorably to the population estimates made 
prior to the decrease begun in 1951, 
The sampling methods as carried on during the past 4 years have proved to be 
accurate enough to indicate what they were intended to show; namely, the approximate 
relative abundance of the different species and any production trends that might occur. 
Using Tables I and II, a breakdown of the data pertinent to each species yields 
the following information: _ 
1. Black Duck - A total of 88 broods in 1952; 80 in 1953. 
The Black Duck has shown a slight reduction (10 percent) from last year's 
level. However, this may be the result of chance variation and as such this decrease 
is not considered too significant. A comparison of the average number of young per 
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