240 
The results of these flights are listed in Table I. The number of broods seen on the 
first three flights remained nearly static, with no significant changes. The increase 
in the number of broods seen on July 9 and 16 is probably due to the fact that more 
broods had reached the Class III stage. These older broods were less inclined to 
seek cover than were young birds and spent more time in open water where they 
could be seen. The flights of June 8 and July 2 are not strictly comparable with 
other flights, however. The one on June 8 was made in late afternoon instead of 
early morning and the July 2 flight was made in late morning. By July 24 it was 
almost impossible to distinguish broods from small groups which may have been the 
chance association of individuals from different broods, or even adult birds. Flocks 
of 15 or more birds were common. 
Table II shows the results of the transects on the other areas, No broods were 
observed on the Choptank and Nanticoke River marshes, Few broods and adults were 
seen on the marshes comprising the Wicomico-Deal Island and Fairmont-Crisfield 
areas. These marshes are moStly the needlerush-salt meadow type and contain few 
ponds that do not drain at low tide. The Taylor Island-Honga River area is a 
continuation of the Blackwater-Elliot Island region over which weekly flights were 
made, 
The results of the flights which were conducted on a shoreline basis are 
summarized in Table III. It should be noted that the figures listed under the totals 
do not include the results of the second flight made in Talbot and Queen Anne 
Counties. These figures are omitted, since it appears that the results of the July 11 
and 15 flights better reflect the actual conditions. By July 24 it was difficult to 
recognize broods, Many birds were flying or had combined to form large groups. 
Nesting Study 
A total of 161 nests were found in the Eastern Bay study area, Seventy-one 
were located on Parson Island, 76 on Bodkin Island, and 14 on the mainland. Of 
the total number, 129 were located in wooded areas. The rest were located in 
marsh sites. 
Nesting began during the last week of March and ended the second week of July. 
The first nest hatched on April 24 and the last nest hatched on August 1. Although 
the hatching dates were spread quite evenly, a slight peak was apparent in May. 
Only 52 of the 161 nests were successful. Fifty-nine nests were destroyed by 
crows, and 13 others are believed to have been destroyed by crows. Twenty-nine 
nests were abandoned by the females. Eight others were flooded by high tides. 
Considering the number of unsuccessful nests, many renests must have occurred, 
Observations indicate that hens may renest three or four times, Renesting may occur 
even if the nest is destroyed during the late stage of incubation. One hen which had 
been marked had her nest destroyed by crows when the eggs were pipped. A week 
later the same hen was found laying another clutch, which was destroyed before it was 
completed. 
Banding 
Between June 19 and August 30, 128 black ducks were banded in Eastern Bay. 
Many of the birds were flightless young. These bandings are listed in Table IV. 
