
151 
The breeding duck population showed a 12 percent decrease while the 
fall population was 15 percent below 1954. 
The nesting coot population was down 47 percent while the fall popula- 
tion was 54 percent below last year. 
Banding 
During the summer and fall 18,489 ducks, 2,829 Canada geese and 406 
coots were banded on seven major waterfowl areas prior to September 15. 
Species, sex and age data are presented in the following table; 
Table I. - California Waterfowl Banding Summary, June 15 - September 15, 1955, 
Adult Immature Adult Immature Unclassified 
Species Males Males Females Females Immature Other Total 
Mallard 1,453 923 891 552 - - 3,819 
Gadwall ~ 143 3 154 - - 300 
Pintail 3,699 5,031 1,027 3,618 - - 13,375 
G-w. Teal 64 89 4 30 - _ 187 
Cinn. Teal 12 251 32 173 - ~ 468 
Redhead 7 103 33 94 ; - - 237 
Other Ducks 22 31 22 28 - - 103 
Coots - - - - 25 381 406 
CGC. Goose 1,112 - 1,114 © - 603 - 2, 829 
Nesting Studies 
This year an extensive nesting study was conducted in the Sacramento 
Valley with the object of bringing the basic production data for this area up to 
date. A total of nine study plots scattered throughout the production area was 
covered. Nesting success has decreased somewhat in the past five years. 
