156 
Goose Production 
Goose production showed a decrease of 61 percent in the Washoe 
Lake area compared to last year's figures. A total of 20 broods was recorded in 
this area totaling 126 young for an average size of 6.3 geese. This is noticeably 
higher than last year's average of 4.9 and considerably higher than the national 
average. Low water levels almost completely reduced the attractive nesting 
islands used in the past in this area and the birds were forced to nest in the less 
desirable meadow land surrounding the lake. The population of non-breeding, 
molting Canada geese at Pyramid Lake showed an increase of nearly 40 percent 
over last year's total of 2,450 geese. The increased use of molting geese at 
Pyramid Lake is probably due to a decrease in nesting birds at Honey Lake, 
Washoe Lake and other surrounding nesting areas. 
Banding Summary 

Unclass- 
Species AM. IM AF IF Loc.M Loc.F ified Total 
Mallard -- 6 5 3 -- as a 14 
Pintail 85 74 89 65 -- -- -- 313 . 
G-w. Teal 34 31 6 19 2 aH -~ . 90 
Cinn., Teal -- 4 1 4 -- -- A 9 
Shoveler 6 l ] ] -- -- eu g 
Baldpate ] -- -- -- =< elec = 1 
Redhead -- -- -- 1 2 aie = 3. 
Ruddy Duck -- 2 -~ 3 -- = a 5 
a =e ____ ee | 
Total 126 118 102 96 2 -- -- 444 
Canada Goose 69 3 72 -- 19 10 -- 173 
Summary 
1. Drought conditions during the past two years have seriously 
reduced nesting habitat. 
2. Stormy weather during the early breeding season retarded 
nesting two to three weeks. 
3. Waterfowl production is about 50 percent of last year's total. ) 
4, A total of 444 ducks and 173 geese was banded during the 
pre-season period, 
