
262 
Conclusions 
l. Over-all waterfowl populations were similar at the start of the 1955 
nesting season to those of a year ago. A substantial increase occurred for the 
ring-necked duck. A noticeable decrease was indicated for the wood duck for the 
third consecutive year. A very slight decrease was noted in the black duck, but 
this is not believed to be of significance. 
2. Weather conditions and water levels were much more favorable for 
nesting ducks than they were a year ago. 
3. Nesting success was somewhat better than average, and much 
higher than in 1954, for both the black duck and the ring-neck. 
4. Hatching peaks were considerably advanced from last year and 
were earlier than the 17-year average. 
5. Brood count averages were unusually high for all species and 
indicated a very successful rearing season. 
6. Considering all aspects of the 1955 breeding season, it is believed 
that waterfowl productivity in northern, eastern, and central Maine was materially 
increased over that of 1954, 
