Of 284 water sites censused twice during these surveys, 81 percent 
showed no change or more water during the second coverage as compared 
to the first coverage. During June and early July, above normal 
precipitation was experienced. 
Breeding Population Indices - 
Based on a randomized spot-type sampling system using ground 
methods, the breeding population of mallards and ringnecks remained 
the same as 1953, blue-winged teal and black ducks decreased slightly, 
and wood duck showed a fair increase. It is also worthy of note that 
each year since 1951, a greater percent of the areas visited have been 
occupied (64 percent in 1954). The number of breeding pairs per acre 
was the same as in 1953, but ducks utilized a greater share of the more 
permanent water sites covered by the survey. 
Of the flocked birds observed this year, a greater percent was 
made up of female ducks than in any year since 1951, The implication 
is that due to the heavy rains of late April, some of the birds did not 
breed or they did not re-nest after nest destruction took place. 
Production Indices - 
The following table summarizes the pertinent figures concerning 
the 1954 Wisconsin waterfowl! production picture. Recognizing (1) that 
brood observations were made with relatively high water levels 
existing (2) that the figure on the breeding duck pairs per acre was the 
same as the 1953 high figure (3) that the average brood size remained 
high, as it was in 1953 (4) that a greater percent of the female ducks 
did not nest successfully and (5) that the young per breeding pair of 
ducks showed a substantial decrease, it is concluded that waterfowl 
production in Wisconsin decreased slightly in 1954 from the high 
level existing in 1953. However, compared to the past three years, 
1951-1953, the 1954 production level is good. 
195] 1952 1953 1954 

Pairs per Acre .078 ~092 . 180 . 180 
% Indicated Change - +18 +96 None 
% Female of total 
Flocked Birds 16 19 27 35 
Young / Breeding Pr. 1,46 2.58 2.35 1.51 
% Indicated Change - - + 77 - 9 - 36 
Av. Brood Size 6.5 6.6 7.0 7.0 
% Indicated Change - + 2 + 6 None 

70 
