70 
nests constructed over water but left on dry ground by receding water levels 
were all deserted. Table V is a comparison of nesting success for 4 years, 
Table V - Nesting Success, 1949=1952 
Divers Dabblers Coot 
Percent No. Percent No. Percent No. 
Year Success Nests Success Nests Success Nests 
1949 65.4 78 | 45.8 48 95.9 146 
1950 71.4 35 52.4 21 92.3 65 
1951 86.9 61 56.3 32 100,0 102 
1952 67.9 53 50.0 48 100.0 45 
Summary 
The 1952 breeding season was the driest in 4 years in the Newdale- 
Erickson district. 
Despite a substantial reduction in the number of water areas, there was 
no decrease in the total duck population. Coots continued their downward trend. 
Production dropped 25 percent from the 1951 level. Lower production 
of blue-winged teal and diving ducks was largely responsible for the decline. 
