106 

Table IV - July 8 Brood Count - Strathmore -Calgary Area 
S A Brood Classes 
te Brood Average I II ITI Total 
Pintail 6.6 4 10 12 26 
Mallard 7.9 1 3 7 ll 
Baldpate 7.8 - 4 - 4 
Blue-winged teal 9.0 2 3 = 5 
Gadwall lé.3 - 4 4 
Shoveler 11.3 1 1 3 
Canvasback 7.0 - 1 3 
Totals 8 26 22 56 
Total number of broods - 56 (8.9 per square mile) 
Over-all average brood size - 7.82 
On July 8, pintails in the late Class III stage were definitely very scarce 
in comparison to previous observations throughout this area. On one pothole alone 
where 17 broods had been previously counted, only 6 could be located. The majority 
of these early pintail and mallard broods were on the wing and had moved on, either 
to larger areas or to the north. : 
Observation was extremely difficult in many of the areas due to the rank 
emergent vegetation. As a result of this growth, a great deal of accuracy was 
forfeited, 
The Caron Pothole Area, Saskatchewan 
The study area, four and a quarter square miles in extent, is located in 
the Missouri Couteau approximately fifteen miles southwest of Moose Jaw, 
Saskatchewan. Here the Couteau is rugged and typical knob and kettle topography 
results. Numerous water areas (261), and uncultivated conditions make this area 
very attractive to nesting waterfowl. 
Ducks Unlimited have made annual breeding population and brood counts 
in the area since 1947 - excepting 1949. Results of these counts for the last three 
years are given in Table V. 
The 1952 breeding population and brood production were the greatest of 
which we have record. The most conspicuous gain was recorded for the mallards, 
which tripled their population of the previous two years. Blue-winged teals and 
pintails also showed substantial increases. Since 1950 the number of diving ducks 
has increased, although still comprising a very small part of the total population. 
This probably reflects the improvement in emergent cover, particularly round-stem 
bulrush, which has taken place during the past two years of relatively high water. 
