279 
result of chance variation and as such this increase is not considered too signifi- 
cant, A comparison of the average number of young per brood in the various age 
¢lasses as shown in Table II shows the broods to be larger in 1952. However, 
a larger number of non-breeding birds (156) were seen along the coast this year 
than last (66). 
Wood duck production appears to have decreased considerably. A decrease 
of 27.5 percent below last year's brood production figure can be noted. A 
comparable decrease was noted in 1951 when production figures for that year were 
compared to those of 1950. Figures for wood duck box use are not included because 
they are as yet incomplete. 
The ring-necked duck was first found breeding in New Hampshire in 1947 in 
the northern part of the Connecticut River drainage. As a new-comer to the State, 
the number of broods produced each year is relatively few. A slight decrease is 
noted this year but, due to the paucity of broods, this change is not considered to 
be significant, No new breeding locations for this species were discovered this year. 
The goldeneye also reveals a slight decrease in production. Due to the habit 
of goldeneye families breaking up and dispersing, only a conservative estimate of the 
number of broods is possible. The northern section of the State was censused ata 
later date than last year and this is undoubtedly reflected in the number of broods 
seen. The goldeneye still remains a fairly common nesting bird of extreme 
northern New Hampshire. 
The hooded and American mergansers are both found breeding in New Hampshire. 
The American merganser is most common in the northern region while the hooded is 
common throughout the State. No significant change in brood production this year 
over last has been noted for either species. The hooded merganser still remains 
New Hampshire's third most common nesting duck. It should be stated that brood 
figures for the American merganser are no measure of its relative abundance as 
compared with the other species, since the large streams, rivers and lakes where 
it breeds have not been given much attention. 
Two records of mallards breeding within the State were obtained this year. 
One brood seen near Concord was the result of private stocking. A new breeding 
record for this species was obtained when a brood and accompanying female were 
observed in the quiet back-waters of the Magalloway River in the northern section 
of the State. There is a very good chance that this brood is the result of a black 
duck: mallard mating. 
A male pintail was also seen on the Androscoggin River in the northern section, 
giving rise to speculation concerning its status as a possible breeding bird. 
A pair of green-winged teal were seen for the second consecutive year ona 
pond in the White Mountain region but no evidence of a brood was uncovered. 
Summary of Banding Operations 
A limited amount of banding was done during the month of June. A total of 
11 birds were banded, including 10 wood ducks and 1 goldeneye. In all cases the 
birds banded were adult females on a clutch of eggs in wood duck nesting boxes. 
These ducks were banded at 6 different sites around the State. 
