287 
Species Status in 1952 
Measured on Census Areas 
a 
Wood duck 13 percent increase 
Black duck 6 percentincrease 
Ring-necked duck I percent decrease 
Estimated 
Blue-winged teal Slight increase 
American goldeneye No change 
. Green-winged teal Slight decrease 
General Breeding Conditions 
The 1952 breeding season was very satisfactory. The break-up of ice, as 
well as the general phenology, was considerably later than in 1951 and was close 
to that of an average year. Water levels were more constant than a year ago. 
Although flash floods occurred the first week of June, these were largely confined 
to northern and eastern Maine. Moreover, since the nesting cycle was progressing 
at near average dates, the floods caused far fewer losses than those of 1951. This 
year the peak of the black duck hatch had already occurred when the worst of the 
two floods took place on June 7. In the cases of the late nesting ducks (ringnecks 
and teal) their nesting cycle was ina sufficiently early phase to permit re-nesting 
by a considerable number of those birds which did lose nests. 
Nesting Success 
During the nesting study a total of 108 nests was found, nearly all of which 
were of three species -- ring-necked duck, wood duck, and black duck. In all but 
three instances these nests were kept under observation until hatched or destroyed. 
Based on the sample of 105 nests, hatching success for all species was 
66 percent. This is higher than a year ago although it is lower than in the record 
year of 1950. Itis close to the long-term average in Maine. Of special interest, 
however, was the high black duck success (64 percent). This is considerably better 
than in an average year for this duck, which ordinarily suffers greater nest losses 
than any other species in the State. 
Although flood losses were not nearly as serious as last year, this factor 
again was important as a source of nest loss - especially to the ring-necked duck. 
Principal predation was by the semi-aquatic mammals, the raccoon and mink. 
Raccoon depredation was much higher than usual. By contrast the crow (ordinarily 
of considerable importance) was a minor factor in nest losses during 1952. For the 
first time in several years, not a single nest loss could be attributed to the red fox. 
Success of the Season 
Ducklings in Maine experienced one of the best rearing seasons since the 
Unit's waterfowl studies were initiated. Water levels were quite high at hatching 
time, and, although a drought prevailed through all of July, the drop in water levels 
was very gradual. This resulted in excellent cover conditions on most of the 
breeding marshes. 
