288 
Clutch sizes were larger than a year ago, undoubtedly due in part at least, 
to less re-nesting. Brood sizes, as based on 119 records of complete broods, 
were not only much higher than in 1951 but were higher than the long-term average, 
especially for birds approaching the flying age. The size of Class I broods 
averaged 7.4 ducklings each, while young in the Class III age averaged 6.1 -a 
record high figure during the Maine studies. This would indicate an unusually 
successful rearing season. 
summary 
1. The status of breeding waterfowl in Maine at the start of the 1952 
nesting season was improved for the sixth consecutive year. 
2. Mcre constant water levels and slightly lessened predation resulted 
in higher nesting success than a year ago. 
3. Rearing success of broods was much higher than in 1951, 
4. Considering slightly increased breeding populations, slightly higher 
nesting success, and greatly increased rearing success, it is believed 
that the over-all waterfowl productivity in Maine during 1952 was 
substantially improved over last year. 
