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Refuge, an increase of 16 nests over the last year's total. In that section of the 
river between Homedale and Ontario, there was a decrease of almost 100 percent 
from the 1951 survey. In the Ontario to Olds Ferry area, nest counts showed an 
increase of over 30 percent from the 1951 survey. Because of the high water in 
the Ontario-Olds Ferry area, a recheck was made to determine the nest loss due 
to high water. Of the 110 nests rechecked, 36 had been flooded out. Duck nesting 
on this area was very good, and all evidence pointed to a 10-15 percent increase 
over that of recent years. 
On the Ruby Lake Refuge in Nevada the duck production was about the same 
as that of last year. There was a greater number of broods this year than last, 
but the brood size for all species of nesting ducks dropped from 6.7 young per 
brood last year to 6.3 young per brood this year. Last year the most numerous 
nesters were canvasbacks, redheads, mallards and cinnamon teals. This year, 
redheads were in the lead, followed by canvasbacks, ruddies, mallards and 
cinnamon teals. There were no scaup or pintails observed this year. Itis 
estimated that Canada goose production was down about 50 percent this year as 
determined by the brood counts. There was no botulism or other waterfowl disease, 
and predation was not extensive. 
The breeding duck population figure for the Stillwater Refuge in Nevada was 
higher this year than in 1951, and the 1951 figure was a two-fold increase over that 
of 1950. This increase, in part, can be attributed to the high water conditions which 
afforded additional nesting habitat. In spite of the increased number of nesting pairs, 
however, nesting success was lower, so that there was a slight decrease in the total 
number of young produced. Redheads, cinnamon teals, mallards and gadwalls were 
the principal nesters. Goose broods were few and scattered. While there is 
apparently no predation problem, botulism accounted for the loss of some waterfowl. 
Nesting cover and food conditions on the Bear River Refuge in Utah were 
especially good throughout the period. Because of a late spring, goose nesting was 
two weeks later than usual. But despite the later hatch, goose nesting and brooding 
conditions were considered satisfactory, and the number of young geese produced was 
only slightly below the 1951 figure. Although the total number of duck nests was less 
than that of last year, it is believed that this is merely the reflection of a later season, 
as brood counts made throughout the season indicate an increase in the production of 
most species. In a comparison of brood counts made this year with those of last year, 
it is noted that there are large increases in the production of redheads, ruddies, 
mallards, gadwalls, pintails and shovelers. Fewer coot broods have been observed 
this year than last year. Botulism accounted for the loss of some waterfowl. 
Resident populations of waterfowl on the Malheur Refuge. in Oregon differed 
very little, if at all, from those of last year. Despite high water conditions, there 
was a fairly good hatch of Canada geese, in contrast to the low production of last 
year. The individual clutch success was slightly over 60 percent and the total 
production of geese at Malheur was about two and one-half times that of 1951 and 
It is estimated ‘that there was about a 70 percent 
very similar to that of 1950, 
Duck production was about 8 percent below the 
success for the refuge duck nesting. 
average of the past five years. 
INT.-DUP. SEC., WASH., D.C. 43650 
