62 
Brood Production 
The first brood census in 1954 was taken on July 13-17, and the final count 
on August 4-6, both approximately the same time as in 1953 and about ten days later 
than in 1952. Only 38 broods were found on the July count of which 19 were 
mallards. Total brood production for 1954 was calculated three different ways. The 
first method consisted of adding all broods from the July census to Class Ia, Ib, Ic and 
IIa broods observed on the August count. This calculation yielded only 82 broods and 
is believed to be too low due to very high water levels, abundance of temporary 
water areas and occurrence of rank vegetation standing in water during the July 
count. 
In the second method, we added only Class III broods from the July count to 
all broods (except flyers), from the August census, to give a total of 95 broods. 
The final census on August 4-6 yielded 97 broods including four flying broods 
and this is the figure we used for 1954 production. Due to "telescoping" of the 
nesting season, 1954 seems to be one year where one brood count made early in 
August would have yielded close to total production on the study area and general 
vicinity. 
Total brood production in 1954 compared to the past two years is illustrated 
in Table VI. 
Table VI. - Brood Population (Total Calculated Production). 
Percent Decrease 

1952 1953 1954 in 1954* 
Mallard 122 101 45 60% 
Blue -winged teal 62 63 21 66% 
Pinitail 19 20 5 75% 
Baldpate 12 18 6. 60% 
Green-winged teal 14 6 4 60% 
Canvasback 9 19 7 50% 
Lesser Scaup Z 8 2 60% 
Shoveler 6 6 5 17% 
Gadwall Z 2 0 - 
Ring-necked 1 1 0 - 
Redhead 0 2 2 0 
Total 249 246 97 61% 
Remaining potential** 14 17 16 - 
* Percent decrease from 1952-1953 average. These years the Redvers 
Area was considered to be a nearly maximum carrying capacity. 
** Remaining potential includes pairs, lone drakes and lone females on area. 
