e 229 
Much of our brood work, particularly second and third counts, was 
eliminated in order that we could emphasize the banding program. However, 
fortunately three counts were made in two areas and the data illustrate the scarcity 
of broods. 
Robert I. Benson made brood counts during June, July, and August in 
Area IX in 1953 and 1954 on transect routes in Big Stone and Pope Counties. On 
the Big Stone County route, which is 26 miles long and which contains approximately 
65 water areas, only one duck brood was seen this year compared with 22 broods 
in 1953. Coots were much scarcer than previously, 
The Pope County route is 27 miles long and contains about 70 water areas. 
Six duck broods were counted this year compared with eight broods in 1953. The 
‘change is not great but the data illustrate a very low production for both years. 
Mr. Benson conducted an intensive study of 15 small water areas in Pope County 
during 1950, 1951 and 1952, and waterfowl production was found to be very low 
during these years. 
William H. Longley made three brood counts on waterfowl areas in Area XII. 
His comments regarding Oak Glen Lake, Steele County, are quoted as follows: 
"There seems to be little possibility of comparing the 1953 and 1954 data with 
preceding years' data in more than a general way, because of the change of methods. 
Some things are apparent, however. The number of broods at Oak Glen and the 
variety of species nesting near there have diminished. Drainage has removed much 
nesting cover and many 'territorial' water areas, Dry weather also appears to be 
having some effect as some small sloughs dried up noticeably earlier this year. In 
1950, I counted 22 broods from shore at Oak Glen. In 1951, fourteen broods were 
seen. Since then only six or seven have been found there each year even though an 
extra count has been made in the last three years." 
Extensive brood work was done this summer on the Roseau River Refuge as 
part of the study of that area. However, the data probably do not represent that 
general part of the State due to changes in conditions of such a newly flooded area. 
Banding 
Four banding crews worked in Minnesota during July and August. A total 
of 2961 waterfowl was banded. The breakdown by species is as follows: blue-winged 
teal, 2162; mallard, 260; ringneck, 168; redhead, 99; baldpate, 58; canvasback, 54; 
pintail, 45; shoveler, 32; gadwall, 22; green-winged teal, 9. 
