271 
Table [V. - Four-Years of Data from Primehook Study Area. 



Number Broods Number Young Average Per Brood 
Species 1951 1952 1953 1954 1951 1952 1953 1954 1951 1952 1953 1954 
a a a a a 
Black zZ 15 16 11 84 96 107 67 7.0 6.7 6.7 6.1 
Wood l 5 1 2 . 6 32 2(inc) 13 6.0 6.4 - 6.5 
B-w. teal l 2 ~ - 8 14 = - 8.0 7.0 - - 
Summary 
An early drought continuing through the summer was the only climatological 
factor influencing waterfowl production. Because of this peak broods appearance was 
‘considerably later than usual. Average brood size was smaller thanin 1953 and 
fewer broods were seen. The probable cause for this was destruction or loss of 
early nests, with considerable numbers of renestings, which normally produce fewer 
young. 
Summer Banding 
This year, for the first time in several years, State personnel did no banding 
on the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Instead, an effort was made to establish 
other locations where banding stations can be operated. As in previous years, there 
was no success in obtaining young ducks from areas where they were known to have 
been produced. Low water caused by the prolonged drought hampered operations and 
as a consequence very few ducks were banded. Table V contains data from the banding 
operation. 
Table V.- Waterfowl Banded in Delaware,-Summer, 1954. 

Adult Immature 
Male | Female Male Female Totals 
Black 8 4 3 1 16 
Mallard Ft 7 10 12 . 36 
B.x M. Hybrid — ee =F ae 
B-w. teal 12 : zm 1 15 
G-w. teal 1 . 1 
Pintail 1 1 
Total 28 12 17 15 72 
