increased 46 percent, and shovelers 53 
percent; and (c) mallards and other lesser 
dabbling ducks remained nearly constant 
with last year’s indexes. It must be re- 
membered that these comparisons are the 
lowest recorded and increases this year must 
be compared with average numbers to evalu- 
ate their correct worth. 
When compared with long-term averages, 
indexes for 1963 were low by 26 percent 
for dabbling ducks, 2 percent low for diving 
ducks and 54 percent low for scoters. In 
aggregate this decrease was 23 percent, 
Contrary results were registered by three 
species: gadwalls increased 2 percent; 
shovelers increased 9 percent; and lesser 
scaup, particularly abundant in northern 
parklands, increased by 8 percent. 
Total index for parklands this year in- 
dicates that breeding populations are back to 
average conditions, This is not so for the 
short grass prairies where total indexes are 
still 50 percent below the average value. 
Coots are sensitive to water conditions. 
Where coots are found water can be expected 
to persist throughout the season. The return 
of water and coots to some areas may be 
considered good signs. The current index for 
coots increased 165 percent over the 1962 
index, This increase was directly associated 
with areas where water conditions improved, 
primarily in the parklands and secondarily in 
the northeastern prairie. Present index for 
coots is still 30 percent belownormal. Coots 
were not recorded present in stratum C 
during the survey period, 
Early seasons have been relatively mild 
this year. Lack of snow allowed foran early 
spring. As such, waterfowl breeding cycles 
were not delayed in any fashion. Mallards 
and pintails began nesting activities in mid- 
April. The lone drake index, as summarized 
in table E-8, p. 115 gives evidence of these 
conditions. Results of the breeding pair 
survey recorded 85 percent of mallards and 
pintails as lone males, The canvasback lone 
male ratios were near the highest recorded. 
The only facet lacking to confirm an early 
season was the failure to recorda few broods 
along regular aerial transects, However, in 
late May broods were appearing and had been 
recorded by ground study crews, 
Phenologically vegetation was behind pre- 
vious years, This was perhaps due to the 
cooler than usual late Apriland May tempera- 
tures. Aspen were half to three quarters 
leafed during the survey flights over the 
parklands, 
20 
Production Indexes 
The relation between water and ducks is not 
always in direct proportion. The new water 
from summer rain proved of little value to 
breeding populations. Breeding pairs had 
already committed themselves for the current 
season, Those that stayed to nest under 
spring conditions were assured of good to 
excellent brooding habitat. The summer 
habitat was not filledto capacity because inthe 
spring the sceptre of continuing drought was 
evident in southern Alberta, Northern park- 
land habitat was near optimum condition and 
was successful in providing excellent areas 
for breeding waterfowl pairs and their pro- 
duction of broods. 
Compared to last year the total brood index 
(tables F-4, F-5, pp. 137, 138) increased from 
131,000 to 202,000, an increase of 54 percent, 
This is still below average conditions by 15 
percent, The number of broods increased in 
all strata from last year. This increase 
was 82, 50, and 20 percent, respectively, 
for strata A, B and C, Because of number of 
broods involved the parklands remain the 
backbone of the current production. If 
waterfowl populations are to regain their 
higher former position, the short grass 
prairie must also come back into production, 
This was accomplished to some degree this 
year. 
Coots were muchmore evident inthe spring 
counts than in 1962, However, the coot 
brood index showed no change in numbers of 
broods and the current brood index is 62 
percent below average. Apparently, some 
adult coots failed to nest as some were 
observed without broods on small potholes 
during survey flights. Also, on occasion 
flocks of adult coots were noted on larger 
lakes. Perhaps more time is needed for 
the coots to adjust to improved habitat 
conditions. 
Our late nesting index for the past few years 
has been represented by small indexnumbers. 
Therefore, it is improper to draw any con- 
clusion except to state that it is quite low and 
is 60 percent below an 8-year average. 
Incidence of class I broods was low compared 
to class II and III broods, being less than 
5 percent of the total. 
A successful first hatch is paramount for 
a good production year, Phenologically this 
season was normal, Young mallards and 
pintails were flying late in the survey 
period. 
