BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 9999 06317 794 1 WATERFOWL STATUS REPORT, 1975 Special Scientific Report— Wildlife No. 226 WATERFOWL STATUS REPORT, 1976 Special Scientific Report— Wildlife No. 227 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE So- DocUta< SEP 23 $0 NOTE: Use of trade names does not imply U.S. Government endorsement of commercial products. WATERFOWL STATUS REPORT, 1975 Compiled and edited by James R. Goldsberry Sharon L. Rhoades Lonnie D. Schroeder Morton M. Smith UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Special Scientific Report— Wildlife No. 226 Washington, D.C. • 1980 Contents Page Winter Survey 1 Pacific Flyway 1 Central Flyway 1 Mississippi Flyway 2 Atlantic Flyway 2 Mexico 3 Breeding Ground Survey 4 Alaska and the Yukon Territory 4 Northern Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories 5 Northern Saskatchewan, Northern Manitoba, and the Saskatchewan River Delta 5 Southern Alberta 6 Southern Saskatchewan 8 Southern Manitoba 10 North and South Dakota 11 Montana 13 Washington 14 Colorado 14 Wisconsin 14 Iowa 15 Nebraska 16 Waterfowl Harvest Surveys 16 Procedures 16 Results 16 Appendix A. Waterfowl Winter Survey Tables 20 Appendix B. Waterfowl Breeding Ground Survey Tables 30 Appendix C. Waterfowl Harvest Survey Tables 48 Waterfowl Status Report, 1975 Compiled and Edited by James R. Goldsberry, Sharon L. Rhoades, Lonnie D. Schroeder, and Morton M. Smith U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Migratory Bird Management Section of Waterfowl Population Surveys Laurel, Maryland 20811 This report contains information obtained from the 1974-75 midwinter waterfowl survey, the 1975 water- fowl breeding population and production surveys, and the waterfowl harvest surveys for the 1974-75 hunting season. The information was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and cooperating State natural resource agencies. The winter surveys section is composed of the mid- winter survey reports from United States and Mexico. The breeding ground surveys section is composed of reports from breeding ground surveys conducted in the United States and Canada. The waterfowl harvest survey provides estimates of waterfowl hunting activ- ity and success in the United States. Information from these surveys is used in developing annual population estimates of waterfowl in North America and is instru- mental in developing annual waterfowl hunting regulations. Winter Survey Each year during January, a survey of waterfowl on their wintering grounds is completed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service with assistance from State conservation departments, other Federal agencies, and private individuals. All important waterfowl wintering areas in the United States are surveyed. Data provided in the present report are comparable to previous years unless other- wise noted. This survey primarily monitors annual changes in waterfowl distribution on the wintering grounds within the United States, and indicates an- nual population trends. The survey has additional importance in providing the only annual population estimate for some waterfowl species. An aerial survey covering a portion of the west coast, central highlands, and east coast of Mexico is conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service every 5 years. Pacific Flyway Data supplied by John E. Chattin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The annual winter waterfowl survey started 6 January 1975 and was completed within the week, except for delays experienced in parts of the Columbia Basin and Pacific Northwest. Marginal weather for aerial flights occurred in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Utah, and significant numbers of birds may have been missed due to delays and poor visibility (See Table A-l). Central Flyway Data supplied by Harvey W. Miller, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The midwinter surveys of ducks in the Central Flyway were scheduled for 6-10 January 1975. Most States reported that conditions were nearly ideal until a mid-continent storm system moved down the Flyway 9-12 January. This system brought severe bliz- zards as far south as Kansas, snow to the Gulf Coast, and subfreezing temperatures to the lower Rio Grande Valley. Surveys in Wyoming could not be completed and others were delayed to as late as 24 January in Montana. Most States reported unusually mild weather before the surveys. Texas, Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico reported above-average precipitation in late 1974 and an abundance of water areas including many outside surveyed areas. Ducks were generally scat- tered because of this water and because of greater pro- portions of ice-free water in the northern States. Estimates of populations of geese in the Central Flyway are obtained from surveys conducted in mid- December. Conditions were nearly ideal during the scheduled period of 16-20 December 1974, and all surveys were completed on time with a minimum of operational problems. The estimated populations of ducks were considered low in several States because of conditions at the time of the surveys. Also included are comparisons of the estimates with those of previous years and the distri- bution of waterfowl among the States (see Table A-2). Mississippi Fly way Data supplied by Kenneth Gamble, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service This year*s survey was scheduled for the week of 6- 10 January 1975. Inclement weather caused delays in some areas and prevented counts in others. Problems associated with flooding also were encountered. Overall population estimates are difficult to eval- uate because of the incomplete flyway coverage. Most dabblers were down, although mallards {Anas platy- rhynchos) and black ducks (Anas rubripes) increased 39 and 47%, respectively. Both mallards and black ducks are still below the 10-year average, however. Blue-winged teal (Anas discors) were down 49% over last year, but still 60% above the 10-year average. Among divers, both redheads (Aythya americana) and scaup (A marila and A affinis) showed marked declines, but some of the major concentration areas for these species could not be surveyed this year because of adverse weather conditions. Canvasbacks (A. valis- ineria) were up 137% over last year and 60% above the 10-year average. The total goose estimate was down 7% over last year and up 6% in comparison with the 10-year mean. Only Canada geese (Branta canadensis) registered gains in both categories. Coots (Fulica americana) were up 46% and were 68% above the average (See Table A-3). Summaries and evaluations of the 1975 survey by re- gional cooperators are shown below: Region 3.— The survey was conducted, for the most part, during the assigned period of 6-10 January 1975. The counts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and on Pools 12- 15 of the Mississippi River in Illinois were delayed until the week of 13-17 January because of inclement weather. The late count in those States had no appre- ciable effect on the outcome of the survey. The area covered by the survey was comparable to previous years in all of the States. Region 6, Iowa.— Many counties were snow-covered with most water areas frozen over. Possibly some counties were not surveyed because of prior knowledge of water areas and waterfowl use. Many negative reports were received and probably some counties were not thoroughly checked. Snow cover and low tem- peratures moved most birds out of Iowa before the January inventory. Due to restricted areas available to waterfowl, the inventory figures are believed to be accurate. Region 6, Missouri.— Unseasonably mild weather prevailed over most of the State throughout the survey period. Only the extreme northwest corner of the State was ice- and snow-covered, although freeze- up had occurred over most of the State in late Decem- ber. Ducks and geese were scattered; thus counts are considered minimal. Region 4. —Adverse weather conditions (high winds, rain, and fog) either delayed or prevented completion of surveys in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Flooded conditions in West Tennessee and some sections of Mississippi also existed during the survey period. Surveys in Louisiana were incomplete along coastal bays and lakes where large concentrations of scaup usually occur. The Ouachita and Boeuf rivers in north- east Louisiana that usually have large concentrations of waterfowl were not surveyed due to adverse weather. Many shallow-water areas in Arkansas were ice- covered, forcing birds into large open-water areas. This resulted in improved observation conditions. Only about 70% of the survey units in Mississippi were completed. Flooded bottomland made duck concentrations difficult to locate (see Table A-3). A tlantic Flyway Data supplied by Warren Blandin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The survey was scheduled for 6-12 January. Most States completed their inventories within the week, but some exceptions were noted. Inclement weather in western New York extended that State's survey period to 21 January. Vermont personnel were unavail- able for survey work until 15 January; several north- ern States operated until 14-15 January because of intermittent inclement weather. Wind, rain, and fog delayed surveys until 14 January in Florida and Georgia, and 5% of South Carolina's survey was not completed because of unfavorable weather. Weather was relatively mild; little ice cover was reported. Lack of snow cover in northern States resulted in more field feeding by waterfowl. The in- creased dispersion of birds probably resulted in a pro- portionally lower population count than in years of severe ice conditions. Strong winds and high wave conditions may have had an adverse effect on Florida canvasback counts. An unusual concentration of 56,000 redheads was observed along Florida's Gulf Coast due west of Gainesville in Dixie County. Compared with the 1974 survey, reductions occurred in the number of airplanes, cars, boats, and non-State or Federal participants (16). However, total kilometers covered increased from 48,871 in 1974 to 62,842. Most of the 13,971 additional kilometers were covered by air. Dabbling ducks showed a 21% decline from the 10- year average. This marks the 3rd consecutive year that all species of dabblers have fallen below the long- term average. Black ducks were 19% below the average; mallards 16% below; wigeons (Mareca amer- icana) 15% below; and pintails (Anas acuta) 42% below. Compared with 1974, black ducks decreased in the counts by 3%, mallards increased by 3%, pintails increased by 2%, and wigeons increased by 27%. The 1975 black duck count is the lowest on record. Although 19% below the 1965-74 average count, the 1975 survey figure is 35% below the 1955-64 average. A consistent downward trend in black duck wintering populations is evident. Diving ducks were 3% below the long-term average but 15% above the 1974 survey counts. An increase of 39% in scaup accounted for most of the 1975 gain in diving ducks. Redheads declined 24% compared with 1974; canvasbacks increased 4%. Ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris) declined 24% to their lowest count in 20 years (48,679) and were 46% below the 10-year average. Goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) increased 22% compared with 1974, but were 31% below the 10- year average. Eiders (Somateria spp.) declined 8% compared with the 1974 survey figures; scoters (Melanitta spp. and Oidemia nigra) decreased 31%. Both species combined were 34% below the 10-year average. Canada goose counts exceeded 800,000 birds for the first time in the survey, an increase over 1974 of 8% and 24% above the 10-year average. Snow geese (Chen hyperborea) declined 26%, but remained 22% above the 10-year average. Brant (Branta bernicla) showed no change compared with 1974, but were 36% below the 10-year average. Whistling swans (Olor columbianus) increased 4% over 1974 and were 14% above the 10-year average. Coots, though increasing 70% above 1974 counts, were 17% below the 10-year average. Total waterfowl numbers increased 4% over 1974 and were uncnaiiged compared with the 10-year average. The species showing substantial relative increases (10 + %) compared with 1974 were wigeon, scaup, goldeneye, and mergansers (Mergus spp.). Numerically, wigeon, scaup, and Canada geese made the most significant contributions to the total water- fowl population increase in 1975 (see Table A-4). Mexico Data supplied by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service For the first time since 1970 surveys of wintering waterfowl were conducted in all three major units in Mexico. The winter survey was begun in mid-January and completed by the end of the month. The three major survey units are (1) east coast from the Rio Grande Delta to the Yucatan Peninsula, (2) central interior highlands from Juarez to Mexico City, and (3) the west coast of mainland Mexico from Mexicali to Puerto Vallarta and both coasts of Baja California. The hours flown and approximate kilometers covered during the survey of Mexico are given below: Kilo- Flying hours meters to complete Major area Survey dates flown survey East coast January 19-31 7,097 Highlands January 13-30 7,097 West coast January 14-23 7,097 Totals 21,291 40 35 35 110 The surveys in Mexico are used in conjunction with the winter survey in the United States in determining the distribution and relative abundance of various waterfowl species, plus cranes (Grus spp.) and brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), in North America. The survey also provides a general impression of waterfowl habitat conditions in Mexico and habitat changes that are occurring there. Weather, Habitat, and Populations East coast— Completion of the east coast survey was delayed due to very poor weather conditions. Habitat conditions in the Rio Grande Delta were only fair, but water levels and habitat condition along the remainder of the entire coast to the Yucatan Peninsula were good. Oil pollution was again evident in the Tampico region and in the vicinity of Minatitlan and Tabasco. Newly constructed oil catch basins were noted in the Tabasco area, however. The last com- parable year for this survey unit was 1970. Overall waterfowl populations were up 12%. Ducks were down 6%, geese up 248%, and coots up 31%. Blue-winged teal were up 45% and redheads were up 464% over 1970. Five sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) and 472 brown pelicans were observed. Highlands.— The Highlands crew was forced to omit 10 areas from the survey because of bad weather. Seven of the 10 areas play an important part in the central highlands survey and their omission resulted in a lower number of waterfowl being recorded there in January 1975. As a result, direct comparison with the 1970 figures was inappropriate. In this report only those areas covered in both 1970 and 1975 were com- pared. Ducks, geese, and total waterfowl all increased in the comparisons made. The duck increase resulted primarily from a large gain in pintail numbers. All diving ducks declined in the 1975 comparison but we know some of the unsurveyed areas in the South would have improved the count for the diver group. White- fronted geese (Anser albifrons) showed considerable gains whereas snow geese showed moderate losses. Water levels in the northern part of the Highlands area were generally well above normal. The areas farther south had normal to above-normal water levels, but there were some areas where levels were very low. Overall habitat conditions of the central highlands are considered favorable with few changes from 1970. West coast.— The west coast survey was completed in 9 days and survey conditions were considered op- timum. The crew considered the 1975 effort to be the most accurate census in several years. Changes in habitat have taken place in recent years. On the mainland large areas have been put into grain produc- tion and waterfowl use has increased in such places. Irrigation is necessary for farming in many areas along the west coast of Mexico. To provide the needed irrigation water, large upstream storage reservoirs were constructed. Downstream water flows from such reservoirs are frequently insufficient and some coastal marshes and river deltas are being rendered unsuitable for waterfowl. There is a continuing degradation of waterfowl habitat along the upper west mainland coast of Mexico. On Baja California two major changes are oc- curring that will affect waterfowl habitat. The first of these results from the paved highway that now trav- erses the length of the peninsula providing access to Baja for many more people. Second are those new laws making it much easier for U.S. citizens to lease land and develop it in Baja California. These changes will increase recreational activity and there is a potential for increased hunting of waterfowl wintering on the Baja— particularly the black brant (Branta nigricans). The west coast of Mexico is surveyed annually, pri- marily to keep tab on the black brant. As a result, waterfowl census data are available for comparison from 1960 through 1974. But to maintain uniformity in this report, the 1975 counts for west coast areas are compared with those from 1970. Total ducks on the west coast were up 137% over 1970. Total geese (except brant) were 16% below the numbers recorded in 1970. Brant numbers were 6% below 1974, 12% be- low 1970, and 11% below the 10-year average (see Table A-5). Breeding Ground Survey Aerial surveys of waterfowl breeding populations and production were developed in the late 1940's by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to monitor the status of habitat and waterfowl, primarily ducks, over a large portion of their breeding grounds in North America. Annual information in this regard is essen- tial for effective management of this resource. Cur- rently, waterfowl population and habitat changes are surveyed over about 3.4 million square kilometers of breeding habitat within portions of Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, the Northwest Territories, the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Montana. In addition to the Service's annual breeding ground survey, a number of States conduct a similar survey. State reports that have been submitted to the Service are incorporated herein. The procedures followed in conducting the breeding ground surveys are presented in the Service's stand- ard operating procedures for aerial waterfowl breeding ground population and habitat surveys (1977). Alaska and the Yukon Territory Data supplied by James G. King and Don Fortenberry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions Weather conditions for Alaska were near normal this year. In the Interior (tiaga) strata, conditions were at the long-term mean with little runoff. A few days of 27 °C weather early in May melted most of the snow. In the western strata (tundra), spring was slightly later than average except on the northwest coast (Seward Peninsula) where it was a late spring. Flood- ing was confined to the mainstream of the Yukon River where an ice jam just above the Delta backed up water for 121 kilometers, flooding the lower Innoko Valley. The Innoko River did not flood and the water receded rapidly, leaving plenty of nest sites available by the time of the survey. With habitat not affected by either the local flooding or late thaw in the northwest, good production is possible. Breeding Populations (Table B-l) The survey was conducted from 22 May to 13 June 1975. The overall population index is down 30% from last year and 15% from the 10-year average. It is felt that the change of aircraft, the change of observers, and other survey problems may account for some of the indicated decrease for some species. Nevertheless, a true decrease is indicated. We believe the decrease to be more like 20% than the indicated 30%. American wigeon were down 51% from last year and 31% from the average, a true decrease of about 50%. Green- winged teal (Anas carolinensis) were down 74% and 58%, apparently a true decrease. Shovelers (Spatula clypeata) were down 71% and 43%, respectively; the decrease appears inflated and may actually be about 25%. Pintails were down 29% and 20%, respectively; the decrease appears inflated by about 33%. Canvas- backs were down 52% from last year and 52% from the average. We suspect the decrease is only half that indi- cated. Scaup were up 4% from 1974 and 5% above the average. We feel scaup may actually have decreased slightly. Goldeneyes were up 15% and 13%, indicating a slight increase for this species. Buffleheads (Buceph- ala albeola) were down 32% from 1974 and 2% from average, another inflated decrease that should probably be no more than 10%. The sample of eider is too small to draw any conclusion. Scoters were down 25% and 15%; a true decrease as indicated. The sample of merganser is too small to draw any conclusion. Northern Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories Data supplied by James F. Voelzer and G. Hortin Jensen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suspect, due mainly to the relatively few individuals normally encountered. An addition or subtraction of only a few canvasbacks encountered in any given year can, if noted in the right stratum, give an unrealistic change. We felt that this situation occurred this year and that the indicated change is not realistic. An increase is warranted, but perhaps something less than the 133% indicated. Overall, it appears that this year's potential for duck production compares favorably with the 10-year average and 10-20% above 1974. Mallards and green- winged teal are normal and pintails and scaup look strong. Oldsquaws (Clangula hyemalis) have decreased markedly and will likely have to await next year's survey for a judgment to be made. Such a large decrease is suspect. Some northern transects were not flown due to poor weather and this probably con- tributed to the indicated decrease in oldsquaws. Because of poor weather conditions, we were unable to survey areas of swan (Olor spp.) and white-fronted geese concentrations. Canada geese, however, were 160% above 1974 and 72% above the 10-year average. Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions The progression of the spring season was delayed as much as 2 weeks in the northern Alberta portion of the survey area, becoming more seasonal farther north. At Norman Wells spring breakup along the Mackenzie River and over the surrounding landmass was normal. This factor seemed to provide breeding birds with an escape from the more winter-like southland. Waterfowl populations, although down in numbers in the more normally preferred northern Alberta section, were increased considerably in the vast Northwest Terri- tories, except the Arctic coastal areas and the Mac- kenzie Delta. It appears that due to the late seasonal development in the prairies, many birds chose to overfly and settle in the Northwest Territories. Water levels in the Athabasca Delta were much below the high levels of 1974. However, habitat condi- tions for nesting were optimum and excellent produc- tion from that area can be expected. Breeding Populations (Table B-2) Results of the survey compared with 1974 and the 10-year average, respectively, are as follows (rounded to nearest whole percent): Mallards, +8% and +1%; wigeon, +12% and -12%; blue-winged teal, +125%; dabblers, +22% and +10%; and divers, +12% and +9%. Miscellaneous ducks were -18% and -21%; total ducks indicated a modest change of + 10% and +4%. The large increase in blue-winged teal is an indicator of an overflight from the delayed opening in the prairies to the more normal season farther north. A corresponding increase in canvasback numbers is Northern Sasketchewan, Northern Manitoba, and the Saskatchewan River Delta Data supplied by Arthur R. Brazda and Richard A. Gimby, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions The fall of 1974 was dry and the winter of 1974-75 was mild and generally "snowless." Carryover of water from the extremely high levels experienced during the summer of 1974 created good to near- optimum habitat conditions in most strata. May 1975 was generally cold and very wet. Vege- tative development was retarded by at least 2 weeks, and temperatures were below normal with numerous rainy periods. Snow fell intermittently throughout May in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with Flin Flon, Manitoba, receiving 26 centimeters on about 22 May. The severe adverse weather was of short duration, but the wet, cool extended weather period undoubtedly affected nesting activities. Breeding Populations (Table B-3) The survey was initiated on 13 May and was com- pleted on 12 June 1975. Total ducks increased 14% above 1974, but were 12% below the 10-year average. Dabbling ducks were up 21% above 1974, but were 35% below the 10-year average. Diving ducks were 3% below 1974 and 4% above the 10-year average. Of the dabblers, green-winged teal were down 15% from 1974 and 4% from the 10-year average. All other dabblers indicated substantial increases over 1974, but remained well below the 10-year average. Mallards were 17% above 1974 and 38% below the 10-year average; pintails, +121% and -18%; blue-winged teal, + 199% and -44%; gadwalls [Anas strepera), +13% and -63%; shovelers, +173% and -14%; and American wigeon, +3% and -40%. Diving ducks, except for scaup, indicated more fluc- tuation than the dabblers from 1974, but remained well below the long-term average. Redheads were 234% above the previous year and 57% below the 10- year average; canvasbacks, +214% and -49%; scaup, -11% and -23%; ring-necked ducks, +62% and -9%; goldeneyes, -28% and -16%; buffleheads, -11% and + 2%; and ruddy ducks, -63% and -87%. Canada geese were found in all strata resulting in a 45% increase over 1974, but remained 23% below the average. Coot were up 155% over 1974, but 55% below the average. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions Weather conditions during much of May were, at best, marginal with slightly below normal tem- peratures and several short periods of drizzling rain, turning to snow in the more northerly portions of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. June and July, however, were warm with occasional very hot periods in July, when temperatures ranged between 27° to 35 °C. These warm temperatures produced a luxuriant growth of vegetation. Water levels dropped during June and July and many shallow ponds and string bogs were dry, or nearly so, at the conclusion of the survey. Since the termination of the survey, hot, dry weather has lowered water levels even more. For the most part, however, water levels were adequate and overall habitat conditions ranged from fair to excellent. The situation on the Grand Rapids Hydro-Electric Project reservoir was no different than it has been in the past. The potentially prime nesting areas are on the west and more shallow side of the reservoir. A high breeding pair index has been recorded each year on the breeding pair survey. Some time after the survey these islands are inundated, flooding the nesting sites and resulting in a loss of production. Production (Table B-3) The survey was conducted between 8 and 23 July 1975. The duck brood index for 1975 was 59,000. Com- paring 1975 strata with like areas surveyed in 1974, a 25.5% increase in broods was observed. West-central Saskatchewan, stratum 22, and northeastern Sas- katchewan, stratum 23, indicated increases of 8,000 and 7,000 broods, respectively; the Saskatchewan River Delta, stratum 25, was down 3,000 broods from 1974. Ducks Unlimited data for the Saskatchewan River Delta area also suggested a decrease in broods from the previous year. Class II and III broods in stratum 22 averaged 7.4 ducklings per brood, which was well above the current year's brood average of 6.2. Brood classification data indicated a class I brood index for 1975 of 41.9%, compared with 38.1% for 1974. Class II and III broods made up 89.4% of the broods observed in 1975 and 84.0% of those recorded in 1974, suggesting a close similarity of the production effort for the 2 years. Observations indicate that the first nesting attempt of the early nesting species was less successful than normal. Near the conclusion of the production survey, Class I broods of mallards and occasionally pintails were being recorded. The coot brood index of 4,000 was 33.3% less than 1974; however, we believe that coot production was very good. Canada goose data are not projected to give an esti- mate of production for these strata. Four broods were observed, three with four goslings each, and one with three goslings. The late nesting index for mallards for 1975 was 100% above 1974; for all remaining dabblers, the index was 43% below the previous year. All species of divers were 84% above 1974. No comparison was made in the narrative with the 10-year average late-nesting index because the appropriate stratum cannot be separated at this time for the years before 1974. Southern Alberta Data supplied by K. Duane Norman and J. Mike Cox, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions The first killing frost of the year occurred in Calgary on 10 September but did not occur in Edmonton until 28 September. September generally was mild and wet from Red Deer south but was rather cool farther north. October and November throughout southern Alberta was warm and dry. December continued mild and drier than normal. Most of the 21 centimeters of snow falling during the month in Edmonton fell during the 21-22 December storm. January initially continued to be mild. Precipitation for the month in Calgary was only 75% of normal and was 50% of normal in Edmonton. February was cold but moderated toward the end of the month. Snowfall in Calgary for the first time exceeded the monthly average. Accumulations in Edmonton from September totaled 67 centimeters compared with 167 centimeters in 1974. Accumulations in Calgary were slightly below normal. March in southern Alberta was cool with slightly below normal temperatures. Snowfall was near normal in Edmonton but was almost 13 centimeters above normal in Calgary. April continued cool through the first half of the month making this the coolest April since 1967. Rain and snowfall were slightly above normal. Temperatures during May were near normal or just below normal. During the first 10 days in Calgary, rain, snow, and fog were encountered. Bright sunshiny days followed although 8 centimeters of snow fell during mid-month near Medicine Hat and 3 centimeters in Calgary. This was nearly a duplication of 1974 mid-month weather. On 1 May snow was prevalent in the west hills be- tween Pincher Creek and Calgary. Although the streams and rivers were ice-free, large chunks of ice remained along their banks. Most of the larger lakes were still frozen over, but by the time the survey was initiated ice on these lakes had become honeycombed. By the end of the survey some ice still remained on Sylvan Lake near Red Deer, but Cold Lake and Frog Lake much farther north and east had been ice-free for more than a week. Although the aspen (Populus spp.) was only partly leafed or just in the bud stage in strata 28 and 29, it was fully leafed in the eastern extremities of strata 26 and 27 and was about half-leafed in the western areas. The lack of the normal amount of emergent vegetation was apparent until we reached stratum 27. In some of the type III wetlands in stratum 26, the vegetation had reached heights exceeding 15 centimeters above the water. In stratum 29, water and ducks appeared in great abundance. Most of the water, however, was of a ten- uous nature. A few warm days accompanied with mod- erately strong winds soon disposes of sheet water and temporary wetlands. The more permanent wetlands improved in quality since 1974 not because of winter snow accumulation but because of spring rains. Arti- ficial wetlands and roadside ditches played an impor- tant role in waterfowl production and survival. Pakowki Lake had water throughout its basin this year for the first time in 10 years. Excellent habitat was found in the Milk River Ridge and in the foothills west of Lethbridge. At the time of our survey, Lake Newell and Glenmore Reservoir were ice-covered except along the lake margins which were receiving heavy use by waterfowl. The ice on McGregor Lake had just gone out and the lake was receiving little waterfowl use, but a few days before our actual survey in the stratum it was receiving heavy use by ducks and geese. Permanent wetlands appeared to be rather scarce but the rangeland was in good condition. When the rains ceased, the farmers were active with plowing and seeding. The important wetlands again were within an 81 -kilometer radius of Calgary and in the Brooks-Tilley area. Stratum 27 contained some very good wetlands with an abundance of temporary water. The knob and kettle habitat west of Hanna was in excellent condition and contained a good population of ducks. The wetlands in the Wintering Hills and Handhills will provide good nesting and brood habitat. Sullivan Lake was full as was Kirkpatrick Lake for the first time in 10 years. The habitat in stratum 26 was generally good having changed only slightly since 1974. The Neutral Hills habitat was excellent. The Gough Slough-Marion Lake area also was very good. Most of the large water bodies were filled to capacity but the habitat tended to become drier north of Camrose and Vegreville. Unlike last year, most of the rivers and streams were well within their banks and below flood stage. After adjusting the data for visibility bias, the de- crease in the pond index from last year was near 36%. Greatest losses occurred in strata 26 and 27, but there was still adequate nesting and brood habitat available. Last year was an extremely wet year as the data indi- cate. When we compare the pond index with the average, this year's index is well above average. Breeding Population (Table B-4) The survey began on 10 May and ended 21 May 1975. Total ducks decreased 15% from last year but are still 16% above the long-term average. Puddle ducks decreased 20% from 1974. Gadwalls (-39%), green-winged teal (-43%), and pintails (-27%) showed the largest declines. Blue- winged teal and shovelers de- creased less and were well above average population levels. Divers increased 20% and buffleheads ( + 116%), redheads ( + 74%), and ringnecks ( + 73%) increased substantially. Decreases were noted in canvasbacks (-21%) and goldeneyes (-13%). A look at long-term averages indicates increases for all species except gadwalls (-21%), wigeons (-12%), scoters (-58%), and green-winged teal (-9%). Total ducks are 16% above the average. Canada geese decreased only slightly from last year and coots decreased 9%. Coots are 64% above their long-term average. The lone-drake index this year of 65% is about 17% below the long-term average. The mallard lone-drake index is 5% below the average whereas pintails are 26% below and canvasbacks 49% below the average. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions May was cool and wet from Calgary south but was warm and only slightly wetter than normal to the north. Snowfall totaling about 24 centimeters was the heaviest May snowfall in Calgary since 1959. Total precipitation in Calgary was 37% above normal. Snow continued south of Calgary through 24 May but none fell at Edmonton after 1 May. The September-May snowfall in Calgary was 1 i centimeters below normal but was 35 centimeters below normal at Edmonton. Temperatures during June were only slightly below normal but the amounts of rain were nearly double the normal in many northern areas. The greatest amounts of rainfall occurred during 25-29 June. Flooding was common, especially north of Edmonton. In contrast, the last part of the month was very hot and dry in the grasslands between Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. July continued warm and dry south of Red Deer but rain was nearly a daily occurrence to the north through 20 July. Habitat conditions in stratum 29 were considerably poorer than they were during May, although the wetlands in the Milk River Ridge and those adjacent to the foothills contained adequate water. Rains kept the range in good condition but failed to maintain all but the most permanent potholes. The dugouts and stockdams generally contained sufficient water. The wetlands between Conrad and Wrentham were in good condition again following a 3-year dry spell. Stratum- wide, there was an overall loss of about 28.6% of the permanent water since May. The wetlands of stratum 28 were rather dry in spite of June rains. Vegetation was heavy in most water areas. The only areas of real value to ducks were in the Brooks-Tilley and the Calgary-Carseland areas. The number of ponds decreased about 51.5% since May in this stratum. Northward into stratum 27, a continuing dry condi- tion prevailed; grasslands were significantly drier. Water conditions were better north and west of Cal- gary but the knob and kettle habitat northwest of Hanna was choked with vegetation and was nearly dry. This area was supporting few ducks. Permanent water decreased about 40.4% since May in the stratum. Wetland habitat in stratum 26 generally was excel- lent but it became progressively drier northward. The effects of the June rains were evident throughout the stratum even though the data indicate a 50.8% loss of permanent water since May. Production (Table B-4) The brood index for all strata combined shows an 18% decrease from 1974 and is 8% below the 10-year average. A late breeding season is confirmed by the brood- class data. Class I broods made up 40% of the broods observed; Class II broods, 36%; Class III broods, 19%; and unknown class broods, 5%. On an area basis, Class I broods averaged 0.30 brood per square kilometer; Class II broods, 0.25; Class III broods, 0.13; and unknown broods, 0.03 brood per square kilometer. The quality of the habitat is obvious when the broods per square kilometer are totaled by stratum. The survey area supported 0.68 brood per square kilo- meter which is a decrease of 47% from last year. The survey area average brood size of 4.6 is 19% less than last year and 20% less than the 10-year average. Class II broods averaged 4.76 ducklings per brood and Class III broods averaged 4.3. This year appeared to be the best year for the coot since 1966. The coot brood index of 35,900 is 332% higher than last year and 73% above the long-term average. The late-nesting index this year is 159,600 which is an increase of 50% from last year and 115% from the long-term average. Dabblers increased 55%. Greatest increases are noted for shovelers (456%), mallards (67%), gadwalls (50%), pintails (44%), and green- winged teal (34%). Long-term averages for dabblers also increased by 122%. Divers also indicate an increase from last year of 45% and +126% above the 10-year average. Scaup increased 54% while redheads decreased 35% and canvasbacks decreased 30%. This year's lone-drake index (mallards, pintails, and canvasbacks) was 79%. Southern Saskatchewan Data supplied by Rossalius C. Hanson and James L. Nelson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions During the past winter the prairies and parklands of southern Saskatchewan were not subjected to the record-breaking snows of the winter of 1973-74. In fact, little more than the normal amount of moisture was deposited from October 1974 to April 1975. During April the moisture came in the form of snow and rain, extending winter and delaying spring. April's snow and rain put the water in the potholes, which would have been depleted from the lack of winter accumulation. April moisture was several centimeters above normal. Though large amounts of moisture were deposited in a short period of time, floods did not occur. There were large areas of sheet water and plenty of ponds caused by the excellent runoff. The weather delayed farm seeding and kept farmers out of the stubble. Because water levels were not as high as in 1974, pond numbers increased. The reason is that high water will many times cause one pothole to encompass several others. As the water level becomes lower, the one pothole becomes two or more. There was more actual water last year than this year. Pond numbers in 1975 were lower than 1974 by 4%. The water index stood at 3.0 million compared with 3.5 million in 1974. This index is larger than any since the middle 1950's and 51% higher than the long-term average (1964-74). There were few dry areas, mostly in isolated situations. The parklands were slightly drier than a year ago, whereas the Cypress Hills, southwest, and the southeast indexes were up. The shallower ponds held less water, but the more permanent ponds looked good. Temperatures during May were generally conducive to good nesting. Only on 2 days during the month did the temperatures fall below freezing. The tem- peratures on those 2 days reached -1 CC. On 4 days, flying was cancelled due to rain, winds, low ceilings, and inclement weather. Due to high mois- ture levels in the air, numerous thundershowers and storms built up during the daytime in May. Some hail occurred but no damaging losses to waterfowl or nests were reported. Therefore, most of May could be consid- ered favorable for nesting birds. Due to the late spring, the survey was delayed until 8 May when it appeared that gadwalls and blue-winged teal had arrived in sufficient numbers. Mallards and pintails had arrived the last 2 weeks of April and their nesting was evident in early May. Cold, wet weather delayed the arrival of other species. New vegetation was slow in making its appearance, both in the water areas and on land. Only toward mid-May did leaves appear en masse. Ice remained in small ponds in early May, something of a novelty, since usually at that date only a few of the larger lakes hold ice in any quantity. Snowdrifts were evident well into the month in some areas. The season could be said to be about a week to 10 days behind normal. Cold, wet weather kept seeding and planting opera- tions behind schedule, but by the end of the month a number of areas were near normal. Enough delay was observed so that stubble was not involved at an early date. This was encouraging and hopes are that early nests in stubble hatched before the summer fallowing operations. If success is forthcoming, then we can expect a fairly good early hatch. Continuing is increased drainage, land clearing, plowing of marginal land, and general increase in intensified agricultural practices. The results are poorer wetland and upland waterfowl habitat. Real evidence of drainage and poor land use has become discernible the past several years. One individual described the scene as "more drainage this past year than the previous twenty." Water and wind erosion in some areas have and are creating infertile and almost untillable fields with deep gullies and soil-bare rock and gravel hilltops. The large drainage ditches needed to support the small pond ditching are now appearing. These were not in evidence several years ago. In contrast to the poor upland cover, overwater nesters found good to excellent cover in the marshes. Emergent vegetation from last year was abundant and water levels high enough for good use by canvasbacks, redheads, and others. Breeding Populations (Table B-5) The survey began 8 May and was completed 26 May 1975. A look at the total duck population for 1975 indi- cates a 23% increase above 1974. The figure stood at 11,216,600 compared with 8,590,500 for 1974. This was 31% above the 10-year average (1964 to 1974). It is higher than any other in the past 10 years except 1970 and 1971. Mallards showed an increase in 1975 as did most of the other important game duck species. Only wigeon, green-winged teal, and ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamai- censis) showed significant declines. The total for mallards is +17% compared with 1974 and +7% for the 10-year average. The count on pintails indicated a decrease below 1974 and 22% above the average. This figure is higher than any in the past 10 years. Blue-winged teal were up about 72% above 1974, while green-winged teal and wigeon were up 2% and 9%, respectively. Divers looked good this year, showing an overall increase of 64% above 1974. Canvasbacks and redheads were both up 68% and 61% above 1974 and showed increases over the 10-year average. All other divers except ruddy ducks showed increases. Ringnecks and scaup were late passing through this year, as a result of the late spring, and some may have been counted in more than one survey unit. The count this year may be inflated. Canada geese showed no change in total numbers. However, fewer numbers were noted in the southwest this year, whereas nesting birds increased in the south- east and northeast. The survey does not pick up many geese and this should not be considered a good indi- cator of what is actually occurring. The survey is not intensive enough to obtain good statistics on geese. Coot numbers were up in 1975 and are well above the long-term average. Coots tended to fluctuate depend- ing on water conditions. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions The season was not quite as late as last year and was near normal by middle and late June. The number of ponds and potholes in July was 1,540,800 compared with 1,495,100 last year. Two percent is considered a no-change situation and is 58% above the long-term average. Frequent rains and showers occurred throughout June into the 1st week of July and continued to main- tain the deeper potholes. During mid-July, a series of hot, dry days caused a rapid evaporation rate affecting 10 the shallower areas. This reduced the number of tem- porary and shallower water areas, and had noticeably affected some areas, in particular, the mid-central grasslands and the mid-south grasslands. Except for those, most of the other strata were in good to excel- lent condition. Except for 1970, no other year had higher pond numbers between 1955 and 1974. Several areas had extremely heavy storm activities during the period. Regina in late June had a downpour that deposited almost 15 centimeters of rain during a 24-h period. Tornado-like storms, causing damage to crops and buildings, hit two areas around Macklin and Payton in stratum 30. No doubt these caused water- fowl losses. Precipitation from 1 April of this year was well above average for most of the reporting stations in southern Saskatchewan. Temperatures were about normal for June, but above normal for most of July. Vegetative growth was heavy in the ponds as well as on the uplands. For this reason, broods were difficult to see and may have caused a slight lowering of the total number counted. Upland cover was fair to good during this survey period and should be adequate for renesting species and middle and late upland nesting species. Lush green pastures and heavy hay crops were the rule throughout the prairies. As mentioned above, there were some dry conditions; however, an excellent soil moisture content offset those losses. Grain and other crops had adequate soil moisture and an above- average crop is anticipated. Heavy rains during April of this year and last year, with abnormal water runoff, caused soil erosion that was visible in many of the hilly and rolling cultivated prairies. Due to high prices of grain crops, intensified farming practices have increased the tilling of mar- ginal lands of former prairie sod. Eroded hillsides and deep ditches now are numerous as well as windblown bare hilltops in the lighter, sandier soil types. Production (Table B-5) The total for the survey period was 148,200 broods compared with 146,500 for the same period in 1974. This was a no-change condition from last year, and an increase of 22% from the average. The average brood size was 4.7, which was not significantly below last year's 5.3, and 11% below the average. The early hatch this year did not materialize for mallards or pintails (the upland nesters), but canvas- backs (the overwater nesters) appeared to do very well. This was a result of poor early upland habitat while pond habitat for early overwater nesters was excellent. It appears that stubble nesting was again a failure for pintails and mallards that attempted it, since farmers summer-fallowed the stubble before the eggs could hatch. Coot broods were the same as last year and they appear to have done very well. Canada goose broods were observed in a number of areas, indicating a con- tinuing spreading-out process and increased use of available habitat. Sampling was not adequate to give us a reading on the brood status except that broods were evident over a widespread area and in a variety of habitats. The late-nesting index was up 11% above last year and 66% above the average. The index was 302,100 compared with 271,700 for 1974, and 182,700 for the average. The magnitude of the late-nesting index gives support to an anticipated substantial late hatch. Southern Manitoba Data supplied by Douglas S. Benningand John W. Koerner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions The fall of 1974 was hot and dry in southern Mani- toba. Despite the excessive rainfall in April and May 1974, growing season precipitation by the end of the summer was below normal. Snowfall through the winter was light and the water outlook in early March was bleak for the waterfowl nesting season. March and April rains brought water conditions up to near normal in the most productive waterfowl areas of southwestern Manitoba. Temperatures during the survey period were higher than last year although still below normal. Rain was infrequent, winds were generally light and most days were clear to partly cloudy. Only 3 days were lost during the survey due to weather. Precipitation.— Growing season precipitation (that since 1 April 1975) from 10 selected stations in south- ern Manitoba was about 80% above normal by 26 May 1975. Temperature.— Daily temperatures were below normal though slightly warmer than 1974. Tem- peratures in Brandon were unseasonably cool. Phenology.— Arrival of spring was about normal in southern Manitoba this year. Upon our arrival to the survey area in May, there was little sign of greenery. Winter rye started growing along the border within a few days of our arrival. Aspen leafing was first noticed on 6 May along the United States-Canadian border. Leafing and appearance of emergents were late but progressed rapidly in the second half of May. Water- fowl arrival in southern Manitoba was about normal despite the wintery conditions in late April to the south. Early nesting waterfowl were on breeding terri- tories and well dispersed along the southern border by 8 May when the aerial survey began. Agriculture. — Due to the relatively heavy rains expe- rienced in the southern portions of the Province, agri- 11 cultural field operations were started late, although field work was well under way by mid-May. Though much upland nesting habitat in some areas like Minne- dosa was destroyed by fall burning, in general condi- tions were fair to good. Spring burning of stubble, brush, and pond borders was less severe than in past years. Habitat— The 1975 May pond index was down from 1974 and the 1965-74 average in all strata. The 1975 pond counts were down about 27% from 1974, and was near the 10-year average. Water conditions this spring were better than average and water quality was good in general. Overwater nesting cover was as good or better than last year, which was good to excellent. Upland nesting cover appeared to be of fair to good quality. Breeding Populations (Table B-6) The survey began on 8 May and was completed 25 May 1975. The total duck population estimate was down 16% from last year and was down 7% from the 10-year average. Mallards were 8% above 1974 and the 10-year average. Wigeons were down 37% from 1974 and down 46% from the 10-year average. Pintails were 28% below 1974, but remained 29% above the 10-year average. All other dabblers were down from 1974 and the 1965-74 average. Total dabblers were 31% below 1974 and 22% below the 10-year average. The loss of blue-winged teal is believed to be due to favorable nesting habitat encountered south of Manitoba in combination with a late, staggered migration by this species. Pintails may also have taken advantage of the improved condition to the south. All divers except buffleheads were above 1974 and the 10-year average. Ruddy ducks were down sig- nificantly from last year and the 10-year average; this may be related to a delayed migration of this species. Canada geese showed a decline of 31% from 1974 but this survey does not monitor changes in this species' population status. Coot declined 39% from 1974 but remained 18% above the 10-year average. This species, too, took advantage of good water conditions further south. Lone-Drake Index The lone-drake index for 1975 for mallards, pintails, and canvasbacks was slightly higher than average. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions Early June rainfall was excessive in southwestern Manitoba, bringing water levels well above normal in stratum 39. The Souris River remained outside its banks when last observed on 20 July. Elsewhere within the survey unit June rains were generally above normal. During July appreciable rainfall was scarce. By 14 July 1975, growing season precipitation from 10 selected stations in southern Manitoba was 19% above normal and temperatures were averaging 1.2° C below normal. Habitat conditions in early July were generally good to excellent due to the abundant water provided in June. Brood water was well distributed, plentiful, and of good quality. Continuous warm weather throughout the survey period caused appreciable deterioration of these conditions by late July. The July pond count was 2% below that of 1974 but 9% above the 1956-62 average. It is noteworthy that only in 1955 was the July pond count in stratum 39 greater than this year. Production (Table B-6) The duck brood index for southern Manitoba was 43% above last year, and 14% above the 1956-62 average. The average brood size of 6.0 ducklings per brood was above last year's 5.4 and the 5.3 long-term average. Coot broods showed no change from 1974 and no change from the average. The total late-nesting index in 1975 for all species of ducks was 10% below 1974 and 5% above the 1956-62 average. Wigeons and pintails were up from 1974, while mallards, gadwalls, green-winged teal, blue- winged teal, and shovelers were down. Total dabblers were 3% below 1974 and 5% above the average. Redheads, ring-necked ducks, and goldeneyes were up from 1974, while canvasbacks, scaup, and buffleheads were down. Total divers were 56% below 1974 and 40% below average. Ruddy ducks were up 9% from a year ago and up 54% above the 1956-62 average. North and South Dakota Data supplied by Gerald Pospichal and L. Tinsley, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions Total precipitation from September through January in South Dakota ranged from 12 centimeters below normal in the eastern part of the State to about a centimeter below normal in the western. Tempera- tures for this period averaged above normal. January brought light to moderate snow cover over most of the State but this melted late in the month, and through February most of the State was bare and very dry. A series of weather systems moved through the State in March, April, and May with precipitation 3 to 5 centi- meters above normal for each month. This restored total statewide pothole numbers to 39% above 1974 and equal to the 1965-74 average. Stratum 44 bene- fited most with increases of 73% over 1974 and 123% above the average. Stratum 48 showed an increase in ponds of 36% above 1974 but was still 2% below the average. Stratum 49 benefited least and pond numbers 12 were still 8% below 1974 and 19% below the average. Water quality could be classed as fair to good. Nesting cover in most areas was only fair due to intensive culti- vation and haying in the pothole basins that have been dry for the past 2 years. Trees had just leafed out, as had aquatic vegetation, at the beginning of the survey. Agricultural field work was well along by mid-May. North Dakota experienced a dry September but had heavy rains in the northern and eastern parts of the State during October. Flooded fields along the Cana- dian border again interfered with the harvest in the Bottineau-Dunseith area. Precipitation was normal to slightly below normal from November through February. High winds and dust storms occurred in January. Temperatures were generally above normal from September through February but dropped to below normal in March and April. March blizzards deposited up to 51 + centimeters of snow over parts of the State. This and April rains caused flooding in many areas of North Dakota, particularly in the Minot area and the Red River Valley. In spite of the wet March and April, total pothole numbers were 3% below the wet spring of 1974 but were still 26% above the 1965-74 average. As in 1974, wet field conditions delayed farm operations in many areas. Several counties in the south-central part of the State may be designated as disaster areas. The lack of early field work will no doubt benefit the early nesting species. Breeding Populations (Tables B-7 and B-8) In South Dakota total ducks showed an increase of 62% over 1974 but were still 12% below the 1964-73 average. When compared with 1974, total dabblers were up 50%; increases were 29% in mallards, 60% in gadwalls, 32% in blue-winged teal, 75% in shovelers, and 122% in pintails. Among the divers, redheads showed an increase of 26% and ruddy ducks an increase of 305%; however, large flocks of ruddy ducks were evident and were probably still in migration. Canvasbacks and scaup showed increases of 14% and 10%, respectively. Compared with long-term average, all species except green-winged teal showed decreases. Coots showed an increase of 125% over 1974 but remained 41% below the average. In North Dakota total ducks showed an increase and many major species showed increases or little change from 1974. Total dabblers showed an increase of 10% compared with 1974 with a 25% increase in mallards, 70% increase in gadwalls, and an 81% increase in wigeons. Decreases were noted in green-winged teal (5%), blue-winged teal (8%), and pintails (5%). Divers showed an increase of 51% over 1974 with a 51% increase in redheads, a 122% increase in scaup, and a decrease of 20% in canvasbacks. Coots increased 13% over 1974. Mallards dropped 3%, shovelers 23%, pintails 22%, and canvasbacks 16% when compared with the 10-year average. Increases were noted in green-winged teal (49%), blue-winged teal (15%), gadwalls (5%), wigeon (224%), and redheads (49%) compared with the average. Coots were up 53% from the average. The lone-drake index for South Dakota was the lowest since 1964. The low indexes for mallards and pintails indicated later nesting in these species. In North Dakota indexes for all three species were slightly lower though near the average. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions Total May pond numbers were 3% below 1974 but were 26% above the 1965-74 average in North Dakota. May and early June precipitation was near normal. Beginning 27 June, the heavy rains arrived. Up to 31 centimeters were recorded in an 8-h period in eastern parts of the State. Severe flooding occurred in the Red River Valley and parts of the southeast causing damage to crops, roads, homes, and other property. The flood crest was still moving northward on the Red River as of 24 July. Total July pond numbers were up substantially over 1974 and the long-term average, 84% and 35%, respectively. Despite losses due to flooding in the east and northwest parts of the State, a bumper grain harvest was forecast for North Dakota. Haying operations were delayed 2 to 3 weeks by the wet weather. The crop is unusually heavy this year and, because of the poor crop farther south, all avail- able areas are being harvested. Late-nesting losses due to hay cutting appeared to be high. In May, water in South Dakota showed 39% im- provement over 1974 and was at average levels. However, June precipitation was below normal. Although high temperatures (32-38° C) and below normal precipitation through late June and early July dropped water levels, pond numbers still exceeded 1974 with a statewide pond index 39% above 1974 but 10% below the average. Haying operations were well along by early July but the crop was light in most areas. Grain crops suffered from lack of moisture. Production (Tables B-7 and B-8) The July duck brood index for North Dakota was up 21% from 1974 but remained 5% below the average. The average brood size of 5.6 was 3% lower than 1974 and 3% lower than the average. Coot broods showed a decrease of 50% from 1974 and 57% from the average. Coot broods were late this year and it was felt the production prospects would improve. Water levels and quality were good and numerous coots were observed on nests during the survey. Class I duck broods were beginning to appear in good numbers toward the end of the survey. Pond vegetation was extremely heavy this year and indexes for both duck and coot broods 13 were probably depressed by the low visibility rate. In South Dakota, the duck brood index, though not as high as anticipated in May, was still 12% above 1974 but 33% below the average. Average duck brood size was 5% larger than 1974 but 6% below the average. No coot broods were observed on transects in 1975. Despite improvement over 1974, water condi- tions in most of South Dakota were still critical. The late-nesting index for total ducks in North Dakota was up 145% above 1974 and up 139% above the average. Dabblers showed increases of 153% and 153%, while divers showed increases of 160% and 117% from 1974 and the average. Species indexes, when compared with 1974 and the average, are as follows: mallards, +280% and +127%; gadwalls, +86% and +166%; wigeon, -15% and +10%; blue- winged teal, +164% and +247%; pintails, +288% and + 55%; redheads, +467% and +183%; and ruddy ducks, +75% and +53%. The excellent water condi- tions favored the late-nesting attempts but late haying operations caused considerable losses. In South Dakota, the total late-nesting efforts were much weaker, 15% when compared with 1974 and 12% when compared with the average. Dabblers were down 20% and 13% from 1974 and the average. Blue-winged teal showed increases of +14% and +14%. Redheads and ruddy ducks also showed increases. Another factor is change in direction of flight as oc- curred along the United States-Canada border from 1974 to 1975. Most water areas were judged to be permanent in 1975 in stratum 41. Breeding Populations (Table B-9) The survey began on 16 May and was completed 28 May 1975. The total duck potential was 67% above 1974, and was 8% above the average. The increases from 1974 were noted to be mallards 141%, wigeons 44%, green-winged teal 143%, shovelers 54%, and pintails 122%, giving a total increase of 75% for dabbling ducks. Gadwalls ( + 5%) and blue-winged teal (no change) were the only dabblers to show little or no increase from 1974. The dabbler index increased 7% from the average. Diving ducks showed increases in canvasbacks (56%) and scaup (5%) for a no-change from 1974 and 36% above the average. Other ducks indicated an overall increase of 17% from 1974 and a decrease of 34% from the average. Canada geese showed an 8% increase from 1974 and 35% above the average. Coots decreased 38% from 1974 and 46% from the average. Overall, the grand total is 61% above 1974 and 6% above the 1965-74 average. The lone-drake index this year of 52.8 is 25% below the long-term average of 74.1. Montana Data supplied by A. E. Weinrich, David Fisher, and Edgar Ferguson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions Generally in Montana the winter-spring of 1974 was below normal in precipitation or its equivalent and in May, June, and July 1974 the amounts were above normal. Portions of the survey area in August 1974 were variable. During the fall-winter of 1974-75, precipitation was below normal. Precipitation in March, April, and May 1975 was well above normal and resulted in good habitat. A cool spring and early summer occurred in eastern Montana and snowpacks remained heavy in the 183- to 244-decameter elevations where normally no snow remains at this time of year. Eastern Montana had a delayed season resulting in delays in agricultural operations, similar to that in western North and South Dakota. Planting of spring wheat on 11 May was only 19% completed, compared with 46% last year and a normal rate of 61%. The habitat in stratum 41 was better than the 1975 May water count indicated. This could relate to a dif- ference in recording procedures by the observer. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions The period through April and July 1975 was wet in Montana with above normal amounts of precipitation. The first half of July was hot with the western portion of stratum 41 receiving significant moisture. Snow- packs were still heavy for this time of year in the mountains and the Yellowstone River was close to flood stage. July pond numbers were 52% above 1974 and 39% above the 1966-74 average. July pond numbers were 30% below May pond numbers. Water areas in general looked excellent, but some of the smaller areas had heavy vegetative growth and made it extremely diffi- cult to spot singles, pairs, and broods. Production (Table B-9) The 1975 duck brood index for Montana was 33% above 1974 but still 21% below the average. Average brood size was 11% larger than 1974 and 12% better than average. The 1975 late-nesting index was 37% below 1974 and 12% below average for all ducks. Mallards were 11% below 1974 and 36% above the average. All other dabbling ducks were below 1974 and the average. Large flocks of mixed species and sexes were observed on many water areas indicating little attempt at renesting. 14 Washington Data supplied by Richard Parker, Washington Department of Game Weather and Water Conditions Above average snowpack for the 1974-75 winter, combined with a good carryover of pothole numbers from the fall of 1974, resulted in an increase in the number of potholes in eastern Washington during spring 1975. A cool spring with better than average precipitation resulted in a May transect count of 296 potholes for 1975. This was 5% above the May 1974 count of 281 potholes and 53% above the 10-year average of 193 potholes for May. Additional precipi- tation during June, combined with cool weather, produced excellent waterfowl habitat conditions in eastern Washington. Breeding Population (Table B-10) Duck breeding potential for 1975 was 24% above the 1963-73 average and 42% above the 1974 index. Dabblers responded to the favorable water conditions and a total of 140,270 were counted, which was 17% above the 1963-73 average and 38% above the 1974 index. Mallards increased 26% above the 1974 index, but were still 16% below the 10-year average. Diving ducks were 66% above the long-term average and 53% above the 1974 index. Production (Table B-ll) The production index for ducks statewide was not available because of late data returns from key eastern Washington transects. However, a production index for western Washington was available. Dabbler production in western Washington was 32% above the 1974 index, but 14% below the 1970-74 average. Mallards showed an increase of 88% above 1974, but were still 3% below the 1970-74 average. Wood ducks (Aix sponsa) were 21% below the 5-year average and 8% below 1974. The production index for Canada geese was not calculated due to lack of data. Colorado Data supplied by Michael R. Szymczak, Colorado Division of Wildlife Weather and Habitat Conditions Water conditions were considered good for duck production in all areas except the San Luis Valley. Spring rains filled most small marshes and drainage basins in the South Platte and Cache la Poudre valleys. A heavy snowpack in addition to a consid- erable amount of spring moisture insured good produc- tion and brood survival in North Park, although the hatch was later than normal. Although there was a very heavy snowpack in the mountains to the west, the San Luis Valley was very dry during the waterfowl production period for the 2nd consecutive yeai\ The retarded runoff in northwest Colorado caused flooding that had a negative effect on goose production in that area. A heavy freeze coupled with a snowfall during the peak of egg laying in north central Colorado caused considerable nest abandonment. Breeding Populations (Tables B-12 through B-18) The number of estimated duck breeding pairs in Colorado's nesting areas reached a record high 78,345, which was nearly 6,000 pairs higher than the previous record set in 1968. The 1975 total was 22% above the 1974 level and 38% above the long-term average. Major increases above 1974 levels were recorded in North Park and the South Platte Valley. Numbers in the Cache la Poudre Valley continued at a high level, nearly double the long-term average. The majority of the increase in North Park was composed of green- winged teal, a phenomenon that also occurred in 1969 and may be related to retarded dissipation of the snow- pack in the mountains surrounding North Park. The South Platte increase was mainly composed of shov- elers and redheads. Although the total estimated breeding population in 1975 reached a record high in Colorado, the mallard population dropped to a very low level. Only 24% of the estimated breeding population was composed of mallards compared with a long-term average of 55%. The total number of geese (1,549) observed in Moffat County, Colorado, is essentially the same as was observed in 1973. However, in 1975 estimates for the Green River increased about 200 birds over the 1973 total while Yampa estimates declined by about the same number. The total number of geese observed in Moffat County in 1975 was 33% above the long-term average and estimated gosling production was up 25%. In north central Colorado, gosling production was up 17% above the 1974 level but down 24% from the 1969-74 average. A major increase in production oc- curred in the Denver area, whereas minor increases over the 1974 level were recorded in the other trend areas. The total number of geese observed on north central Colorado was 23% above the 1974 level but 30% below the 1969-74 average. Wisconsin Data supplied by William Wheeler, Harry Libby, and Joseph Haug, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Aerial and ground surveys for breeding waterfowl 15 populations and habitat conditions were conducted in Wisconsin during May 1973, 1974, and 1975. These surveys were reactivated as an essential management tool which will enable resource managers to make recommendations for harvest regulations based on current information. These surveys will eventually provide the Department of Natural Resources with a means of documenting long-term population and habitat trends in Wisconsin. Statewide Survey (Table B-19) Fifty-five transects (each 48.4 kilometers long and 0.4 kilometer wide) were randomly selected within three regions of Wisconsin. The three regions (South- east Central, Northern High Density, and Northern Low Density) were selected on the basis of geographic similarities in breeding duck density, as determined by 1965-70 aerial surveys. The Department of Natural Resources' two-engine Cessna "Skymaster" aircraft was used on the surveys. Surveys were conducted between 0700 and 1300 h. Results of the air counts were checked by ground censusing 16- to 24-kilometer segments of some of the aerial transect routes. Along these selected segments, local game management personnel searched all wetlands for breeding waterfowl. Ratios between air and ground counts of breeding ducks were used to adjust the aerial data for ducks present but missed by the aerial crew. Survey results were separated to identify mallards and blue-winged teal as individual species, whereas all other species were combined as one group. Total breeding duck population estimates for the three regions in 1975 indicated a 29% increase from 1974. Population increases in the Southeast Central and Northern High Density regions offset a 37% decline in the Northern Low Density region. For the 2nd year in a row, population estimates in the North- ern Low Region have shown a decrease. Populations of both mallards and blue-winged teal continue to show a decline in this region over the 3-year period. The single most significant change in the 1975 aerial survey was the decline of black ducks. The actual number of black ducks observed from the air declined from 1,225 in 1973 to 329 in 1974 and to zero in 1975. Types I, II, and VI wetlands have also shown a decline (65%) during this period, and this decline in wetland numbers may contribute directly to the decline in waterfowl numbers in this region. Perma- nent wetland types III through VIII remained stable over the 3-year period. Those wetlands which are seasonal in nature and dependent upon varying pre- cipitation rates (Types I, II, and VI) fluctuated throughout the 3-year period. The most noteworthy fact related to the waterfowl resource is that drainage ditches increased significantly statewide over the 3- year period. Ditching poses the greatest threat to Types I, II, and VI wetlands. When one considers that 30% of all ducks observed were on Types I and II wetlands, the magnitude of the potential loss of water- fowl habitat through ditching becomes apparent. Scattered Wetlands Study Area Surveys (William Wheeler, Wetland Research) Breeding duck population estimates were deter- mined on the Scattered Wetlands Study Area for the same 3-year period that was covered by statewide aerial transects (1973-75). Surveys included ground counts on a 10% random sample of quarter-section plots and aerial transects flown by helicopter covering 10% of the total area. May mallard surveys for all 3 years indicated a breeding population of 0.8 pair per square kilometer annually or no apparent change from year to year. Total mallard numbers fluctuated less than 10% from year to year when using either the helicopter or random plot data. Blue-winged teal populations decreased annually for the past 2 years. The number of pairs per square kilo- meter were 2.46, 2.30, and 1.68 in 1973, 1974, and 1975, respectively. The number of blue-winged teal was extremely high in 1973 and the 30% decline from 1974 to 1975 may have brought populations back to normal levels for the area. Aerial surveys indicated Type I wetlands diminished greatly with 588, 483, and 86 tallied in 1973, 1974, and 1975, respectively, on transect routes. The extremely wet conditions of 1973 and the associated increase in temporary wetlands attracted much greater numbers of blue-winged teal, but seemed to have little effect on mallards. These wet situations of 1973, however, brought on a rash of ditching which increased the number of ditches on transects by 58% during the fol- lowing 2 years. Iowa Data supplied by Richard A. Bishop, Iowa Conservation Commission Weather and Habitat Conditions Spring moisture was above average with May ponds up 19% over 1974 and the highest index since 1966. Early summer rains insured adequate water until most broods were on the wing. Temperatures were below normal; ice left the marshes 10 days late. The entire breeding chronology was delayed 10-12 days. Breeding Populations (Table B-20) Aerial surveys were flown 13 and 15 May. Breeding pairs of mallards and blue-winged teal increased 120% and 17%, respectively, from 1974. L6 These data suggest a breeding population of 7,150 pairs of mallards and 25,159 pairs of blue-winged teal. These estimates are based on an index of waterfowl numbers occupying the prime nesting range in north- central and northwest Iowa. Total duck numbers increased slightly from 1974. Species observed on the transects other than teal and mallards were wood ducks, gadwalls, shovelers, redheads, scaup, and Canada geese. Research studies in north-central Iowa showed fewer unproductive hens, indicating slightly better produc- tion than in 1974. Although ideal water conditions existed, limited nesting cover precluded the chance of having good production in Iowa. These data provide a good index to populations but should not be used as the exact magnitude of the breeding population. Nebraska Data supplied by John T. Sweet, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Weather and Habitat Conditions The 1975 May water index was 22.3% below that of 1974. The Sandhills breeding area was very dry at the time of the survey. Spring was cool and dry for the most part through May. The rainwater basin was generally dry at survey time; the water index was 28.5% below that of 1974. Breeding Populations (Table B-21) The 1975 calculated breeding duck index for the Sandhills production area was 62,648 birds, according to results of the aerial survey flown 13 through 17 May 1975. The index is 7.1% below that of 1974. Ten species were identified. Mallards, blue-winged teal, gadwalls, and shovelers made up 72.2% of the total species composition. The breeding duck index for the rainwater basin production area was 14,385, a decrease of 8.1% from 1974. The aerial survey was flown 20 and 21 May 1975. Six species of ducks were observed; mallards, blue- winged teal, and gadwalls made up 92.5% of the total species composition. Waterfowl Harvest Surveys Data supplied by Michael F. Sorensen, Samuel M. Carney, and Lonnie D. Schroeder, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service This report provides estimates of waterfowl hunting activity and harvest during the 1974 season and com- pares them with estimates for the 1973 season. Esti- mates for both years were derived from information obtained from three sources: (1) the Postal Service's report of duck stamp sales; (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Questionnaire Survey of Waterfowl Hunters; and (3) the Service's Waterfowl Parts Col- lection Survey. Procedures An explanation of procedures employed in esti- mating hunter harvest and activity may be found in Special Scientific Report— Wildlife No. 138. Similar sample selection, stratification procedures, and computations subsequently have been followed. Major adjustments to data include those for activity by hunters less than 16 years old, who are not surveyed because they are not required to purchase duck stamps (Table C-l), and those used to compensate for memory and prestige biases (Table C-2). Administrative Reports Data in this report are based on final duck stamp sales information. In the Administrative Report "Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity in the United States During the 1974 Hunting Season" (10 July 1975), preliminary estimates based on duck stamp sales through the 3rd quarter of fiscal year 1975 were made available for the annual waterfowl regu- lations meetings in early August 1975. Age and sex composition are not included herein, but were pre- sented in the Administrative Report "Age and Sex Composition of Ducks and Geese Harvested in the 1974 Hunting Season in Comparison with Prior Years" (3 July 1975). Results Bias-adjusted estimates of the total U.S. harvest of ducks (by species), coots, and unretrieved kill are presented in Table C-3. Similar estimates relating to geese are in Table C-4. Detailed state-level estimates of the duck, goose, and coot harvest; migratory water- fowl hunting-stamp sales; and hunter activity and success may be found in Tables C-5 through C-9. These results include hunter activity and harvest during regular and special seasons combined. For States having a September teal season, the proportion of the total duck harvest that occurred after the September season is shown in Table C-10. Estimates are pre- sented as derived to assure agreement between totals and their component parts. This does not imply pre- cision to the last hunter, duck, or day. The following is a resume of 1974 hunter activity and harvest success by flyway, showing degree of change from 1973. 17 Atlantic Flyway Duck stamp sales totaled 448,847 ( + 3%); 1,733,139 ducks ( + 12%), 106,051 coots ( + 14%), and 338,753 geese (-3%) were harvested during 2,835,708 hunter- days ( + 7%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 6.2 days afield ( + 4%) and retrieved an average of 3.8 ducks (+9%) and 0.8 goose (-6%) each. Estimates for the Atlantic Flyway are recorded in Table C-5. Pacific Flyway Duck stamp sales totaled 396,860 ( + 3%); 3,598,385 ducks ( + 12%), 223,746 coots ( + 52%), and 293,909 geese (-17%) were harvested during 2,908,854 hunter- days (-1%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 6.9 days afield (-2%) and retrieved an average of 8.9 ducks ( + 11%) and 0.7 goose (-17%) each. Estimates for the Pacific Flyway are recorded in Table C-8. Mississippi Flyway Duck stamp sales totaled 892,017 (+8%); 5,165,824 ducks ( + 12%), 488,083 coots ( + 39%), and 463,504 geese ( + 11%) were harvested during 6,606,377 hunter- days ( + 12%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 7.0 days afield ( + 4%) and retrieved an average of 5.6 ducks ( + 5%) and 0.5 goose ( + 3%) each. Estimates for the Mississippi Flyway are recorded in Table C-6. Central Flyway Duck stamp sales totaled 426,135 ( + 3%); 2,238,182 ducks (-8%), 98,121 coots ( + 16%), and 419,090 geese (-12%) were harvested during 2,913,841 hunter-days ( + 1%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 6.4 days afield (-3%) and retrieved an average of 5.0 ducks (-11%) and 1.0 goose (-14%) each. Estimates for the Central Flyway are recorded in Table C-7. Alaska Duck stamp sales totaled 16,018 (-6%); 61,214 ducks (-35%), 285 coots (-58%), and 10,425 geese (-16%) were harvested during 55,105 hunter-days (-36%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting aver- aged 3.2 days afield (-32%) and retrieved an average of 3.7 ducks (-31%) and 0.6 goose (-10%) each. Estimates for Alaska are recorded in Table C-9. United States Duck stamp sales totaled 2,179,877 (+5%); 12,796,744 ducks ( + 8%), 916,286 coots ( + 35%), and 1,525,681 geese (-5%) were harvested during 15,337,885 hunter-days ( + 6%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 6.7 days afield ( + 1%) and retrieved an average of 5.7 ducks ( + 3%) and 0.7 goose (-9%) each. Estimates for the United States are recorded in Table C-9. APPENDIX 20 rH lO VO iH in cn cn o o CT- ^ sD en 30 X os 00 co rs -JO in vO in X ST OS CO sC X JO 00 OS Os -£> en CM c en rs sO X ST X en X 00 CM H sC OS CO sO 00 JO r-J in st VD OS i-( st sr m st os m en O rs OS X sO st en I-l rs s ro o CM CO ^ CM in o CM CJS OJ OJ in in <* SO sO 1-1 sO is O iH sr rH en sr CM sr X CM CM « o ^a 1-1 ST OS CO ~ ^ sT OS sO o cn CO m st m r-( ^ CO o ^ vo OS X en en sO X ^H in cn m CM CO rH ^ cn CO -a sD iH ^ CM ^ 0) 13 ^ CO N 01 3 3 0) 01 CO J»i •a 01 u oo oc Is CO d 01 01 X) 3 o 01 •o JO 11 Oi J3 13 D l-l C u c 0) c JO 01 ^H W 13 01 t-i c 3 i 1-1 0 IT) CO c c 01 3 M o c CD 3 M OC 1 CO •H 01 0) 2 OJ rH eg o c 1 CO 01 05 4-1 0) CO cx 1 01 .-( >> cr 0) *j CO 01 13 13 0) 13 J«: 60 o_ CO 3 •o 3 CD 01 0) c > JO CO J3 > 3 00 13 13 01 i-l JO 60 o 3 CO ^ o CO § 3 4-J 13 oc 0) 3 c o C 3 1J 13 c co a 13 13 o 3 U CO C iH OJ o CO c CO 3 O rH o CO •H u & i-( 00 01 01 5 o CO o s U 3 o ffi u Pl, > a: X pej o B3 pel o X S T. u QJ C/3 oi o CJ ca ^J 5 sJ u a p 01 O O o H o H H CO 21 oooooooooo 1-1 o ~cr o r-~ n in m m n vo cn r~- -d- ~* o co o\ CO ooooooooo c/iHin o o m vo CM CO o o o o o o o o o cm cn *cr CM ffi H o o o o co a\ r-t M3 V* Sf in cn cm r^ CM *-4 a> CM r-* CJ\ -3- HHCM CM -3- o o o o o in iH CM in ?■> cm in O iC O O O o co cn o cm o o o o CM CM ■a t3 -a H ■H (1 B H 4J -Oc0SSO3O«uc/30< ca -n M -a CJ m CD CD ■On) 3 3 O £ 3 n CU cu CO ^ rH cn XI ai a CU ^ CD 01 CJ CO a 4J CO CO n 1) cu o >> CD 3 u V ctl c ■>; -n a) Vj 01) CO cu cu J= -a o -H 01 c CU u-< 01 C C c ^ -n -i 01 CXI 1 01 cu 1 01 ^ J3 a) 0) •n M 00 TJ y^ •O 3 EX cl 3 CO 4J 01 •a c/2 U 00 cu o cn tH c •H O 3 3 cu ■W oi CO c O £ eg 01 OS o CO 02 r: z u 01 CO OS 3 CJ 4J 4-> d. CO ^ 4-1 4-4 co B 4J c B c •H 3 O H CU O CU J3 14 O CO CJ U CJ 22 fable A-3. 1975 Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey, Mississippi Flyway . (TR = trace) Species Area Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan Illinois Indiana Ohio Iowa Missouri Dabblers Mallard Black Duck Mottled Duck Gadwall Wigeon Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal Shoveler Pintail Subtotal Divers Redhead Canvasback Scaup Ring-necked ducks Goldeneye Bufflehead Ruddy duck Subtotal 11,300 400 11,700 8,700 1,100 A00 9,900 2,900 3,200 6,100 10,700 223,500 53,000 39,700 66,100 320,200 3,600 14,200 9,800 41,000 100 900 300 TR TR TR TR 900 6,400 18,000 3,400 200 28,900 2,400 700 200 300 100 100 1,600 800 100 1,100 6,000 100 200 100 300 14,600 240,900 63,600 80,900 66,500 330,700 18,300 700 500 10,800 200 100 600 2,400 700 200 100 200 1,500 300 300 3,700 6,000 TR 3,700 200 100 30,500 4,100 9,200 6,800 100 200 4,400 4,300 600 200 100 9,900 Miscellaneous Eider and Scoter Oldsquaw Merganser TR Subtotal Unidentified Total ducks 12 ,100 Geese Blue and Snow geese White-fronted geese Canada geese 35 ,400 Total geese 35 ,400 Swans TR Coots TR TR 5,400 1,400 500 800 6,300 500 5,500 100 3,600 5,900 2,200 3,100 6,300 500 5,500 100 100 3,600 600 21,900 Total waterfowl 47,500 1,200 26,700 48,800 277,700 68,200 95,600 73,500 344,800 7,500 200 9,000 30,100 3,600 14,800 254,700 10,800 15,000 200 196,100 3,600 14,800 262,200 11,000 15,000 9,200 226,200 TR TR 200 TR 1,600 1,000 100 1,600 1,000 200 63,800 540,000 80,800 111,600 82,700 571,200 23 Table A-3. (continued) Area Missis- sippi Louis- b lana Flyway Species Arkansas Alabama Kentucky Tennessee Totals Dabblers Mallard 1, 064,600 504,700 305,500 30,000 36. ,100 186,500 2,860,600 Black duck 800 300 7,200 2 ,300 34,300 116,000 Mottled duck 61,000 61,000 Gadwall 17,700 2,800 666,300 4,500 26,400 719,900 Wigeon 15,800 29,400 163,100 6,700 200 19,900 238,700 Green-winged teal 17,400 1,600 652,100 3,800 100 1,500 677,400 Blue-winged teal 100 100 217,000 TR 217,200 Shoveler 300 3,100 192,800 2,600 1,800 201,700 Pintail 121,400 28,400 342,500 3,100 100 5,700 507,900 Subtotal 1, ,238,100 570,400 2,600,300 57,900 38 ,800 276,100 5,600,400 Divers Redhead 100 TR 1,000 200 100 2,900 Canvasback 5,200 300 29,800 1,800 200 600 64,700 Scaup 5,700 10,200 173,100 2,200 100 3,200 230,800 Ring-necked duck 10,000 1,400 66,600 2,200 200 7,100 94,700 Goldeneye 200 300 TR 100 23,600 Buf flehead 400 100 500 TR 200 2,100 Ruddy duck 2,600 6,600 1,000 100 100 10,600 Subtotal 24,200 18,600 271,500 7,300 500 11,400 429,400 Miscellaneous Eider and Scoter TR TR Oldsquaw TR 6,800 Merganser TR TR 8,000 700 1,100 27,100 Subtotal TR TR 8,000 700 1,100 33,900 Unidentified3 12,400 4,000 2,700 6,000 200 6,100 35,200 Total Ducks 1 ,274,700 593,000 2,882,500 71,900 39 ,500 294,700 6,098,900 Geese Blue and Snow gee se 4,300 100 384,400 900 4 ,500 500 441,500 White-fronted geese 40,400 40,400 Canada geese 1,900 3,600 1,000 27,700 21 ,100 63,700 649,600 Total geese 6,200 3,700 425,800 28,600 25 ,600 64,200 1,131,500 Swans TR Coots 4,800 7,300 1,400,500 26,800 700 12,800 1,457,200 Total waterfowl 1,285,700 604,000 4,708,800 127,300 65,800 371,700 8,687,600 aIncludes wood ducks. "Survey not completed in portions of State. 24 Table A-4. 1975 Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey, Atlantic Flyway. (TR = Trace) Black Mottled Atlantic Flyway Mallard duck duck Gadwall Wigeon Maine 351 30,770 New Hampshire 784 Vermont 17 159 Massachusetts 1,170 15,979 100 Connecticut 418 2,579 12 40 Rhode Island 88 1,364 40 New York 6,274 19,026 10 610 New Jersey 19,800 81,910 1,200 3,170 Pennsylvania 17,332 6,314 105 150 Delaware 6,035 9,355 820 375 Maryland 14,600 18,800 300 2,000 Virginia 13,400 17,100 5,400 5,000 West Virginia 973 590 14 5 North Carolina 15,700 23,400 2,700 36,700 South Carolina 62,200 9,700 4,600 9,100 Georgia 1,400 400 1,600 500 Florida 1,200 600 400 300 15,800 Total Atlantic Flyway 160,958 238,830 400 17,061 73,590 Total last year 156,300 246,700 400 15,700 57,800 Percent change + 3.0 - 3.2 + 8.7 +27.3 Long-term average 191,085 292,919 1,110 19,938 86,479 Percent change -15.8 -18.5 -64.0 +14.4 -14.9 G reen winged Blue winged Tree Atlantic Flyway teal teal Shoveler Pintail duck Maine New Hampshire Vermont Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Florida 65 210 3,100 30 1,870 1,400 5,700 12,200 20,800 500 200 TR 1,800 100 126 1,000 52 730 200 1,500 1,000 2,700 200 8 26 2,200 25 1,785 200 4,200 2 31,800 20,300 100 Total Atlantic Flyway 50,675 5.900 10,508 72,246 TR Total last year 53,200 8,400 10,000 70,800 Percent change - 4.7 -29.8 + 5.1 + 2.0 Long-term average 68,199 10,245 17,172 127,265 Percent change -25.7 -42.4 -38.8 -43.2 Table A-4. (continued) 25 Total Atlantic Flyway dabblers Redhead Canvasback 1975 Maine 31,121 New Hampshire 784 Vermont 176 2,280 Massachusetts 17,314 160 Connecticut 3,057 15 Rhode Island 1,492 New York 26,282 7,985 8,935 New Jersey 112,380 200 12,200 Pennsylvania 24,008 56 8,419 Delaware 20,970 1,420 Maryland 37,700 2,200 54,000 Virginia 52,300 6,100 West Virginia 1,584 1 North Carolina 123,500 6,700 19,800 South Carolina 131,200 TR 700 Georgia 4,800 800 Florida 41,500 91,100 3,000 Total Atlantic Flyway 630,168 108,241 117,830 Atlantic Flyway Scaup Ri ng- ■necked Goldeneye Bufflehead Ruddy duck duck Maine 4,313 12,525 5, ,157 New Hampshire — 79 28 Vermont 1,030 — 986 — Massachusetts 18,460 — 7,440 3; ,076 Connecticut 7,100 — 240 44 Rhode Island 33,565 1,923 50 New York 74,312 2,451 2 ,707 80 New Jersey 100,150 100 4,310 12 . ,260 8,050 Pennsylvania 15 62 253 653 10 Delaware 210 10 55 555 7,560 Maryland 92,300 11,300 14 ,300 25,500 Virginia 1,300 — 2,300 4 ,000 4,000 West Virginia 20 7 144 22 North Carolina 8,700 8. ,700 TR 3: ,000 9,300 South Carolina 1,100 8 ,300 100 300 1,600 Georgia 9,600 1 ,200 — 200 Florida 294,000 30 ,300 200 1 ,000 2,700 Total Atlantic Flyway 646,175 48 . ,679 44,306 47: ,352 58,800 Table A-4. (continued) Total divers 1975 Atlantic Flyway Eider Scoter Maine 21,995 New Hampshire 107 Vermont 4,296 Massachusetts 29,258 Connecticut 7,400 Rhode Island 35,538 New York 96,470 New Jersey 137,270 Pennsylvania 9,468 Delaware 9,810 Maryland 199,600 Virginia 17,700 West Virginia 194 North Carolina 56,200 South Carolina 12,100 Georgia 11,800 Florida 422,300 Total Atlantic Flyway 1,071,383 38,854 18 46,805 85,677 3,832 23 9,320 777 1,035 1,618 3,800 10 2,500 600 300 5,200 28,349 Atlantic Flyway Oldsquaw Total sea ducks 1975 Merganser Maine New Hampshire Vermont Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Florida 2,164 192 60 910 2,340 6,300 TR 44,850 41 56,317 171 1,035 2,528 6,140 8,800 600 300 5,200 2,304 14 36 2,243 767 2,389 22,092 4,000 75 285 600 700 52 7,100 500 500 1,400 Total Atlantic Flyway 11,966 125,992 45,057 Table A-4. (continued) 27 Total Atlantic Flyway Whistling Mute swans swan swan 1975 Maine New Hampshire Vermont Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Florida 2 570 322 395 36,400 2,000 26,900 TR TR 313 495 477 720 588 26 24 313 495 477 722 1,158 322 421 36,424 2,000 26,900 TR TR Total Atlantic Flyway 66,589 2,643 69,232 Total Last Year Percent Change Long-term Average Percent Change 64,200 + 3.7 58,894 +13.1 1,900 +39.1 1,699* +55.6 66,100 + 4.7 -year average Atlantic Flyway Coots 1975 Maine New Hampshire Vermont Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Florida 1,425 550 718 615 400 5,000 7 96,900 20,400 10,000 169,900 Total Atlantic Flyway 305,915 2S Table A-4. (continued) Atlantic Flyway Miscellaneous and unidentified Total ducks 1975 Maine New Hampshire Vermont Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Florida Total Atlantic Flyway 4,154 80 31 105 15 34 1,400 100 108 1,300 24,800 1,600 800 34,527 104,424 1,026 4,539 105,237 11,410 40,454 147,372 259,790 33,585 31,075 248,100 71,400 1,938 188,100 168,900 23,900 466,000 1,907,127 Atlantic Flyway Snow goose Blue goose Canada goose Brant ___ 903 647 4 14,205 523 1,510 40 4 1,845 9,244 24,055 28,300 30 10,860 55,200 15 12 71,085 3,405 38,750 500 6,000 400 551,600 12,400 100 36,500 7,700 553 20,100 400 66,100 400 TR 100 13,800 200 100 1,500 Total geese 1975 Maine New Hampshire Vermont Massachusetts Connecticut Rhode Island New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia Florida Total Atlantic Flyway 70,324 1,042 819,306 88.408 29 lO ^ O vO N *C O \D I I m vo >x> I ++++++ m o ■* en m cm I o vo I OSKIO o o o m o o o o o o o -3* CM -H I I CO I + I I + + I + + o o o o o NO\003N ■X) 00 ** CO H n n oo qo in oo o o ■— i co m h- cm t— i i co o^ oo H CO CON O •* O OO^DvO I --H \£) <-l ^ T3 14 (fl CI (I (tf U O V 0 A 3 u oj tu > w £ ' «*OC0 O PQ CO Dm T3 ^ O V) "H >.cu3coca> *w(t) D X T3 U <0 WC0-U4J CCU OrHC^CQ •H S ^ ^ id i-i n < 0 Hi d O ri tr c H >, COOHHOi t-H Q\ KD r* in •<* t I I .-t *1" <«T O •3 tT"3 0 -h 0) •H rd X] •a 0-3 "HHO ij o a -p P a .e > 3 a w a 4J n^H is — «03k c n 0 u o ■H C 3 to rH -H o 3 0) C Sees e< k o w k <; a ■ J c t; n a t. 3 Q C E > — u m 3 T3 wfl 31 ■ Li H + UtDH +U1 I fM m fN >x> co ri cr. 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(0 X > oo 01 3 ■H o C O 3 M T3 C J3 03 cfl fl U £i X O 3 O CQ ^ II It OH O ^ 01 3 co Hi 11 X T3 U c c oi o CX I 0) iH >> *J 3 MTJ in T3 XI CO C H iH *« 3 oi o -a o -h U£n o Ol 40 o r^ Ml u o\ 00 a cd oo o « CO u o V > o « m On CO vO M CO vO I I I o o o o o o m n •* fo o oo N M lv CO * ON •* O O !N-J N o e CO c c •H rH o CO 0) T3 4-1 c CO XI OJ X) so 0) c 00 .* •H c to CJ T3 r-l 3 •H > 4-1 T3 rW T3 60 0) 3 o C O CO CO •H l-l ^H -C ■H O s a 3 o ca CO CM 3 41 Table B-12. Summary of Colorado's Duck Breeding Ground Population Estimates In Selected Areas, 1975. Total es timated breeding pairs Long term Percent change From From long- Area 1975 1974 average 1974 term average San Luis Valley 26,801 29,694 27,323 - 9.7 - 1.9 North Parkb 27,134 16,657 15,739 +62.9 +72.4 South Platte Valley 14,152 8,457 6,264 +67.3 +125.9 Cache la Poudre 6,732 5,173 3,361 +30.1 +100.3 Valley Yampa Valley 2,354 2,834 2,803 -16.9 -16.0 Brown's Park l,172c 1,128 1,172 — — Totals 78,345 64,484 56,662 +21.5 +38.3 aSan Luis Valley and North Park averages are based on results of 1964 through 1974 and 1968 through 1974 surveys, respectively, because of changes in survey methods utilized before to those dates. Figures for other areas are 21-year averages. Aerial counts corrected by species from visibility ratios obtained in the San Luis Valley. cNo count made in 1975. Figure presented is average of 1971-74 period. 42 Table B-13. Species Composition of Colorado's 1975 Duck Breeding Pair Population. Number of breeding pairs Percent species composition 1975-74 1954-74 Species 1975 1974 average 1975 1974 average Mallard 19,090 28,427 27,690 24.4 44.1 54.7 Blue-winged and Cinnamon teal 15,078 11,441 5,238 19.2 17.7 10.4 Gad wall 3,984 8,464 5,396 5.1 13.1 10.7 Pintail 5,213 4,344 3,560 6.7 6.7 7.0 Green-winged teal 8.859 565 2,147 11.3 .9 4.2 Shove ler 8,005 3,918 2,378 10.2 6.1 4.7 American wigeon 4,868 1,087 884 6.2 1.7 1.7 Redhead 8,048 716 1,978 10.3 1.1 3.9 Other divers 5,200 1,076 1,346 6.6 8.6 2.7 Totals 78,345 64,484 50,536 43 Table B-14. Number of Canada Geese Observed and Estimated Production, Moffat County, Colorado, 1975. Nesting Non-nesting Total Estimated no. Total Area pairs birds adults of goslings birds Yampa Craig- Juniper Springs 16 89 121 53 174 Juniper-Cross Mountains 16 54 86 86 172 Lily Park 10 27 47 8 55 Subtotal 42 170 254 147 401 Green River Brown's Park 53 166 272 176 448 Dinosaur National Monument 26 248 300 106 406 Subtotal 79 414 572 282 854 Little Snake River 19 188 226 68 294 Totals 140 772 1,052 497 1,549 aCalculated using average brood size observed and number of successful nests. bData supplied by F. Neil Folks, Utah State Division of Wildlife Resources. 44 Table B-15. Total Canada Geese Observed, Moffat County, Colorado, 1975. Area Number of geese counted 1956-1974 1975 1974 Percent change average From 1974 From 1956-74 average Yampa River* 401 424 - 5.4 Green River Brown's Park 448 326 156 +37.4 +187.1 Dinosaur National Monument3, b 406 334 + 21.6 Little Snake River3 ,c 294 247 + 19.0 Totals 1,549 1,161 + 33.4 Surveys not conducted in these areas during 1974. Not included in survey until 1970. cNot included in survey until 1962. Table B-16. Estimated Number of Canada Goose Goslings, Moffat County, Colorado, 1975. Area Number of goslings 1975 1974 1956-1974 average Percent change From 1974 From 1956-74 average Yampa River Green River Brown's Park 147 176 119 136 62 +47.9 + 8.1 + 183.9 Dinosaur National a b Monument , 106 120 11.7 Little Snake River3,0 68 79 - 13.9 Totals 497 397 + 25.2 Surveys not conducted in these areas during 1974, Not included in survey until 1970. cNot included in survey until 1962. 45 Table B-17. Number of Canada Goose Goslings Produced In North-Central Colorado Production Trend Areas, 1975. Area Number of goslings Percent change 1975 1969-1974 974 average 187 268 229 274 90 85 206 237 185 280 From 1974 From 1969-1974 Wellington Fort Collins Love land Boulder Denver 207 234 103 217 288 + 9.7 + 2.1 +14.4 + 4.4 +55.7 -22.8 -14.6 +21.2 - 8.4 + 2.9 Totals 1,049 897 1,379 +16.9 -23.9 Table B-18. Number of Canada Geese Observed in North-Central Colorado Production Trend Areas, 1975. Area Number of geese 1969-1974 1975 1974 average 570 635 812 667 477 717 318 239 204 466 365 676 1,328 1,004 1,299 Percent change From 1974 From 1969-1974 Wellington Fort Collins Loveland Boulder Denver -10.2 +39.8 +33.0 +27.7 +32.2 -29.8 - 6.9 +55.9 -31.1 - 2.2 3,349 2,720 3,711 +23.1 -30.4 46 C -H •H M za A! 13 o c 3 rt "O ^ •o o O 3 O T3 u ^ * 60 r^ 60 r~ C CT* 14 T3 (fl fH Cfl r-l cfl 3 X, J= h u o u o ■o 4-1 4-1 9; .. 4-1 4-1 T3 T3 C 1*1 C •* 3 fl) 0) r~ D r-» iH a o CT> o o^ a xi U r-i U r-l C T3 Table B-20. May Aerial Breeding Pair Survey of Iowa. 47 Year Potholes and small water area Index Mallard pairs Blue-winged teal pairs 1966 95 1967 97 1968 26 1969 116 1970 84 1971 87 1972 135 1973 135 1974 134 1975 159 Percent change 1974 tc from i 1975 + 19 Percent change 9-year from average + 67 5,960 7,080 10,440 8,080 8,320 6,980 4,357 5,807 3,250 7,150 + 120 41,250 25,200 55,200 37,800 26,400 32,839 17,734 22,877 21,504 25,159 + 17 - 19 Table B-21. Nebraska 1975 Breeding Ground Survey Results. 1975 Percent 1975 Precent sandhills Percent com- rainwater Percent com- Species total change position total change position Total3 Mallard 14,761 - 24.4 23.6 7,480 + 49.6 52.0 22,241 Blue-winged teal 9,505 - 46.2 15.2 2,662 - 57.8 18.5 12,167 Pintail 3,791 - 7.3 6.0 86 - 94.5 0.6 3,877 Gadwall 11,718 + 19.2 18.7 3,165 +545.9 22.0 14,883 Shoveler 9,194 - 29.4 14.7 906 - 38.4 6.3 10,100 Wood duck 289 — 0.5 — — — 289 Redhead 1,328 +117.3 2.1 86 - 64.2 0.6 1,414 Canvasback 519 +112.7 0.8 — — — 519 Scaup 1,328 +196.4 2.1 — — — 1,328 Ruddy duck 10,215 +439.6 16.3 — — — 10,215 Totals 62,648 - 7.1 100.0 14,385 - 8.0 100.0 77,033 Based on data from aerial surveys. 48 APPENDIX C. WATERFOWL HARVEST SURVEY TABLES. Table C-l. Factors Used to Adjust Survey Statistics to Include the Activities of Junior Hunters. Junior hunter adji ustment factors Pacific Atlantic Mississippi Central Flyway and Estimate Flyway Flyway Flyway Alaska Ducks bagged (including sea ducks) 1.03621 1.04655 1.06055 1.04985 Geese bagged 1.02402 1.03369 1.04110 1.04508 Coots bagged 1.08302 1.09034 1.10147 1.09415 Days hunted 1.05174 1.07003 1.08559 1.08708 Ducks lost 1.03641 1.05699 1.07053 1.06152 Geese lost 1.01573 1.03738 1.07067 1.07411 Coots lost 1.08247 1.10282 1.10400 1.10685 Table C-2. Factors Used to Adjust Survey Statistics for Memory and Prestige Bias. 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Proportions of the Total Duck Harvest Occurring after the September Teal Season in Certain States During 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1974. Flyway State 1971 Proportion in regular season 1972 1973 1974 Atlantic Maine .9566 .9335 Mississippi Alabama Arkansas Illinois Indiana Louisiana Mississippi Missouri Ohio Tennessee .9631 .9907 .9335 .9210 .9114 .9880 .9271 .9381 .9695 .9624 .9856 .9625 .9249 .9008 .9902 .9314 .9438 .9846 .9670 .9814 .8864 .8857 .9009 .9552 .9222 .9166 .9713 .9762 .9853 .9440 .9206 .9905 .9334 .9530 .9872 Central Colorado Kansas New Mexico Oklahoma Texas .9507 .9071 .9439 .9547 .9589 .9728 .9285 .9710 .9491 .9566 .9273 .8833 .9442 .9112 .9380 .9212 .8943 .8992 .9559 .9361 WATERFOWL STATUS REPORT, 1976 WATERFOWL STATUS REPORT, 1976 Compiled and edited by William W. Lamed Sharon L. Rhoades K. Duane Norman -% mu*#* ' UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Special Scientific Report— Wildlife No. 227 Washington, D.C. • 1980 Contents Winter Survey 1 Pacific Flyway . . 2 Central Flyway 2 Mississippi Flyway 3 Atlantic Flyway 3 Mexico 4 Breeding Ground Survey 4 Alaska and the Yukon Territory 4 Northern Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories 5 Northern Saskatchewan, Northern Manitoba, and the Saskatchewan River Delta 5 Southern Alberta 6 Southern Saskatchewan 6 Southern Manitoba 7 Montana 8 North and South Dakota 8 Minnesota 9 California 9 Colorado 10 Nebraska 10 Wisconsin 11 Waterfowl Harvest Surveys 11 Procedures 11 Results 12 Appendix A. Waterfowl Winter Survey Tables 14 Appendix B. Waterfowl Breeding Ground Survey Tables 23 Appendix C. Waterfowl Harvest Survey Tables 49 Waterfowl Status Report, 1976 Compiled and Edited by William W. Larned, Sharon L. Rhoades, and K. Duane Norman U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Migratory Bird Management Section of Waterfowl Population Surveys Laurel, Maryland 20811 This report contains information from the 1975-76 midwinter waterfowl survey, the 1976 waterfowl breeding population and production surveys, and the waterfowl harvest surveys for the 1975-76 hunting season. This information was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and various cooperating State wildlife conser- vation agencies. Winter surveys are composed of the midwinter survey reports submitted from each of the four flyways and the midwinter survey covering a portion of the west coast of Mexico. The breeding ground surveys section is composed of many indi- vidual reports that provide breeding population and production estimates for most waterfowl species within a major portion of their breeding range. The waterfowl harvest survey provides estimates of water- fowl hunting activity and success. Information from surveys of the wintering and breeding populations of waterfowl, coupled with data from the annual harvest survey, are instrumental in developing annual hunting regulations for waterfowl. Credit has been given to each individual or organi- zation that submitted a report. Although some of the narrative statements have been condensed and a few tables deleted or condensed if they contain data pre- sented elsewhere in this report, the essential infor- mation from each report has been retained. The breed- ing grounds survey strata (Fig. 1) for areas surveyed by Fish and Wildlife Service crews were renumbered in 1974. Winter Survey A comprehensive survey of North American water- fowl on their wintering grounds is attempted each January by Fish and Wildlife Service personnel, assisted in the United States by State conservation departments and private individuals, in Canada by the Canadian Wildlife Service, and in Mexico by the Direc- cion General de la Fauna Silvestre. The U.S. winter survey was initiated in 1933 and for 14 years was the only source of extensive inventory data relating to waterfowl distribution and abun- dance. With the development of spring breeding ground surveys, commencing in 1947, less emphasis was placed on the winter survey. It continues, however, to furnish valuable information, such as: ■ It provides the only direct means of monitoring the status of species not covered adequately by the spring surveys, such as the black duck {Anas rubripes) and brant (Branta bernicla). • Winter survey data complement data from the spring surveys for important but less abundant species such as the redhead (Aythya americana) and canvasback (A. valisineria). • It helps define the distribution and species com- position of wintering flocks. Long-term data give insight into changes in migration patterns and win- tering areas. • Data are frequently used in land acquisition and refuge decisions. It can be argued that waterfowl use is a good indicator of the value of an area. • Survey data support continuing research efforts by providing an indication of waterfowl distribution and relative abundance. • Winter survey data are often used in the prepa- ration of environmental impact assessments. The Mexican winter surveys began in the early 1950's and were run annually through 1965, with the exception of 1957. From 1965 through the present, complete surveys have been attempted only once every 5th year. Only black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) habitat on the west coast has been surveyed every year. Survey coverage for 1976 included all major winter- ing areas in the United States and the west coast of Mexico. Winter survey data appear in tables A-l, A-2, and A-3. The following are summaries of survey reports from the various flyways and Mexico. 1 Fig. 1. Transects and strata for aerial waterfowl breeding population and production surveys. Pacific Fly way Data supplied by John E. Chattin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The winter survey began 5 January 1976 and was completed within a week with only minimal delays. No operational or severe weather problems were en- countered and coverage was essentially comparable with previous years. Participation was also similar to prior years and included 36 Service, 105 State, and 21 other personnel. Thirty-two aircraft flew 194 h over 30,064 kilometers. Additional coverage included 70 automobiles which traveled a total of 10,355 kilometers. Survey data appear in Table A-la. Total waterfowl numbers showed a very slight increase over last year. Dabbling duck counts were essentially unchanged from both 1975 and the 1966-75 mean. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) increased slightly from last year, but remained 25% below the mean. Pintail (A acuta) counts were the same as last year and 29% above the mean. Diver counts were up 36% from those of last year, which brings them back close to the 10-year mean. The goose index increased 11% from 1975 and 17% from the mean. Black brant counts were up 23% from last year, but remain 25% below the mean. Observed numbers of whistling swans (Cygnus columbianus) remained essentially unchanged from 1975 and the 1966-75 mean, while those of trumpeter swans (C. buccinator) continued their gradual increase. Central Flyway Data supplied by Harvey W. Miller, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Surveys of geese in the Central Flyway were con- ducted from 15 through 19 December 1975, while ducks and swans were surveyed from 5 through 12 January 1976. The weather was unusually cold in much of the flyway before and during the survey, and habitat conditions were altered by drought, par- ticularly in Texas, Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico. There were no reports, however, that major shifts in the distribution of waterfowl had resulted from these extremes. Participation in the survey effort included 54 Federal and 169 State personnel. Twenty-five aircraft flew 291 h, covering over 34,516 kilometers. An addi- tional 24,839 kilometers were traveled by 148 auto- mobiles. This total effort was just slightly less than that of 1975. Total waterfowl tallied were essentially unchanged from 1975 results (Table A-lb). The dabbling duck index was down 12% from last year, but up 26% from the 1966-75 mean. The mallard index was roughly equal to the 10-year mean, while that of the pintail exceeded it by 53%. The diving duck count was slightly up from last year, but showed a 92% increase over the 10-year mean. Most of this increase was due to the counts of redhead and scaup {Aythya marila and A affinis), which showed increases of 91 and 168%, respectively. The ring-necked duck (A collaris) count was 53% above that of last year, but still 71% below the mean. A significant decrease was noted in the canvasback index, which was 64% below that of last year, and 20% below the 10-year mean. Counts were up in all three species of geese in the flyway this year, from 31 to 50% above last year, and 39 to 44% above the 1966-75 mean. There was also the usual trace of Ross' geese (Anser rossii) this year, with nine birds counted. Observed numbers of swans remained about the same as last year, and coots (Fulica americana) tallied were up 5 1 % in the same period. Mississippi Flyway Data supplied by Kenneth E. Gamble, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Survey weather was unusually cold in this flyway also, with snow and ice cover in many areas. Survey completion was delayed in sWie northern States, and coverage was incomplete in Arkansas and Louisiana. Participation included 454 personnel, who traveled a total of 66,910 kilometers. This coverage represents an increase of 8% over the previous year. Equipment used on the survey included 50 aircraft, 343 automobiles, and 32 boats. Reports from participants indicated that birds were more concentrated than usual over most of the flyway, due to extensive ice cover in the North, and dry condi- tions in the South. The resulting increase in visibility may at least partially explain the increased numbers of waterfowl observed— especially among the dabbling ducks. Data in Table A-lc reflect dramatic increases in counts of mallards, gadwalls [Anas strepera), wigeons (A. americana), green-winged teal (A crecca caro- linensis), and shovelers (A. clypeata), in comparison to those of both 1975 and the 1966-75 mean. Increases of lesser magnitude were noted for black ducks, mottled ducks (A fulvigula), and blue-winged teal (A discors), while pintails tallied remained essentially unchanged from 1975, and 29% below the 10-year mean. Total dabbler counts were 56% above those of 1975, and 34% above the mean. Total diving ducks counted were also increased from the previous year ( + 104%), but were down 13% from the 10-year mean. Redhead coverage was not com- parable with that of 1975, but remained 23% below the mean. As can be seen from the tabulated data, counts of canvasbacks, goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula), and buffleheads (B. albeola) increased from both 1975 and the mean. Tallies of ring-necked ducks and ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) both declined in the same periods, and those of scaup nearly tripled since 1975, but remained 15% below the mean. All goose counts increased compared to 1975 and mean figures, and total geese were 25% above 1975 and 29% above the 10-year mean. Atlantic Flyway Data supplied by Warren W. Blandin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The Atlantic Flyway experienced weather condi- tions similar to those of the Mississippi Flyway, with generally cold weather and extensive ice cover pre- vailing. Some survey delays were noted due to in- clement weather, extending completion date to 23 January 1976. Participation included 44 Federal, 58 State, and 8 other personnel. Equipment included 31 aircraft, 34 automobiles, and 13 boats, with a total of 56,227 kilo- meters traveled. This is 1 1 % fewer kilometers covered than in 1975. The total dabbling duck count in the Atlantic Flyway fell below the 1966-75 mean for the 4th con- secutive year, but showed a 19% increase from that of last year (Table A-ld). Once again, the apparent in- crease may be due in part to increased visibility of flocks concentrated by extensive ice cover in northern areas. One exception to the general increase from 1975 was the shoveler, counts of which decreased 17% in that period, and 47% from the 10-year mean. Significant decreases from the 10-year means were noted among counts of green-winged teal (-28%), blue- winged teal (-28%), and pintails (-25%). The only sig- nificant increase noted was in the gadwall total, which was up 27% from the mean. Total diving duck counts this year were 30% below those of 1975 and 29% below the 10-year mean. Scaup counts contributed the most to this apparent decline, with a 53% decrease from last year. Observed numbers of ruddy ducks were also down considerably, as were those of redheads. Redhead figures are subject to ques- tion, however, as Florida biologists feel they may have missed a large portion of their birds due to dispersal and rough water conditions. The increase in observed numbers of canvasbacks this year is encouraging, though not large enough to be highly significant. Good numbers of geese were observed this year, con- sistent with all three other flyways. A dramatic 66% increase was noted in observed numbers of snow geese (Anser caerulescens). This is an 80% increase from the 10-year mean. Another high arctic nester, the Atlantic brant (Branta bernicla hrota), showed similar evidence of success this year, although its 44% increase from 1975 counts left it still 3% below the 1966-75 mean. Whistling swan numbers appear to be continuing their upward trend, according to results of this survey, which showed an increase in observed numbers of 18% from 1975 and 19% from the mean. Mexico Data supplied by James F. Voelzer and K. Duane Norman, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The winter survey of Mexico's West Coast and Baja, California, was conducted this year during the period from 14-24 January 1976, with excellent survey condi- tions prevailing. The crew consisted of two Fish and Wildlife Service biologists, and one biologist from the Mexican Direccion General de la Fauna Silvestre. As usual, all major black brant wintering areas were covered in the survey. It should be emphasized that the major thrust of this survey was on brant. All other waterfowl species were counted incidentally, and while this data is useful for establishing trends, it is incom- plete and should be treated as such. According to the crew, both natural and man-made habitat changes were relatively insignificant over the past year, leaving conditions similar to those of 1975. The one noted exception to this was the Colorado River Delta, which had abundant water for the first time in many years. Results of the brant survey this year (Table A-3) showed a minor decrease in observed numbers of 3% from 1975, and 14% from the 1966-75 mean. This unex- pectedly low count seems to indicate an exception to the excellent breeding season experienced by other high arctic breeders. A partial explanation might be offered, however, by the difficult census conditions resulting from wide dispersal of brant into small groups of 3 to 3,000 in their areas this year. Total observed numbers of dabbling ducks dropped 19% from 1975, but were 97% above the 10-year mean. Worthy of mention is the appearance of over 2,000 mallards, for the first time in the history of the survey. Virtually all of these were in the Colorado River Delta, and in the opinion of the crew, the unusually wet condi- tions there drew some birds from the Imperial Valley of California. Total diving duck counts this year decreased 37% from 1975 but were still 70% above the 10-year mean. As in the previous surveys, the vast majority of these were scaup (96,776) and redheads (50,620). Observed numbers of white-fronted {Anser albifrons) and Canada geese {Branta canadensis) were similar to those of 1975 and the 10-year mean, but snow goose counts were up to 470 this year, which is a 236% in- crease from 1975, and 158% from the mean. Breeding Ground Survey Aerial surveys of waterfowl breeding populations and production were developed in the late 1940's by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to monitor the status of habitat and waterfowl, primarily ducks, over a large portion of their breeding grounds in North America. Annual information in this regard is essen- tial for effective management of this resource. Cur- rently, waterfowl population and habitat changes are surveyed over about 3.4 million square kilometers of breeding habitat within portions of Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, the Northwest Territories, the Dakotas, and Min- nesota. In addition to the Service's annual breeding ground survey, a number of States conduct a similar survey. State reports that have been submitted to the Service are incorporated herein. Beginning in 1973, the Waterfowl Status Report reflects only the current year's data for Service-con- ducted surveys. Breeding population survey tables also have been changed to reflect adjustment for visi- bility bias. All reports before 1973 reflect unadjusted figures. The historical production survey data (1955- 71) are available in Special Scientific Report— Wildlife No. 160 (1972). Data for the 1972-75 production surveys are presented in the respective years' status reports. The procedures followed in conducting the breeding ground surveys are established in the Ser- vice's standard operating procedures for aerial water- fowl breeding ground population and habitat surveys (1977). Alaska and the Yukon Territory Data supplied by James G. King and John Sarvis, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions A slightly early spring breakup and favorable weather over most of the area allowed optimum survey timing this year. Flooding was confined to the mouth of the Yukon, and the lower Innoko, and did not greatly affect nesting. Otherwise, water levels were normal across Alaska and the Yukon. Oil development and pipelines have not yet significantly affected Alaskan waterfowl habitat. Some damage to goose habitat may, however, have resulted from uncon- trolled oil exploration on the North Slope by the U.S. Navy. Breeding Populations (Table B-l) The survey was conducted during the period from 20 May through 14 June 1976. The 1976 breeding popu- lation index increased 22% over that of 1975, and was still 3% above the 1966-75 mean. The total dabbling duck index was 31% above 1975, but 8% below the mean. Notable increases from 1975 were indicated for mallards ( + 38%), green-winged teal ( + 76%), shoveler ( + 112%), and pintail ( + 28%). All these species still remained at or below the 10-year mean, however, except the shoveler, which increased 20%. The combined diving duck index was up 26% from both 1975 and the 1966-75 mean. Significant changes were seen in scaup ( + 27% from 1975 and +30% from the mean) and bufflehead ( + 86% from 1975 and +81% from the mean). In the miscellaneous category, oldsquaw {Clangula hyemalis) estimates were down (-8% from 1975 and -12% from the mean) as were those of eiders [Soma- teria spp.) (-14% and -42%, respectively). The scoter (Melanitta spp. and Oidemia nigra) index, however, increased 17% from 1975 and 1% from the 10-year mean. Northern Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories Data supplied by Morton M. Smith, Lonnie D. Schroeder, K. Duane Norman, and John Koerner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions Spring was considered normal to a week or more early in the survey area. Most shallow water areas were ice-free as the survey proceeded north, and there was no evidence of waterfowl delayed by an "ice line." Water levels were low in the Athabasca Delta area and in some of the middle areas of the Northwest Terri- tories. Breeding Populations (Table B-2) According to survey results, both total ducks and mallards were at an all-time low for the survey area this year. Results of the survey compared to 1975 and the 1966-75 mean for the more abundant species are as follows: mallard (-49% and -49%), American wigeon (-18% and -25%), green-winged teal (-55% and -54%), pintail (-37% and -2%), scaup (-25% and -18%), bufflehead (-17% and -8%), oldsquaw (-10% and -35%), scoter (-7% and -14%), and total ducks (-27% and -24%). These represent an all-time low for both mallards and total ducks. In spite of crew changes and absence of air-ground checks, the crew feels that there has definitely been a real decrease in duck breeding populations in the survey area this year. Northern Saskatchewan, Northern Manitoba, and the Saskatchewan RiverDelta Data supplied by Arthur R. Brazda and Richard A. Gimby, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions Unusually heavy snowfall this year resulted in high water levels throughout the survey area, with undoubtedly some associated nest destruction. Cold, wet spring weather retarded vegetative growth by at least 2 weeks. Periods of inclement weather were of brief duration, however, and probably did not markedly delay breeding activities. Breeding Populations (Table B-3) Survey results indicated an increase in most of the major duck species this year. The dabbling duck index was 62% higher than 1975, and 6% higher than the 1966-75 mean. Diving ducks were up just slightly (+6% from 1975 and +7% from the mean). The total duck index increased 20% from 1975 and 5% from the mean. Changes in the indices of the more abundant duck species from 1975 and the 1966-75 mean are as follows: mallard ( + 67% and +4%), American wigeon ( + 38% and -17%), green-winged teal ( + 72% and + 60%), blue-winged teal (+125% and +25%), scaup (-33% and -21%), ring-necked duck ( + 14% and +1%), American goldeneye ( + 180% and +130%), and mer- ganser (Mergus spp.; -57% and -18%). Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions April, May, and June were warm and dry, which were conducive to good nesting success. These condi- tions, however, coupled with a mild, snowless winter produced low water levels and dry habitat conditions until heavy rainfall reversed the trend in late June and early July. Habitat conditions were good to excellent at the conclusion of the survey. Production Survey coverage this year was incomplete but included strata 22, 23, 24, and 25. Only strata 22, 23, and 25 were completed in 1975 and the following comparisons are based on these three strata only. The 1976 duck brood index decreased 10% from 1975, and 30% from the 1966-75 mean. Average brood size decreased 19% and 9%, respectively. The late- nesting index (a rough measure of renesting) increased 38% from 1975 and 33% from the 10-year mean. The late-nesting index for mallards was 25% above 1975 and 87% above the mean. For all dabblers, the index increased 38% from 1975 and 33% from the mean. This index for divers was 34.5% below that of 1975, but still 40% above the mean. For all ducks combined it was 15% below 1975 and 49% above the 10-year mean. In the opinion of the survey crew, the value of the late- nesting index as a measure of the renesting effort for the area north of the lower regions of strata 22 and 24 is questionable. Southern Alberta Data supplied by K. Duane Norman and John W. Koerner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions The winter of 1975-76 in southern Alberta was similar to the preceding year— dry and mild. Tem- peratures in the fall were near normal, but the period from January through May was abnormally warm. The precipitation pattern was a bit more complex, but generally resulted in dry to very dry conditions in the lower three strata, but good to excellent water levels in stratum 26. Overall, the pond index showed a 7% decrease from 1975, and an 8% increase from the 1966- 75 mean. Breeding Populations (Table B-4) The survey was conducted from 7 through 24 May 1976. The total duck breeding population estimate for 1976 was 8% below 1975 and 1% above the 1966-75 mean. The total dabbler breeding population estimate was 15% below 1975 and 10% below the mean. Pintails accounted for the greatest portion of this decrease (down 387,000 or 27% from the mean). Other species showing significant decreases from the 10-year average were shovelers (-27%), American wigeon (-20%), and gadwall (-12%). The mallard estimate remained essentially unchanged ( + 4% from 1975 and -4% from the mean), while estimates of green-winged and blue-winged teal increased 18% and 22%, respec- tively. Total diver estimates were up 54% from 1975 and 101% from the 10-year mean. Dramatic increases in scaup and redhead estimates accounted for most of this change, and even canvasbacks increased 58% from the 1975 estimate and 72% from the mean. The American coot estimate was a slight 4% above last year's, but remained 59% over the 10-year mean. The combined lone-drake index was only 9% below the long-term average, indicating a properly timed survey. Compared with 1975 lone-drake indices, the 1976 mallard index was slightly lower, the pintail index slightly higher, and the canvasback index much higher. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions May was dry and mild in the grasslands of southern Alberta, but rainy in the parklands. June was cloudy and cool throughout, but with insufficient moisture to maintain water levels. July was warm and dry except in some areas of the parklands. These conditions resulted in disappearance of nearly all temporary water and much of the permanent water in strata 29, 28, and 27, although stratum 26, the most northern stratum, retained good to excellent water levels. The July pond index was 25% below that of 1975 and the 10-year mean. Production (Table B-4) The survey was conducted from 4 through 11 July 1976. The duck brood index was 6% above 1975 and 4% below the 1966-75 average. The average brood size was 16% larger than that of 1975, but slightly smaller (-4%) than the 10-year mean. The late-nesting index for all ducks combined was 9% above that of 1975, and 109% above the mean. The index for total dabblers was the same as 1975, but 95% above the 10-year mean, and for divers it was 49% above 1975, and 195% above the mean. Southern Saskatchewan Data supplied by Rossalius C. Hanson and James L. Nelson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions Mild temperatures prevailed in southern Sas- katchewan during the winter and spring of 1975-76, but precipitation varied according to location. Heavy snowfall and resultant runoff left excellent conditions in the southeast (stratum 35). South-central Sas- katchewan also received adequate water, resulting in fair to good conditions there. Elsewhere in the Province water levels were quite low, especially in the western portion, where conditions ranged from fair to poor. Pond counts for the entire survey area were 27% below those of 1975, but still 4% above the 1966-75 average. Breeding Populations (Table B-5) The survey was conducted from 3 to 19 May 1976. The total duck population estimate was essentially un- changed from that of 1975, but still 20% above the 1966-75 mean. The dabbler index was unchanged from 1975 and 18% above the mean. Species with sig- nificant changes included the mallard ( + 23% and + 24%), gadwall (-5% and +22%), American wigeon (-19% and -16%), blue-winged teal (-32% and +6%), and pintail ( + 24% and +40%). The diver index was down 16% from 1975, but still 53% greater than the 1966-75 mean. The scaup index decreased considerably from 1975 (-21%) but was still 63% above the 10-year mean. Redhead and canvasback indices also maintained large increases over the 10-year mean. The ruddy duck index was 18% lower than in 1975, but remained unchanged from the mean. Summer Weather and Habitat Condition A dry windy May in southern Saskatchewan fortu- nately was followed by many scattered showers and some widespread rain in June and July which partially alleviated the very dry conditions. This badly needed moisture probably helped the renesting effort some- what. Total July pond counts were down 10% from 1975, but were up 33% from the 1966-75 mean. Vege- tation responded well to these late rains, and resulted in good nesting and brood cover, as well as excellent crop recovery. Production (Table B-5) The survey was conducted between 2 and 17 July 1976. For the first time in several years, conditions were favorable for a good early hatch, and many class III broods were seen during the survey— especially the mallard, pintail, and canvasback. The late-nesting index also was up from 1975 for most species, except mallard, American wigeon, pintail, redhead, and bufflehead. The overall duck brood index was up 16% from 1975, and 31% from the 1966-75 mean, although the average brood size dropped 4% from 1975 and 13% from the mean. The forecast was for moderate in- creases in all dabbler species except American wigeon, and an increase in canvasback. Due to contradictory data on the redhead, no prognostication was made for that species. Southern Manitoba Date supplied by Douglas S. Benning and James R. Goldsberry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions Fall and winter precipitation were well above normal in southern Manitoba with greatest amounts received in the southwest corner of the Province. Spring weather, however, was warm and quite dry, rapidly removing moisture from upland areas. The wet fall pre- vented farmers from turning under burning stubble, so stubble fields were in abundance for upland nesters at the season's outset. As drying progressed, however, the fields could be worked, and destruction of many early nests probably resulted. High water levels in ponds, along with dry uplands, allowing close farming, contributed to a scarcity of peripheral nesting cover. Overwater nesters, however, found an abundance of emergent vegetation due to the early spring. Total pond counts were up 12% from both 1975 and the 1966-75 mean. Breeding Populations (Table B-6) The survey in southern Manitoba was conducted from 6 through 20 May 1976. The total duck breeding population estimate was 40% above that of 1975, and 31% above the 1966-75 mean. All dabbler species were up substantially from the previous year. Compared with the 10-year mean, the mallard estimate was up 62%, blue-winged teal up 18%, shoveler up 56%, and the pintail was up 41%. The gadwall estimate was up 64% from 1975, but was still 18% below the mean. The wigeon estimate was just slightly above that of 1975, but 39% below the mean. Total dabbler estimates were up 62% from those of 1975, and 29% above the 10-year mean. The most spectacular increase among the diver estimates was that of the scaup, which was 30% above the 1975 estimate, and 101% above the 1966-75 mean. The canvasback estimate decreased 17% from 1975, but still showed an increase of 84% from the mean. The redhead estimate decreased 18% from 1975, which made it equal the 10-year mean. The total diver figure remained unchanged from 1975 but surpassed the mean by 67%. Ruddy duck estimates decreased from 1975 by 9%, and from the mean by 23%. The coot, however, the opportunist who is considered by many to be an indicator of good habitat conditions, showed an increase of 66% over the 1975 population estimate, and 89% over the 10-year mean. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions Above-normal precipitation in June fortunately halted the drying trend experienced by southern Mani- toba in April and May. Water levels in July were normal to above normal, and overwater nesting and emergent brood cover was in abundance. Intensive agriculture, however, left upland nesting cover in short supply. The overall pond index was 7% above that of 1975, and 18% above the 1966-75 mean. Production (Table B-6) The brood index this year increased 1 1 % over that of 1975, and 25% from the 1966-75 mean. The average brood size was 5.13, which was down only 5% from the mean. The late-nesting index, however, was down considerably on nearly all species. Compared to 1975 and the 10-year mean, the index for total dabblers was down 63% and 61%, respectively, for total divers down 48% and 65%, and the total duck figure was down 54% and 51%. The only ducks which showed increases were the green-winged teal and the American goldeneye. The production forecast, which uses brood density, late-nesting index, July pond density, and average brood size, indicated production for 1976 slightly below that of 1975, and well below that of the reference period, 1956-62. Montana Data supplied by James F. Voelzer, Larry Mallard, Joel Miller, and Don Kudrna, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions An early spring following a winter of slightly below normal precipitation provided arriving waterfowl with near normal water levels and good nesting habitat. Although precipitation was not as good as in 1975, it ranged from 5 centimeters above normal around Billings to near normal in the Cut Bank area. The rainfall gradient also decreased from southwest to northeast. The poorest areas for water levels were southwest of Havre and east through northeast of Malta, where runoff and rainfall were insufficient for good nesting conditions. The overall pond index for Montana was 26% below that of 1975, but only 1% below the 1966-75 mean. Breeding Populations (Table B-7) The survey in Montana was conducted from 10 through 21 May 1976. The total duck breeding popu- lation estimate was 12% below that of 1975, and 4% below the 1966-75 mean. Dabbler estimates in general decreased 11% from 1975, and 3% from the mean. The mallard estimate showed no change from 1975, and was up 16% from the mean. The survey crew feels that this estimate of 480,300 was probably in error due to an unrealistic visibility rate. The true figure was prob- ably closer to 400,000. Changes from 1975 and 1966-75 mean figures for other dabblers are as follows: gad- wall, -24% and -37%; American wigeon, -10% and -45%; green-winged teal, -74% and -51%; blue-winged teal, +10% and +38%; northern shoveler, +1% and + 27%; and pintail, -13% and -12%. The crew felt that all these figures are probably accurate except the green-winged teal estimate. In their opinion, their esti- mate was on the low side, due to low visibility of the species and uneven dispersal over the area, resulting in sampling errors. The total diver estimate was 21% below that of 1975, but about equal to the 1966-75 mean. The redhead estimate was 196% above 1975, and 24% below the mean. The scaup estimate was 52% below 1975, and 20% below the mean. The canvasback estimate showed an incredible increase of 680% from 1975 and 306% from the 10-year mean. The crew felt that this also was in error, and that at least part of the discrepancy was due to a migrant flock unexpectedly encountered on transect. The coot estimate was 333% above 1975 and 133% above the mean. The lone-drake index of 70.4 indicated that the nesting season was well advanced by the time the survey was conducted. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions A series of frontal systems, often accompanied by thunderstorms, crossed the survey area in June and July. These systems brought rain and occasional high winds to much of Montana. Water quality and habitat conditions were much improved as a result of these summer rains. Pond counts in July were 3% below those of 1975 but 29% above the 1966-75 mean. Production (Table B-7) The production survey was conducted from 8 through 16 July 1976. The brood index of 45,200 was 11% above that of 1975, and 10% below the 1966-75 mean. The average brood size decreased a slight 6% from 1975, but remained 4% above the mean. The late- nesting index for total ducks was 11% above 1975, with no appreciable change from the 10-year mean. The mallard index was down 21% from 1975, which put it very close to the mean. The gadwall, northern shoveler, and pintail indices were all up considerably from both 1975 and the 10-year mean, while those of the American wigeon, green-winged teal, and blue- winged teal showed a decrease. The redhead index dropped 50% from 1975 but was still 100% above the mean. There was no change in the canvasback index from either reference period, but the scaup index in- creased 60% from 1975, bringing it to 20% below the mean. Ground survey results indicated that with the improved quality of nesting habitat, last-nesting attempts should be largely successful. North and South Dakota Data supplied by Edgar Ferguson and Gerald Pospichal, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Spring Weather and Habitat Conditions Water conditions varied from excellent to poor in North and South Dakota. Excellent conditions pre- vailed in the northwest portion of North Dakota, but with minor exceptions the remainder of the survey area was quite dry. Total precipitation in North Dakota was average to slightly above average, while in South Dakota it was well below average. In North Dakota, total pond counts decreased 6% from 1975, but increased 11% from the 1966-75 mean. In South Dakota, however, ponds decreased 31% from 1975 and 33% from the mean. Both vegetation and ducks got an early start in 1976, with the mild spring weather. Breeding Populations (Tables B-8 and B-9) The survey in North and South Dakota was con- ducted from 5 through 20 May 1976. In North Dakota all species of ducks showed a decrease this year, and the total duck index was down 45% from 1975, and 40% from the 1966-75 mean. Among the dabblers, the mallard estimate had the smallest decline from 1975 estimates (-19%), but was still 23% below the mean. The American wigeon decreased 26% from 1975 but was still 84% above the mean. All other dabbler esti- mates were over 50% down from the previous year, and 40 to 60% below 10-year mean figures. Likewise, all divers showed decreases from 1975, but estimates of scaup, ring-necked ducks, and buffleheads were still above the mean figures. The coot index was down 72% from 1975 and 59% from the 10-year mean. Estimates of most species of ducks were down in South Dakota as well, but not as drastically as in North Dakota. The total duck estimate was down 21% from that of 1975, and 31% from the 1966-75 mean. The mallard index was down only 6% from 1975 and 20% from the mean. Other dabblers showed greater de- creases, with the exception of the American wigeon, which was up 252% from the 1975 index and 113% from the mean. Among divers, the scaup index was up 211% from that of 1975 and 101% from the mean. Otherwise, diver estimates were significantly low when compared with both references. Coot estimates were up 17% from 1975 and down 30% from the mean, which was not as bad as in North Dakota, although this species is ordinarily much less abundant in South Dakota. Summer Weather and Habitat Conditions The two western strata in North Dakota retained water levels slightly better than the long-term average. The remainder of the survey area was very dry. North Dakota had some rain in June, but too little to improve habitat conditions. Pond counts decreased in North Dakota by 23% from 1975, with no change from the 1967-75 mean. In South Dakota, ponds decreased 10% from 1975, and 20% from the mean. Production (Tables B-8 and B-9) The survey was conducted from 3 through 15 July 1976. The North Dakota brood index was 31% below that of 1975, and 34% below the 1966-75 mean. This index for South Dakota was even worse, -48% below 1975 and 66% below the mean. This is the lowest pro- duction estimate on record for South Dakota. The av- erage brood size did not change significantly in North Dakota from either reference period, and for South Dakota it decreased 5% from 1975 and 10% from the 10-year mean. The late nesting indices were also down drastically in both States. In North Dakota, the index for total ducks was down 75% from 1975, and 48% from the 1967-75 mean, while in South Dakota it was down 58% from 1975, and 63% from the 1966-75 mean. The late-nesting index for the Northern shoveler showed a large increase in North Dakota, and that of the pintail was up significantly in both States. Other- wise, decreases and "no change" conditions were the rule. All in all, production prospects for the two States in 1976 looked extremely poor. Minnesota Data supplied by Robert L. Jessen, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Weather and Habitat Conditions The spring of 1976 was below average in runoff and the pond estimate dropped to 110,000 from the 1975 estimate of 206,000. A mild spring resulted in early vegetation growth. The survey was advanced to match the early spring. Early spring precipitation records do not adequately represent the cumulative drought effect. Breeding Population (Tables B-10 through B-13) The survey was conducted from 5 through 18 May 1976. The breeding duck index corrected for visibility was 676,000. Most of the 62% increase over the 1975 index resulted from the impressive blue-winged teal estimate of 387,000. This number is more than double the average teal estimate from 1968 to 1975. Drought in Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas, and much of Minne- sota appears to have concentrated blue-winged teal in the lake region of Minnesota. California Data supplied by J. Ledonne, H. George, B. Deuel, and D. Hinz, California Department of Fish and Game Weather and Habitat Conditions Habitat conditions in northeastern California were the driest seen in recent years. There was less water available for nesting birds than in the dry year of 1968. The permanent water impoundments and marshes were very low from lack of runoff. The temporary water areas that produced waterfowl in 1975 were dry as a result of the dry winter and spring. The Central Valley experienced the second driest winter on record and total precipitation was only about one-third of normal. The first real winter storm did not occur until the 1st week of March. Record high temperatures occurred during January and February 1976 throughout the Central Valley. Probably because of the warm weather and poor habitat conditions, the 10 spring migration was earlier than normal. Since this area is mostly composed of artificial and regulated water impoundments such as rice fields, grasslands, and pastures, the effects of weather and rain influence waterfowl production indirectly as they affect farming operations. Rice field preparations were on schedule this year, with an estimated 161,943 ha planted, which is down from the record crop of 212,550 ha harvested in 1975. Breeding Populations and Production Indices (Tables B-14 through B-20) Survey flights in the Central Valley were conducted on 18 and 19 May, while northeastern California was surveyed from 1 through 5 June 1974. Inspection of data in Table B-18 indicates decreases in both nesting pairs and fall population indices from those of 1975 for nearly all species. The nesting pair index and fall population index for dabbling ducks decreased 29% and 25% from 1975, respectively, while both parameters of diving ducks decreased 45% during the same period. The total duck nesting pair index decreased 30%, while the fall population index fell 27%, compared with 1975. These indices for Canada geese dropped 26% and 23%, respectively, during the period, while both indices for coots decreased 35%. Colorado Data supplied by M. R. Szymczak and S. F. Steinert, Colorado Division of Wildlife Weather and Habitat Conditions Water conditions were considered below average for duck production in all survey areas. The San Luis Valley was very dry for the 3rd consecutive year, although water in the north end of the Valley showed some improvement over 1975. As a result of a dry winter, water conditions were poor in both North Park and the Yampa Valley, with very little additional runoff predicted for the remainder of the spring and summer. Surveys of the Cache la Poudre and South Platte Valley areas were conducted prior to the ini- tiation of the irrigation season. Water conditions in the Poudre and Platte valleys, although poor during the early spring nesting season, should improve for the late-nesting and brood-rearing period. The small and steady runoff in northwest Colorado kept flooding loss of goose nests in Moffat County to a minimum. A gen- erally mild spring with no severe storms provided excellent conditions for goose production in north central Colorado. Breeding Population and Production (Tables B-21 through B-27) Surveys were conducted between 10 May and 30 June 1976. The number of estimated duck breeding pairs in Colorado's production trend areas declined in 1976 from the record high 1975 level. The total of 71,021 is 9% below the 1975 level, but 21% above the long-term average (Table B-21). The number of esti- mated nesting pairs increased in the San Luis and Cache la Poudre valleys. Major numerical declines were recorded in both North Park and the South Platte Valley (Table B-21). Over 60% of the San Luis Valley breeding population in 1976 is composed of shovelers and green-winged teal. Normally green-winged teal are not prominent in the San Luis Valley breeding popu- lation. In North Park, no green-winged teal were observed on aerial transects; therefore, the population, which was estimated to be over 7,000 in North Park in 1975, was nonexistent in 1976. Obviously the relia- bility of estimating green-winged teal populations using these methods is suspect. The proportion of the estimated breeding population composed of mallards remained at about 24% (Table B-22). Because of the large estimated breeding popu- lation of shovelers in the San Luis Valley, that species was numerically the largest breeding population in Colorado in 1976. A total of 1,561 Canada geese were observed in Moffat County in northwest Colorado in 1976 (Table B-23). The total is essentially the same as was recorded in 1975 (Table B-24). Total birds observed on the Yampa River increased substantially over the 1975 level as a result of an increase in both gosling produc- tion (Table B-25) and number of adults. Gosling production in 1976 declined below 1975 levels on the Green River (Table B-25) as did the number of adults. Gosling production in 1976 increased over the 1975 level on the Little Snake River (Table B-25), but the number of adults observed declined. Overall, in north- west Colorado in 1976 the production increased, but the size of the total population remained comparable to 1975 levels. In north central Colorado in 1976 gosling production increased over 1975 levels on all trend areas except Boulder (Table B-26). Yet the total number of geese observed declined (Table B-27), indicating a reduction in the number of adult geese observed. Production in 1976 is 14% above the 1969-75 average, but the total number of geese is down 20%. Nebraska Data supplied by John T. Sweet, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Weather and Habitat Conditions The 1976 May water index was 5.9% below that of 1975. The spring remained cool and dry except for a few localized rains. Surveys were not conducted in the 11 rainwater basin production area in 1976 because of the drought conditions and resulting lack of water areas. Breeding Populations (Table B-28) The total breeding population index for the Sandhill production area in 1976 was 87,171, which represents a significant increase of 41% from that of 1975. The dabbling duck subtotal increased 49%, and the diver index increased 11%. Increases were noted in all indi- vidual species indices except those of gadwall and scaup, which declined by 22% and 11%, respectively. Blue-winged teal showed the most dramatic increase ( + 176%), and comprised over 30% of the total breeding ducks counted. Wisconsin Data supplied by J. C. Haug, H. J. Libby III, and B. Moss, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Weather and Habitat Conditions (Table B-29) Wetland density did not change drastically between 1975 and 1976 (Table B-29). In the Northern high- duck-density areas, and to a lesser extent in the Southeast-Central area there was, however, a slight decrease in temporary water areas. As in the past. Types I through V wetlands were the areas most used by Wisconsin's breeding waterfowl. Ditching remains an item of concern in the Southeast-Central region of the State. scale percentage changes can result from relatively small changes in duck numbers. In 1976, 15 black ducks were observed from the air in the Northern High and Northern Low regions. When expanded to a population index, these sightings indicate a statewide population of 2,100 black ducks. This is in contrast to 1975, when no black ducks were observed from the air. A factor of prime concern is that mallard popu- lations seem to be declining in all three survey regions. This large-scale and widespread decline in mallards is cause for concern and indicates that management actions are necessary to reverse this undesirable trend. Waterfowl Harvest Surveys Data supplied by Samuel M. Carney, Lonnie D. Schroeder, and Michael F. Sorensen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service This report provides estimates of waterfowl hunting activity and harvest during the 1975 season and compares them with estimates for the 1974 season. Estimates for both years were derived from infor- mation obtained from three sources: (1) the Postal Service's report of duck stamp sales, (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Questionnaire Survey of water- fowl hunters, and (3) the Service's Waterfowl Parts Collection Survey. Procedures Breeding Populations and Production (Table B-30) The total breeding duck population estimate for the three regions in 1976 was 276,400, which is a 33% decrease from the 1975 estimate. The three major cate- gories of mallards, blue-winged teal, and other ducks all showed significant declines in this period (changes of ± 20% or greater are considered significant). The Southeast-Central Region had the greatest decrease (48%), the NortherivTIigh Region experienced an insignificant change (-4%), and the Northern Low Region increased markedly ( + 205%). All three species categories experienced decreases in the Southeast-Central Region: mallards (-36%), blue- winged teal (-46%), and other species (-84%). The Northern High Region had decreases in mallards (-34%) and other species (-37%), whereas blue-winged teal increased ( + 64%). The Northern Low Region also had a decrease in mallards (-16%), but showed increases in blue-winged teal ( + 54%) and other species ( + 568%). The investigators feel that it is more impor- tant to note the overall State decline in ducks, and the large decline in the high density Southeast-Central Region rather than the great increase found in the Northern Low Region. This is because the Northern Low Region is an area of low duck densities, and large- An explanation of procedures employed in esti- mating hunter harvest and activity may be found in Special Scientific Report— Wildlife No. 138. Similar sample selection, stratification procedures, and com- putations subsequently have been followed. Major adjustments to data include those for activity by hunters less than 16 years old, who are not surveyed because they are not required to purchase duck stamps (Table C-l), and those used to compensate for memory and prestige biases (Table C-2). Administrative Reports Data in this report are based on final duck stamp sales information. In the Administrative Report "Waterfowl Harvest and Hunter Activity in the United States During the 1975 Hunting Season" (6 July 1976), preliminary estimates based on duck stamp sales through the 3rd quarter of fiscal year 1976 were made available for the annual waterfowl regu- lations meetings in early August, 1976. Age and sex composition are not included herein, but were pre- sented in the Administrative Report "Age and Sex Composition of Ducks and Geese Harvested in the 1975 Hunting Season in Comparison with Prior Years" (12 July 1976). 12 Results Bias-adjusted estimates of the total U.S. harvest of ducks (by species), coots, and unretrieved kill are pre- sented in Table C-3. Similar estimates relating to geese are in Table C-4. Detailed State-level estimates of the duck, goose, and coot harvest; migratory waterfowl hunting-stamp sales; and hunter activity and success may be found in Tables C-5 through C-9. These results include hunter activity and harvest during regular and special seasons combined. Estimates are presented as derived to assure agreement between totals and their component parts. This does not imply precision to the last hunter, duck, or day. The following is a resume of 1975 hunter activity and harvest success by flyway, showing degree of change from 1974: Atlantic Flyway. — Duck stamp sales totaled 441,800 (-2%), and 1,861,000 ducks ( + 7%), 165,600 coots ( + 56%), and 395,500 geese ( + 17%) were har- vested during 2,854,900 hunter-days ( + 1%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 6.4 days afield ( + 3%) and bagged an average of 4.2 ducks ( + 10%) and 0.9 goose ( + 20%) each. The three most commonly harvested duck species were mallards (22%), wood ducks (17%), and black ducks (14%). Esti- mates for the Atlantic Flyway are recorded in Table C-5. Mississippi Flyway.— Duck stamp sales totaled 916,700 ( + 3%), and 6,589,000 ducks ( + 28%), 645,000 coots ( + 32%), and 516,300 geese (+11%) were har- vested during 7,178,600 hunter-days ( + 9%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 7.5 days afield ( + 6%) and bagged an average of 7.0 ducks ( + 25%) and 0.6 goose ( + 9%) each. The three most commonly harvested duck species were mallards (38%), wood ducks (12%), and blue-winged teal (11%). Estimates for the Mississippi Flyway are recorded in Table C-6. Central Flyway.— Buck stamp sales totaled 430,600 ( + 1%), and 2,931,600 ducks ( + 31%), 86,500 coots (-12%), and 583,200 geese ( + 39%) were harvested during 3,195,400 hunter-days ( + 9%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 6.9 days afield ( + 8%) and bagged an average of 6.5 ducks ( + 29%) and 1.3 geese ( + 37%) each. The three most commonly harvested duck species were mallards (32%), green-winged teal (18%), and pintail (10%). Esti- mates for the Central Flyway are recorded in Table C-7. Pacific Flyway. — Duck stamp sales totaled 400,900 ( + 1%), and 4,030,900 ducks ( + 12%), 189,100 coots (-15%), and 321,800 geese ( + 9%) were harvested during 3,085,900 hunter-days ( + 6%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 7.3 days afield ( + 4%) and bagged an average of 9.8 ducks ( + 10%) and 0.8 goose ( + 8%) each. The three most commonly harvested duck species were mallards (28%), pintails (26%), and green-winged teal (16%). Estimates for the Pacific Flyway are recorded in Table C-8. Alaska.— Duck stamp sales totaled 16,300 ( + 2%), and 70,600 ducks ( + 15%), 800 coots ( + 189%), and 11,600 geese ( + 11%) were harvested during 62,300 hunter-days ( + 13%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 3.7 days afield ( + 17%) and bagged an average of 4.4 ducks ( + 19%), and 0.7 goose ( + 15%) each. The three most commonly har- vested duck species were pintails (24%), mallards (23%), and American wigeon (18%). Estimates for Alaska are recorded in Table C-9. United States.— Duck stamp sales totaled 2,206,400 ( + 1%), and 15,483,000 ducks ( + 21%), 1,087,000 coots ( + 19%), and 1,828,300 geese ( + 20%) were harvested during 16,377,100 hunter -days ( + 7%). Those persons buying duck stamps for hunting averaged 7.1 days afield ( + 6%) and bagged an average of 6.8 ducks ( + 20%) and 0.8 goose ( + 19%) each. The five most commonly harvested duck species were mallards (32%), green-winged teal (12%), pintail (10%), wood ducks (8%), and blue-winged or cinnamon teal (7%). Estimates for the United States are recorded in Table C-9. APPENDIX 14 APPENDIX A. WATERFOWL WINTER SURVEY TABLES Table A-la . Winter Waterfowl Survey, Pacific Flyway, January 1976. Percent change Percent change 1966-75 from 1966-75 Species 1976 1975 from 1975 average average Dabblers Mallard 1,400,823 1,323,010 + 6 1,869,036 - 25 Gadwall 23,153 30,465 - 24 32,057 - 28 Baldpate 575,205 679,478 - 15 752,518 - 24 Green-winged teal 223,821 212,665 + 5 271,809 - 18 Blue-winged teal 38 0 85a Cinnamon teal 495 1,095 - 55 3,100a - 84 Shoveler 627,278 632,427 - 1 440,623 + 42 Pintail 3,327,730 3,277,724 + 2 2,586,246 + 29 Wood duck 1,946 12,099 4,633b Subtotal 6,180,489 6,168,963 0 5,958,489 + 4 Divers Redhead 15,796 13,210 + 20 10,647 + 48 Canvasback 83,261 77,673 + 7 63,042 + 32 Scaup 116,836 64,665 + 81 97,335 + 20 Ring-necked duck 4,568 3,392 + 35 4,925 - 7 Goldeneye 41,902 36,133 + 16 43,674 - 4 Buff lehead 20,945 27,005 - 22 31,082 - 33 Ruddy duck 107,568 65,661 + 64 113,291 - 5 Subtotal 390,876 287,739 + 36 363,995 + 7 Miscellaneous Scoter 96,801 86,437 + 12 107.4453 - 10 Old squaw/harlequin 287 442 - 54 522 - 45 Merganser 33,260 19,876 + 67 25,268a + 32 Subtotal Unidenti f ied Total ducks Geese Blue and snow goose Ross' goose White-fronted goose Greater Canada goose Lesser Canada goose Cackling goose Total geese 130,348 25,470 6,727,183 486,608 28,225 81,098 218,214 101,958 51,250 939,128 106,755 38,211 6,601,668 446,400 21,790 72,540 133,530 153,408 40,794 846,794 + 22 - 50 + 2 + 30 + 12 + 63 - 34 + 26 + 11 133,235 50,044a 6,505,125 381,900c 24,822c 105,929 124,808 78,442a 85,157 801,058 - 2 - 49 + 3 + 27 + 14 - 23 + 75 + 30 - 40 + 17 15 Table A-la. Continued. Percent change Percent change 1966-75 from 1966-75 Species 1976 1975 from 1975 average average Brant Black brant 9,989 8,150 + 23 13,359 - 25 Swans Whistling swan 51,350 54,347 - 6 56,670 - 9 Trumpeter swan 936 846 + 11 665 + 41 Total swans 52,286 55,193 - 5 57,335 - 9 Coots American coot 445,653 476,896 - 7 546,597 - 19 Grand total 8,174,239 7,988,579 + 2 7,997,454 + 2 1968 data not included in average. 1969-1972 data not included in average. c 1967, 1968, 1970, and 1971 data not included in average. 16 Table A-lb. Winter Waterfowl Survey, Central Flyway, January 1976. Percent c hange Percent change 1966-75 from 1966-75 Species 1976 1975 from 1975 average average Dabblers Mallard 2,067,640 1,876,160 + 10 2,172,330 - 5 Black duck 75 0 — 45 -- Mottled duck 44,670 43,000 + 4 29,170 + 53 Gadwall 321,890 327,450 - 2 153,140 +110 Bald pate 228,970 214,010 + 7 175,060 + 31 Green-winged teal 668,700 1,044,770 - 36 306,570 +118 Blue-winged teal 73,610 40,260 + 83 13,270 +455 Cinnamon teal 35 510 — 70 — Shoveler 29,390 58,890 - 50 67,710 - 57 Pintail 1,258,300 1,719,290 - 27 821,950 + 53 Subtotal 4,693,280 5,324,340 - 12 3,739,315 + 26 Divers Redhead 530,000 438,800 + 21 277,480 + 91 Canvasback 9,510 26,630 - 64 11,940 - 20 Scaup 169,050 190,830 - 11 62,990 +168 Ring-necked duck 1,515 990 + 53 5,220 - 71 Goldeneye 7,010 10,050 - 30 9,120 - 23 Buf flehead 9,510 8,400 + 13 5,420 + 75 Ruddy duck 3,520 3,230 + 9 8,880 - 60 Subtotal 730,115 678,930 + 8 381,050 + 92 Miscellaneous Mergansers 69,335 73,120 - 5 68,890 + 1 Unidentified 21,915 23,460 - 7 30,730 - 29 Total ducks 5,514,645 6,099,850 - 10 4,219,985 + 31 Geese Blue and snow goose 893,885 681,500 + 31 619,900 + 44 Ross' goose 9 0 — 15 — White-fronted goose 54,790 39,500 + 39 39,540 + 39 Canada goose 585,180 389,325 + 50 419,340 + 40 Total geese 1,533,864 1,110,325 + 38 1,078,795 + 42 Swans Whistling swan 7 7 0 — - Trumpeter swan 140 129 + 9 — - Total swans Coots American coot Grand total 147 211,950 7,260,606 136 140,780 7,351,091 + 8 + 51 - 1 5,298,780 + 37 17 Table A-lc. Winter Waterfowl Survey, Mississippi Flyway, January 1976. Percent change Percent change 1966-75 from 1966-75 Species 1976 1975 from 1975 average average Dabblers Mallard 3,945,400 2,860,000 + 38 3,054, S50 + 29 Black duck 152,400 116,000 + 31 138,100 + 10 Mottled duck 67,100 61,000 + 10 54,990 + 22 Gadwall 1,660,300 719,900 +131 877,170 + 89 Baldpate 707,300 238,700 +196 431,000 + 64 Green-winged teal 1,091,800 677,400 + 61 831,760 + 34 Blue-winged teal 217,400 217,700 0 147,940 + 47 Shoveler 349,600 201,700 + 73 228,300 + 53 Pintail 525,500 507,900 + 3 737,170 - 29 Subtotal 8,716,800 5,600,400 + 56 6,482,980 + 34 Divers Redhead 22,900 2,900a 29,890 - 23 Canvasback 75,800 64,700 + 17 42,670 + 78 Scaup 658,300 230,800 +185 770,520 - 15 Ring-necked duck 70,300 94,700 - 26 109,290 - 36 Coldeneye 41,700 23,600 + 77 27,250 + 53 Bufflehead 3,900 2,100 + 86 3,740 + 4 Ruddy duck 4,900 10,600 - 54 28,070 - 83 Subtotal 877,800 429,400 +104 1,011,430 - 13 Miscellaneous Scoter and Eider TR 0 — 0 — Oldsquaw 4,900 6,800 - 28 2,260 +117 Merganser 34,100 27,100 + 26 41,830 - 18 Subtotal 39,000 33,900 + 15 Unidentified6 56,200 35,200 + 60 32,910 + 71 Total ducks 9,689,800 6,098,900 + 59 7,546,890 + 28 Geese Blue and snow gooi se 691,600 441,500 + 57 502,080 + 38 White-fronted gooi se 53,400 40,400 + 32 39,950 + 34 Canada goose 665,300 649,600 + 2 553,730 + 20 Total geese 1,410,300 1,131,500 + 25 1,095,760 + 29 Coots American coot 1,892,900 1,457,200 + 30 927,080 +104 Grand total 12,993,000 8,687,600 + 50 9,569,730 + 36 a Not comparable coverage. Includes wood duck. 18 Table A-ld. Winter Uaterfowl Survey, Atlantic Flyway, January 1976. Percent change Percent change 1966-75 from 1966-75 Species 1976 1975 from 1975 average averj ige Dabblers Mallard 200,201 160,958 + 24 193,570 + 3 Black duck 276,851 238,830 + 16 287,164 - 4 Mottled duck 400 400 0 1,110 - 64 Gadwall 24,860 17,061 + 46 19,588 + 27 American Uigeon 91,023 73,590 + 24 86,362 + 5 Green-winged teal 48,860 50,675 - 4 67,995 - 28 Blue-winged teal 7,350 5,900 + 25 10,151 - 28 Shoveler 8,742 10,508 - 17 16,647 - 47 Pintail 92,491 72,246 + 28 123,273 - 25 Tree duck 400 TR 100a +300 Subtotal 751,178 630,168 + 19 805,960 - 7 Divers Redhead 91,410 108,241 - 16 136,293 - 33 Canvasback 149,177 117,830 + 27 124,792 + 20 Scaup 303,096 646,175 - 53 534,493 - 43 Ring-necked duck 50,593 48,679 + 4 82,391 - 39 Goldeneye 62,705 44,306 + 42 62,940 0 Buf f lehead 63,439 47,352 + 34 48,913 + 30 Ruddy duck 29,493 58,800 - 50 49,186 - 40 Subtotal 749,913 1,071,383 - 30 1,039,008 - 29 Miscellaneous 71,442b 89,943b Eider 65,908 85,667 - 23 - 8 Scoter 59,801 28,349 +111 - 34 Oldsquaw 13,215 11,966 + 10 11,256 + 17 Merganser 45,855 45,057 + 2 45,050 + 2 Subtotal 184,779 171,039 + 8 217,691 + 15 Unidentified 26,606 34,527 - 23 36,930 - 28 Total ducks 1,712,476 1,907,117 - 10 2,099,589 - 18 Geese Snow goose 116,984 70,324 + 66 64,889 + 80 Blue goose 4,276 1,042 +310 1,177 +263 Canada goose 784,513 819,306 - 4 690,529 + 14 Total geese 905,773 890,672 + 2 756,595 + 20 19 Table A-ld. Continued. Percent change Percent change 1966-75 from 1966-75 Species 1976 1975 from 1975 average average Brant Atlantic brant 127,003 88,408 + 44 131,095 - 3 Swans Whistling swan 78,646 66,589 + 18 66,218 + 19 Mute swan 2,622 2,643 - 1 l,790c + 46 Total swans 81,268 69,232 + 17 68,008 + 19 Coots 441,819 305,915 + 44 376,421 + 17 Grand total 3,268,339 3,261,344 0 3,431,708 - 5 5-year average. 8-year average - total sea ducks long-term average data is for 1966-75. 6-year average. 20 Table A-2. Winter Survey, January 1976 — Waterfowl by State and Flyway (nearest hundred; TR = Trace). Ducks Total Pacific Flyway Washington Oregon Idaho Nevada California Utah Arizona Montana Wyoming Colorado New Mexico Mexico3 919,600 108,600 7, ,500 442,900 143,300 1, ,800 294,100 24,100 0 50,700 6,400 0 4,884,500 647,900 700 63,900 2,600 0 3,300 1,600 0 31,000 2,800 0 1,100 200 0 23,300 1,500 0 12,800 200 0 1,486,500 2,500 112 ,100 Flyway total 8,213,700 941,700 122,100 1,600 6,000 700 2,700 40,700 400 0 200 TR 0 0 0 52,300 44, ,200 1, ,081,500 24, ,700 618,700 5, ,500 324,400 16. ,100 7 5,900 339, ,100 5, ,912,900 5 ,500 72,400 2, ,800 7,700 7 ,700 41,700 0 1,300 0 24,800 0 13,000 162 ,500 1 ,763,600 608 ,100 9 ,937,900 Central Flyway Montana Wyoming North Dakota South Dakota Nebraska Colorado Kansas Oklahoma New Mexico Texas 31,700 900 34,700 4,700 4,500 TR 56,500 51,800 324,900 52,000 276,700 134,500 619,300 68,700 343,500 100,100 124,100 67,800 3 ,547,000 1,053,500 5 ,362,900 1,534,000 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 100 0 32,600 0 39,400 0 4,500 0 108,400 0 376,900 0 411,200 TR 688,000 15,900 459,500 0 191,900 196,000 4,796,500 211,900 7,108,900 Mississippi Flyway Minnesota 29,300 25,600 0 Wisconsin 28,500 34,000 0 Michigan 49,600 33,500 0 Iowa 148,300 58,700 0 Missouri 465,800 403,400 0 Illinois 793,600 234,200 0 Indiana 58,400 9,000 0 Ohio 42,800 16,300 0 Arkansas3 1,132,800 2,200 0 Mississippi 810,900 4,200 0 Louisiana0 5,515,100 490,000 0 Alabama 112,800 29,000 0 Kentucky 49,200 20,800 0 Tennessee 452,700 49,400 0 Flyway total 9,689,800 1,410,300 0 TR 1,800 100 0 10,700 1,200 500 0 12,600 8,600 1,825,000 12,600 1,400 18,400 54,900 64,300 83,200 207,000 879,900 1,029,000 67,900 59,100 1,147,600 823,700 7,830,100 154,400 71,400 520,500 1,892,900 12,993,000 21 Table A-2. Continued. State Ducks Geese Brant Swans Coots Total Atlantic Flyway Maine 63,000 600 0 0 0 63,600 New Hampshire 2,800 500 0 0 0 3,300 Vermont 5,000 0 0 0 0 5,000 Massachusetts 106,300 13,600 1,100 300 0 121,300 Connecticut 29,100 6,000 0 700 0 35,800 Rhode Island 24,300 1,800 0 200 0 26,300 New York. 126,900 11,400 17,000 700 2,700 158,700 New Jersey 300,600 41,100 99,000 1,000 1,400 443,100 Pennsylvania 30,300 38,400 0 600 500 69,800 Delaware 49,500 66,400 1,100 400 200 117,600 Maryland 158,700 495,700 1,600 28,500 3,300 687,800 Virginia 101,200 89,600 6,900 7,100 33,000 237,800 West Virginia 2,200 300 0 0 TR 2,500 North Carolina 300,500 121,100 200 41,700 215,600 679,100 South Carolina 187,100 16,700 0 0 16,200 220,000 Georgia 35,300 1,100 TR 0 9,900 46,300 Florida 189,700 1,500 0 0 159,000 350,200 Flyway total 1,712,500 905,800 126,900 81,200 441,800 3,268,200 See table A-3. Survey not completed in these States. Includes areas not covered in 1975. 22 Table A-3. Winter Waterfowl Survey, West Coast of Mexico, January 1976. Percent change Percent change 1966-75 from 1966-75 Species 1976 1975 from 1975 average average Dabblers Mallard 2,027 0 — 3 — Gadwall 15,540 4,220 +268 5,954 +161 Baldpate 275,110 87,840 +213 47,441 +480 Green-winged teal 173,870 194,030 - 10 82,257 +111 Blue-winged teal and cinnamon teal 93,660 76,150 + 23 27,168 +245 Shoveler 54,590 191,555 - 72 68,903 - 21 Pintail 686,821 1,047,980 - 34 428,803 + 60 Black-bellied tree duck. 7,700 4,360 + 77 4,374 + 76 Fulvous tree duck 1,380 6,295 - 78 1,768 - 22 Subtotal 1,310,698 1,612,430 - 19 666,671 + 97 Divers Redhead 50,620 66,400 - 24 33,544 + 51 Canvasback 450 1,260 - 64 1,455 - 69 Scaup 96,776 169,140 - 43 39,165 +147 Ring-necked duck 60 0 — 0 — Goldeneye 0 0 — 691 — Bufflehead 8,593 5,850 + 47 11,160 - 23 Ruddy duck 875 8,200 - 89 6,491 - 87 Subtotal 157,374 250,850 - 37 92,506 + 70 Miscellaneous Scoter 10,487 1,380 +660 1,436 +630 Merganser 8,649 7,270 + 19 3,659 +136 Subtotal 19,136 8,650 +121 5,095 +276 Total ducks 1,487,208 1,871,930 - 21 764,272 + 95 Geese Snow goose 470 140 +236 182 +158 White-fronted goose 1,973 1,950 + 1 1,975 0 Canada goose 25 20 — 6 — Subtotal 2,468 2,110 + 17 2,163 -1- 14 Brant Black brant 112,056 115,340 - 3 129,712 - 14 Coots American coot 162,460 135,560 + 20 53,807 +202 23 a. 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CO OO--' O CO o o o o < t .— •— o c • co m o i— m o c WOt-COOOl anoo^oot • o o o ■— > O O ( co t^ u-> co m •— o co co 03 1- C I r A3 3 3 i- *-> LTl m e u — o — cj >> * ■oujwk: 32 Table B-10. Minnesota Waterfowl Breeding Population Estimates by Species and Stratum for 1976. Estimates are Expanded for Coverage but Not for Visibility. Stratum State 12 736 21 678 35,948 0 0 0 56 382 531 112 0 885 0 127 0 14 536 20 ,148 55,339 393 765 10,979 56 382 1,239 2 586 3 ,315 6,640 13 707 84,069 0 0 0 969 1 903 2,900 0 127 3 093 93,116 95 12,232 0 1,677 0 12,541 Species I II III IV total Dabblers Mallard Black duck Gad wall American wigeon Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal Northern shoveler Pintail Wood duck Subtotal 30,475 46,797 111,561 18,798 207,631 Divers Redhead Canvasback Ring-necked duck Common goldeneye Bufflehead Ruddy duck Merganser Scaup Subtotal Total ducks Other Coots Canada geese TOTAL 48,775 56,103 175,661 22,556 303,095 a The strata given here represent the following: high density of lare basins; medium density of lare basins; low density of lare basins; and Roseau and Red Lake bag region in northwestern Minnesota. 1,405 892 1,593 0 3,890 393 0 177 0 570 1,855 892 1,770 380 4,897 0 127 531 285 943 0 0 177 523 700 393 0 796 0 1,189 0 0 0 0 0 4,414 3,379 14,963 1,523 24,279 8,460 5,290 20,007 2,711 36,468 38,935 52,087 131,568 21,509 244,099 9,109 3,443 40,375 95 53,022 7 31 573 3,718 952 5,974 33 Table B-ll. Minnesota — estimated number of breeding ducks in the spring of 1976. Unadjusted Adjusted Percentage Species population Vi sibility population change frora index index 1975 Mallard 84,069 55% 152,000 + 4 Blue-winged teal 93,116 24/. 387,000 +137 Ring-necked duck 4,897 55/. 9,000 - 40 Total 244,099 36/. 676,000 + 62 Table B-12. Breeding Population Estimates for Ducks in Minnesota in Recent Years Based on Aerial Censuses Corrected for Visibility. Year Mallard Blue-winged teal All ducks 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 110,000 101,000 111,000 96,000 69,000 104,000* 98,000a 146,000 152,000 160,000 162,000 153,000 153,000 100,000 136, OOO3 112,000a 163,000 387,000 390,000 369,000 316,000 331,000 258,000 423,000 404,000 417,000 676,000 a Procedural changes in manipulation of data initiated in 1975 have been used for revision of raw data in these years. Values represented here differ slightly from previous years. Total duck figures do not reflect the changes noted in footnote a. 34 Table B-13. Minnesota — Success of Hallard Nesting in the Spring of 1976 as indicated by Status of Drakes in Early June with Comparisons to Previous Years. Total drakes Percentage of drakes Year tallied paired single flocked 1969 507 3.8 6.9 89.3 1970 253 3.6 6.3 90.1 1971a 318 5.7 11.0 83.3 1972 404 4.0 4.5 91.8 1973 449 1.7 7.2 91.6 1974 316 4.7 15.2 80.1 1975 410 3.4 6.8 89.8 1976 225 3.5 7.5 89.0 a Approximately half of the drakes with hens were observed this year in a localized area of southwestern Otter Tail County having a recent history of heavy thunder shower activity. 35 Table B-14. California — Estimated Total Nesting Pairs and Fall Population Indices in the Sacramento Valley,3 1973-1976. Species Estimated total nesting pairs 1973 1974 1975 1976 Fall population indices 1973 1974 1975 1976 Dabblers Mallard Gadwall Cinnamon teal Northern shoveler Pintail Subtotal Divers Cavasback Redhead Scaup Ruddy duck Subtotal Miscellaneous Total ducks Coot 27,010 25,270 39,320 26,520 440 490 800 440 1,920 1,560 4,240 2,200 40 0 120 0 2,120 800 720 480 31,530 28,120 45,200 29,640 0 0 160 0 120 600 600 160 0 0 40 0 0 80 1,000 240 120 680 1,800 400 1 40 40 40 31,650 28,840 47,040 30,080 18,650 9,460 37,440 22,440 112,800 105,510 164,220 110,760 2,200 2,410 4,000 2,200 7,170 5,830 15,830 8,220 180 0 540 0 8,160 3,080 2,780 1,850 130,510 116,830 187,370 123,030 0 0 720 0 540 2,680 2,680 720 0 0 180 0 0 360 4,470 1,150 540 3,040 8,050 1,870 0 180 180 180 131,050 120,050 195,600 125,080 85,910 43,580 172,510 103,400 a Area — 6,216 km2; Type — Agricultural land including 151,882 ha of rice plus managed refuges and gun clubs; Coverage — 2-1/2% of aerial transect; Remarks--The number of breeding pairs of ducks and the fall population showed a decrease of 36%, while coots showed a 40% decrease. 36 Table B-15. California — Estimated Total Nesting Pairs and Fall Population Indices for the Suisun Marsh, a 1973-1976. Estimated 1973 total nesting pairs 1974 1975 1976 Fall populat ion indi> ces Species 1973 1974 1975 1976 Dabblers Mallard 1,520 1,370 3,220 1,370 6,300 5,700 13,380 5,700 Gadwall 420 360 620 160 2,060 1,810 3,460 800 Cinnamon teal 380 270 630 240 1,390 1,000 2,330 900 Northern shoveler 60 120 140 60 240 540 600 260 Pintail 120 100 160 60 450 360 620 220 Subtotal 2,500 2,220 4,770 1,890 10,440 9,410 20,390 7., 880 Divers Redhead 20 0 0 0 60 0 0 0 Ruddy duck 60 0 60 0 240 0 60 0 Subtotal 80 0 60 0 300 0 60 0 Miscellaneous 0 0 30 0 0 0 120 0 Total ducks 2,580 2,220 4,860 1,890 10,740 9,410 20,570 7,880 Coot 1,770 40 2,860 560 8,150 190 13,180 2,580 a Area — 363 km ; Type — Natural tidal marsh, gun clubs, and agricultural land; Coverage — 7.5% aerial transect; Remarks — The number of breeding pairs and the fall population of ducks showed a decrease of 61%. Coots decreased 80%. 37 Table B-16. California — Estimated Total Nesting Pairs and Fall Population Indicies for the North San Joaquin Valley (Grasslands),3 1973-1976. Estimated total nesting pairs Fall population indices Species 1973 1974 1975 1976 1973 1974 1975 1976 nabblers Mallard 2,040 2,090 2,130 1,470 6,630 6,780 6,910 6,090 Gadwall 780 1,020 1,040 710 2,420 3,210 3,250 2,230 Cinnamon teal 970 1,310 1,650 820 3,020 4,110 5,180 2,550 Northern shoveler 310 220 190 120 970 670 590 360 Pintail 660 290 270 120 2,070 890 840 350 Subtotal 4,760 4,930 5,280 3,240 15,110 15,660 16,770 11,580 Divers Redhead 40 70 160 80 130 200 500 240 Ruddy duck 350 120 330 140 960 310 890 390 Subtotal 390 190 490 220 1,090 510 1,390 630 Miscellaneous 10 10 30 0 30 30 60 0 Total ducks 5,160 5,130 5,800 3,460 16,230 16,200 18,220 12,210 Coot 3,430 2,130 7,380 2,890 18,680 11,610 42,720 15,730 a 2 Area — 389 km ; Type — Gun clubs and flooded pasture lands; Coverage — 25% aerial transect; Remarks — Breeding pairs of ducks decreased 40% and the fall population decreased 33%, whereas coots decreased over 60%. 38 Table B-17. California — Estimated Total Nesting Pairs and Fall Population Indices for the South Joaquin Valley,3 1973-1976. Estimated total nesting pairs Fall population indices Species 1973 1974 1975 1976 1973 1974 1975 1976 Dabblers Mallard 1,440 1,090 1,010 830 3,960 3,090 2,800 2,290 Gadwall 100 150 170 60 290 430 460 150 Cinnamon teal 1,130 480 470 180 2,650 1,380 1,290 470 Northern shoveler 380 60 90 20 850 150 250 40 Pintail 1,310 140 130 90 3,510 420 340 250 Subtotal 4,360 1,920 1,870 1,180 11,260 5,470 5,140 3,200 Divers Redhead 20 50 0 0 50 140 0 0 Ruddy duck 300 40 40 0 680 110 110 0 Subtotal 320 90 40 0 730 250 110 0 Miscellaneous 40 10 50 0 60 20 120 0 Total ducks 4,720 2,020 1,960 1,180 12,050 5,740 5,370 3,200 Coot 3,070 820 1,210 1,620 12,790 4,410 6,590 8,760 a Area — approximately 596 km ; Type — rice land, pasture, and managed refuges; Coverage — aerial and ground, variable (10% to complete coverage); Remarks — duck pairs and the fall population were down 40%. Coot pairs were up 34% and the fall population showed an 18% increase over last year. Table B-18. California — Estimated Total Nesting Pairs and Kail Population Indices for Northeastern California,3 1973-1976. 39 Estimated 1973 total nesting pa 1974 1975 irs 1976 Fall population indi< :es Species 1973 1974 1975 1976 Dabblers Mallard 4,710 4,250 4,350 4,710 30,430 27,620 28,280 30,610 Gadwall 1,240 1,290 850 1,020 9,720 10,140 6,640 8,030 Cinnamon teal 1,150 1,070 1,190 970 7,480 6,900 7,720 6,280 Northern shoveler 140 210 190 140 840 1,290 1,160 870 Pintail 2,090 1,400 1,430 900 12,010 8,030 8,180 5,160 Subtotal 9,330 8,220 8,010 7,740 60,480 53,980 51,980 50,950 Divers Canvasback 10 20 10 70 60 80 60 320 Redhead 380 490 650 340 2,620 3,340 4,470 2,310 Scaup 70 50 90 70 440 310 540 410 Ruddy duck 60 110 130 110 320 610 720 620 Subtotal 520 670 880 590 3,440 4,340 5,790 3,660 Miscellaneous 150 210 200 110 750 1,020 970 550 Total ducks 10,000 9,100 9,090 8,440 64,670 59,340 58,740 55,160 Canada goose 1,000 650 680 510 22,070b 21,550c 19,660d 15,330e Coot 1,370 990 1,120 1,160 8,180 5,910 6,710 6,950 Area — not determined; Type — natural marshes, lakes, and artificial impoundments; Coverage — aerial, complete. Includes 16,150 nonbreeders . Includes 17,550 nonbreeders. Includes 16,090 nonbreeders. Includes 12,130 nonbreeders; Remarks — Canada geese showed a 25% decrease in breeding pairs and a decrease of 22% in the overall fall population index. Duck pairs and fall population were down 7% from 1975, whereas coots showed an increase of 4%. 40 Table B-19. California — Estimated Total Nesting Pairs and Fall Population Indices for the Klamath Basin,3 1973-1976. Estimated 1973 total nesting pa 1974 1975 irs 1976 Fall population indices Species 1973 1974 1975 1976 Dabblers Mallard 580 1,120 1,770 2,050 4,090 7,740 11,230 13,130 Gadwall 730 1,610 1,750 1,540 5,940 14,440 13,890 10,570 Cinnamon teal 770 2,810 2,200 3,660 6,210 22,050 14,470 23,790 Northern shoveler 460 500 520 110 3,630 4,010 4,070 680 Pintail 200 300 450 100 1,400 2,020 2,860 670 Subtotal 2,740 6,340 6,690 7,460 21,270 50,260 46,520 48,840 Divers Canvasback 40 60 40 60 300 350 250 300 Redhead 270 940 570 1,050 2,180 7,640 3,610 6,230 Scaup 80 40 40 80 630 300 250 470 Ruddy duck 390 1,460 1,820 740 2,960 10,690 12,460 4,290 Subtotal 780 2,500 2,470 1,930 6,070 18,980 16,570 11,290 Miscellaneous 10 10 40 80 40 60 190 490 Total ducks 3,530 8,850 9,200 9,470 27,380 69,300 63,280 60,620 Canada goose 770 520 570 420 4,960b 3,880c 3,140d 3,250e Coot 870 4,440 2,550 5,400 5,380 25,140 16,750 26,350 Area--14,170 ha of water and marsh plus surrounding agricultural lands (includes Tule Lake, Clear lake, and Lower Klamath refuges); Type — great basin, natural and managed marsh area; Coverage — ground and aerial. Includes 1,010 nonbreeders. Includes 610 nonbreeders. Includes 390 nonbreeders. Includes 1,320 nonbreeders; Remarks — pairs of geese were down 26% while the fall population showed a 4% increase. Breeding pairs of ducks were up 3% while the fall population index was down 4%. Coot pairs increased 117% and the fall population index was up 51%. 41 Table B-20. California — Estimated Total Nesting Pairs and Fall Population Indices for the Entire State,3 1973-1976. Species Estimated total nesting pairs 1973 1974 1975 1976 Fall population indices 1973 1974 1975 1976 Dabblers Mallard Gadwall Cinnamon teal Northern shoveler Pintail Subtotal Divers Canvasback Redhead Scaup Ruddy duck Subtotal Miscellaneous Total ducks Canada goose Coot 37,300 35,190 51,800 36,950 164,210 156,440 226,820 168,580 3,710 4,920 5,230 3,930 22,630 32,440 31,700 23,980 6,320 7,500 10,380 8,070 27,920 41,270 46,820 42,210 1,390 1,110 1,250 450 6,710 6,660 7,210 2,210 6,500 3,030 3,160 1,750 27,600 14,800 15,620 8,500 55,220 51,750 71,820 51,150 249,070 251,610 328,170 45,480 360 430 1,030 620 5,580 14,000 11,260 9,500 1,070 610 970 880 5,160 12,080 18,710 6,450 12,170 27,120 31,970 17,450 880 1,310 1,640 1,220 262,120 280,040 361,780 264,150 27,030 25,430 22,800 18,580 139,090 90,840 258,460 163,770 50 50 210 130 850 2,150 1,980 1,630 150 90 170 150 1,160 1,810 3,380 1,230 2,210 4,130 5,740 3,140 210 280 390 230 57,640 56,160 77,950 54,520 1,770 1,170 1,250 930 29,160 17,880 52,560 34,070 A comparative summary of nesting pairs of waterfowl for the past four seasons, together with final fall population including young plus resident adults is shown in this table. These figures for each year have been derived from the preceding tables. In almost all cases the figures shown for "nesting pairs" are more accurate than those indicating "fall population indices." Remarks — the accumulated data indicate: (1) nesting pairs of Canada geese decreased 26% while a decrease of 23% occurred in the fall population index; (2) ducks showed a decrease of 30% in nesting pairs and a 27% decrease was noted in the fall population index; and (3) nesting pairs and fall population index of coots were down 35%. 42 Table B-21. Colorado — Summary of Duck Breeding Population Estimates in Selected Areas, 1976. Total 1975 estimated b 1976 reeding pairs Long-term average Percent change Area From 1975 Fr om long-term average San Luis Valley 26,801 34,759 27,280 +29.7 +27.4 North Parkb 27,134 16,535 17,163 -39.1 - 3.7 South Platte Valley 14,152 10,062 6,623 -28.9 +51.9 Cache la Poudre Valley 6,732 6,927 3,514 + 2.9 +97.1 Yampa Valley 2,354 2,145 2,783 - 8.9 -22.9 Brown's Park c 593 1,172 — -49.4 Total 78,345 71,021 58,535 - 9.3 +21.3 San Luis Valley and North Park averages are based on results of 1964 through 1975 and 1968 through 1975 surveys, respectively, because of changes in survey methods utilized prior to those dates. Figures for other areas are 22-year averages except Brown's Park, which is an average of 1971-1974 survey results. Aerial counts corrected by species from visibility ratios obtained in the San Luis Valley. No count made in 1975. Table B-22. Colorado — Species Composition of 1976 Duck Breeding Pair Population. 43 Species Number of breeding pairs 1954-75 1975 1976 average3 Percent species composition 1954-75 1975 1976 average Mallard Blue-winged and Cinnamon teal Gadwall Pintail Creen-winged teal Shoveler American wigeon Redhead Other divers Total 19,090 17,324 15,078 7,432 3,984 4,205 5,213 2,980 8,859 9,136 8,005 21,145 4,868 2,750 8,048 3,623 5,200 2,426 78,345 71,021 27,299 5,685 5,332 3,635 2,452 2,634 1,065 2,254 1,521 51,877 24.4 24.4 19.2 10.5 5.1 5.9 6.7 4.2 11.3 12.9 10.2 29.8 6.2 3.9 10.3 5.1 6.6 3.4 52.6 11.0 10.3 7.0 4.7 5.1 2.1 4.3 2.9 Species composition computed from data from all areas for the 20-year period regardless of changes in survey method. 44 Table B-23. Colorado — Number of Canada Geese Observed, and Estimated Production in Moffat County, 1976. Nesting Non-nesting Total Estimated No. Total Area pairs birds adults goslings3 birds Yampa Craig- Juniper Springs 22 132 176 87 263 Juniper Springs- Cross Mountain 32 101 165 122 287 Lilly Park 13 66 92 48 140 Subtotal 67 299 A33 257 690 Green River Brown's Park 36 200 272 133 405 Dinosaur National Monument 22 63 107 104 211 Subtotal 58 263 379 237 616 Little Snake River 22 120 164 91 255 Total 147 682 976 585 1,561 a Calculated using average brood size observed and number of successful nests. 45 Table B-24. Colorado — Total Canada Geese Observed, Moffat County, 1976. Percent change 1956-1975 From 1956-1975 1975 1976 average From 1975 average Yampa River 401 690 423 + 72.1 + 63.1 Green River Brown's Park 448 405 171 - 9.6 +136.8 Dinosaur National Monument3 406 211 348 - 48.0 - 39.4 - 13.3 + 1.6 + 0.1 + 30.8 Little Snake Riverb 294 255 251 Total 1,549 1,561 1,193 Not surveyed until 1970. Not surveyed until 1962. Table B-25. Colorado — Estimated Number of Canada goose goslings, Moffat County, 1976. Percent change 1956-1975 From 1956-1975 1975 1976 average From 1975 average Yampa River 147 257 137 + 74.8 + 87.6 Green River Brown's Park 176 133 67 - 24.4 + 98.5 - 1.9 - 11.1 + 33.8 + 16.7 + 17.7 + 46.6 Dinosaur National Monument3 106 104 117 Little Snake Riverb 68 91 78 Total 497 585 399 Not surveyed until 1970. Not surveyed until 1962. 46 Table B-26. Colorado—Number of Canada Goose Coslings Produced in North Central Colorado Production Trend Areas, 1976. Number of goslings Percent change 1969-1975 From From Area 1975 1976 average 1975 1969-1975 Wellington 207 278 259 + 34.3 + 7.3 Ft. Collins 234 401 268 + 71.4 + 49.6 Love land 103 144 86 + 39.8 + 67.4 Boulder 217 162 234 - 25.3 - 30.8 Denver 288 304 281 + 5.6 + 8.2 Total 1,049 1,289 1,128 + 22.9 + 14.3 Table B-27. Colorado—Number of Canada Geese Observed in North Central Colorado Production Trend Areas, 1976. Number of goslings Percent change Area 1975 1976 1969-1975 average From 1975 From 1969-1975 Wellington 570 555 777 - 2.6 - 28.6 Ft. Collins 667 653 710 - 2.1 - 8.0 Love land 318 291 220 - 8.5 + 32.2 Boulder 466 430 646 - 7.7 - 33.4 Denver 1,328 995 1 ,303 - 25.1 - 23.6 Total 3,349 2,924 3 656 - 12.7 - 20.0 47 Table B-28. Nebraska — Duck Breeding Population and Species Composition in Sandhills Production Area in 1975 and 1976. Species 1975 population 1976 population Percent 1976 population Percent change from 1975 Dabblers tlallard Blue-winged teal Green-winged teal Pintail Gadwall Northern shoveler American wigeon Subtotal Divers Redhead Scaup Ruddy duck Subtotal Total 14,761 9,505 0 3,791 11,718 9,194 0 48,969 1,328 1,328 10,215 12,871 61,840 20,103 26,251 79 6,451 9,125 10,761 79 72,849 1,978 1,187 11,157 14,322 87,171 23.1 30.1 0.1 7.4 10.5 12.3 0.1 83.6 2.3 1,3 12.8 16.4 100.0 + 36 +176 + 70 - 22 + 17 + 49 + 49 - II + 9 + 11 + 41 Table 29. Wisconsin — wetland densities by Region, 1975-1976. Wetland type I, II, VI III IV,V VII, VIII Streams Ditches Wetlands recorded per square kilometer SE/central Northern high Northern low 1975 1976 Northern high 1975 1976 1975 1976 1.3 1.2 0.9 0.7 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.3 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 Based on a classification system devised by March, Martz, and Hunt of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 48 Table B-30. Wisconsin — Adjusted Breeding Duck Population Estimate for 1975, 1976, and the 1965-70 Average. Number of breeding ducks SE/central Northern high Northern low All regions 1965-70 Species 1975 1976 1975 1976 1975 1976 1975 1976 average Mallard 77,900 49,500 20,000 13,300 12,800 10,800 110,700 73,600 124,400 (- 34%) Blue-winged teal 213,100 115,500 18,100 29,600 7,200 11,100 238,400 156,200 89, 0i 0 (- 342) Other3 41,000 6,500 20,000 12,700 4,100 27,400 65,100 46,600 52,600 (- 28*) Total 332,000 171,500 58,100 55,600 24,100 49,300 414,200 276,400 266,000 Percent change 1975 to 1976 - 48 - 4 +205 - 33 a Included are wood duck, black duck, northern shoveler, pintail, ring-necked duck, redhead, green-winged teal, gadwall, American wigeon, ruddy duck, and hooded merganser. 49 APPENDIX C. WATERFOWL HARVEST SURVEY TABLES. Table C-l. Factors Used to Adjust Survey Statistics to Include the Activities of Junior Hunters. Estimate Junior hunter adjustment factors Atlantic f lyway Mississippi f lyway Central f lyway Pacific flyway and Alaska Ducks bagged (including sea ducks) Geese bagged Coots bagged Days hunted Ducks lost Ceese lost Coots lost 1.03621 1.02402 1.08302 1.05174 1.03641 1.01573 1.08247 1.04655 1.03369 1.09034 1.07003 1.05699 1.03738 1.10282 1.06055 1.04110 1.10147 1.08559 1.07053 1.07067 1.10400 1.04985 1.04508 1.09415 1.08708 1.06152 1.07411 1.10685 Table C-2. Factors Used to Adjust Survey Statistics for Memory and Prestige Bias, Memory and prestige response bias factors Atlantic flyway Mississippi flyway Central flyway Pacific flyway and Alaska Ducks bagged (including sea ducks) 0.86925 Ceese bagged 0.80428 Coots bagged 0.60692 0.77656 0.73902 0.78952 0.84800 0.86838 0.85159 0.63668 0.78878 0.59248 50 r^ \£> in -h m "1 CO ■! en m in 00 os m 3" O o r^ in in os en r*. r* ~3- \D en in + - - + m os o *r en 00 in vO OS in 00 m oo \0 en OS ~3- CM r-l —1 csi in .-H esi ros t"> sj ■# n m oo en en »T -3- in tsl oo — i oo CN (N en IN en 00 ^ o vO IN in CS CI CO (N IN OS oo in o vO o -3- CSl NO on TO m st -3- 00 in O no St 00 n m O -3 OS m oo 00 cn ps CM m so CM ^H en o st m cn m CM -3 cn sr cm m ON o in ^ CN st OS CM -3- CM O m Of) OS o m cn o X> -H CN vO o cn U"l cn i/i o O rsi CM CM cn CM rj *£> cm .-h en o ri m -3 P- U"l m oo UN sT vD on m cn en cn 30 oo cm CM st >o co st (N O O £ m 00 ^£> o cm on CM + pi m O.-I in co r^ iH in \0 in oo co O ^O -H r-~ on on m + „ . + 00 —1 ON CM <— < O 00 O O sr CM ST i-H f- O m o CM vO vO CO —1 O -r) 00 *£> r~ en ro w OO -3- CM CO + + 00 vO r- in oo CTN n CO — I CO -it rl o ^ r^ O CO on o X) •}> rj CO sr St ^H CM VD CM — 1 J! 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O * ON -00 m r-mi^.0 m rn (j* r- o o o (*l 1 o o o o o O-O O O O O in r- *- o o r- ■*■ r~ o o o o o < o r- o o o in *-a O1 * -UO — o o o o ■ o o o a a I i < i Ul « 1 ^1 at X O 00 0C I < 2 H 3 a. _i o 33 Z Z a ozium m o uj < a uj Q. jl 0£ (_] O _J UJ,<] UM MCI a M ;jd! .m-mJoI S d d ol a -o 13 S of- o o- i^ia x ooqa -■ Neo-<^ooloi ■C -> -> I ai ' J I l o o m m a ci ■ ooconHq lOOOMflQ '-o o^ ^iriai (N o m Jj ""I Tl .... 4 H ■5 Z l/lZOS-.-aXIH 87 *0 ^ -* CO 0> CO W M H -• O fvj at < 13 < 88 Table C-10. Proportions of the Total Duck Harvest Occurring After the September Teal Season in Certain States During 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1975. Flyway State 1972 Proportion in regular season 1973 1974 1975 Atlantic Maine ,9335 Mississippi Alabama Arkansas Illinois Indiana Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi Missouri Ohio Tennessee Central Colorado Kansas New Mexico Oklahoma Texas 9624 .9670 .9762 .9550 9856 .9814 .9853 .9879 9625 .8864 -- .9426 9249 .8857 .9440 .9404 — — — .9803 9008 .9009 .9206 .9257 9902 .9552 .9905 .9884 9314 .9222 .9334 .9254 9438 .9166 .9530 .9435 9846 .9713 .9872 .9880 9728 .9273 .9212 .9262 9285 .8833 .8943 .8817 9710 .9442 .8992 .8712 9491 .9112 .9559 .9463 9566 .9380 .9361 .9419