A Study of Waterfowl Production on Artificial Reservoirs in Eastern Montana

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Abstract
A 3-year study of waterfowl production was made on 124 artificial reservoirs in 3 sections of eastern Montana during the summers of 1949, 1950 and 1951. Twelve reservoirs were selected for concentrated studies in 1951. Data were gathered concerning the vegetative and physical characteristics of the reservoirs. Spring aerial waterfowl censuses, ground, and brood counts were made all 3 yrs.; nesting studies and territorial pair counts the last 2 yrs. Observations showed that 12 spp. of waterfowl used the reservoirs but only 7 produced broods: mallard, gadwall, baldpate, pintail, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal and shoveller. Waterfowl usage and brood production were evaluated in relation to size, vegetative type and age. Size was shown to be the most important factor influencing each. Vegetation had a lesser effect, and age very little if any. The importance of the reservoirs in relation to waterfowl production in e. Montana was stressed. Areas with formerly very little water habitat are now producing considerable numbers of waterfowl.

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