Waterfowl Utilization of Beaver Ponds in New Brunswick

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Waterfowl utilization of 41 beaver ponds in south-central New BIunswick was studied during 1969. Ponds occupied by beaver (Castor canadensis) temporarily or during the entire field season, were defined as active. There were lS active and 26 inactive ponds. Black ducks (Anas rubripes) comprised 27 of the 47 broods observed. In addition> green-winged teal (Anss carolinensis), hooded merganser ( Lophodytes cocullz8;us ), ring-necked duck ( Aythys collsvis ), common goldeneye ( Bucephala clangula ), and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) broods were seen. Thirty-eight broods were sighted on active ponds and only nine on inactive ponds Active ponds contained 0.75 brood per acre and inactive ponds 0.11 brood per acre. The seasonal drop of the water level was less in active ponds than in inactive ponds Hence, brood cover was more abundant in active pondsX and the active ponds were better brood-rearing areas. Few studies have been conducted to assess the significance of beaver ponds to waterfowl populations. Major contributions to waterfowl ecology on beaver ponds have been limited to studies conducted in the United States by Beard (1953)> Spencer ( 1957 ), Stanton ( 1965 ), and Nevers ( 1968 ) . Additional infoimation has been provided by Speake (1956), Lacaillade (1959), and Knudsen (1962). Although eastern Canada is the heart of the black duck's breeding range, the contribution of its beaver ponds as breeding habitat for the black duck has not been assessed. The lack of information on waterfowl use of beaver ponds, particularly use by the black duck in eastern Ganada, prompted the present study. Itis study, conducted in 1968 and 1969> was designed to assess the utilization7 by breeding waterfowl and by broods, of beaver ponds in the vicinity of FrederictonJ New Brunswick. A secondary objective was to investigate the physical characteristics influencing brood utilization of beaver ponds. Ihe author is indebted to B. S. Wrightr Dlrector, Northeastern Wildlife Station, for 1 The study was supported, in part, by a Wildlife Management Fellowship from Canadian Industries, Limited. 2 Present address: Fredericton,, New Brunswick, Canada. 740 advice and guidance throughout the study. I thank Dr. L. A. Dionne, University of New Brunswick, and Dr. Patricia RobertsPichette for identifying plant specimens; and J. Bidlake, New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources, for providing aerial photographs of the study area.