1\ Catherinj of &aterfowl from a forthcoming book "A Gathering of Waterfowl". bV Frank S. Todd • Corporate Curator ofBirds. Sea World - San Diego, California, Ohio and Florida

Chapter One

INTRODUCTION TO THE TRUE WATERFOWL

The kaleidoscopic colors and patterns wild fowl. Likewise, egrets, herons, flamin­ From an economic standpoint. water­ associated with the avian world make it gos and storks thought of as waders, fowl are among the most valuable of all difficult, if not impossible, to select a while cormorants, gulls, penquins, peli­ birds. They have probably been admired single group of birds as the most spectac­ cans, and puffins are loosely called "sea more and exploited to a greater degree ular. However, if one were faced with birds". than most other bird groups. One need such a choice, it could easily be the The closest surviving relatives of wild­ only consider how dependent many waterfowl. As a long-time waterfowl fowl are the bizarre screamers of South people are on wildfowl and their eggs as enthusiast, I believe this selection to be a America; so close in fact, that they a food source. In the western world the logical one for a number of reasons. occupy a position in the same order, the rearing of these birds for food is not of Ducks, geese and swans not only often Anseriformes. This relationshjp is quite major importance. but in less affluent have brightly colored plumages and occur puzzling to non-biologists because regions, particularly in Asia, domestic in a great variety of diverse shapes, sizes screamers don't even remotely resemble a ducks are frequently as common as and forms, their lifestyles are such that duck or a goose. Rather, they are more chickens in America. In North America sooner or la tel' most people are exposed like huge chickens. Screamers are basical­ and Europe waterfowl hunting is a major to them. Their relatively large size and ly terrestrial birds and although they lack sport, an industry that contributes bil­ highly social nature quickly draws our webbed feet, they are excellent swimmers. lions of dollars to the economy each year. attention to them. The center of distribu­ Some contemporary specialists believe At the same time the escalating conflict tio of waterfowl occurs in the northern that flamingos are also closely related to between hunters and protectionists has hemisphere, not in the tropics like many wildfowl and may represent an ancient spawned a great deal of intense con tro­ families of exotic birds. Some of the most offshoot. Tms opinion is based on ana­ versy in recent years. beautiful and striking birds that ever tomical similarities and the fact that Life on earth extends back in to the graced thjs planet fall within this group. much flamingo behavior closely parallels spectrum of time for more than two bil­ In essence, they combine many of the that of true waterfowl; even their feather lion years but man, as we presently know qualities that man finds aesthetically parasites suggest an affinity with geese. him, has only existed for 500,000 to one pleasing about birds, and of all the birds, Their vocalizations are distinctly goose­ million years. Waterfowl are far more waterfowl are perhaps the most fascinat­ like and interestingly, newly hatched ancient; their origin da tes back some 50 ing to observe. There are relatively few flamingo chicks are superficially remark­ to 80 mi]]jon years ago, which makes individuals who will not admit they have ably similar to young goslings. them relative newcomers when compared at least a passing interest in those colorful Ducks, geese and swans were among to many other life forms. Birds originally and fascinating winged creatures known the first birds to be domesticated by evolved from reptiles and are sometimes as waterfowl. man. Greylag geese, for example, were referred to as 'glorified reptiles" by non­ Ducks, geese and swans are all closely domesticated at least 4,000 years ago sentinlental paleontologists. It is believed related and collectively are referred to as and may be the oldest of the domestic that birds began to branch off from rep­ waterfowl or wildfowl. They comprise birds. Originally, wa terfowl were un­ tilian stock some 150 mjj[ion years ago, the avian family Anatidae. and conse­ doubtedly majntained as a food source shortly before the emergence of the first quently are sometimes called anatids by and later for ornanlental and aesthetic mammals, wmch also evolved from rep­ ornithologists. Although they resemble purposes as well. Written allusions to tiles, but independently. Archaeopteryx other groups of water birds in many re­ waterfowl date back some 2,500 years is the earliest recognized avian fossil, spects, these similarities are merely super­ and artistic depictions even earlier. Prim­ dating from the Jurassic Period approxj­ ficial and have resulted because of their itive rock carvings of swans fashioned by mately 140 million years ago. Undoubt­ similar lifestyles. Many casual observers Cro-Magnon man in northern Russia edly there were earlier birds or birdlike assume that all water birds are wildfowl have been unearthed as well as cave creatures, but remains of these have yet bu t the 151 species of ducks, geese and paintings of waterfowl in neolithic sites to be discovered. swans found on the plant stand alone. inhabited at least 20,000 years ago in Fossil remains of waterfowl and other Coots, grebes and loons, which also live Spain, France and Italy. Waterfowl are birds are scarce since they are relatively on wa tel' and are similar in profile, are just as intriguing to modern man and the frajl creatures; their bones are fragile not even distantly related. Stilts, sandpip­ literature concerning them is probably because most are hollow, a condition ers and avocets are shorebirds rather than the most extensive of any avian group. necessary for flight. Therefore, avian 21 bones do not stand the test of time very niches and some of the more familiar well. In fact, most fossil waterfowl spec­ species are widely distributed. The ranges ies have been described mainly from only of the common mallard and northern a few disarticulated bones. The earliest pintail, for example, encompass most of recognizable wild fowl fossil on which the northern hemisphere whereas others, most experts agree upon comes from such as the white-eyed duck of Madagas­ the upper Eocene Period, dating back car, is restricted to a few small lakes on a some 40 to 50 million years. Avian single island. Although they may have paleontologists have identified about a originated in tropical or southern regions, hundred extinct forms, including one waterfowl have most successfully colon­ RT. 1, BOX 218M • RED BLUFF, CA 96080 family, two subfamilies, 22 genera, 92 ized the extensive grasslands and tundras (916) 527-6465 species and three subspecies. of the north temperate and Arctic zones. Swans are my only business. The never-ending process of evolu­ Most waterfowl are excellent swim­ tion has been particularly productive mers, having comparatively short legs and • with birds. Thousands, and perhaps strongly webbed front toes. However, the PAIRS OR SINGLES millions, of species have evolved over the Ne-ne goose, magpie goose and Cape Bar­ Accurately Sexed, Correctly Pinioned years only to ultimately disappear, and ren goose are exceptions and are more Mute Swans. Australian Blacks today there are approximately 8,650 terrestrial and consequently exhibit great­ Black-Necked. Trumpeters living species of birds divided into 27 ly reduced foot webbing. As a swimming orders and 155 families. The anatids adaptation, the legs of most waterfowl PAIRS START• AT $295.00 comprise but one of these orders and are usually placed far back on the body, families, but they are among the most forcing the birds to move with a waddling divergent yet homogenous of all bird Aluminum groups. While ducks, geese and swans range in size from the tiny pygmy goose Leg Bands weighing but ten ounces to the massive trumpeter swan which may exceed 30 PROMPT SERVICE. HIGH QUALITY pounds with a wing span of 8 to 10 feet, ORDER 1977 BANDS all species are easily recognizable as Coded Parakeet Closed Bands. waterfowl. Regular Initial Type Bands, not coded, Waterfowl are cosmopolitan in distri­ in choice of colors, open or closed. bution and occur on all continents with Plastic Family Identification Bands the possible exception of Antarctica. for keets or canary, choice of colors. However, a South Georgia pin tail was Leg Band Cutters. Bird Claw Scissors. discovered on the Antarctic peninsula SEN D SE LF-ADDRESSED STAMPED near the United States Antarctic Re­ ENVELOPE FOR COMPLETE PRICE LIST. search Station Palmer in January of 1975. RED BIRD Topographic barriers such as mountain ranges or oceans are not major factors PRODUCTS, INC. in determining their distribution 2786 Fruitridge Road since most species can fly /' P.O. Box 20004 (Dept. A.F.A.) over them. Wildfowl ex- /_ Sacramento, CA. 95820 ploit a tremendous / variety of ecological

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Normal Buttons $6.00 pair Silver Buttons $12.00 pair Harlequins.. _ -$18.00 pair Northern Black-bellied Whistling Duck 8051 968-4024 DOUGAL HOUSE 7340 Hollister Avenue Goleta, CA. 93017

22 gait when they are ashore. To maintain their balance, the center of gravity must be shifted above the supporting leg. Be­ cause of the wide body and relatively short legs, displacement of the center of gravity can only be effected by rotation and shift to the side, thus bringing about the characteristic waddle. Their buoyancy in the water is due mainly to internal air sacs, not to air held in the feathers as some writers suggest. These air sacs extend into the body cavity as well as into some of the long bones and connect with the lungs. As in the case of many diving bird species, the air sacs can be inflated or deflated to alter the bird's buoyancy. The normal swimming speed of water­ fowl is between two and three miles per hour, although they can swim much faster is pursued. The webbed feet are most advantageous to a swimming bird and as the foot is pushed backward, the webs are spread apart presenting the maximum surface to the water. During the forward stroke the webs are closed, thus affording less resistance. Wildfowl have relatively long necks and flattened, broad bills known as "duck bills", which is perhaps their most distinctive characteristic. Mergansers or 804/542-5961 "sawbills" are unique in this regard and P.O. BOX 306 CHARLOTTE COURT HOUSE, VIRGINIA 23929 have long slender bills with teeth-like serrations along the edges that aid in holding a slippe ry fish securely. All duck, geese and swans are densely Never before has such a comprehensive encyclopedia been offered, fea thered and are noted for their compact both for the specialist and hobbyist. plumage. The numbers of feathers varies YOUR LIBRARY IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT THIS BOOK. greatly; a whistling swan may have over 25,000 feathers, most of them covering FINCHES the neck, while a green-winged teal may have a few as 11,500. Ten or eleven pri­ and SOFT-BILLED BIRDS maries and twelve to twenty-four tail feathers are typical. Not surprisingly, (revised edition) by Henry J. Bates and Robert L. Busenbark wildfowl are powerful fliers except for a few species which are totally flightless, such as two of the three forms of South American steamer ducks. Wildfowl gener­ ally fly with their necks extended and 735 pages inCluding 237 pages of color photos plus manv black and whites throughout the book. Some their legs trailing. They are not, like of the topics: Diet; Importation and Acclimation; condors and alba trosses, noted for their Aviaries, Equipment and Breeding; Diseases and soaring ability. Ailments; fourteen chapters on FINCHES; twenty­ seven chapters on SOFT-BI LLE D BI RDS; four Waterfowl are fairly long live.d, at least chapters on other avicultural subjects. in captivity, where they are afforded greater protection than in the wild. Twenty to thirty year old captive geese $14.95 and swans are not particularly uncom­ mon. However, for most of the smaller ORDER YOUR COPY NOW duck species in the wild, two or three FROM (possibly up to six) breeding seasons PALOS VERDES BIRD FARM INC. con tj tutes the maximum tha t can be P.O. Box 1305, Torrance, CA. 90505 expected. Between 60 and 75 percent of the annual hatch is lost during the first Include 50c postage and handling for each book. California residents add 6% sales tax. year and 90 to 95 percent within three Retail Store - 4146 West Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505 years. Mortality is obviously very high (across the street from Samba's) and the potential life spans suggested by I 23 captive specimens is rarely attained under and can be either vocal or mechanical in sensitive tongue which is lined with many natural conditions. Yet, banding records origin. Some of the stiff-tails, such as the small projections. The action of the ton­ indicate that some wild geese have sur­ male ruddy duck, have specialized tracheal gue, when combined with the lamellae vived for 18 years and ducks up to 16 air saGS in the neck which can be inflated lined mandibles, serves as an efficient years. and beaten with the bill during courtship, food-sifting mechanism, particularly with The voices of waterfowl vary consid­ creating a distinct drumming sound. A dabbling ducks. The peculiar sound erably in intensity, tone and quality. The number of whistling ducks produce a emitted during feeding is sometimes refer­ familiar quack of dabbling ducks is the characteristic whistling sound in flight red to as "chattering". Except for the typical anatid call. Honking, hissing created by the vibration of peculiarly flamingos, no other group of birds feed in and trumpeting are also familiar but shaped outer primaries; its exact purpose this specialized manner. few people are aware that some species is not known. The rushing wing beats of Many diving ducks forage on living of wildfowl may huff, grunt, bark, the mute swans may be audible for over organisms in the water. Rarely do they squeak, cluck, and coo as well. The old­ a hundred yards, probably assisting the go deeper than 10 feet but in the case of squaw duck chatters constantly with a birds in maintaining auditory contact several spe.cies such as the oldsquaw or distinctive call that can best be described with each other in flight. Because mute king eider, dives exceeding 180 feet have as yodeling. Vocalizations are used for swans are the least vocal of the group, been recorded. In sum, ducks, geese and courtship, communication, defense, warn­ calling would be of little consequence. In swans exploit almost every available food ings, recognition, flocking signals as well contrast, other northern swans produce source. Grass, seeds, cultivated grain and as for other social purposes. Contrary to no significant mechanical sounds while in aquatic vegetation such as duck weed and ) popular beliefs, no species of wildfowl is flight and maintain contact by voice. algae are favored by some species while totally mute; not even the so called Waterfowl feed on a great variety of others prefer fish, molluscs, crustaceans, J "mute" swan. Swans exhibit the greatest food items and as a result numerous feed­ insects and miscellaneous small succulent vocal variety, ranging from the clear, ing adaptations have evolved. The struc­ creatures. Some waterfowl are selective melodic far-carrying cry of the trumpet­ ture and shape of the bill of many species about their diet while others have less er swan to the insiginificant voice of the has been modified to suit specific feeding discriminating tastes. A few species are mute swan. Many anatids derive their requirements. The most extreme modifi­ even carnivorous and may feed on car­ vernacular names from their voices; cations have evolved on those species casses at times. whistling ducks obviously whistle, Cape which tend to be most specialized. Basi­ The beauty and variety of coloration Barren or pig geese grunt, and trumpeter cally, there are three main methods of is one of the most attractive features of swans trumpet. The coscoroba swan feeding; diving, grazing, and surface feed­ the world's waterfowl, giving endless possesses a distinct ringing ~'cos-cor-ooo" ing. Dabbling ducks, sometimes called pleasure to the beholder. Their colors call. river or puddle ducks, are surface feeders, span the full spectrum, ranging from the The waterfowl family exhibits a great ingesting material from the surface of a exquisitely caparisoned wood duck to the deal of variation in the size and shape of pond, lake or river, but often tipping up rather nondescript greylag goose. Gener­ the syrinx or vocal organ. The males of a to obtain their food from the bottom. ally the males are more ornate whereas number of species are characterized by This feeding behavior is referred to as the females are subdued in color. Among the development of a bulla which is a "up-ending". Surface feeding is the most the most strikingly patterned and color­ symmetrical bony enlargement at the common method of anatid feeding behav­ ful wildfowl are the wood duck, harle­ base of the trachea. Systematists consider ior and is utilized by not only the least quin duck, Baikal teal, and red-breasted the bulla to be very significant taxonomi­ specialized of waterfowl, but by some of goose; their brilliant garb appears almost cally. The size and shape fo the bulla, or the most specialized as well. Diving ducks artificial. the lack of it altogether, depending on dive for their food and are rather poorly Bright plumage is often used to great the sex or species, is instrumental in the developed for terrestrial locomotion be­ advantage by males to attract mates, yet sound and quality of the vocalization pro­ cause of the position of their legs. Some in some species such as the Siberian duced. The bulla can best be described as species, like ruddy ducks, rarely leave the red-breasted goose, both males and fe­ a bony sound chamber which, in the water because they can scarcely walk. males are boldly colored and patterned. words of Johnsgard: "operates in much However, practically all waterfowl can, In natural surroundings, distinctive colors the same manner as a mechanical whistle, and do, dive when forced to do so. Sea and contrasting patterns serve as a kind of producing a whistling note as air is rapid­ ducks feed chiefly in salt water where camouflage that enables the animal to ly passed by it through the trachea. Fe­ they spend a great deal of time. Many of visually melt into the surroundings by male ducks, and males of species that lack these latter species have evolved special­ de-emphasizing their shape. Therefore, such bullas, instead apparently rely on ized nasal salt glands which facilitate the while it may seem that bright colors and the vibration of the soft tympanic mem­ discharge of excess salt. bold patterns versus camouflage are some­ branes located between the base of the The type of food selected by the vari­ what contradictory, quite often just the trachea and the bronchi. These thin mem­ ous wildfowl depends somewhat on their opposite is true. Nature has provided branes are readily vibrated by the passage method of feeding. Mallards are relatively most waterfowl with an abundant supply of air across them, and pitch is apparently non-selective and consume almost any­ of color in their livery and their con­ regulated by varying the tension on the thing edible that they encounter. Shovel­ spicuous plumage is often enhanced by a membranes through the use of two ers and pink-eared ducks are more spec­ metallic, iridescent wing speculum, a lus­ opposing pairs of muscles. In the geese ialized and filter minute aquatic organ­ trous area sometimes called a "wing and probably also in ducks, sound is isms from the surface of the water. The window". The velvety appearance of the evidently produced by inhalation as well true geese are noted for extreme graz­ eiders and some of the scoters also pro­ as by exhalation since the air sac in the ing habits and spend a great deal of time duces a unique visual effect. region of the crop can frequently be ob­ ashore. Consequently, their terrestrial Not only are many waterfowl brightly served to enlarge during calling." movements are very proficient. All water­ colored, but some have developed other Sounds are used for various purposes fowl except mergansers have a highly attractive adornments as well. These 24 • Intemadonal Bini Trading Co•• Inc. 345 - 347 OAK STREET INGLEWOOD, GALIFORNIA 90302 TELEPHONE (213) 674-1500

OFFICIAL U.S.D.A. QUARANTINE STATION

1

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri), often called Leadbeater Cockatoo, inhabits parts of Australia's dry inland areas. It is a beautiful bird that fully deserves all the protection the Australian government affords it. Sir Thomas Mitchell was one of the first Europeans to admire this grand bird in the wild. adornments may take the form of modifi­ typical anatid flightless period. Because cation of the shape of a single feather or of their inability to fly during the molt, whole regions of plumage. The distinctive most wildfowl tend to spend a great deal forward curled tail of the mallard drake of time in the water in an effort to escape is unmistakable. Muscovy ducks are noted predation. This is also the period that the for curled hoods, crested ducks and mer­ colorful drakes of many duck species gansers for crests, plumed tree ducks for assume the nondescript eclipse plumage. elongated flank feathers, falcated ducks A grounded camouflaged bird stands a for long trailing sickle-like wing feathers, much greater chance of survival than a mandarin ducks for sail-like inner secon­ flightless colorful one. The large flight daries, and pin tail and oldsquaw ducks feathers are not dropped until the male for long, thin tail feathers. Fleshy modifi­ is well into the eclipse plumage and thus cations are not unusual either. For in­ the duck.is already protectively colored stance, black-necked swans and drake when the need is greatest. In some cases, king eiders have highly developed colored both sexes do not molt simultaneously so knobs on the top of their upper mandi­ that one is always in a position to provide bles, and drake European shelducks and parental care for the young. As the wing rosy billed pochards are noted for orna­ feathers are replaced, the wings become mental bills with bright facial shields. The very heavy due to the "blood feathers". bills of some species are brilliantly color­ This is a very dangerous time to handle ed and the color may vary greatly depend­ wildfowl because if a blood feather is ing on the season. The beautiful powder broken, a great deal of bleeding results. blue bill of the courting drake ruddy Thousands of waterfowl are banded by duck fades to a dull greyish brown during biologists annually during this period of .r. ~ • ~ •• the non-breeding season. flightlessness. Once done in a haphazard Female ducks are usually cryptically manner, all official banding in North BUY-SELL-TRADE dressed, which is an advantage to a bird America is now a coordinated c'omputer­ BIRDS sitting on a ground nest because it pro­ ized operation. Approximately 300,000 BIRD SUPPLIES vides a degree of camouflage. The incon­ ducks, geese and swans are banded annual­ AND EQUIPMENT spicuous colors of the female are predom­ ly in North America alone, and the data SEED,FEED inated by browns and greys. A brightly obtained sheds much light on the biology colored male moving away from an and lifestyles of many species, including Halfmoons incubating hen will tend to attract the life spans, population dynamics, effects Cockatiels attention of a potential predator and of hunting pressure, migratory routes, Lovebirds hence it can be lured away from the vul­ etc. These data are important when con­ Parrakeets nerable female. To the casual observer sidering length of hunting seasons, bag White Headed Nuns many ducks can be difficult to identify limits, protection of some species and Green Singers because their plumage is altered during acquisition of habitat. Golden Breasted Waxbills the molt. During the summer, drakes of Since they spend a great part of their Cordon Bleu many northern species acquire an "eclipse lives in water, waterfowl must be ade­ AND MANY OTHER TYPES plumage" when the brilliant colors and quately waterproofed. For this they are . OF FINCHES patterns are replaced by a dull plumage equipped with a large and highly develop­ AND HOOKBI LLS similar to that of the hen. Characteris­ ed oil gland, known as the uropygial tically, during the molt, many species of gland, located at the base of the tail. ... wildfowl may lose a great deal of weight. They must preen and oil themselves fre­ The question arises why many of the quently in order to maintain the feathers :: drakes, particularly in the north, are so in prime condition and to keep them ". :,-. brightly dressed. Obviously, the gay waterproofed. Preening also helps to colors and conspicuous patterns play a preserve the surface of the bill and legs. -~l significant role during courtship, but it After bathing, ducks anq geese may preen ::- has also been suggested that ornamental for hours, a process that is fascinating to ..;.'- plumage may be a device to prevent observe. If the birds fail to keep them­ .t hybridization. This supposition is weak­ selves in good condition, especially if .' ened by the fact that there are numerous the feathers are not maintained and oiled, nondescript species of waterfowl, and they risk sinking and ultimate drowning. some forms exhibit no external sexual An unoiled duck, depriving itself of water dimorphism at all. If prevention of to avoid drowning, becomes potential hybridization is involved, one must prey for an alert predator. , wonder why all waterfowl are not bright­ Waterfowl can be extremely gregari­ 18247 East Valley Blvd. : ly colored, or for that matter, all birds. ous and tend to assemble in tremendous (at Yorbita Rd.l ! During the summer molt, all of the flocks, particularly during migration and La Puente, CA. 91744 wing flight feathers are lost simultaneous­ on the wintering grounds. Gregariousness J ly and the birds are flightless for one to has a number of advantages, not the least 213/964 - 8473 two months. The Australian magpie goose of which is the fact that an individual is the unique exception and assumes a bird obtains greater survival potential graduated wing molt, thus by-passing the through the combined senses and actions

26 of the group. This social tendency, how­ vary considerably but on the average are ever, increases their vulnerability to oil between 1,000 and 3,000 feet, but on spills and other forms of pollution. The occasion can be as high as 20,000 or more biannual migratory treks of many of the feet. h~k northern species are well documented. In the spring, migrants return to their bird. Not all waterfowl migrate but those northern homes to breed and rear their that inhabit the higher latitudes usually young. This northward movement is pos­ do. Each fall, millions of ducks and geese sibly triggered by certain physiological farm move down from their northern breed­ stimuli; for example, the gonads increase 315 S. Laurel Ave. ing grounds in the Arctic to spend the tremendously in size. Timing of an ani­ Brea, California 92621 winter in more favorable southern cli­ mal's reproductive cycle is set so that the 714 (529-9466) mates. The melodic, far-carrying call of young are reared during the best possible ~.' the Canada goose winging its way south climatic conditions when there is an BUY - SELL I'"~ on a crisp autumn morning is unforget­ abundance of food. The amount of light, TRADE table and is a sure sign that winter is not or photoperiod, is extremely important far behind. The phenomenon of migra­ and also stimulates breeding activity. t,. tion also occurs in the southern hemis­ In the higher latitudes, these optimal phere but is not near the spectacle. The conditions exist only during the brief MOST CAGE seasons are reversed south of the equqtor warm spring and summer months. At BIRDS and the southern or austral summer corre­ these latitudes, both north and south, the FEED AND EQUIPMENT sponds to the northern winter. Both sexes number of species is reduced as compared Ship Anywhere generally migrate to the same area, but to temperate or tropical regions, but the there are some exceptions such as with number of individuals is far greater. Sea­ Color Ornomentol Poultry Book 53.50 the European Goldeneye. sonal variation in abundance of specific 999 Picture Pet Su I Cotolo S 1.00 Migration may be triggered by varia­ food items is reflected in waterfowl food Peacocks, Swans, Wood Ducks, tions in climatic conditions at higher habits. For nearly all species, this results Canadian Honkers, Pheasants SCHOOL OBSERVATION INCUBATOR 121.15 latitudes and the resulting effect on food in an increase in animal food during the ~:~~~~.ic1~r~~~~~~j~~~::~~~~le~~~~~tI~ ~o~~ availability. Presumably adverse weather spring and summer when more inverte­ ~~gK~'·8~:~~. Fowl. 54.. t ... itself is of no great consequence, but brates are available. Guide to Beller Hatching __ . 14:.5 R.- • r' -1 Successful Duck & Goose RaiSing $5.15 --f freezing waters will encourage southward Bantams for Everyone 1S.'5 • } Making Squab RaiSing Profitable '1.85 ac~ " movement. These mass movements may "Everything -- ~Z' 08S'.V~l'O CU8ATO'" appear to be random, but they are far TO BE CONTINUED You Name It!" from that. Well established aerial high­ NEXT ISSUE S~'4~4 ways or corridors known as flyways are & 'Pea UitiHUtd utilized. In North America four major Pine River. Minn. 56474 migration routes are recognized; the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific flyways. These administrative flyways overlap considerably and their boundaries cannot be precisely defined. They may also vary somewhat from year to year depending on climatic conditions. Millions of waterfowl emanating from Canada and Alaska winter in the south­ ern states, but large numbers move on to the Central and South America as well. As an example, a tiny blue-winged teal banded in Canada was recovered six months later in Peru, some 7,000 miles away. The flyways of Europe and Asia are not yet as well defined as those in $1000 CHARTER MEMBERS North America, but they exist neverthe­ less. A.FA. would like to express its appreciation to Mr. and The uncanny ability of birds to navi­ Mrs. Gerald M. Jennings, Sr., Los Angeles California, as one gate accurately for long distances has of our first contributors. Their help has been instrumental been the subject of intense scientific in getting the goals of the Federation into action. With their investigation and controversy for many recent generous donation of $500.00 and pledge toward a years. While our understanding of this $1000. 00 Lifetime Charter Membership, the goals are further phenomenon increases annually, our insured. knowledge is still rather rudimentary. Another application for Lifetime Charter Membership has The position of the sun, moon and stars been received by A.F.A. from Mr. and Mrs. Earl Haga, obviously serve as navigation aids, but Phoenix, Arizona, and we offer our sincerest appreciation there are undoubtedly numerous other for such a fine donation - a pledge of $1000. 00. With this factors involved as well. During migration, kind ofsupport, A.F.A. 's distant goals have moved forward. waterfowl tend to fly higher than when engaged in local flights. These heights 27 I