Waterfowl use of 23 coal strip mine ponds in Alabama was investigated from January 1976 to December 1977. Nine of the ponds were 5 years old at the time of the study, 10 were 15 years old and 4 were 25 years old. Visual observations were made on a monthly or bi-weekly basis to determine waterfowl usage. Vegetation, cover, and food prod uction on 10 of the ponds (three 5-year-old ponds, four 15-year-old ponds, and three 25-year old ponds) were investigated to evaluate pond potential as waterfowl habitat. Older ponds were positively correlated (P<'O I) with increased waterfowl use. Species most frequently observed were wood duck (Aix sponsa), ring-necked duck (Aythya col/aris), and pied-billed grebe (Podilymhus podiceps). Lack of shoal waters, limited food resources, and lack of cover on younger ponds are believed to be limiting factors for waterfowl.
