Frank Montalbano III

Duck migration chronology was determined for 11 national wildlife refuges (NWRs) in Florida during 1976-81. Mean monthly population indices differed by month, with peak populations occurring in December. Extension of the duck hunting season framework until 31 January, with a concurrent reduction of season days in December probably would reduce the statewide duck harvest. Implications of this harvest strategy are discussed in terms of hunter satisfaction and possible duck population impacts.

Seed collections were initiated to assess wildlife food availability and production by dotted smartweed (Polygonum punctatum) on a south central Florida marsh. The highest production consistently occurred in October despite wide fluctuation in total annual production. Seed remained available for use by wildlife in the soil throughout much of the year.

Night-light capture rates for flightless juvenile and adult Florida ducks (Anas fulvigula fulvigula) were used to assess the possible significance of phosphatic clay settling areas as post breeding habitat. Capture rate was significantly below (P < 0.05) that documented for brackish water areas on the Merritt Island NWR, but was similar (P > 0.05) to the capture rate for brackish water habitat on Florida's Gulf Coast and fresh water habitat in Southeast and Central Florida. Analysis of the esophageal contents of ten actively feeding specimens collected during the study suggest the...

Foods consumed by 115 ducks and coots (Fulica americana) collected from 2 central Florida study sites were analyzed to assess the importance of the exotic pest species hydrilla (Hydril/a verticil/ata) as a food plant. Contents of esophagi or gizzards were identified and measured by volumetric displacement. Hydrilla was the most important identifiable food on both study sites in terms of mean of volumetric percentages (aggregate percentage) and frequency of occurrence. Implications of findings with respect to waterfowl habitat and aquatic weed control are discussed.