Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Late afternoon counts of wood ducks (Aix sponsa) , as they came to roost in woodland ponds, were made in the fall and early winter months of 1953, 1954, and 1960, near Wendell, North Carolina. The numbers of wood ducks which came to roost increased rapidly during October of each year and peak numbers generally were recorded during late October and very early November, in correlation with the regular fall migration of these birds to and through the state from more northern areas. The roosting populations decreased during November and December and few wood ducks remained in the region during the winter months. Most flights consisted of small numbers of ducks. Flocks of two birds were most common and comprised 35.5% of all 814 flocks observed. Only 55 a few flocks contained more than 12 birds. As the season advanced, flocks of two birds became proportionately more abundant (October, 34%; November, 36%; December, 43%; and January, 47%) possibly indicating pairing by this time.

Nesting studies with penned quail were conducted during the summers of 1960 and 1961 in Lee County, Alabama. Approximately 30 hatches were obtained in close proximity to imported fire ant (Solenopsis .mevissima richteri Forel) mounds. These were carefully observed for any instance of annoyance or predation by the ants. Similar observations were made on four cotton rat litters. A small number of nests of various species of wildlife occurring naturally near ant colonies were observed. Observations were also made on pipping and newly hatched chicks placed about imported fire ant mounds. Data was gathered incidentally on the following other ant species: 1. Iridomyrmex humilis Mayr 2. Iridomyrmex pruinosus (Rog.) 3. Dorymyrmex pyramicus flavus McCook 4. Formica schaufussi Mayr Little damage to hatching chicks and newborn rats and mice was observed.