A survey of the ducks breeding at Loch Leven in 1966

Abstract

Seven species of ducks nested on Loch Leven in 1966. Seven hundred and five nests were found, nearly all on one island, of 105 acres: Tufted Duck 323, Mallard 285, Gadwall 41, Wigeon 41, Teal 9, Shoveler 6, and 5 broods of Shelducks. About two-thirds of the nests of dabbling ducks and a third of the Tufted Ducks' nests were known to have been successful. Predation by Jackdaws caused most egg losses, which were heaviest in June. Rough estimates from changes in brood-size suggest that not more than 1,900 young ducks reached the flying stage, about three-fifths of those hatched.