evidence
A majority of 50 hand-reared females, spring-released as yearlings in 1972, formed brief pair bonds with wild males. None apparently produced broods though two attempted to nest. Three returned as 2-year-olds and at least 1 nested. No released birds were seen in second or subsequent years after release. There was no advantage in overwintering the ducklings before they were released as yearlings. Because the area may have been fully stocked with wild canvasbacks, similar releases should be evaluated on obviously understocked habitat.