teals, and scaups were at least as abundant as in 1939. As was the case 
in the delta of the Mackenzie, the baldpate or American widgeon was the 
only species to show a decrease. Canada geese have nested in the 
Athabaska Delta only during recent years, and it was gratifying again to 
find a slight increase in their numbers, 
The only seriously destructive factor noted in this region was several 
huge forest fires that ravished the country on almost all sides of the 
Athabaska Delta. While it is always difficult to state definitely the 
effects of such catastrophes on wildlife, there is not the slightest doubt 
that these fires destroyed large numbers of nests. 
Atlantic Flyway 
During the month of June, Harold S. Peters, biologist of the Atlantic 
Flyway, was engaged in a survey of waterfowl conditions on nesting grounds 
in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. He was accom— 
panied and assisted in his work at different times by Robie W. Tufts, 
Chief Federal Migratory Bird Officer for the Maritime Provinces, Col. H. H. 
Ritchie, Chief Game Warden of New Brunswick, and by other provincial game 
wardens, Dominion Forest officials, and officers of the Royal Canadian 
Mounted Police. 
A check was made of all important waterfowl nesting areas in the three 
Provinces. Climatic and other conditions were found satisfactory and all 
indications were that ducks were continuing the steady increase that was 
recorded during the preceding three years when investigations were made in 
these same areas. Mr. Peters comments that several species are now 
present in such good numbers that it becomes increasingly difficult to 
report specifically upon then. 
The pintail contimues to be the most interesting species for the 
reason that it is evidently the duck that has most recently become a 
breeding bird in this region. It was first found nesting in the Maritime 
Provinces in 1938 when Mr. Peters found a nest in Westmorland County, N.B. 
Pintails have continued to increase slowly in that area and in 1940 it 
was believed that there might be 50 pairs. There is possibly another 
breeding area for this species in the Portobello Creek section of central 
New Brunswick. 
The ring-necked duck, likewise of rmch interest, is also increasing 
steadily. In 1939 it was definitely proved to breed on Prince Edward 
Island as well as in New Brunswick, and in 1940 it was recorded as nesting 
in Nova Scotia. 
Black ducks are, of course, the major nesting species in all of these 
Provinces and the evidence indicated that they too were continuing to in- 
crease in abundance. An interesting adaptation in their habits is shown 
in the frequency with which their nests are built in cavities and in 
crotches of trees. This trait is noted chiefly in the important Portobello 
Creek section and may be a protection adopted against regular spring floods. 
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