
It appears from the graph that the number of flocks and the 
average flock size reached a peak in August, then began declining in 
September. Although the observations are fewer, there appears to have 
been a tendency for the flock size again to have increased in late 
September. 
In Figure , all flocks reported, including observations from 
interested observers not in the Conservation Department, are mapped. 
The distribution displays a southwesterly orientation, roughly similar 
to the breeding range as pictured through the mail-carrier counts. 
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36 
7. 
Summary 
Based on three 1951 call count transects, southern Wisconsin doves 
seem to have a fairly level plateau of calling from about May 15 to 
June 26, This plateau is bounded by peaks in early May and early 
July. 
Since little variation occurs during this plateau period, it is 
tentatively recommended that call counts in this region be made 
during this period. 
Usable returns from 767 rural mail-carriers indicate fair numbers of 
doves west and south of a line drawn between the northwest and south- 
east corners of the state. Doves are much less numerous north and 
east of this line. 
On the possibility that these data may be usable for breeding population 
indices, the variation was analyzed statistically by a method prescribed 
by Moore (1951). This method of analysis indicates that a 13% popula- 
tion change can be detected in the over-all State population. There is 
a good possibility that some sort of ecological stratification of the . 
data can increase the precision of this method. 
Using two mail-carrier surveys yearly, one at the beginning of the 
breeding season and one about 1 to 2 months later may give data on 
production. 
Fliocks of four or more doves observed during the regular performance 
of their duties were reported by game research and management personnel 
of the Wisconsin Conservation Department. | 
A total of 307 such observations showed peak premigratory populations 
in late August and early September and showed a geographical range of 
abundance in the state similar to that shown by the mail-carrier counts. 
The possibilities of using this system as a population index should be 
explored in the future. 
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