
74 
WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEY IN QUEBEC AND EASTERN ONTARIO-1950 
John S, Tener 
Introduction 
The 1950 waterfowl breeding ground survey in Quebec and Eastern Ontario 
was divided into two phases. A preliminary study of waterfowl productivity on pre- 
cambrian lakes in eastern Ontario was initiated during June by F. G. Cooch, under 
the writer's direction. In Quebec in the key study areas established last year a 
census was taken of breeding waterfowl in May by the writer and Mr. Cooch, and the 
areas were revisited by Mr. Cooch in July te obtain brood counts. 
Survey Methods and Study Areas 
The information obtained in the preliminary study of the precambrian lakes 
in Ontario will be useful for future projects. Data were secured on 56 lakes in the 
area bounded on the south by Number 7 Highway from Maberly to Havelock, on the 
west by Highway 62 from Havelock to Barry's Bay, on the north by Highway 60 from 
Barry's Bay to Eganville, and on the east by a line from Eganville to Maberly, - an 
area of approximately 2800 square miles. At each lake data were obtained on pH, 
aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, lake bottom type, nesting and escape cover, degree 
of human activity, waterfowl and loon population present, and other pertinent factors. 
An automobile and a motor-driven canoe were used for transportation. 
A census was taken again this year in key areas established in Quebec for 
breeding waterfowl census purposes last year. They were Clement Bay, Lochaber Bay 
and Black Bay on the Ottawa River, the Carillon Island Bird Sanctuary near St. 
Andrew's East, the South River Bird Sanctuary, near Henryville, Lake St. Peter, the 
Island of Orleans and Cape Tourmente near Quebec City, and the soath shore of the 
St. Lawrence River from Levis to St. Flavie. The sample areas were covered by 
canoe and on foot. 
Climatic Conditions 
Spring in Ontario and Quebec appeared to be two to three weeks later than 
normal, delaying somewhat the main waterfowl migrations. Large flocks of some 
species of waterfowl that had not yet dispersed to establish nesting territories were 
found, Temperatures were above normal in May but June and July were cold and wet. 
No adverse effects on nesting and production were apparent, 
Discussion of Data Obtained 
It is emphasized that the investigation of the relationships of precambrian 
lakes to waterfowl production is only preliminary, but certain generalizations have 
been formed. The pH value of a lake does not, in itself, determine occupancy by 
waterfowl, but by governing the composition and density of aquatic plant and animal 
populations, it indirectly influences the nature of the habitat present, which may or 
may not, because of biotic or environmental factors, be acceptable to waterfowl. 
Most of the lakes examined were found to be barren of waterfowl, .or 
practically so, with only six classified as good areas. It would appear that much of 
the waterfowl production in the region examined is the result of large marginal areas, 
or lakes on limestone, producing scattered. broods of ducks that form a significant 
total, rather than of any one area being unusually productive. 
