75 
Quebec 
Figures obtained in Quebec in May of this year cannot be directly compared 
with those of 1949, because of the earlier census date in 1950 and because many, if 
not the majority, of ducks seen would be nesting further north. The Ottawa River and 
Lake St. Peter serve as food barriers to migrating waterfowl. On the Ottawa River 
concentrations of Canada geese, ring-necked ducks, and lesser scaup were observed, 
most of which had migrated further north by the time the July count was made. On 
Lake St. Peter large concentrations of black ducks and pintails were present, as well 
as smaller flocks of blue-winged teal and lesser scaup. 
Canada geese, brant, and American eiders were on the south shore of the 
St. Lawrence River from Montmagny to St. Flavie. 
The brood survey undertaken during the period July 6 to 16 showed an 
increase, in comparison with that of 1949, in pond duck and eider populations, with 
a slight decrease in numbers of diving ducks. Black ducks and blue-winged teal, in 
particular, increased in numbers. Broods of blue-winged teal, black ducks, and 
wood ducks were in that order of size. 
The July survey also indicated an expected change in percentage composition 
of species of waterfowl in the various study areas. The geese, except for two pairs 
nesting in Lochaber Bay, lesser and greater scaup on the Ottawa River and St. Lawrence 
River, and the majority of black and pintail observed on the marshes of Lake St. Peter, 
had left the areas, presumably for more northerly breeding grounds. 
Wood duck populations increased measurably over the May census figures 
in those marshes where the birds occur, The late spring probably delayed their 
migration. 
In summary, the cold, wet months of June and July did not appear to affect 
the production of young waterfowl in Quebec. An increase was noted in numbers of 
pond ducks and eiders, with a slight decrease in numbers of other diving ducks. 
