18 
Duck densities were 52.8 per square mile along the coast and 3.7 per square mile 
in the interior. Goose densities could not be assessed fairly by this method because 
of their habit of gathering in large groups. Of the more than 20, 000 that were seen, 
over 10,000 (mostly snows) were in one group. The Canadas were more evenly 
distributed, but of these, nearly a third were seen on Akimiski Island. 
Species 
Snow Geese: This species was the most numerous observed on the trip, 
largely due to concentrations of several hundred on Cape Henrietta Maria and an 
estimated 15,000 at the mouths of the Thlewieza - Tha-Anne Rivers, and the next 
river to the north. A few scattered snows occurred in between these points. On the 
Cape three downy young were seen with two adult snows. Strangely, the downies were 
not yellow as snow geese young are supposed to be, but rather dark-colored, like blue 
geese. On this point we all agreed. (Almost exactly a year earlier, a similar obser- 
vation was made on the Owl River in Manitoba.) This is the only definite evidence 
obtained that wavies were nesting on the Cape. While observing the large concentration 
at the mouth of the Thlewieza, however, we saw a hundred or more nests from the air. 
On the small islands formed by the river delta, nests protected by pairs of geese were 
spaced very close together. North of this concentration at the mouth of the next river 
(unnamed on our map) was another large group of wavies, but only a few nests were 
seen. Some of these geese appeared to be flightless, and it is possible that most of 
them were non-breeders. 
Mallard: The northernmost record obtained was at 59 degrees 40 minutes 
both along the coast (2 drakes) and interior (1 drake) along the 59 degree longitude 
line. Only a few additional mallards were noted along transects north of York Factory 
where about 30 drakes were seen in a flock. The majority of the other mallards 
tallied were along James Bay south of the tundra. 
Black Duck: This species outnumbered its nearest rival, the pintail, 3 to l 
along the south coast of James Bay, but then dropped behind, except on Akimiski 
Island, along the remainder of the coast. Even from Churchill north to 60 degrees it 
composed 28 percent of the total number of ducks recorded. It was last seen a few 
miles short of 60 degrees and as far west as the outlet of South Knife Lake (96 degrees 
20 minutes). Between the Hudson Bay railroad and the coast, it appeared to be the 
most common dabbler, It occurred as pairs or singles (hence presumably was 
breeding) on the interior tundra, but usually along brushy streams. Along the coast 
its breeding status could not be determined, as it occurred in flocks as well as pairs 
or singles. It is possible that these birds were drakes assembling in the coastal 
marshes for the moult, from considerable distances. The only duck brood seen on 
the entire trip was believed to be that of a black duck. 
Pintail: By far the most numerous and widespread duck seen along the 
coast, the pintail occurred mostly in small groups. One flock near Attawapiskat, 
however, numbered about a thousand. Many drakes were in good plumage, and with 
them were a few hens. An occasional pair was seen. This was the only dabbler seen 
north of 60 degrees, 
Baldpate and Green-winged Teal: These two ducks were equally common, 
according to our data, but since teal often escape aerial observation, the latter species 
probably ranks higher than our figures show. No other dabblers were seen in appre- 
ciable numbers. The only other sporting duck seen in large numbers was the scaup. 
On the tundra and in the transition zone, all scaups that were positively identified 
were greater scaup. This species away from the bay, composed 18 percent of the 
ducks recorded. 
