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OBSERVATIONS ON SUMMERING CONCENTRATIONS OF BLACK DUCKS ON THE 
‘ -- . 
GRAND PRE-CANARD AREAS OF NOVA SCOTIA - 1950 
‘Ralph Mosher * 
Introduction 
"During aerial census and ground studies conducted in Nova Scotia, New 
Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Anticosti Island in June-July of 1949 by C. E. 
Addy, Leon D. Cool (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and G. F. Boyer (Canadian 
Wildlife Service), relatively large and distinct concentrations of black ducks were 
tallied on certain saline and fresh marsh areas. On the basis of the doubtful status 
of such concentrations in the ecology of this species in the Northeast, observations 
were made of a representative concentration of black ducks on the Grand Pre-Canard 
saline marshes of Nova Scotia during the period from June 12-July 31, 1950. 
The Grand Pre-Canard area, comprising three to four thousand acres of 
dykeland and saltmarsh habitat, is extensively utilized by black ducks in both spring 
and fall but supports a relatively small summer breeding population. The discrepancy 
between negligible brood counts and impressive aerial tallies of adult birds on the 
Grand Pré gave initial impetus to a study of the latter, an apparent ecological phenome- 
non previously unknown or overlooked." 
Methods and Data Collected 
The survey consisted first of a complete inventory of the black duck population 
throughout the whole area; then protracted observations (from blinds and other means) - 
were made and detailed records were kept of the activities of various flocks. Banding 
was attempted without success, although a few immature blacks and blue-winged teal 
were banded on the nearby fresh water Kentville Sanctuary. Unfortunately, only two 
specimens were collected for study. These will be discussed later, 
"Upon arrival in the Grand Pre “Canard region on June 12, a ground survey 
of the study area was carried out. The use of a dog proved of considerable assistance, 
since much of the habitat is heavily indented by tidal creeks and gullies forming small 
islands and promontories inaccessible to the observer. A total of 780 black ducks was 
tallied during this three-day survey." 
During the seven-week period of daily observation close study was made on 
flocks of blacks varying in number from a few dozen to 485. During the period of 
study fourteen broods were tallied on the study area giving a ratio of approximately 
one brood to every fifty-five adults. 
In order not to burden the reader with prolonged details of the daily activities 
of the birds, it might be well to summarize these observations as follows: 
a. The flocks studied are "relatively static insofar as locale is concerned. "' 
Apparently the same gregarious groups or individuals follow a daily routine when 
feeding and resting. 
kK ae | 
* Original comprehensive report condensed by C. E. Addy. Quotes direct from 
Mr. Mosher's report. 
