203 
WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEYS IN MICHIGAN - 1950 
Herbert J, Miller 
Surveys of waterfowl breeding grounds were c 
Michigan Department of Conservation. 
the comparative abundance of potential 
onducted by personnel of the 
The purpose of these surveys was to determine 
breeders and to measure the breeding success. 
Methods Used in Sampling 
re ee 
A major portion of the waterfowl nesting habitat in Michigan is in the heavy 
cover of the forested regions. Water is not lacking with thousands of streams, lakes, 
swales and beaver ponds well scattered throughout the State. Breeding birds are 
scattered and difficult to locate as heavy cover is a serious limitation to accurate 
censusing. Because of these limitations our efforts have been confined to three types 
of surveys, 
1, Aerial census of selected sample areas in the southern farm lands. 
2. Surface censuses or ground checks on sample areas to obtain greater 
coverage of the State. a 
. 
Brood censuses of the same sample areas to determine brood 
densities and survival. 
These sample areas were carefully selected several years ago as the same 
surveys are made each year to provide a comparative index of changes in production. 
The standard methods of censusing have been employed. Judging from past experi- 
ences, roadside censuses appear impractical for the type of habitat found in Michigan. 
(See Figure 1 for locations). 
Aerial Censuses 
SOD ES TED Tale ng I Pe 
Aerial censuses on two sample areas have been made for three years to 
provide an index of change in potential nesting populations of southern Michigan farm- 
land habitat, One area is in Barry County, the other extends through parts of Ingham, 
Livingston, and Oakland Counties. The Barry County check area shows a decrease as 
compared with last year but more birds than in 1948, while the second area shows a 
continuing increase in the potential nesting populations since 1948. 
Results - Barry County Aerial Census Area 
Potential breeders 
Year Lineal Miles per lineal mile 
1948 234 0.10 
1949 312 0.37 
1950 300 0.16 
Rtsults - Ingham, Livingston, and Oakland Counties 
Aerial Census Area 
Potential breeders 
Year Lineal Miles per lineal mile 
1948 72 Se: 
1949 72 , . 68 
1950 72 Shall 79 
eh gr i dP ST SS 
