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Summary 
In southern Ontario, an extensive survey of waterfowl breeding was carried 
out by the author. More restricted and local surveys were carried out by Messrs. 
H. G. Lumsden and WN. D. Patrick of the Fish and Wildlife Division, Ontario 
Department of Lands and Forests. The results of all three surveys are summarized 
in the present paper. _ 
Weather and water conditions throughout the area were ideal for wilerfow! 
nesting and brood rearing. 
In all 63 habitats were examined by the three observers and a total 1,222 
waterfowl including young were counted. The total breeding population was down 
slightly from 1952 but up slightly from 1951. 
The black duck continued its status as the most abundant breeder in southern 
Ontario, followed by the mallard, blue-winged teal, common merganser, coot, 
wood duck, common goldeneye and ring-necked duck. 
There was no change in the over-all status of the black duck in the area although 
in some local situations it had increased slightly. The mallard has undoubtedly 
increased in numbers during the past year. All other species maintain about the 
Same status as during the past three years. 
The records on broods show little change for any species during the past 
three years, 
The season to date has been a favourable one for all waterfowl using the area. 
