172 
Table I[I1. - Comparison of air-to-ground Observation of Ducks, 1951, 1952 and 1953 
Percent of Ground Counted Birds Seen 
from the Air 


Year 
Mallard-like Teals 
1951 55 8 
1952 64 59 
1953 62 58 
Conclusions 
From the foregoing analysis and discussion, it is possible to draw the following 
general conclusions: 
1. A trained observer is essential to the success of aerial waterfowl 
census such as deScribed. 
2. Aerial counts of breeding-pairs on irrigated land types can be 
corrected to compare to ground counts. 
3. Aerial counts for most habitat types can be corrected for ground 
totals. 
4. The same observer will count about the same percentage of total 
birds from the air each year. 
5. Experienced observers will observe a greater percentage of 
birds on types with dense cover than inexperienced observers, 
6. Experienced observers will observe a greater percentage of 
teals than inexperienced observers. 
