
WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEY IN ALASKA, 
1955 
Henry A. Hansen 
Introduction 
Aerial transects were flown over the more important Alaskan breed- 
ing grounds for the seventh consecutive year. Based on previous experience these 
random transects have been modified from year to year in an effort to reduce the 
sampling error and to cover more adequately areas of greatest importance. Some 
experimenting was done in regard to width of transect censused, and a tentative 
re-stratification of some areas was begun, but for the most part, the breeding 
pair survey followed the standard pattern of past years. 
Ground surveys and banding stations were operated in four areas. 
David R. Klein, Federal Aid biologist, conducted Canada goose banding on the 
Copper River Delta for the fifth consecutive year. The rate of band returns on 
Western Canada geese has been exceptionally high, and the Copper River Delta is 
the major breeding ground for this sub-species. For the third successive year a 
production study and banding operation was undertaken near Ft. Yukon. Two 
students from the University of Alaska, Eugene J. Rueter and Kenneth Hughes, 
operated the Ft. Yukon project. 
In lieu of the Innoko River, Yukon Delta, and Lake Louise study areas 
operated in the past years, two new sites were established in 1955. James G. 
King, Game Management Agent, conducted an exploratory banding operation in 
the Tetlin Lake area on the eastern border of Alaska, and Peter E. K. Shepherd, 
University of Alaska student, established a production study and banding operation 
near Selawik on the Kotzebue Sound. Because of adverse conditions no ground 
studies were attempted at the Minto Lake station this summer. The Minto Lake 
project has not been abaondoned, however. 
Weather and Water Conditions 
The iriitial break-up came at an average date, but thereafter the 
progression of spring was much slower than normal, creating a "late" nesting 
season throughout southern and western Alaska. The northeastern part of the 
Territory followed an average phenology. The entire Minto Lake area was flooded 
during the break-up, and as late as July 18 the water level was still 6.6 feet above 
that on the same date in 1954. About 120 square miles of the lower Innoko and 
Iditarod Rivers were flooded also, rendering that area of little value for nesting. 
The Iditarod was still at flood stage late in June. Because these areas were 
already flooded at the beginning of spring migration and nesting attempts were 
precluded from the start, it is probable that at least some of the birds normally 
using these major breeding grounds moved into adjacent habitat to nest. Later 
evidence indicated this possibility. Water conditions elsewhere in the Territory 
were favorable for nesting. 
