108 



The coverage accomplished this year is the larpest-and best distri- 
buted of any since the surveys were commenced. The surveys in Northern Ontario 
were made possible by gasoline being made available at Kanuchuan Rapids, Gods 
Lake, Trout Lake, and other points, by Ontario Central Airlines. 
Weather and Water Conditions 
Break up in the north country was ahead of normal this year and far 
ahead of the 1954 break up. Ducks moved into the area early in the season and were 
not held back by ice. For example, Gaddam Bay, and Lake Manitoba did not open 
until May 17, 1954, but this year were open before May 1. Lake Atikameg near 
The Pas, Manitoba, was ice covered June 1, 1954, but was open this year on May 
1Z. CGontrary to the usual course of events, the nesting ducks were not exposed to 
a single blizzard during the month of May, and although the month of June was 
rather wet on the east side of the area, no severe weather prevailed. 
Table II, - Duck Species Index - Stratum C, Ontario, 1954-1955, 

Species Species Change Percent 
Composition Index ‘'Two-¥r. From From 
Species 1954 1955 1954 1955 Average 1954 Average 
Mallard 14,3 6.7 62,410 28,151 45,280 - 54. 37.8 
Black Duck 21,1 17.7 92,088 74,839 83,464 - 18, 10.3 
Gadwall - - - - = - 
Baldpate 1.4 1.4 6,110 6,719 6,414 + 10. 4.7 
Pintail el le 4,801 747 2,774 - 84. 73.0 
G-w. Teal .8 - 3,491 - 1,745 - - 
B-w. Teal - - - - - - - 
Shoveler - ~ - - - ~ - 
Merganser 33.1 42.5 144,460 120,949 132,704 - 16. 8.8 
Redhead - ~ - - - - - 
Ringneck 5.0 5.6 21,822 25,384 23,603 + 16. 7.5 
Canvasback - - - - - - - 
L. Scaup 12.0 14.6 52,372 67,194 59, 783 + 28, 12.4 
Goldeneye 10,3 4.8 44,953 20,158 32,555 - 55. 38.1 
Ruddy Duck - - - - - - - 
Bufflehead we 1.2 873 5,973 3,423 +584. 74.5 
Scoter me vas 2,182 23,145 12,663 +960. 82.8 
Total Ducks 435,562 373,259 404,410 - 14.3 7.7 
aEoEoaooaaaeaeoeoeooaoaoaaaoaaoaoaaoeouoEoeeoeEeeeeooooeEeoeeeee—eeeEEESESSIyCyllEayaIyI I _—eESESESEEEElU~Uc—>>~—>>yx_L— EES SE 
= 23552 
C. Goose 

26, 450 
16,478 
21,464 
- 38.0 
