



234 
WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEY IN MICHIGAN, 1955 
Herbert J. Miller 
Introduction 
This report summarizes the results of the 1955 waterfowl breeding 
ground surveys in Michigan. Such investigations have been conducted for seven 
consecutive years by personnel of the Michigan Department of Conservation, 
The purpose of these surveys is to appraise waterfowl production 
within the State. This is not easily accomplished as dense cover and extensive 
forested areas, dotted with permanent lakes, swales and beaver ponds, and 
traversed by a multitude of streams, typify the habitat to be censused. In such 
areas, breeding birds are scattered and difficult to locate. Experience has 
demonstrated that under these conditions there are limitations to accurate 
determination of waterfowl production. In view of these limitations, efforts were 
extended to obtain comparative indices through three types of surveys: (1) Spring 
migration observations, (2) Potential breeding population surveys, and (3) Brood 
censuses. 
Methods Used in Sampling 
Both aerial and ground censuses were conducted. Approved conven- 
tional methods were used. Ground checks were made on 16 sample check areas 
for comparisons of spring migrants, the size of the breeding population, and the 
success Of the breeding seasons. Coverage and techniques for ground checks 
have been essentially the same each year. 
Aerial surveys have been altered through the years. The major 
changes have been in the extent of coverage, as aerial observations in the heavily 
forested areas proved impractical. However, comparative data for the farm 
lands in the southern part of the State is available. 
Locations of the sample check areas and aerial transects are shown 
in Figure l. 
Weather and Water Conditions 
Weather conditions and water levels generally have been conducive to 
good production. 
Mild temperatures averaging 7.6 degrees above normal prevailed: 
through April. The U. S. Weather Bureau reports the warmest April on record. 
Precipitation average five percent less than normal. 
