236 
The species composition of the potential breeding population as 
determined on these sample check areas was as follows: 
Mallard 28.7 percent 
Black Duck 27.8 percent 
Blue-winged Teal 20.4 percent 
Wood Duck 6.3 percent 
Ring-necked Duck 4.8 percent 
Merganser 1.3 percent 
Pintail 1.1 percent 
Unidentified 9.3 percent 
Aerial transects were confined to two strips across the southern 
part of the State. Approximately 370 lineal miles were flown, which provides 
a sample covering a total of 92.5 square miles as observations were limited to 
one-eighth of a mile on each side of the plane (See Figure 1). The numbers of 
waterfowl observedwere 65 in 1952, 227 in 1953, 77 in 1954, and 170 in 1955. 
This may indicate increased numbers of potential breeders. However, because 
of the great variance in numbers observed from year to year compared with our 
ground checks, the validity of this data may be questioned. | 
Brood Surveys 
Brood censuses were made on the same sample check areas covered 
previously to determine potential breeding population. Information obtained from 
these brood censuses is used only as an index of production, since many broods 
are unobserved in the dense cover typical of our marshes. 
Comparing the results of this year's brood census with those obtained 
in previous years, good production is indicated. The number of broods observed 
per lineal mile has been exceeded only once in the past six years, The average 
size of the broods was high. Comparisons are shown below. 
Hens and ‘Bachelor 
Broods per young per ducks per Average size of 
Year lineal mile lineal mile lineal mile broods observed 
1949 .47 2.75 6.50 6.00 
1950 . 34 2.32 5.50 5.87 
195] Pet, 2.20 3.31 5.76 
1952 . 70 3.92 3.21 4.60 
1953 ,51 3.63 4.32 6.10 
1954 . 20 1.67 4,60 6.24 
1955 . 64 4.65 5.09 6. 28 
The aerial brood census route flown since 1952 was checked again 
this year. This route, shown in Figure 1, includes parts of the transects pre- 
viously censused for breeding pairs. The sample area includes 272 lineal miles. 
