
237 
Observations were restricted to one-eighth of a mile on each side of the plane. 
This provided a coverage of 68 square miles. The results follow: 
1952 1953 1954 1955 
Bachelor birds 12 7 16 28 
Adult female and young 5+35 11+78 5+22 44+20 
Total birds 52 96 43 52 
Young per brood 7 7.1 4.4 5.0 
Broods per square mile .073 . 162 .073 . 059 
Hens and young per square mile . 588 1, 308 399 . 354 
Young per square mile .514 1,147 323 297 
Bachelor ducks per square mile 176 . 103 2.35 4.11 
Insufficient numbers of broods were observed to provide statistically 
significant figures. The low counts obtained suggest that aerial brood censuses 
should be discontinued. 
Wood Duck Study 
Special attention was given to determine the status of the wood duck, 
Noticeable changes in wood duck populations as reported in parts of the 
Mississippi Flyway have not been apparent in Michigan. Any change that may 
be indicated would tend toward increased numbers in the last three years. 
The percent of wood ducks observed among all other nesting species 
on the 16 sample check areas, shown in Figure 1, indicates higher percentages 
of wood ducks between 1953 and 1955 than existed in 1950 through 1952, when 
wood ducks were considered relatively plentiful. 
Brood surveys covering the same sample areas showed the highest 
numbers of wood ducks in 1955. A check of the occupancy of nest boxes ina 
special study area showed a high occupancy rate in the last three years. 
Judging from these surveys, wood duck populations in Michigan are 
as high, or higher, compared to the past five years. 
Summary 
1. Comparative counts on 16 sample check areas indicate that 
increased numbers of potentially breeding waterfowl entered or passed through 
Michigan this spring. A pood carry-over of breeding stock was apparent. 
