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WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEY - OHIO 
1955 
Delmar E. Handley 
Methods and Coverage 
Breeding pair surveys were conducted through the Lake Erie marshes 
by aerial transects, at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area by boat and foot and on 
107 linear miles of streams by float trips. The aerial transects and the float 
trips were conducted twice, once during April and again in May. The surveys 
at Magee Marsh were made periodically throughout the spring by the area 
manager. 
The brood surveys were made at Magee Marsh, Delaware Reservoir 
and the 107 linear miles of streams. The surveys at Delaware Reservoir and 
Magee Marsh were made throughout the spring and summer months. The 
stream float trips were run once during the latter part of June. 
Weather and Water Conditions 
Weather and water conditions, with the exception of the Lake Erie 
marsh area, were in general favorable to waterfowl production in Ohio during 
1955. In northern Ohio spring storms, particularly the storm of May 14, 
inundated much of the Lake Erie marshes effecting a heavy loss of nests and 
eggs. The inland lakes and streams were about normal and favorable to 
waterfowl production. 
Following are the findings from those areas under observation during 
the spring and summer of 1955. 
Table I. - Aerial Breeding Pair Survey - Lake Erie Marshes (80 linear miles) 
Pairs Pairs/Sq. Mi. Percent 
Species 1954 1955 i954 1955 Change 
Mallard 71 83 7.1 8.3 + 17 
Black duck 91 79 9.1 7.9 - 13 
Blue-winged teal 11 10 i,l 1.9 - 10 
Wood duck 5 6 5 .6 + 20 

Total 178 178 17.8 17.8 None 
