
WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEY IN NEW JERSEY, 1955 
Paul D. McLain and F. Ferrigno 
Introduction 
The annual aerial and ground surveys of waterfowl production on 
established census areas was conducted in essentially the same manner as in 
previous years. Aerial counts were made on the two important strata of the 
State, ditched and unditched tidal marsh; whereas, ground observations were 
made on the tidal marsh of Egg Island and the six impoundments at Tuckahoe. 
Census work on these study areas was carried on by personnel of Pittman- 
Robertson waterfowl investigational project, W-l6R-9. 
Water Conditions 
Even though the rainfall for May and July was far below normal, 
drought conditions were not as severe as during the previous year. Consequently, 
water levels within the impoundments were considerably higher and for a longer 
period than 1954. Precipitation continued above normal through most of June, 
with several abnormally high tides inundating the tidal marshes. 
Aerial Census 
A summary of the 1955 aerial flights over ditched and unditched tidal 
marsh as compared to similar flights in 1954 is presented in Table I. It is 
apparent from this data, that there was no change in the number of broods observed 
on the unditched strata. However, the total number of young produced was much 
higher in 1955 because of an increase in the average brood size. The results 
from the unditched strata shows a reduction of one brood. 
Table [. - Results of Aerial Transects on Ditched and Unditched Tidal Marshes. 
Sq. Mi. Sq. Mi. Total Average Total 
Date Strata Strata Sample Broods Brood Size Young 
July 18, Ditched 219 8.5 3 a 15 
1954 Unditched 108 9.3 10 4.2 42 
July 20, Ditched 219 8.5 2 - - 
1955 Unditched 108 9.3 10 4.8 48 

