
255 
Ground Census 
The results of the Egg Island strip census method, with five personnel 
covering a one-quarter mile wide transect, three miles in length, are listed in 
Table II. The production of both gadwalls and black ducks for 1955 showed a 
tremendous decline as compared to production in 1954. In 1955, there was a 
decrease of 10 black duck broods and five gadwall broods. 
It is felt, however, that this census was conducted too late, and 
undoubtedly a considerable number of broods were missed. The fact that no 
nests were found and that all broods were age Class III, indicates that early 
nesting attempts were very successful and some broods were probably already on 
the wing. Next year, at least two censuses will have to be conducted. 
Table Il. - Brood Survey on the Egg Island and Tuckahoe Areas. 
Total Broods Average Brood Young Produced 
Species 1954 1955 1954 1955 1954 1955 
Egg Island, Cumberland County 
Black Duck 17 7 4.2 - 71.4 = 
Gadwall 7 2 4.2 4.5 29.4 9.0 
Unidentified 1 0 3 - 3 = 
Tuckahoe -Corbin City, Cape May & Atlantic Counties 
Black Duck 12 6 6.4 9.6 76.8 57.6 
Mallard 2 0 7.0 - 14 =4 
Wood Duck 2 2 - - - - 

Data (Table II) from the Tuckahoe -Corbin City impoundments also 
indicated a sizable decrease in brood production. A comparison of the two years, 
showed a reduction of six black duck and three mallard broodsin 1955. 
Broods on the Tuckahoe area were recorded throughout the brood 
season by several different methods. However, the best results are usually 
obtained by early morning counts. Even with this method, it was feared that some 
broods were overlooked for fear of duplication. The bulk of the waterfowl pro- 
duction occurred during the beginning of May with brood size and age class, in 
most areas, being identical. The average brood size of nine young is probably 
the highest recorded at Tuckahoe and was attributed to higher water levels. 
