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A hurricane which struck the New Jersey coast on August 12 resulted 
in a six inch rainfall in less than 24 hours. The water levels which were low at 
this time rose in four hours and all ponds carried the maximum amount of water 
due to heavy run-off of water. Most of the broods were on the wing at this time and 
no mortality was thought to have occurred due to heavy rains and high winds. 
Breeding Population Trends 
The final results of the bi-weekly observations during the spring and 
summer of 1955 are shown in ‘Table I. The table also shows a yearly comparison of 
the species, number of broods, and average brood size observed in the Collier's 
Mills area during the period from 1951 to 1955, 
Broods of five black ducks and one mallard were found during 1954 and 
1955. It was thought that the production of these species was approximately the 
same both years. The wood duck, which amounted to two broods in 1954, showed 
an increase of one brood during 1955. 
The average brood size for all three species increased during 1955. 
This increase can be attributed to finding most of the broods during late May and 
early June when they were in age Class | and before natural mortality had taken its 
toll. The average brood size would probably have been less had the broods been 
observed late in the summer. 
Summary 
1. The waterfowl breeding ground survey was conducted during 1955 
at the Collier's Mills-Success Lake area in Ocean County, New Jersey. Bi-weekly 
ground observations on the 16 managed lakes and ponds was the technique employed ~ 
to locate broods during the spring and summer months. 
2. The weather was thought to have been favorable for waterfowl pro- 
duction and although a prolonged drought was experienced during June, July, and 
early August, no serious effect was observed on the waterfowl breeding areas. 
Likewise, a hurricane which occurred during August, causing flooding and high 
water levels appeared to have no detrimental effect on the annual production. 
3. The total waterfowl production on the area was nine broods during 
1955. Black ducks amounted to five broods and mallards one brood during 1954 and 
1955. Wood ducks increased from two broods in 1954 to three broods during 1955. 
There was an increase in average brood size for all species during 1955, but it was 
felt that this increase was due chiefly to locating the broods earlier in the spring 
during 1955 while they were in age Class I, and before they had been subjected to the 
elements and natural enemies for any length of time. 
