Stratum C in Ontario shows a decrease of 38.7 percent from 
1953. The 1953 figures, however, were 62 percent above those of 
1952. Large decreases were recorded for mallards, mergansers, and 
ring-necked ducks. Black ducks increased sharply and scaups showed a 
slight increase. The increase in black ducks was probably due to the 
additional sampling in eastern Ontario. 
A substantial decrease (40%) was also recorded for Stratum Cc 
in Manitoba. All species but the baldpate showed a decrease, but the 
most important decreases were in the mallard, scaup, and ring-necked 
ducks. A decrease of 66 percent was recorded for the mallard. 
The Saskatchewan River delta (Stratum D), which has the 
highest breeding density of any area covered in this survey, had a 
population decrease of 26 percent. All species of ducks, except the 
ring-neck and scoter, decreased in numbers from 1953. The most 
important decreases were, again, in the mallard and scaup. 
In Stratum C Saskatchewan a 20 percent decrease in total 
duck numbers from 1953 was indicated. Again, mallard and scaup showed 
an important decrease. The only species which increased were the 
refhead and ring-necked duck. 
| For Stratum E Saskatchewan a slight increase, probably not 
significant, was recorded. Mallard, however, decreased 20 percent. 
The ring-necked duck showed a small increase. 
Combining all the strata together and considering the area 
surveyed as a whole (472,118 sq. mi.) it appears that the total duck 
population decreased approximately 30 percent. 
Production Indices - 
Production surveys were conducted in much of this area for 
the first time this year. Therefore, data for the purpose of making 
comparisons with last year are lacking. However, in view of the > 
spring survey data, the retarded nesting season, and the frequent 
and excessive rains during the month of June, there is no reason to 
believe that the production of ducks will come up to average in the 
north this year. Undoubtedly, many ducks will yet hatch off, even 
into August, but it is unlikely that the bumper crops of ducks of 
the past few years will materialize this summer. 
Conclusions - 
There will be a noticable decrease in the flight of ducks 
from northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and Ontario this 
year. 
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