The species composition of the potential breeding population as 
determined on these sample check areas was as follows: 
Mallard 23.0 percent 
Black Duck 22.0 percent 
Blue-winged Teal 32.8 percent 
Wood Duck 4.7 percent 
Ringneck 2.8 percent 
Merganser 1.3 percent 
Unidentified 13.4 percent 
The results of the ground survey indicate slightly fewer 
potential breeders present in 1954 compared to 1953, but more 
than the 6-year average. A marked increase in blue-winged teal 
was noted. | 
Production Indices - 
Following the boat surveys to determine potential breeding 
populations, brood censuses were made on the same sample check 
areas to determine nesting success. Information obtained from 
these brood censuses can be used only as an index of production, 
since many broods are unobserved in the dense cover typical of 
our marshes. 
Year Broods Per Hens & Young’ Bachelor Ducks Av. Size of 
Lineal Mile / Lineal Mile / Lineal Mile Broods Observed 
1949 — 47 2.75 6.0 6.00 
1950 . 34 2.32 5.90 5. 87 
1951 ~ 35 2.20 3.31 5.76 
1952 . 70 3.92 3.21 4.60 
1953 eo yk 3.63 4.32 6.10 
1954 . 20 1.45 4.60 6.24 

In addition, an aerial survey of a 272 lineal mile sample area was 
carried on for the third year. The results follow: 
1952 1953 — 1954 
Bachelor Birds 12 7 16 
Adult female and young 5 + 35 11 + 78 5 + 22 
Total birds 52 96 31 
Young per brood 7 7.1 4.4 
Broods per square mile . 073 . 162 _ 044 
Hens & Young per square mile . 588 1. 308 . 399 
Young per square mile .514 1.147 “a23 
Bachelor ducks per square mile . 176 . 103 2.35 
T2 
