MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY. 
ONTARIO 
Weather and Water Conditions: ~ Weather and water conditions were 
ideal throughout most of the Province during May, June and July. No draught 
or excessive water conditions were experienced, Nesting and rearing conditions 
appeared to be ideal. 
Breeding Population Indices: = In southern Ontario aerial and ground 
observations revealed a slight decrease in the number of breeders with the 
blue-winged teal becomming the most abundant species for the first time in 
3 years (displacing the black duck). In northwestern Ontario, aerial surveys 
revealed a 60 percent increase in a 264,508 square mile area, The details of 
this survey are given tn the following table: 
Total Duck Index 
Stratum C = Ontario 
1952” 1953 5 es ean 
No. Per Computed Noo Per § — Computed: 
Species _—__—sRecorded_ Cent Total _. Recorded Cent | Total 
Mallard — 4s 18.9 7h, 988 143 19.9 142,120 : 
Gadwall 8. lol ts«* 7 B56 
Merganser 75 31.5 124,980 428 5905. h2h,932-° 
Ring=neck | 83 11.6 62, 8h; 
Le Scaup ; 67 28 el 111,90 Lo 566 J 39,994 
Goldeneye 5 ek 8,332 12 1.7 12,1h1 
Bufflehead h 06 4,285" 
Black Duck 19 | 8.0 1,71 7 | = Oe 
Misc. | 27 li.) 45,231 ; cy 
Total 238 296,762 718 100.0 7,172 
Ducks/sqemi (uncorrected) = 1.5 - Ducks/sqemi ec et = a 
Stratum area « 264,508 Ducks/sqemi, (uncorrected)= 2 
Sample mi® =z 163,0 Change 1952 over 1953 «= +60,0% 
