ATLANTIC FLYWAY 
) than usual, Fewer broods were seen, particularly. black duck, but there is 
evidence that the early hatch was successful and that a large portion of the 
increase in adult birds seen on the July transects were actually flying young. 
Brood counts indicated that the average brood size decreased for black ducks 
from 6.9 to 5,4; for goldeneye from 8.0 to 6.4 and increased for ringneck 
from 7.0 to 8,0, 
Conclusions - It is estimated that there will be an increase in black duck, 
goldeneye and ringneck from the Maritimes this year, In view of the increase 
in breeding population and lack of comparative information to show that the 
brood data are not normal for the region, it is estimated that duck production 
from Quebec and Labrador will be somewhat better than last year, The odd 
distribution of Canada goose broods, however, leads to the belief that goose 
production in Quebec and Labrador is below normal this year. 
NEWFOUNDLAND 
Weather and Water Conditions - The winter was mild with little snow, 
There was very little snow in Newfoundland at any time and most of the lakes 
and ponds remained open, 
Production Index - Black duck broods appeared during mid-May. Black duck 
production showed a substantial increase while teal and ringneck increased 
Slightly, Goldeneye remained about the same, Canada geese did not show 
any increase in breeding pairs but the average brood count in early June was 
4,9 as against 3,9 for a similar period last year, 
Conclusions - Production in Newfoundland will be somewhat better than in 
1952, 
SOUTHERN QUEBEC 
Weather and Water Conditions - Spring was normal in southern Quebec, 
Water levels were high at the time of the spring breeding population survey 
and normal at the time of the brood survey, Conditions appeared to be 
favorable for nesting. . 
Breeding Population Index - For the most part the spring breeding population 
count in southern Quebec involved birds that were still in migration northward, 
the eider being the only duck which breeds in numbers within the area surveyed, 
However, the results of the breeding population count indicated an increase in 
population for most species of waterfowl, 
Production Index - During the 1953 survey, twice the number of eider broods 
were observed as were seen in 1952, The ratio of "young per adult" decreased 
from 3.8 to 3.3, indicating that the breeding population present was somewhat 
dess successful in the production of young. 
ot 
