85 
Table I shows the data broken down by Province and includes cross- 
country transects only. 
Table II gives the same breakdown but deals with tidal shoreline coverage 
only, 
Table III disregards Provincial boundaries and gives the data by major 
forest types. This table deals only with cross-country transects. 
Though there remain sizable areas in eastern Canada not yet sampled, 
the data obtained to date suggests that there are local situations of relatively high 
production but the major portion of the vast territory supports a low population 
averaging in the neighborhood of a half to two ducks per square mile. It appears 
that throughout the interior, fewer ducks are encountered as one progresses north 
to Ungava. The figures given for ducks per square mile in the tundra (Table III). 
are considered too high, due to inadequate sampling. Considering the Ungava 
Peninsula as a unit, the duck population throughout the interior would probably not 
exceed a half a bird per square mile. However, higher production occurs on the 
tundra in the vicinity of the tidal shoreline. It is uncertain as to the width of this 
belt but indications are that it may extend inland 30 to 50 miles. 
Table [II gives the number of water areas encountered on the transects in 
the various forest strata. It is interesting to note the variation in number of water 
areas per duck, ranging from about 4 in the Main Boreal and Mixed Forests, toa 
high of 42 in the Forest Tundra. Although most lakes, ponds and streams in eastern 
Canada would be rated low as game duck habitat - those occurring north within the 
Pre-cambrian shield are rocky, clear watered and practically devoid of aquatic 
vegetation of any kind. There appears to be little there to attract game ducks. 
Relatively high populations of both game and non-game ducks occur along 
tidal shorelines in the Ungava and Hudson Bay regions. Just what these populations 
represent is still problematical. It is known that a portion of the birds tallied 
represent a shoreline breeding population but there is also included unknown numbers 
of migrants. Later in the spring, during May and June or perhaps earlier, drakes 
accumulate along these shores. It is assumed that these represent breeding males 
off territory for the most part, but the size and limits of the breeding ground from 
which these birds originate is unknown. Only one brood and a few flying black ducks 
were recorded in the interior tundra, yet in the latter part of June, thousands of 
flying black ducks were tallied along the shore of Ungava Bay. It would seem that 
only through collecting and consistent observation from the ground and by air, 
throughout the season, would the data necessary for an interpretation of this 
phenomenon be obtained. Similar populations occur along most tidal areas south 
through the Maritimes and New England. The total number of ducks involved is 
large, and the problems or unknowns are of such magnitude as to warrent consider- 
able attention. 
Success of the Season 
Table IV gives a breakdown by Provinces of summer production data from 
aerial surveys over the same shoreline areas during 1951 and 1952. 
