43 
Except on Area I, all aerial observations on Alberta study areas this 
year appear to reflect the late growth of emergent and edge vegetation. As a result 
the aerial crew observed a higher percentage of the population than had been 
possible in previous years. In the case of Area I, on the bald prairie, the low 
figure of observed ducks is attributed to an early morning count (aerial) versus a 
mid-day count by the ground crew two days prior to the date it was possible to fly 
the area. This, plus the rapid deterioration of water areas there, and a constant 
movement of birds out of the area may account for such a large discrepancy. In 
this district, it is normal for the aerial crew to observe about 90 percent of the 
populations noted by the ground crew. 
Table IX. - Comparison of Ground and Air Brood Counts * 
— ea PS 
Air Ground Air % Seen by Air 
I 2(6/30) 3(7/30) 1(6/30) Not flown 50% June - July 
II 34(6/30) 967/30) 14(6/30) 96(7/30) 41% '" 100%" 
Ill 18(6/30) 117(7/30) 6(6/30)  62(7/30) 33% " 53%" 
IV 22(6/30) 107(7/31) 2(6/30) - 34(7/31) 9% ' 32%" 
* Adjusted for 1/4 mile transect. 
Production on Area I was much too small to make any air to ground compar- 
isons of much value. Because of the delayed nesting season the most satisfactory 
brood counts were those made about August 1. To some extent a coincidence but 
primarily because of lowered water levels and withdrawal of remaining water away 
from edge vegetation, the aerial brood count on Area II when adjusted for a 1/8 
mile transect was identical with that obtained by a ground count. Aerial observations 
in June on all study areas were made under moderately unfavorable conditions of 
light and wind. Observations on July 30 and 31, on the other hand, were made under 
almost perfect aerial conditions for brood observation. 
Summary 
1. Water levels on Areas II and IV were about the same in May of 1954 as 
in May of 1953. June rains maintained levels until July when rapid deterioration of 
water reduced Area IV by 44 percent, Area II by 30 percent. Area III began the 
season with excellent water conditions and only by July did any reduction occur 
(17 percent). Area [in poor condition in May practically dried up by August. 
2. Breeding populations varied considerably. Area I recorded 40.8 pairs 
per square mile (42.7 in 1953), Area II 102 pairs per square mile (100.2 in 1953), 
Area III 134.9 pairs per square mile (98.8 in 1953) and Area IV 73.7 pairs per 
Square mile (78.6 in 1953). Except for Area III] which witnessed an increase of 
about 37 percent, all areas had populations camparable to those of 1953, 
