14 
The 1954 spring population was found to be considerably higher than in 
1953 and slightly higher than in 1952, being exceeded only by that of 1951. 
The species composition of this population for 1953 and 1954 are shown in 
tables 4 and 5 respectively. 
proportional increase, while the Gadwall showed practically no change. Coots 
showed a considerable increase over 1953, 
The canvasback and shoveler showed the greated 
Table [V.- Species Composition* of the May, 1953 Waterfowl Population of 
Southern Manitoba. 
Aerial Data. 
Population Indices 

Species Stratum A Stratum B Stratum A and B 
Pintail 19, 200 26, 800 46,000 (12. 7%) 
Mallard 86, 900 63, 200 150, 100 (41. 6%) 
Baldpate 10, 900 2,000 12,900 ( 3.6%) 
Shoveler 3,600 - 3,600 ( 1.0%) 
Gadwall 6,100 2,000 8,100 ( 2.2%) 
B-w. teal 25,300 13,500 38,800 (10.8%) 
G-w. teal . - - - - 
Canvasback 9, 600 2,000 11,600 ( 3.2%) 
Scaup 41,100 36, 800 77,900 (21. 5%) 
Redhead 6, 700 5, 300 12,000 ( 3.3%) 
Ring ~-necked - - - - 
Ruddy - - - - 
Golden-eye - - - - 
Buff lehead - - - - 
Scoter = = - - 
Merganser - ~ - - 
Total Ducks 209, 400 151, 600 361,000 100% 
Coots 3, 300 1,500 4, 800 
* Although the total population index is unaffected, species composition is 
Slightly inflated in favor of the species listed due to the inclusion 
of unlisted species as "Unidentified, "' 
A later run was made May 29 and 30 of two transects in Stratum’A to deter- 
mine whether or not there was an influx of the later nesting species such as Blue- 
winged teal and Gadwall. Results showed the species composition unchanged. 
However, due to the leaves coming out on the trees surrounding potholes, making 
many on the outer edge of the transect invisible, the total count was below that of 
the first run. It is recommended that 1/4 mile transects in the Manitoba and 
southeast Saskatchewan parklands not be run after the appearance of ieaves. This 
was first noticeable on May 20 in 1954. 
