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Methods Used and Areas Covered 
A standard 1/4 mile wide transect was used in both the breeding pair and 
production survey. Waterfowl were recorded by species, and when possible, 
separated into pairs and lone drakes. An attempt was made to record broods by 
species, age, class and number per brood, but in general this was not possible. 
In locating and arranging the transects it was necessary to consider the 
availability of gasoline, but an attempt was made to distribute the sampling as 
evenly as possible. During the May survey, because of ice, it was not possible to 
adequately sample Stratum E in Manitoba, and during the July survey time did not 
permit obtaining any coverage in the Province of Ontario. 
Table I shows the amount of the aerial coverage flown in the several provinces 
during both May and July. The accompanying maps show the location of the transects. 
Table I. - Aerial Coverage Accomplished, 1954. 
May Breeding Pair Survey 
Province Stratum Square Miles Covered Stratum Area 
Ontario C 898.5 264, 508 
Manitoba C 342.7 67, 630 
Manitoba D 122.3 3,960 
Saskatchewan Cc 322.0 110, 850 
Saskatchewan E 196.0 25,170 
Total : 1,881.5 472,118 
July Brood Survey 
Province . Stratum Square Miles Covered Stratum Area 
Manitoba CG 369.0 67, 362 
Manitoba D L223 3,960 
Manitoba E 296.0 105,000 
Saskatchewan C 322.0 110, 850 
Saskatchewan E 196.0 25,170 
Total 1,305.0 312, 342 
Weather and Water Conditions 
This spring was the most retarded that the writer has experienced in five years 
in the north. As mentioned previously, almost all lakes were still completely ice 
covered on May 1l. Caldam Bay was not ice free until May 17, whereas, last year 
