252 

Potential Breeding Population Surveys 
Surveys made to determine the comparative abundance of breeding pairs 
indicated a favorable nesting population. On sample check areas scattered through- 
out the State, District Game Biologists found a nesting population equal to the high 
population observed last year. The potential breeding population compared to the 
previous years is shown below. 

Lineal Miles Potential Breeders 
Year Censused Per Lineal Mile 
1949 85 6.80 
1950 81 7.91 
1951 120 8.18 
1952 82 7.13 
1953 95.5 12.75 
1954 93.5 12.31 
These sample check areas are representative of the better types of habitat 
in various regions of the State. 
The species composition of the potential breeding population as determined 
on these sample check areas was as follows: 
Mallard 23.0 percent 
Black duck 22.0 percent 
Blue-winged teal 32.8 percent 
Wood duck 4.7 percent 
Ring-neck duck 2.8 percent 
Merganser 1.3 percent 
Unidentified 13.4 percent 
The results of the ground survey indicate slightly fewer potential breeders 
present in 1954 compared to 1953, but more than the six year average. A marked 
increase in blue-winged teal was noted. 
Aerial transects flown in 1952 and 1953 were not duplicated this year. Un- 
favorable flying weather (particularly snow squalls) prevented flying for such an 
extended period that the presence of foliage interfered with visibility. We were of the 
opinion inaccurate census data would result if the survey were continued. 
The following is the limited amount of comparative data that could be used, 
In 1954 approximately 370 lineal miles were flown on a sample from 92.5 square 
miles of habitat in the south central part of the State. (See Figure 1.) The numbers 
of waterfowl observed were: 65 in 1952, 227 in 1953, and 77 this spring. We are of 
the opinion that insufficient coverage was obtained to use this data for calculating 
potential breeding populations, 
