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The low counts obtained suggest that future aerial brood censuses should 
be discontinued or used only on areas of dense waterfowl populations. 
Judging from the results of both the boat surveys and the aerial observation, 
the hatch has been below average. 
Summary 
1. Comparative counts on sixteen sample check areas together with 
aerial counts on three major concentration areas strongly indicate increased 
numbers of potential breeding waterfowl entering or passing through Michigan this 
spring. A good carry-over of breeding stock was apparent. 
2. Surveys to determine resident potential breeding populations indicate 
breeding pairs were present in numbers comparable to 1953, the highest of five 
years of records. 
3. Nesting conditions were considered unfavorable for production. 
4. Brood surveys indicate the nesting success was below the past five 
years' average. 
5. Judging from the results of the various surveys, Michigan has 
experienced below average waterfowl production in 1954. 
