
Conclusions -« 
No significant change in production at this date is indicated for the two 
principal breeding species, the black duck and wood duck. The prolonged nesting 
season may offset early nest losses. It is concluded that the fall flight of ducks 
from the Northeastern States will be approximately the same as in 1955. 
QUEBEC AND LABRADOR 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
Break-up varied from two weeks later than normal in the southwestern 
portion of the area to over three weeks late in the area around Knob .Lake. The | 
only open lakes of any size seen during the survey north of the 49th parallel were 
in the region immediately south of James Bay. Lakes north of 52° N. Lat. were 
still frozen on June 13. 
Breeding Population Indices - 
Both black duck and scaup show somewhat of an increase. in local 
breeders, while the latter species shows a considerable increase in grouped 
birds. Goldeneyes, scoters and mergansers show a decrease from 1955 indices. 
The figure for total ducks shows a slight decrease in local breeders and a con- 
siderable increase in grouped birds. The sum of the two is slightly higher than 
in 1955. | 
Duck Population Indices, Quebec and Labrador - 1955-1956 - May Survey* 


1955 1956 
Species | Pairs Grouped Birds Pairs Grouped Birds 
Black Duck 164, 400 83,000 © 178, 800 109, 900 
Scaup 50,900 25,600 87,400. 114, 500 
Goldeneye 175,800 78,600 104, 400 50,100 
Ringneck | Zz, 900 
Mallard — 900 — 8,500. 1,000 
Green-winged Teal 900 4,000 
Pintail 11,400 3, 300 
Baldpate 1,900 
Redhead 900 . 
Bufflehead 4,500 17,000 
Total Game Ducks 407,100 187,200 | 393, 800 292,500 

Continued -- 
~ 100. 
