SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONS AND METHODS USED 
Winter Survey 
During recent years the annual survey of waterfowl 
wintering grounds has included the major wintering areas in Alaska, 
Canada, the United States, and Mexico. During the period 1948 
through 1955 the survey included also the wintering areas in the 
West Indies. In 1956 the West Indies survey was temporarily dis- 
continued due primarily to the relatively low number of birds 
recorded there (a maximum of about + million) in relation to the 
large amount of flying that was required to cover the areas. 
When the West Indies survey was discontinued in 1956 it was with 
the intention that the areas would be flown at intervals of 4 or 5 
years for the purpose of checking on general waterfowl conditions, 
Therefore, the Bureau included the West Indies in the winter 
survey again this year. In addition to the wintering areas in 
Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, the crew covered wintering 
areas in the Bahama Islands, which had wot been surveyed since 1949. 
In the United States, the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and 
Wildlife organized the surveys, but much of the field work was 
accomplished by the 48 State Conservation Departments. In Canada 
the Canadian Wildlife Service organized the survey and the field 
work was carried out by that Agency and the Provinces. In Alaska, 
Mexico, and the West Indies the survey was both organized and 
carried out by Bureau personnel. 
The wintering areas were surveyed by means of boats, 
cars, and planes, with all important areas being covered from the 
air. Information as to personnel, equipment, and distances 
traveled, is presented in the following table: 
