Flyways.us

This survey produces counts of broods and ponds along aerial transects in the US and Canadian prairies. An index to the late nesting effort also contributes to the ability to predict an index to the number of ducks that will be migrate down the flyways in the fall. It costs $130,000 and takes 400 days to complete.

The first surveys were conducted in 1950 in the southern Canadian Prairie Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and by 1955, 226,560 square miles (sq. mi.) (586,800 square kilometers) were included in survey strata - that is, areas sampled based on habitat type and stability and waterfowl nesting density. Northern portions of the provinces, North Dakota and portions of the Northwest Territories, South Dakota and Montana were added by 1966. These same areas (Strata 20-49 and 75-77) (see map) are being surveyed today (in 2002).

The July survey is similar to the May Survey in operation. However, since broods are more difficult to see than adults, birds are counted within 330 feet from the flight line rather than the 660 feet used for the May Survey. Wetlands are counted out to 660 feet but, as in May, only by the Observer.

Data collected is:

The species of birds is collected only for pair and singles - this is used to calculate an index to the amount of renesting that is occurring. Using statistical techniques and data from more than one year, an index to the number of young in the fall flight is made.