A survey for mallard pairs in the Atlantic flyway

During 1989-1992, spring surveys of randomly selected, 1-km2 plots, stratified by physiographic strata, were conducted in the Atlantic flyway from New Hampshire to Virginia, to estimate mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) pairs. All potential waterfowl habitat in each plot was checked by ground crews. The adjusted mean mallard pair estimate over the 4-year period was 300,849 (range 271,193-320,642, mean SE 22,455) for the region surveyed. Ground plot checks are a practical way to survey mallard pairs in the upper Atlantic flyway.