Premier recensement des canards hivernant en Camargue

Abstract

1) The first winter census of the Anatidae over the whole Camargue area was made during the winter 1954/55. The census began only on january 25 th, i. e. too late. It was made by estimation from a slow-flying airplane. 2) The total of ducks outnumbered was 121 -131.000 and the total of ducks present in winter is estimated on 150.000. Most common were Teals (54.000 outnumbered, only in freshwater), Wigeons (25.000, chiefly in brackish water), Mallards (22.000) and Gadwalls (20.000). 3) About half of the ducks spend the day in the Réserve, but a big part of them come out during the night and are then exposed to hunting. 4) There were only few wintering diving ducks, but at least 5.000 Common Pochards and 5.000 Tufted Ducks came through in late February, while the 1.000 Crested Pochards arriving late February were perhaps mostly breeding birds. 5) A considerable spring migration of Mallards, Teal, Garganeys and Shovelers was observed through the Camargue.