Mallard Nest Density Study

MALLARDS

(Click on the map for a full sized version, or on the link above for a more detailed pdf.)

This map is a fictional study of statistics as it relates to duck nests. Each nest location in the study area was marked and the number of eggs in each nest noted. With that data in hand, the question is, is the number of eggs in each nest really an indicator of duck suitability for a particular place, or will ducks lay a certain number of eggs that is appropriate for ducks and nest where it’s most hospitable? I concluded that the type of land cover created a hospitable environment for ducks to nest and that the number of eggs was a relative constant.

Then, using a density analysis in ArcGIS, a probability map was made based on the frequency of duck nests in the study area. The majority of the duck nests were found in two quarter sections: SE-19-14-17W1 and SW 20-14-17W1, most likely because of the combination of grassland, forest, marsh and agricultural land that provides an ideal habitat for them (see blog for May 25).