107

for the average size gar was multiplied by the number of

gar in the pond.

 Except for weights used in the respiration equations,

all weights presented and discussed throughout this report

are dry weights.



 Aerial Survey of Feeding Wading Birds

 An aerial survey of feeding activities of wading birds

was made covering a five county area, with emphasis on Lee,

Collier, and Hendry, the three counties immediately

surrounding the rookery area. The survey covered the

winter and spring of 1973-74. Preliminary flights were

made over seven consecutive days. Then flights were made

over a 1 or 2-day period approximately every two weeks

throughout the season. Flights were made on December 15

through 21, January 12, January 25 and 26, February 9,

February 23, March 9, March 26, April 16, 17, and 18, May

2, 3, and 5, May 20, and May 26. A total of 101.5 hours

were spent in the air. 7,445 km (straight flight) were

covered. A fixed-wing single engine airplane, Cessna 150,

172, or 175 was used. Most flights were initiated at Ft.

Myers airport in Lee County.

 On each flight, the feeding sites of Wood Storks and

other wading birds were located and recorded on maps. The

feeding birds were routinely spotted from an altitude of

300 m to 500 m. Identification was verified with

binoculars at 150 m to 300 m. Because of the size of