Pages 58-65 in H. Boyd, ed. Canadian Wildlife Service studies in eastern Canada, 1969-73. Canadian Wildlife Service Report, Ser. In several bays there is not much boat traffic and large numbers of diving ducks are able to feed undisturbed. Although marsh habitat appears to be fair quality, human disturbance and absence of suitable sanctuaries causes lower use by waterfowl than expected.
Some dabblers use the area less during autumn because of power boat traffic.
Although disturbance during autumn also affects diving ducks, they can rest on the open waters of Lake Erie during the times of peak disturbance on the bay. Dabbling duck habitat is of low quality, except in the Grand River marshes, where heavy hunting pressure and lack of suitable sanctuaries cause most of the dabbling ducks to leave shortly after opening day.