An aerial survey on March 16, 1979 found 139 geese on the 

 river between Fort Benton and Coal Banks Landing, The first 

 hatching nest was observed on May 2, which, with backdating 

 28 days for incubation and allowing 1.5 days for each egg laid, 

 gives a nest initiation date of March 27. Most of the nests 

 were hatched off by May 23. The general nesting season on the 

 Missouri River, therefore, runs approximately from mid-March 

 through mid-May. Earlier spring weather and late or renesting 

 attempts may extend the duration of the nesting season. 



During 1979, 152 nests were located, which was an increase 

 from 127 nests in 1978. Figure 27 shows the distribution of 

 nesting areas for 1979. Distribution maps for 1976, 1977 and 

 1978 are found in the respective progress reports. The fate of 

 118 nests (78 percent) was determined in 1979. The fate of the 

 remaining 34 (22 percent) was undetermined due to the nests 

 being washed out (5) by high water or simply not being relo- 

 cated (29) during subsequent surveys. Table 27 presents a 

 breakdown of the number of nests located per river section over 

 the last 4 years. Increases from 1978 to 1979 were noted in 

 the Fort Benton to Loma section and the Coal Banks to Robinson 

 Bridge sections. The significant increase in the PN ferry to 

 Robinson Bridge section is felt to reflect not only an actual 

 increase in number of nests but also a more thorough survey in 

 1979. 



Table 27. Canada goose nest survey - Missouri River, 1976, 

 1977, 1978, 1979. 



Total 57 111 127 152 111.8 



Not surveyed 



71 



