The best indicator of the general status of ducks was found in the 
condition of the divers, since because of the shallow flooding of prairie 
depressions these birds were not generally dispersed. The canvasback, 
redhead, ruddy, and ring-necked duck all showed gratifying percentages 
of increase, but little change was noted in the status of the scaups. 
The populations of Canada and snow geese showed little change. A 
slight falling off was recorded for the over-abundant blue goose, probably 
indicative of an unsatisfactory breeding season. A gain was noted for the 
white-fronted goose and the Atlantic brant. 
To obtain a better picture of the fall migration in the Atlantic Flyway, 
Peters was assigned to operations in Newfoundland and the Maritime Provinces 
from the first of September to the middle of November. In summing up his work 
he stated that the birds had a good season in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and 
Prince Edward Island, and raised large broods. The general concensus was that, 
with the exception of the black duck, which seemed to be somewhat less numerous 
in certain areas, waterfowl in general had made gratifying increases. 
Despite improvements in the numerical strength of the migrating flocks, 
the shooting season in many areas was unsatisfactory to sportsmen. In the 
North Central States and on the Pacific coast fair to good shooting prevailed, 
but in the lower Mississippi Valley and on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts the take 
was insignificant. In most cases the poor shooting was in no way attributable 
to a scarcity of birds, but rather to prevailing climatic conditions. 
Wintering-ground Surveys 
Surveys of wintering grounds were again made by the biologists of all 
four flyways. In the eastern part of Mexico investigations were not so inten- 
sive as in the past, since Saunders was engaged on the critical problem of 
the white-winged dove, but in western Mexico and on the Mexican tableland 
Goldman covered important areas. The mild and onen winter in the United 
States made the movement into Mexico unusually light. Goldman reported that 
some ducks and geese arrived early but they were not supported by the normal 
late fall and early winter flights. Inthe latitude of Mexico City and Guada- 
lajara, it was obvious by early January that no large wintering population of 
ducks and geese could be expected. Conditions apparently were similar on the 
eastern coast. 
In the lower Mississippi Valley and on the south Atlantic coast the con- 
centration was exceptionally heavy, although absence of freezing weather in the 
coastal areas made it possible for large numbers of birds to remain well north 
of Chesapeake Bay. 
January Inventory 
War conditions prevented the use of some of the aviation facilities 
formerly available, but the annual January waterfowl inventory was conducted 
as usual, with splendid cooperation from the Navy, Coast Guard, State game 
departments, and others. Regional directors of the Service, the game manage- 
ment agents, district agents, refuge managers, regional biologists, and their 
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