figures compiled, it was estimated that the <ontinental population of 
ducks and geese was in the neighborhood of 65,000,000, or about half of 
the number that existed in 1900. This figure was, however, nearly two 
and one-half times the size of the estimate of 1935. 
Reports covering the spring migration of 1940 were submitted by 401 
observers favorably located throughout the country. In analyzing these 
returns, it appears that increasing difficulty is being experienced by 
observers in making reliable percentage comparison with the results of 
the previous year. All members of this corps have been carefully selected 
and probably are as well-qualified observers as can be found anywhere. 
Their tendency is properly on the conservative side. 
Their observations supported the results of the January inventory in 
general, 86 reporting no change, 201 an increase, and 52 a decrease in 
waterfowl. At first glance this appears to indicate a most gratifying 
condition but actually the 59% of all observers who reported an increase 
in the spring flight of 1940 was 12% less than the proportion that reported 
an increase in 1939. 
Analyzing the reports according to species of waterfowl, it was found 
that a large part of this reduced percentage of reports of increase was 
offset by increases in the number reporting no change. Nevertheless, the 
analysis did show a very definite tendency toward a lowering of the per— 
centage of reports of increase and a raising of that for reports of decrease. 
In most cases this amounted to only one or two points and possibly was due 
to increased difficulties of observation and the commendable desire of the 
observers to be conservative. 
When the returns were further broken down by flyways, it was found 
that the situation was the same, a general lowering of the percentage of 
reports of increase and a raising of the percentage of reports of decrease, 
the difference in almost every case being absorbed by variation in the 
no change classification. On the basis of this study the numerical 
strength of the birds was considered satisfactory. 
Breeding Ground Surveys 
Pacific Flyway 
During the period from the latter part of May to the last of July, 
Luther J. Goldman, the biologist of the Pacific Flyway, continued his in- 
vestigations on the waterfowl breeding grounds in British Columbia. It 
will be recalled that in 1939, because of the pressing need of a recon— 
naissance of the important Alaskan nesting grounds, Mr. Goldman was unable 
to make his customary survey in British Columbia. In consequence, the 
results of his 1940 operations are to be comnared with those of 1938 re- 
ported in Wildlife Research and Managerient Leaflet BS-136. 
Field investigations were begun on the many lakes and sloughs in the 
transition life zone of the Okanagan and Fraser River Valleys. Work in 
