When broken down by species and compared with the figures obtained in 
January, 1940, there were no impressive changes. As was indicated at the 
tire of the fall migration, the green-winged teal and the blue goose made 
the best showing, whereas the fall indications of substantial increases in 
mallards and pintails were almost completely dissipated due, probably, to 
a greater kill resulting from natural preference of hunters for these fine 
ducks, The two species of scaups (considered together), the widgeon, and 
the gadwall also showed some increase. The status of the canvasback re— 
mained about as in 1940 while that of the redhead continued to be > 
enigmatical. 
A comparison by flyways with the results of the 1940 inventory gave 
reason for both satisfaction and concern. The United States portion of the 
Pacific Flyway showed the greatest gain. While gratifying in view of its 
poor showing in previous years, at least part of the apparent increase is 
offset by the decreases reported for the wintering grounds of western 
Mexico. A somewhat comparable situation existed in the Central Flyway 
where an apparent gain had to be balanced against a pronounced shortage in 
the waters and coastal marshes of eastern Mexico. 
As usual, the population of the Mississippi Flyway exceeded the totals 
for the other three. A distinct gain was recorded in ducks but a loss in 
the numbers of geese. This last was due chiefly to reduced numbers of 
Canada geese and was partially offset by important gains in the numerical 
strength of the blue geese. 
Were the situation in the Atlantic Flyway to be appraised solely on 
the basis of data from areas south of Chesapeake Bay, it would be necessary 
to record a heavy loss. Coverage was excellent over most important sections, 
and figures from some of these showed decreases up to 25% or more. Even 
the lowly coot showed a heavy decrease. It should be recalled, however, 
that the Atlantic seaboard had little real winter weather so it was not 
surprising that reports of important increases were received from areas to 
the north. Considered as a whole, there apparently was very little change 
in the status of the birds of this flyway. 
PART 2: OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS 
Woodcock 
For fully 40 years the status of the woodcock has been a subject of 
controversy. As was to be expected, some protests were received because 
of the regulatory action taken last year in halving the shooting season 
and apparently, in a few areas, fair to good fall flights of woodcock were 
observed. Nevertheless, an analysis of information obtained from widely 
separated sections showed that the restriction was fully warranted and in 
some quarters the flight was so poor that criticism was directed toward the 
Service because the season had not been closed entirely. 
The situation was clearly revealed by study of a large number of 
reports received from virtually all portions of the range of the woodcock 
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