168 
Summary 
Weather in Wyoming was characterized this year by a warm spell early in the 
spring followed by cold, moist weather throughout much of April and May. Water 
conditions during the early spring were slightly below average and drought conditions 
prevailed in some sections of the State by early summer. By July, a critical shortage 
of surface water existed throughcut the Northwest and Central portions of the State. 
Aerial surveys during May resulted in an estimate of 13, 725 breeding pairs in 
the State plus 16, 789 birds which were classified as migratory. This was about the 
Same number as were present during 1952. Mallards represented 62 percent of the 
breeding pairs with gadwall, green-winged teal and merganser comprising the 
remainder. 
The aerial surveys also resulted in an estimate of 1,900 Canada geese, of which 
670 represented the nesting population. This represented a 15 percent increase over 
1952, 
No estimate on total duck production was obtained although comparisons between 
1952 and 1953 indicate that production decreased considerably this year. 
Goose production studies indicated that the average brood size was identical with 
last year, although there was a 25 percent decrease in birds produced in all areas as 
compared to 1952. 
The Fall flight of ducks from Wyoming this year will be considerably below last 
year and the flight of geese will be about 25 percent less. — 
