223 
The figures indicating waterfowl abundance are thought to be more nearly 
representative this year since both more accurate strata boundaries were 
delineated and a better distribution of strata types and random sampling thereof 
were made. If, however, with continued minor improvements and changes each 
year, the wide variations in the indicated abundance cannot be reduced, then the 
method must either be greatly altered or abandoned. 
Weather and Water Conditions 
During March, April and May the weather over the State was generally milder 
and wetter than normal, which probably resulted in a somewhat earlier nesting 
season. Most of June and July were very dry with rainfall considerably less than 
normal. However, few water areas suffered serious reduction in water level until 
late July, at which time many large early broods were already on the wing. 
Observations indicated that the success of re-nestings, although probably not 
numerous, was not as good as the earlier hatches. 
Breeding Population Trends 
As shown in Tables I to V, there apparently were increases in waterfowl 
_ abundance in the Beech-Maple and Oak-Chestnut strata (with the exception of the 
coastal marshes), and decreases in the Alleghany and Adirondack strata. However, 
the decreases noted in the latter are thought to be more apparent than real for 
several reasons. The Alleghany transects are among the most questionable of the 
flight-lines, covering as little waterfowl habitat as they do to apply to such a large 
region. In this stratum it will be noted that the production for the rivers was the 
best of the 3 years. As for the Adirondacks, it should be understood that the 
comparatively high production indices for swamps and marshes in 1951 and 1952 
were accounted for largely by the then-included areas of Beech-Maple stratum. 
The normally-expected lower figures for the Adirondacks have been in all probability 
more closely realized this year. 
Neither the Laurentian or Champlain strata show any comparable production 
for the 3 years, since the Laurentian has now been considered part of the Beech- 
Maple, and the Champlain was split off from the Adirondacks only this year. 
