
ATLANTIC FLYWAY 
NORTHEASTERN STATES 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
The early spring in New England, central and northern New York, 
and portions of West Virginia was seasonally cold and rainfall slightly above 
normal. Water levels declined gradually until early summer. Floods and 
rising waters were either absent or local in nature. In July the water levels 
were dropping rapidly over much of the area. Sub-normal amounts of rainfall 
occurred from southwestern Connecticut southward to Delaware. Water levels 
in this area were far below seasonal average. The usual high tides occurred 
in the coastal areas. 
Throughout the entire Northeast there was the common opinion that 
the season was approximately two weeks earlier phenologically than last year. 
Breeding Population Trends - 
Observer reports indicated a breeding population similar to last 
year and in some areas better. They also stated nesting was at least two 
weeks ahead of the 1954 season throughout the Northeast. 
Production Trends - 
The summary of production data from 123 comparable areas is shown 
in Tables 1 and 2. No important change is indicated in the data from last year. 
Increases in the average brood size of the dabblers may reflect the good rearing 
conditions. The mallard continues to increase in numbers in the Northeast. 
This year the ring-necked duck appears in the tabulation, reflecting the general 
observed trend of expanding and increasing its breeding range and density. 
Table 1 - Number of Comparable Areas by States Showing Status of Production 

State Comparable Areas Increase No Change Decrease 
Connecticut 35 12 5 18 
Delaware 2 l 0 ] 
Maine 38 14 7 17 
Massachusetts 5 2 0 3 
New Hampshire 7 4 2 1 
New Jersey 4 2 0 2 
New York 17 8 3 6 
Rhode Island 12 4 0 8 
Vermont 1 0 0 
West Virginia 2 1 1 0 
Total 123 49 18 56 
