34 

Area I after the month of June. 
The methods of conducting the study this year were identical with 
those described in the report, Waterfowl Populations and Breeding Conditions, 
Summer, 1953, Wildlife No, 25. 
Weather and Water Conditions 
The opening of the 1955 breeding season found water conditions in 
Alberta generally above normal. When the reserve moisture of the fall of 1954 
is added to the spring precipitation of 1955, the Province, on May 1, showed an 
all-round moisture condition 147 percent of normal or 47 percent above average, 
At the same period in 1954, Alberta moisture conditions were only 91 percent of 
normal or 9 percent below the average, ending the season only two percent below 
average. Thus, fall rains, winter snows and spring rains (1954-1955) had brought 
about a near ideal situation as far as breeding waterfowl were concerned by May l 
of the present year. All study areas showed increases in pothole numbers and 
water levels over the previous year. In the parklands, (Areas III and 1V), water 
levels were exceptionally high. Fringe vegetation, such as aspens and willows 
were often flooded, giving an atoll-like appearance to many water areas. 
As the season progressed, the effects of adry and warm June, July 
and August were felt markedly on the prairies; and to a lesser degree, in the 
parklands. Area I lost all water except that resulting from spillage of the local 
irrigation system. Area II, in the northwestern prairies, lost 51 percent of its 
water, a somewhat abnormal condition because of its proximity to the foothills 
where precipitation is usually rather high. Table I, below, illustrates the survival 
of potholes in each study area and the percentage of loss throughout the season. 
An over-all loss up to 50 percent has not been found to be serious and may even be 
considered normal. The losses on Area I (94 percent) however, mean a near 
complete failure of waterfowl production, including a movement of adult birds 
from the area. 
Table I. - Pothole Survival. 
Study Area May June July August Loss 
I 54 41 3 3 94% 
Il 100 95 64 49 51% 
[Il 206 197 185 167 19% 
IV 218 181 151 134 39% 

Total 578 514 403 353 39% 
