The average number of broods per square mile actually observed 
throughout the province was 3.3. Of these, 2.92 broods per square. 
mile were Class II and Class III broods during the period of the survey, 
July 6 - 20, 1954. Thus it can safely be predicted that the bulk of 
this year' s hatch will be on the wing before an¥ drought can decimate 
this year's production. 
As Class III prods average 5,5 ducklings per brood, duck] ing 
losses to predators or to other causes have been light. 
Total production indices show a production gain of 26% in 
Strata A over 1953, the highest index since our aerial surveys began, 
In Strata B'in 1954 thé :1954 index of production rose 23% over that of 
14953, again the highest figure yet recorded by our surveys. Only — 
Strata C registered a reduction (-39%) when compared with the previoug 
year. Lesser populations in that area in May as well as its relative- 
ly minor importance in the overall picture allow for a provincial 
increase in production of 17% over 1453. In other words, though our 
breeding population was only 6% above that or last year, it still 
means that the Alberta waterfowl index for both population and pro- 
duction is the highest in 1954 that it has been since ly7. 
‘Conelusions « 
In forecasting the rall waterfowl tlight from Alberta, it is 
now apparent that this province's contribution to the continental | 
waterfowl populations in 14954 will be considerably above the average 
and somewhat above that or last year. 
20 
