Breeding Ground Surveys 
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Weather and Water Conditions - 
Weather during May was unusually cold, causing the nesting 
season to be at least two weeks late. Surface water conditions at 
the start of the breeding season were satisfactory in the Parklands, but 
only fair in the Grasslands. However, periodic rains, starting in mid- 
May, halted the drying trend in the Grasslands, and literally soaked 
the Parklands. 
The rains have continued all summer. At the present writing, 
virtually all weather stations report summer rainfall equal to or above 
normal. In some sections, particularly between Regina and the Manitoba ~ 
border, rainfall was excessive. At the present time, the cumulative 
rainfall at some points in this region is 200 to 300% of normal. The 
rain came as periodic deluges and extensive flooding followed each 
downpour. This flooding probably destroyed some duck nests along pond 
borders. | | 
In general, present surfact water conditions in southern 
Saskatchewan are now adequate for any late broods that may materialize. 
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Breeding Populaton Indices - 
This year's breeding Population Index stands at 4-1/2 million 
ducks, or 39.4 ducks per square mile. This population is just about as 
large as our 1953 population, and is almost identical in species com- 
position with a few exceptions. The all-important mallard and pintail 
hold the same predominant positions they occupied last year. The 
bluewing teal is up from 1953, and the canvasback is down. The data 
are presented in Table I. } 
Production Indices - 
Table II presents the results of the July production survey: 
