MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY 
Breeding Ground Surveys 
SOUTHERN MANITOBA 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
The spring break-up was slow and snows with freezing 
temperatures in late April and early May retarded the start of 
nesting. May and early June were generally cool and wet. Rains 
in late May and early June maintained, and in some cases raised 
water levels. July has been more nearly a normal month, 
precipitation occurring mainly in the form of local showers. 
However, water levels are still extremely high, potholes generally 
being flooded into the shoreline vegetation or into grain fields. 
Table I shows the aerial pond count for Stratum "'A' as 
compared to previous years and to the May count. 
Table I - Ronds in STRATUM "A" - Manitoba 
Date Index _ Ponds per Square Mile 
July - 1952% | 125,971 12.2 . 
July - 1953* | 150, 854 14.6 
July - 1954 472, 362 45.6 
May - 1954 258, 200 24.9 

*Figures for 1952 & 1953 were taken from the July 1953 report and 
adjusted as indicated above for the different width of strip. 
Breeding Population Indices - 
The results of the May aerial survey are presented in Table II. 
Table II - Waterfowl Population Indices - Southern Manitoba 

Year Stratum '"'A!! Stratum "B"' Total 
1951 472, 800 165, 900* 638, 700* 
1952 343,200 143, 300% 486, 500* 
1953 209, 400 117, 300* 326, 700* 
1954 361,900 165, 900* | 527, 800* 
1953 209, 400 | 151, 600 361,000 
1954 361, 900 242, 800 604, 700 
Percent Change + 73 + 60 + 65 
1953-1954 
* Data uncorrected for absent hens in these cases. 
Among species, canvasback and shoveler showed the greatest 
proportional increase, while gadwall remained the same. Most other 
species increased moderately. 
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