MISSISSIPP: FLYWAY 
production in 1951 which resulted from optimum water levels, excellent 
nesting and survival conditions, the production trend of ground nesting 
species, especbally blue-wings and mallards, tend to remain about the 
same under average phenological conditions. During the last five years 
of. systematic observation, 1951 marks the only year when a large 
increase of breeding stock occupied the many temporary potholes and 
nested successfully. The production of wood duck is not well understood. 
Conclusions - 
In view of the reduced breeding population of wood duck it is 
estimated that duck production in [owa will be about the same or 
somewhat reduced as compared to 1953, 
WISCONSIN 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
Precipitation for the period of September 1, 1953 to March 1, 1954 
was approximately 56 percent of normal. During March and the first 
half of April, 1954, precipitation was slightly below average. Heavy 
rains during the last half of April brought the total for the month to 
2.79 inches above normal. | 
Waterfowl nesting started about one week later than the slightly 
early year of 1952 and is considered average, as compared to the past 
five years. 
The heavy rains of late April undoubtedly caused some nest 
destruction of early nesting mallards in certain localities. Heavy rains 
in certain regions in June may have caused further nest losses, 
especially to later nesting species such as the blue-winged teal. 
However, the State-wide loss of waterfowl nests due to flooding should 
be minor since the two main species breeding in Wisconsin, the mallard 
and blue-winged teal, are primarily upland nesters. [In certain types of 
water sites, broods were more difficult to observe due to the additional 
vegetation which was flooded. This factor makes it necessary to 
qualify the results of the 1954 brood counts. 
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