MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY 
Conclusions = 
The fall flight of ducks from Wisconsin will decrease slightly in 
1954 from the high level existing in 1953. 
MICHIGAN 
Weather and Water Conditions = 
Weather conditions and water levels generally have not been 
conducive to nesting. 
Low temperatures, snow Squalls and heavy rains may have reduced < 
this year's production. The U. S. Weather Bureau reports April as the 
fifth wettest April in Michigan since records began in 1887. May was the 
second snowiest, seventh coolest, and would have been the driest if 
general rain had not occurred on the last day of the month. Rain storms 
continued throughout June with the heaviest precipitation occurring in 
the north and central portions of the State. As much as nine inches of 
rain was recorded at some locations. 
The water-filled swales and ponds resulting from heavy 
precipitation may have encouraged wide dispersal of the broods, which 
may have an influence on the interpretation of the results of brood 
surveys. 
Although we have no measure of the effect these weather conditions 
had on the nesting population, we are of the opinion that these conditions 
were abnormal and probably unfavorable. | 
Breeding Population Indices - 
On sample check areas scattered throughout the State, District 
Game Biologists found a nesting population equal to the high population 
observed last year. The potential breeding population compared to the 
previous years is shown below: 
Year Lineal Miles Potential Breeders 
wensisec pi Sa bane slic. 
1949 85 6. 80 
1950 81 7.91 
1951 | 120 8.18 
1952 82 ta AS 
1953 95.5 : 12. 75 
1954 5 93.5 12.31 
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