MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY 
The mid-winter survey in the Mississippi Flyway indicated 
populations of ducks and geese remained about the same as last year. 
Numbers of coot were still below the average for the past 5 years, 
but showed some gain for the second consecutive year. 
Breeding populations of waterfowl within the breeding range 
supplying the Mississippi Flyway remained essentially unchanged 
as compared to last year. Increases were recorded in Alaska, 
southern Alberta, southern Manitoba and Quebec. TheSe increases 
were balanced by decreases in northern Alberta, Northwest 
Territories, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, Ontario, 
North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. Breeding populations 
remained about the same in southern Saskatchewan, Minnesota and 
Michigan. 
The breeding Season was late throughout the MisSissippi 
Flyway breeding range. Cold, rainy weather during May and June 
retarded nesting from 10 days to 3 weeks in most places. The index 
to numbers of water areas in the Canadian prairies during July was 
the highest it has been since breeding ground surveys were initiated 
in 1947. However, drought prevailed in South Dakota, and a small 
area in southern Alberta. In general, weather conditions have not 
favored waterfowl production this year in spite of the abundance of 
water in the important nesting areas. 
Production surveys during July have indicated there will be a 
decrease in the number of young produced as compared to last year. 
Decreases were recorded in northern Alberta, the Northwest 
Territories, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, Ontario, 
Quebec, North Dakota and South Dakota. Increases were noted in 
southern Alberta only, while production was judged to be the same 
as last year in southern Manitoba, Nebraska and Minnesota. 
Over~-all, it is predicted there will be a definite decrease in 
the fall flight in the Mississippi Flyway as compared to last year. 
While itis believed the fall flight will still be above the average 
for the past 5 years, this year's decline marks the second 
successive year of reduced production, 
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