ATLANTIC FLYWAY 
The mid-winter survey of waterfowl populations in the Atlantic 
Flyway indicated a reduction in numbers for the first time in several 
years. Moderate decreases were recorded for ducks and geese, while 
coot suffered a major reduction. Brant continued to increase, while 
whistling swan remained about the same. 
Surveys of breeding population in the areas supplying the Atlantic 
Flyway also revealed a reduction in numbers. Although an increase in 
the breeding population of ducks was recorded for Quebec and Labrador, 
this was more than offset by decreases in the Northwest Territories, 
northern Alberta, northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and 
Ontario. Breeding populations were judged to be the same in The 
Maritimes, the Northeastern States, Michigan and Minnesota. The 
breeding population of peese in Quebec and Labrador was judged to 
have decreased also. 
Weather during the breeding season is a factor which is not well 
understood in areas where lack of water is not a problem. In much of 
the area supplying the Atlantic Flyway the season was from 10 days to 
3 weeks late. In northern Quebec and Labrador the season was about 
2 weeks earlier than last year. Throughout most of the Canadian 
breeding grounds supplying the Flyway, there was an unusual amount 
of wet, cold, rainy weather during late May and June. This condition 
may be adverse to waterfowl production in this region. 
Brood surveys during July indicated a lowered rate of 
production in the Flyway as compared to 1953. Production of ducks 
was reduced in Quebec and Labrador, northern Alberta, the 
Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, Ontario, 
Michigan and some of the Northeastern States. Production was 
predicted to be the same as last year in southern Manitoba and 
Minnesota. There was no instances of increased production in any 
of the areas supplying significant numbers of ducks to the Atlantic 
Flyway. 
The production of Canada geese in Quebec and Labrador is 
predicted to be less than in 1953. 
Over~all, it is estimated there will be a definite decrease in 
the fall flight of ducks and geese in the Atlantic Flyway this year. 
It is believed the flight will be above the average of the past 5 years. 
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