CENTRAL FLYWAY 
In nietherd Saskatchewan within a 136, 000- Square mile area, aerael 
surveys indicated the following breeding Population index figures: 
Mallard 163, 842 
Baldpate 12,105 
Pintail 9,079 
G-w. Teal 2,161 
Merganser 132,158 
Redhead 2,161 
Ringneck 1, 898 
Canvasback 9,079 
Lesser Scaup 143, 144 = 
Bufflehead 10,112 
Scoter 12,018 
Total 497,757 
Ducks per square mile 3.66 
Although the coverage in 1952 was not strictly comparable, a density of 
2.9 ducks per square mile was recorded in the same general area, 
Production Index - The production of booods in Saskatchewan appears to be 
a substantial one again this year, Although the number of broods observed 
during the July transects dropped from 4.4 broods per square mile down to 
1,6 per square mile this year, it appears that there is a much greater 
potential later-production (i.e, lone drakes, lone hens and paired birds present 
during July transects) than in 1952, Although it is likely that only a portion pf 
these birds will be successful, it is estimated that net production for the season 
will be well above the average for the past few years, It is of interest to note 
that the mallard. hatch was very good and that the diving ducks are producing 
much better than last year. Pintail seems to be the species responsible for 
the greater part of the loss this year, Detailed production indices are presented 
in the following table: 
ef 
