PACIFIC FLYWAY 
SUMMARY OF CONDITIONS — -_ 
The mid-winter survey of waterfowl indicated no cnanwe” in the populations 
of ducks, geese or brant as compared) to Jenugry mane There was a noticeable 
increase in the number of coot, i ee 
In the areas supplying the Pacific Flyway with ducks, the breeding 
populations increased in southern Alberta, British Columbia, Washington, 
Colorado and Utah. There were about the same number of breeders in 
Saskatchewan and Oregon, and there.were fewer in the Northwest Territories 
and California, Neither the increases nor the decreases were large, so it is 
probable that the breeding populations for the Peers as a whole was about the 
same as in 1952. | -- 
Weather and water conditions were surprisingly uniform Lneousedt the 
Flyway. The winter was mild with relatively little snow. Water levels were 
generally low at the time of the spring break-up, which came early. In the 
Far North the season continued to be early as far as waterfowl were concerned, 
but further south the weather turned cold and wet In most places, nesting 
was delayed considerably and in some places it appeared to be adversely. 
affected, Rainfall was above normal during the production period in some 
areas, particularly Alberta. In Alaska the dry conditions prevailed throughout 
the summer, a 
; ‘In production of young, it seems quite definite that the breeding areas 
supplying the Pacific Flyway will send fewer birds southward than they did in 
1952, Although an increased number are expected to be produced in British 
Columbia, and Utah, decreases are expected in the Northwest Territories, 
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington, . Colorado and California, . It is. 
aniietoated that Alaska and Oregon will produce about the same number as 
last year. nll 
“Much ees TePeriistionn is 5 available aeith regard to the production of geese 
in the Flyway... The mid- winter survey indicated that the goose population 
had changed very little over last year and there is nothing from the breeding | 
Boenage to indicate that the breeding season was not favorable, 
| Ove: ati, when considering thes relative importance of the various 
portions of the breeding area to the Pacific Flyway, it appears that therer will 
be a small decrease in.the number of ducks as compared_to 1952, ang nADS fall 
flight of geese. may. be ahout the same,. 

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