CENTRAL FLYWAY 
CENTRAL FLYWAY 
In the Central Flyway, the mid-winter survey, which included the east 
coast and the central highlands of Mexico, indicated that there was little change 
in the populations of ducks. The goose index increased about 25 percent ahove 
1952, but was still below the average for the past 5 years. The increase was 
caused primarily by white-fronted and snow geese. The coot index decreased 
43 percent from last year, but is about equal to the average for the past 5 years, 
Surveys to determine changes in the level of waterfowl populations once 
they had reached the breeding ground, revealed that there were more ducks pr 
present than in 1952, Although the increase was not great enough to be 
statistically significant, the calculated index figures were larger in the 
important areas of southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North Dakota 
and South Dakota. Colorado also indicated an increased breeding population, 
while Wyoming reported about the same number, and the index for the 
Northwest Territories decreased, | 
The reports of weather and water conditions received from the various 
breeding areas supplying the Central Flyway were uniform in stating that the 
winter had been mild and open with little snow. During the spring and summer, 
all areas except Wyoming and Colorado reported high rainfall and cool weather 
which brought water levels up, but which retarded nesting and destroyed many 
of the early nests. In Wyoming and Colorado, there was a shortage of water 
to start the breeding season and this became worse as the season progressed 
until it became critical, particularly in the northwestern and central portions 
of Wyoming. 
. Although the brood production data are difficult to interpret, there seems 
little doubt but what there will be fewer young produced this year in the areas 
supplying the Central Flyway. When conditions are normal, the peak of brood 
production occurs during July and it js possible for survey crews to determine 
changes ‘from year to year previous to the time that reports must be forwarded 
to Washington for consideration of the Regulations Committee. This year, 
however, the late cold spring and early summer retarded nesting to the extent 
that by the end of July only a portion of the brood which apparently will be 
produced had hatched out. Although there is considerable evidence that there 
will be a substantial late hatch, there is little upon which to base judgement 
as to its actual size. If£ the hate hatch should fail, the low number of broods 
observed through the end of July would constitute a major decrease. The 
favorable water conditions which exist plus the large number of birds which 
are still nesting, indicate that nebt production may be rather good, although 
less than last year. 
Little is known with regard to the production of geese, other than that 
weather and water conditions were favorable as afar as could be determined, 
In view of the increase in the wintering population of snow geese and white- 
fronted geese, it is estimated that there will be an increased production of 
these species this summer, Other species of geese will probably remain 
about the same as last year. 
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