27 
Summary 
1. Weather conditions were responsible for a delay of at least three weeks in 
waterfowl production in British Columbia this year. 
2. Water levels, following the delayed break-up were higher this year than in 
1953, but were considered favorable for waterfowl production. 
3. Spring aerial and ground waterfowl surveys comparable with those made in 
previous years suggested that the breeding population was down by about 9 percent 
from 1953. In view of the delayed spring, the limits of reliability of techniques, and 
the population hold-back in southerly areas, it was felt that the 1954 population was 
not significantly different from that of 1952 and 1953. 
4. The mid-summer brood counts suggested that the 1954 hatch had been con- 
siderably delayed, with a few early broods just reaching flying stage at the time of 
census, and a later, possibly second, hatch just beginning. 
5. The indications were that the 1954 hatch would be as good as that of 1953, 
although somewhat delayed. 
