106 
The Saskatchewan transects show a decrease in breeding pairs from 1953 
of approximately 18 percent. This is accounted for almost entirely by the decline 
in pintails.in the western half of the province. The population in the eastern half 
shows no change from the previous year. While reduced from 1953 the waterfowl 
population continues at a high level and still considerably in excess of 1952. 
May transects showed water areas to be about a third less than 1953, 
However, by the July 15 transects, heavy rains had maintained and increased water 
areas so that there were more available at that date than the previous year. Above 
normal precipitation continued and freeze up came with the country virtually ina 
spring condition, This was particularly true of eastern Saskatchewan where many 
stations have reported precipitation between 9 and 12 inches in excess of normal, 
