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WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEY - MONTANA, 1954 
Wynn G. Freeman 
Introduction 
In 1954 the Montana Fish and Game Department conducted their sixth annual 
breeding ground survey.* Essentially, it was done in the same manner as in pre- 
ceding years. However, due to a lack of personnel during this period, the ground 
surveys for species composition and nesting success were not executed in as intensive 
a manner. ‘ 
Climatic Conditions 
Montana experienced another open winter with unseasonably warm weather 
during February and most of March. Warm temperatures and chinook winds greatly 
reduced the existing snow cover throughout the State. Much of the moisture of later 
snows was absorbed by relativelyfrost-free soils. These conditions reduced surface 
run-off water and produced fewer potholes in the Flathead Valley and Great Falls 
piedmont. The late snows in the central and eastern Highline were heavier than in 
the above regions and remained on the ground for an extended period. Early in May 
this accumulated snow was reduced to run-off in a few days and resulted in a great 
increase in number of potholes. 
During the latter part of March and early April in the Great Falls piedmont 
area, temperatures dropped below zero with an abundant snow cover. This severe 
weather enforced a definite hardship on migrating waterfowl resulting in loss of both 
ducks and snow geese in this migration route. For about a week the major food source 
was in ranch feed lots. It was from these areas that the majority of losses were 
reported, 
Montana, during May and June, recorded near normal precipitation and tem- 
perature. During the month of July a complete lack of rainfall accounted for the 
disappearance of many small potholes. In August and September above normal 
rainfall occurred in the east and central Highline area maintaining a better portion of 
the increase number of potholes throughout the breeding season. 
* The aerial surveys were conducted by Don Brown and Ralph Cooper (pilots), 
and Wynn Freeman, Dale Witt and Gerald Salinas (observers), all of the 
Montana Fish and Game Department. Ground surveys were made by 
R. Trueblood, Dale Witt and D. Stockstad, of the Fish and Game Depart- 
ment, and Robert Brown, Richard Fevold, Bev Rose, and L. Williamson, 
student assistants. 
