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WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEY - COLORADO, 1954 
Jack R. Grieb* 
Introduction 
Breeding pair surveys were conducted within the period May 10 to 21. During 
this time, ground counts were made in the Yampa Valley, and Brown's Park, and 
aerial counts in the South Platte, Cache la Poudre, and San Luis Valleys, and North 
and South Parks, Aerial counts required 26 hours and 30 minutes flying time with a 
crew of three (E. Boeker, Hughes, and Grieb). 
Brood counts were initiated July 5, and completed July 22 of this year. Due 
to lack of time, it was possible to cover only the following areas: South Platte Valley; 
Cache la Poudre Valley; Yampa Valley; White River Plateau; Brown's Park; and North 
Park. Indication as to the success of the breeding season in the San Luis Valley, and 
South Park must, therefore, be taken mainly from reports of local fieldmen. 
The- following report briefly summarizes 1954 breeding conditions in Colorado 
for those regions where permanent study areas have been established, and compared 
it, where possible, with past records from the same areas, 
Weather and Water Conditions 
Climatological data indicate that Colorado is experiencing a very severe 
drouth this year. Information received from the Office of Irrigation Investigations 
reveals that, in general, snow pack in the high mountains of the State during the past 
winter was 50 to 60 percent of normal, The influence of this lack of stored moisture 
resulted in decreased water levels in reservoirs, and a veryacute shortage of water 
for irrigation. In addition, a definite lack of local precipitation on the various breed- 
ing grounds during the winter and spring resulted in a few of the semi-permanent 
lakes and sloughs containing water this spring. A good many of the permanent areas 
were also dry for the first time in many years. All of these factors resulted in 
decreased waterfowl habitat in most parts of Colorado this year. 
* Cooperating Personnel - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: J. Robinson, 
D. Droll, and Ken Baer, Game Management Agents, Colorado. Ray Buller, Assistant 
Regional Supervisor, Game Management and Cecil S. Williams, Central Flyway 
Coordinator. 
Colorado Game and Fish Department - R. Kirkman, Colo. Cooperative Wild- 
life Research Unit, M. Sheldon, Student Assistant, H. Boeker, Wildlife Technician, 
E. Boeker, Pilot, N. Hughes, Pilot, and J. Grieb, Wildlife Statistician. 
