
MiSSISSIPPI FLYWAY 
Winter Trend Data - Mississippi Flyway 
i te ee gee ee ea ea ge, 
For the fifth year in a row, water levels were low in the southern 
part of the Mississippi Flyway at the time the January waterfowl survey 
was made. When water is low the bulk of the birds tend to concentrate 
on rivers and reservoirs where they are easily seen. During some 
years prior to 1953, the bottoms along the lower Mississippi River and 
tributaries have been flooded. When this occurs some species of ducks, 
particularly mallards, are attracted into the bottoms to feed. Suitable 
techniques for censusing birds when they are in the bottoms have not 
been developed. Variations in conditions, therefore, have effected the 
survey results during the period 1950 through 1957, although during the 
past five years water levels have been such that the data are reasonably 
comparable. 
It is of interest to note that again this year, more mallards 
wintered in the northern half of the flyway than in the southern. 
Percent Change in Mississippi Flyway (Continental) Population Index 
Figures for Ducks, Geese, and Coot from January 1956 to January i957. 
"Comparable Coverage) 
Area Ducks Geese Coot Total 

Ontario Sa ae OF. + 3 ~ + 7 
Mississippi Flyway 
States + 4 ~ 4 + 37 + 4 


Total | + 4 - 4 #37 + 4 
