
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY 
Breeding Ground Surveys 
NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN, NORTHERN MANITOBA AND WESTERN 
ONTARIO 
Weather and Water Conditions 
With respect to the survey area covered in this report, this 
spring was probably as average as they come. The season was consider- 
ably advanced over last year, which was an abnormally late season. 
Cloudy weather with rain was predominant during much of the May survey 
period but no severe blizzards swept through the area. 
Breeding Population Indices 
On a stratum basis, the following information was computed 
relative to total ducks (from 1956): 
Stratum C Ontario. ' «  Jnerease 57.9% 
Stratum C Manitoba 3 Increase 72.5% 
Stratum D Manitoba - Increase 1.5% 
Stratum C Sask.’ South - Decrease 6.6% 
Increase 257.7% 
Stratum C Sask. North 
Organized by Provinces, the following information was 
obtained (from 1956): 
Ontario (West of 86° Long. } Increase 57.9% 
Manitoba - Increase 41.7% 
Northern Saskatchewan - Increase 86.7% 
The survey area as a whole showed an increase for ducks 
of 65 percent over 1956. On the other hand, Canada geese decreased by 
about the same percentage. However, this year's population was approxi- 
mately average. The mallard seems to be holding its own in this area 
and a healthy increase was recorded for scaup. Ringneck ducks were 
particularly scarce in the survey area this year. 
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