NORTHEASTERN STATES 
Weather and Water Conditions 
The current production season can be characterized as a 
relatively warm, dry period. This is in contrast to the generally high 
water conditions and seasonally low temperatures which prevailed in 
1956, 
Precipitation during April and May was below normal over 
much of the northeast; only New Jersey and Pennsylvania recorded 
normal rainfall. Temperatures during the period were above average. 
June and July precipitation was below normal for ali the 
northeast, local exceptions being portions of northern New York State, 
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The latter areas received vary- 
ing amounts of rainfall from local thunderstorms and Hurricane Audrey. 
Temperatures during this period were above seasonal averages. 
The seasonal high tides in the coastal areas were not 
excessive this year. 
Phenologically the production season is advanced over last 
year. Cooperators state plant growth is advanced two to three weeks in 
the southern portion of the region and from one to four weeks in the north. 
The earliest advances were observed near large open waters. This is in 
marked contrast to the 1956 season which was generally considered two 
to three weeks later than normal, | 
Breeding Population Trends 
Reports from the Maine study areas (Mendall) and others 
in the region show a slight increase in the numbers of breeding birds. 
Early nesting was noted in all portions of the region, however, the peak 
of the nesting season was considered advanced about one week. 
Nest losses from raccoons and crows were reported in 
excess of the usual losses. 
Brood Production Data 
Brood rearing conditions were reported from good to 
excellent with the survival of young birds being above average. The 
gradual drying up of many small rearing areas may have concentrated 
broods in some of the study areas. This condition coupled with the 
earlier nesting should be considered when interpreting the tabulated 
results of the observations presented in the following tables. 
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