MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY . 
The 1957 winter survey in the Mississippi Flyway showed little change in 
population as compared to 1956. The population of most Species was well above 
the average of recent years, 
On the breeding grounds the picture was about the same. Although de~ 
creases in breeding populations were recorded in southern Saskatchewan, North 
Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, there were increases throughout Manitoba 
and in northern Saskatchewan. Although the increases did not completely balance 
the decreases, the loss in breeding population was small. 
Except for breeding areas in the Far North, much of the Mis sissippi Fly- 
way breeding range was characterized by drought during the 1957 season. The 
amount of water available to the birds was reduced this spring throughout the 
southern portions of the Prairie Provinces and in North Dakota, South Dakota, 
Nebraska and Minnesota. Rains during late April and May alleviated the situation 
in Nebraska in time to attract an increased breeding population to the State. Heavy 
rain occurred in Minnesota sufficient to cause flood conditions in June, but the 
breeding population had already passed on northward. Conditions were improved 
in the Dakotas by frequent rain during the nesting and brood period, but in Alberta, 
Saskatchewan and parts of Manitoba, water levels have continued to drop during 
the summer. 
The July production survey shows that there was a large hatch among the 
early nesting species in the southern parts of the Prairie Provinces. The early 
hatch was good also in Nebraska, and South Dakota. An increased production is 
expected from northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and Ontario, while 
decreases are expected from the Northwest Territories, North Dakota, Minnesota, 
and Michigan. On the basis of the data collected, it would appear that the 1957 fall 
flight is likely to be about the same as the 1956 flight. However, habitat conditions 
in most of the important breeding areas are unfavorable for late nesting species 
and for re-nesting. By reason of the necessity for terminating production surveys 
on about July 25, it is not possible to obtain a measure of the success of late 
nesters, and it is significant to note that evidence of re-nesting on the part of 
early nesters was at an all-time low during July this year. It seems possible, 
therefore, that the reduction in amount of water during July this year may reduce 
total production to less than last year in spite of the fact that the July brood index 
increased in several important areas. 
Over-~-all, on the basis of the field reports, it is estimated that the fall 
flight of ducks will be about the same as 1956, with some possibility of a decrease 
as outlined above, particularly among the late nesting species. 

_.In view of the fact that there was little change in the breeding population 
of Canada and blue geese, plus the fact that the weather was not adverse as far as 
we know, it is estimated that the fall flight of these species will remain about the 
Same. 
Coot production has been excellent on the breeding areas and it is estimated 
that there will be a small increase in the fall flight of this species. 
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