SOUTHERN ALBERTA - Continued 
The brood index for the province is the highest recorded. Brood 
sizes average 6.04 somewhat higher than the average of 5.8 and lower than 
6,25 of Last years 
Evidence of potential later broods is low but not as low as 1957. 
It is higher in Strata A and C and lower in the parklands compared to 
1957. This is evidence of a very successful hatch in the parklands anda 
minor disturbance to nesting waterfowl in the prairie--undoubtedly the 
drought conditions during May. 
Although cost breeding populations are still below average, 
phenomenal increases were recorded in all strata this year over 1957. 
Provincial figures increased 70% in 1958 compared with 1957 
Coot brood indices have been recorded for three years. The 1957 
coot brood index was 74,700. This was an increase over 1956. In 1958 our — 
index increased again and was 107,000. This index has almost doubled _ 
since 1956, 
Conclusions 
The aerial observation indices of breeding and production surveys” 
for 1958 have recorded our highest indices. Breeding populations showed a _. 
gain of 15% over 1957 and 18% over ow seven-year average. Our production » 
is in excess of last year. We forecast a significant increase in the fall 
on from Alberta approximating 15% over the 1957 fall flight. 
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