PACIFIC FLYWAY 
WASHINGTON 
Weather and Water Conditions 
The spring and summer was dry and warm in eastern Washington and 
caused a decrease of 32 percent in the number of potholes in this portion 
of the State. 
Breeding Population and Production Indices 
A decrease in duck production occurred in western Washington, 
the northeastern highland and the far eastern potholes. ‘The irrigated por- 
tions of the State have shown a moderate increase in production, which was 
not sufficient, however, to offset the decline elsewhere. 
The mallard has apparently been responsible for most of the 
decrease. This species is down 53 percent in far eastern Washington and 
30 percent in western Washington. Diving ducks and the other species of 
dabblers have generally shown increases throughout the State. Coots are 
expected to be up about ten percent. 
The waterfowl production index for the State is expected to be 
about 538,000 (see table). ‘This includes young and adults at the end of 
the production season. 
Comparison of Waterfowl Production of Previous Years 
With That Anticipated for 1958 
a 1953 195k 1955 1956 1957 1958 
Se 
Eastern Washington 364,500 377,500 366,500 468,500 492,200 458,000 
Western Washington 38,000 35,000 25, 300 64,900 87,600 80,000 
ee 
TOTAL 402,500 412,500 391,800 533,400 579,800 538,000 
Nee 
Conclusions | 
Based mainly upon the first census of waterfowl transects, produc- 
tion in Washington is expected to be down about 7 percent from last year on 
ducks, with little or no increase in Canada geese. 
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