PACIFIC FLYWAY 
CALIFORNIA 
Weather and Water Conditions 
Precipitation in northeastern California was above normal for the 
third year anc these conditions resulted in an abundance of water available 
during the nesting season. ‘the water level in many reservoirs and lakes in 
this section was higher than ever recorded. Nesting conditions were con- 
gidered to be excellent. 
Late spring rains occurred throughout California and some sections 
including the central part received as mech as twice the normal rainfall for 
the year. ‘There was some flooding of rivers and streams draining into the 
Sacramento Velicy and in the San Joaquin Valley the flooding was more exten- 
give. The San Joaquin River flooded in several areas and water from the 
Kings, Tule, and Kaweak Rivers overflowed into Tulare and Hacienda Lakes. 
Buena Vista Lake was also partially filled. Excellent stands of barley 
adjacent to these flooded areas furnished good nesting cover. More water 
gee oem in the Grasslands than usual making nesting conditions quite favor- 
able there. 
Breeding Population and Production Indices 
A comparative surmery of nesting pairs of waterfowl for the past 
four seasons, together with finel fell. population including young plus resi- 
dent edults, is shown in the following table. In almost all cases the 
figures shown for "nesting pairs" are more accurate than those indicating 
"fell population indices." 


Canada, Goose 2,870 3,130 3,960 4,360 14,810 17,640 19,280 25,190 
Mellord 34,500 29,410 37,470 31,250 165,360 136,970 150,540 146,470 
Pintail 1,2 1,850 2,220 6,850 7,710 11,530 12,860 31,030 
Gadwell 3,150 2,710 2,880 2,970 24,500 21,020 22,370 22,570 
Cinnemon Teal 5500 4,760 1,720 2,220 30,670 33,710 9,410 10,670 
Redhead 4,220 4,430 2,980 2,670 35,810 37,790 24,480 20,900 
Ruddy Duck 2,990 2,230 »OhO 2,170 19,540 15,610 10,160 12,750 
Shoveler 530 630 650 2,150 3,300 4,2h0 4,250 12,120 
Secaup 150 340 550 710 1,480 2,590 4&,4kO 5,730 
Others i190 350 400 450 850 1,520 1,950 2,740 

