
SUMMARY OF CONDITIONS 
PACIFIC FLYWAY 
On the basis of data collected in Alaska, Canada, and the 
United States only, the wintering population of ducks increased consider- 
ably in the Pacific Flyway as compared to a year ago. Small increases for 
geese and swan were also recorded. There were small decreases in the 
wintering population of brant and coot. 
Data gathered on the breeding grounds supplying the Pacific Fly- 
way supported the increase recorded on the wintering areas. There were 
considerable increases in the breeding populations recorded in Alaska, 
Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. Elsewhere the breeding populatien 
remained about the same. 
For the most part the breeding areas supplying the Pacific Fly- 
way were characterized by an early dry season. In Alaska and northern 
Canada this type of season is generally favorable to waterfowl production, 
since the amount and quality of water areas are usually not affected by 
drought conditions. In much of the Canadian prairie nesting habitat sup- 
plying the Flyway drought conditions prevailed until early summer. Be- 
ginning in June and continuing in July, sufficient rain occurred to main- 
tain adequate water for brood production. Although water levels were 
normal to low in Wyoming, they were judged to be very good to excellent 
in Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, and Utah. 
Brood surveys in July indicate that this is a record year for 
production in southern Alberta. In southern Saskatchewan, however, 
drought conditions were more severe and a decrease is expected. On the 
basis of an increased breeding population and favorable conditions, 
production is expected to increase in Alaska, Northwest Territories, 
northern Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and California. 
Decreases are expected from northern Saskatchewan, Oregon, and Washington. 
Overall, it is expected that the fall flight of ducks in the 
Pacific Flyway will show a small increase over last year. 
On the basis of a small increase in the breeding population 
of geese in the Flyway as measured by the winter survey, it is estimated 
that there will be a small increase in the fall flight of this group of 
species. 
Both the breeding population and production of coot increased 
in southern Alberta. However, there were marked reductions in both breed- 
ing population and production in other important prairie nesting areas, 
On this basis it is estimated that the fall flight of coot will remain 
about the same or decrease. 
In view of the small decrease in the breeding population of 
brant, as measured by the annual winter survey, plus the fact that there 
seems to be a continuing downward trend in the population of this species, 
it is estimated that there will be a small decrease in the fall nitene 
of brant in the Pacific Flyway. 
12h, 
