PACIFIC FLYWAY 


‘Aerial Production Data - 1955-1956 - Continued - 
Strata © . Province 
1955. ~~ +21956 1955. st*~é<‘<«w CSS 
Area Square Miles 16,112 16,112 64, 300 64, 300 
‘Sample Square Miles 85.5 85.5 537.75 B17. 5 
Total Broods Seen 46 78 2,668 2,047 
Broods Per Square Mile Seen 0.54 0.91 4.96 3.95 
Estimated No. Broods 8, 700 14, 662 284,577 — 234,520 
Potential Later Broods 72 22 637 280 
Potential Broods Per Sq. Mi. 0. 84 0.25 1.18 0.54 
No. Potential Later Broods 13,534 4,028 80, 232 33,362 
Total Index Broods 22,234 18, 690 364, 811 267, 882 
Broods Per Sq.:Mi. Index 1.38 bedor 6.11 4.16 
Average Brood Size 5.00 5.20 5.94 6.03 
Estimated No. Young TEL, TS 107,188 2,198, 384 1,618, 810 
Conclusions - 
In summarizing all aspects of our aerial survey this year, we would state 
_that with a breeding population at least equal to that of 1955 (an all-time high for 
the past'six years), we can expect a production about 30 percent below that of last 
year. 
/ 
WASHINGTON 
SE a a 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
Water conditions in the Yakima Valley and in western Washington have 
been excellent. Conditions in the potholes have improved considerably but do 
not equal the water levels of the 1948-1952 period. 
A cool, wet June appears to have had some effect in reducing brood 
sizes in the early nesting species, although Class III broods are averaging 
6.0 young at the present time. During April, May and July, to date, the weather 
has been very favorable for waterfowl production. 
Production Indices - 
Preliminary estimates of duck production in Washington indicate the 
largest crop since 1952. An increase of approximately 18 percent over 1955 is 
expected in the production index (Table I). 
