PACIFIC FLYWAY 
Breeding Population Indices - 
| A comparative summary of nesting pairs.of waterfowl for a five-year 
period is shown in the following table. 
Estimated total nesting pairs: 



Species 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 
Canada Goose 3, 200 2,850 3,305 2,870 3,190 
Mallard 51,580 40,380 35,695 34,500 28,400 
Pintail 3, 280 2,100 2,375 1,260 2,010 
Gadwall 5, 800 6,040 5,450 3,150 2,290 
Cinnamon Teal 4,790 3,435 3,695 4,560 2,100 
Redhead | 3,380 | 3,760 6,405 4,220 2,000 
Ruddy Duck’ 9 1,519 1,950 | 3,420 2,990 1, 630 
Shoveler = ‘1,120 925 910 530 450 
Scaup_ - 290 235 150 180 520 
Others oF 610 — 545 490 190 350 
Total Pairs (Ducks) 72, 369 59,370 58,590 51,580 40,190 
Total Pairs (Coot) 
13, 790 25,150 | 19,585 16, 500 16, 160 
The accumulated data indicates: 
(1) ‘An 11 percent increase in nesting pairs of Canada geese 
and very good production for this species. 
(2) An over-all decrease of 24 percent in breeding pairs of 
ducks. ; 
(3) A decrease of two percent in the nesting coot population. 
Conclusions - 
In view of the better than average water conditions, it is estimated 
that increased production will balance the decrease in breeding population and 
that the fall flight of ducks from California will be similar to 1955. The fall 
flight of coots and Canada geese should be somewhat larger. 
IDAHO» 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
The 1956 spring weather showed the usual extremes. Nesting activity 
was earlier this year than in 1955, which was unusually late. 
19 
