
The 1956 hatch reached a roaring climax during the latter part of July. 
Despite its comparatively late start, the hatch seemed to move Steadily ahead, 
for there were many more broods on the water at the termination of the July, 
1956 air surveys (air index 3.7 per square mile) than there were ata compara - 
ble date last year (1955 air index 2..3 broods per square mile). Advanced 
Class II and III broods (some of the latter almost ready to fly) predominated 
in the agricultural grasslands. Broods seen in the hilly grazing country repre- 
sented all age-classes from very small I's to advanced III's. In the Parktands, 
where the hatch was late, Class I's and early II's were in the majority. | 
The average number of ducklings per Class III brood was 7.0 in 1955 
and 5.6 in 1956, which represents a considerable reduction. | 
The number of coot broods observed increased markedly as compared 
to 1955. 
Conclusions - 
There was a considerable reduction in the number of young produced in 
Saskatchewan this year. On the other hand, the breeding population index in- 
creased about.1,000,000 birds. It is estimated that the increase in breeding 
population will balance the decrease in production and that the fall'flight will 
be equal to 1955. | : 
WYOMING 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
Surface water was considerably more abundant this spring as a result of 
an above normal snowpack in the mountainous areas. Late snows and rain filled 
stockwater ponds in the plains area of eastern Wyoming and run-off water from 
the melting snow provided adequate habitat throughout the remainder of the State. 
The Snake River began flooding early this spring: and consequently many goose 
nests were destroyed. Some water areas in eastern Wyoming are beginning to 
drup up because of hot, dry July weather but sufficient water remains in most 
areas to insure the development of the waterfowl broods. 
Breeding Population Indices - 
Table I presents the summary of duck breeding ground surveys for 1955 
and 1956 as prepared by the Statistics Department of the University of Wyoming. 
Duck breeding pairs are down 9.8 percent from 1955 and average pairs per 
square mile are down 8 percent. No comparison has been made with a long 
time average inasmuch as new sample areas and techniques were inaugurated 
in 1955. ba & 
5Z. 
