
Breeding Ground Surveys 
SOUTHERN MANITOBA 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
Spring break-up this year in Southern Manitoba was from two to three 
weeks late. Heavy winter snows and previous wet years gave the areaa - 
plentiful supply of ponds and water areas. For comparison, the 1955 total 
pond index was 742,400 in contrast to the 1956 pond index of 1,005,500, an 
increase of 35.4 percent. The southwestern portion of Manitoba seemed to be 
rather dry but this was the only area that appeared so. Lack of rainfall in 
April and May of this year has had an effect on the moisture in the soil and 
farm crops; however, as near as could be determined from the aerial data, no 
effect was apparent on waterfowl needs. — 
June and July were identified by large amounts of rainfall and excellent 
water conditions for waterfowl. The pond count index was very good; it showed 
837,500 as this year's count against 610, 200 for a year ago. 
In June rainfall records from Rivers and Dauphin showed a marked in- 
crease in moisture over the normal, Rivers had 8.75 inches during June 
compared to a norm. of 3.78 inches, and Dauphin had 8.25 inches compared 
to 2. 70. 
Rainfall for July was characterized by afternoon thunder showers day 
after day. It was not unusual to see a half-dozen showers in one area. Most 
of the flying was done in the mornings to avoid this steady thunderstorm build 
up. To date in July, Rivers had 3.0 inches, Dauphin 2.2 inches, and Winnipeg 
2.9 inches of rain. 
Abundant aquatic growth was noted, both of types submergents and 
emergents. This decreased the visibility from the air. It may have been an 
important factor ir our lower count of coot broods this year than last. Food 
conditions appeared to be good. The nesting season as reported previously 
was late and we noticed what appears to be the peak of the hatch near the 20th 
of July. Normally the peak would have occurred shortly before the 15th of July. 
Breeding Population Indices - 
Table I - May Waterfowl Population Indices - Southern Manitoba - Aeria] Survey 
Stratum '"'A"' Stratum "'B" Stratum "All & "Bt!" 
Year (10, 368 Square Miles) (28,600 Square Miles) (38,968 Square Mi.) 
—ooOCOoICoEEEEEaaapSoEoSEoaoaEoEoeoooIEEEEEeEEEoEoEEEEeeeeEEEEEeEEoeEEeooEeeeEoeEeeoeEEEEEeeEEoEoeEeEoE——e—————EEEElEESE—E—EEE_ 
1951 472, 800 165,900* 639, 700* 
1952 «343, 200 143, 300% 486, 500* 
Continued --- 
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