
Comparison of Aerial Brood and Late Nesting Indices - B22 and 1956 

Continued - 
Species 1955 1956 Percent Change 
Grand Total 49, 300 | 46, 800 Re ae 
EEE eee 
Coot Broods 3, 100 1,600 - 48.4 
Pond Index 610, 200 837,500 + 37.2 

Conclusions - 
The production of young in Southern Manitoba is about the same as in 
1955, Althoughiithe. breéding population increased somewhat (.10 percent) the 
increase is not sufficient to change the picture much. It is concluded, there- 
fore, that the fall flight from the area will be about the same as 1955. 
MICHIGAN 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
Weather conditions delayed migration in the north country and nesting 
particularly in the northern half of the State was late. 
Although temperatures were more normal for May and June, this 
period was marked by severe thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy rain 
squalls. Several destructive tornadoes were experienced and additional 
tornado alerts were issued, particularly for the southern part of the State. 
Sufficient precipitation occurred to assure nesting success on small 
natural ponds and semi-permanent marshes. We are certain that nesting was 
late, but the effects of the storms, high winds causing wind tide floodings on 
Great Lakes marshes, and the effects of hard rain squalls on broods remain 
a question. Although weather conditions could not be considered favorable for 
production, the total effect, if damaging to the nesting success, was not 
apparent in results obtained by our surveys. 
Breeding Population Indices - 
Surveys made to determine the comparative abundance of breeding 
pairs indicated a favorable nesting population. On sample check areas 
scattered throughout the State, the nesting population was found to be similar 
to that of 1955 and only slightly below that of 1954 and 1953, all of which were 
good production years. 4 
7 
