MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY 
INDIANA 
Weather and Water Coditions - 
Potholes in the northern part were at low water levels through April 27 
but have been at satisfactory levels since the heavy rain of April 28. Water 
conditions were considered good to excellent during the aerial brood survey of 
June 29. 
Many streams have been at flood stage, at different times, since May 1. 
Three regular, brood survey float trips, scheduled for central Indiana during 
the first week of May, had to be postponed 10 to 30 days because of high water. 
Nine mallard nests along the Pigeon River in LaGrange County were reported 
flooded, and mallard eggs were reported seen floating at the Elkhart River in 
Noble County, early in May. 
Breeding Population Indices - 
Three of the regular nine stream transects, totaling 47 miles, were 
floated between April 24 and May 9. Two wood duck broods were noted as in 
1955, and again both on the Muscatatuck. This information indicated no need 
for altering the normal brood survey schedule. 
Adult male wood ducks were found to be more abundant this year on one 
transect, but totals for the three preliminary floats indicated the breeding 
population would be substantially below the figure for last year and, considerably 
below the three-year average (Table I). The Maumee transect in northeastern 
Indiana showed the greated decline in both male and female wood ducks. 
Table I - Adult Wood Duck Population Comparisons, 1956 with 1952, 1953 and 
1955 Preliminary Stream Transect Survey - Indiana. 
Change 
Adults Change From From 
aed Observed 1955 Average 
Transect Miles Date Floated M F M F M F 
Maumee | ‘15 5-07-52 8 6 
5-15-53 27 9 
5-09-55 43 1] 
Average 26 9 
5-09-56 17 1 -26 ~-10 -9 -8 
Continued -- 
73 
