SUMMARY OF CONDITIONS 
PACIFIC FLYWAY 
In January 1956, the wintering population of waterfowl in the Pacific 
Flyway was slightly higher than in 1955. Increases were recorded for ducks, 
geese, and coot, while a decrease was shown for brant. It should be noted 
that brant have been decreasing steadily since 1952, and are now 35 percent 
below the 1952 level. 
In the waterfowl breeding areas supplying the Flyway, increases in 
breeding population were recorded in Northern Alberta and the Northwest 
Territories, Southern Saskatchewan, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah. 
Decreases were found in Alaska and California, while the breeding population 
remained about the same in Alberta. 
Weather and water conditions varied throughout the breeding range 
supplying the Flyway. East of the Divide the season was late and somewhat 
dry during the early part. General rains from mid-June through July in the 
Canadian Prairies increased water leveis, but a partial drought previous to 
mid-June discouraged re-nesting to some extent. On the other hand, water 
was plentiful and the season was early in most areas west of the Divide. Con- 
ditions there continued to be favorable throughout the breeding season. 
surveys during July have indicated that production in the important 
areas of Alaska, Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, and 
Southern Saskatchewan will be about the same as last year. Increases were 
recorded in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah, while decreases were 
found in Southern Alberta and Montana. 
Over-all, it is estimated that the fall flight of ducks will be about the 
Same as last year in the Flyway. 
In view of the increased wintering population of geese and ¢coot in the 
'. Flyway it is estimated that populations of these species may be somewhat 
better than last year. 


Based on the continuing decrease in the wintering population of brant, 
it is estimated that there may be a further decrease in number of this species. 
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