CENTRAL FLYWAY 
As compared to last year, the January 1956 waterfowl survey indicated 
a considerable increase in the wintering population of waterfowl in the Central 
Flyway. Substantial increases were recorded among ducks, geese and coot. 
As would be expected, increases in population were recorded during 
the May breeding ground surveys. These increases occurred primarily in 
Southern Saskatchewan, Southern Manitoba, Northern Alberta and the Northwest 
Territories, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Breeding populations remained 
about the same in Southern Alberta and Nebraska, while decreases were re- 
corded in the northern portions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and in Montana. 
However, the season was late over much of the breeding range supply- 
ing the Flyway. In addition, a semi-drought condition developed between 
mid-May and mid-June in much of the prairie portion of the breeding range. 
Asa result, early nest mortality was rather high, and conditions for renesting 
were not good. | 
Therefore, it is estimated that the fall flight of ducks will be about 
the same as last year from Southern Saskatchewan, Southern Manitoba, 
Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, South Dakota, North Dakota, 
and Wyoming. Decreases are expected from Northern Saskatchewan, Northern 
Manitoba, Montana and Nebraska. The fall flight Should be somewhat larger 
from Colorado. 
Therefore, in spite of the increases in: -breeding population, it is 
expected that the fall flight of ducks in the Cenihe! Flyway will be about the 
same as last year. 
Based on winter survey data alone, it is estimated that the Canada 
and snow. goose populations are in healthy condition. The indications are 
that local flocks of Canadas in Wyoming and Utah are still below average 
while increases can be expected from Colorado. 
In view of the increased wintering population of coot in the Flyway, 
and indications of favorable production on the breeding grounds, it is esti- 
mated that the fall flight of this species will increase. 

105 . 

