CALIFORNIA 
Weather and Water Conditions 
After three consecutive years of above normal precipita- 
tion, water conditions in northeastern California fell below 
normal in 1959. California experienced an extremely dry spring 
and many of the smaller reservoirs and lakes had become dry by 
the first of June. 
The central valleys received less than normal rainfall 
this year. There was no flooding of the rivers, and areas 
flooded last year were dry again this year. 
‘Breeding Population and Production Indices 
A comparative summary of nesting pairs of waterfowl for 
the past four seasons, together with final fall population 
including young plus resident adults, is shown in the following 
tables. In almost all cases the figures shown for "nesting pairs" 
are more accurate than those indicating "fall population indices." 
Estimated Total Nesting Pairs 
Species _ {956 ~~—S«1057SS™C~*~C~C~SCSSBSC“*‘“C#C(‘#UOSO 
Mallard 29,410 37,470 31,250 32,750 
Pintail 1,850 2,220 6,850 3, 380 
Gadwall 2,710 2,880 2,970 3,500 
Cinnamon Teal 4,760 1,720 2,220 4. 330 
Redhead 4430 2,980 2,670 3,030 
Ruddy Duck 2,230 1,640 2,170 1,930 
Shoveler 630 650 2,150 1,060 
Scaup 340 550 710 TO 
Others 350 400 450 725 
Total Ducks 46,710 50,510 51, 4h0 51, 4b5 
Ganada Goose —e30SCSCS ——C:~C~<“ONIOOSCSCSC~«~S HF 
Coots 12,870 12 , 350 23,460 29, 820 
