Habitat Conditions 
Although there were rains during June, particularly in 
the eastern portion of the area, the drying trend continued, as is 
shown in Table 2. The reduction in number of water areas was most 
severe in stratum "A", but was also sufficiently severe in stratum 
"RB" to give us the lowest water area index for the six year period. 
Table 1. Water Area Index - Southern Manitoba - May Aerial Survey 

Ponds in Ponds in Ponds in 
Year Stratum "A" Stratum "B" Strata "A" & "B" 
1951 2h0, 500 185,900 426, 400 
1952 174,200 155,400 329,600 
1953 186, 600 311,700 14.98 , 300 
1954 258,200 1,075,400 1, 333,600 
1955 314,700 4o7 700 742,400 
1956 390, 700 614,800 1,005, 500 
1957 262,200 Lok, 000 666 , 200 
1958 351, 500 26), 4oo 615,900 
1959 160, 400 482,100 642,500 
Average | 
1951-59 259, 900 435,700 695,600 

_ Although the reduction in water levels may have affected 
nesting and may increase predation on the young by eliminating good 
brood cover, there is sufficient water remaining in areas where there 
are broods so that they will not be actually stranded by the complete 
drying up of all neighboring water areas. 
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