NORTICSASTERN STATES 
Wegther and Water Conditions 
| The production season conditions in Maine, Vermont, 
New Hampshire and Northern New York were spotty and irregular. 
The spring breakup was later than usual. In general May had 
above-normal temperatures and bzlow-normal precipitation; 
middle June in contrast was cool with abnormally high precipita- 
tion and flooding in some areas. July precipitation was approxi- 
mately normal. In general, water levels were above normal and 
temperatures below normal for the area. 
In the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode 
Island the weather up to July was we and cold with cloudy condi- 
tions prevailing which resulted in higher water levels and 
retarded vegetation. Massachusetts had the wettest June since 
1880, 
Southern New York, New Jersey and Delaware - the 
spring was slightly later this year with excessive rainfall along 
the coast in May and June resulting in higher water levels and 
retarding of vegetation. High tides along the coast inundated 
many nesting areas. | 
In West Virginia the season was reported as normal 
throughout most of the State with fair to good nesting conditions, 
Brood production conditions are reported as improved 
over 1958 and were considered good. High water levéls increased 
border cover available. 
Breeding Population Indices 
The breeding population showed no significant change 
this year with the exception of blue-winged teal which showed a 
substantial increase, 
Production Indices 
The results of the production surveys are presented in 
Tables 1 and 2, In Table 1 the 118 areas which were given compara- 
ble coverage in 1958 and 1959 are divided on the basis of the 
number showing an increase in production, those showing. no change, 
and those showing a decrease. ‘The number showing a decrease (59) 
somewhat exceeded the number on which production increased (50), 
although many of the areas where a decrease occurred recorded only 
@ small reduction. 
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