Spring precipitation has been spotty across the Northern Great Plains and , though wetland conditions continue to be generally good to excellent across a large part of the region, the grasslands are in need of moisture to stimulate lush growth. The duck breeding population in the Dakotas was high during may surveys, though final numbers have not been calculated. A strong nesting effort has occurred throughout the Northern Great Plains region and large numbers of mallard and pintail broods are appearing. Blue-winged teal and shoveler nests are now beginning to hatch also. Excellent duck production is occurring in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. The Canada goose breeding population was high in Minnesota and the Dakotas this spring and good production has occurred, though it is a week to 10 days later than normal in North Dakota. A very good duck production year is expected in this region.