Characterization of Beaufort Sea Flyway: Long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) and common eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum)

Project Number: 23

Year Funded: 2003

Lead Institution(s): USGS Alaska Science Center

Project Lead: Margaret R. Petersen

Email:

Collaborator(s): USGS, BPAK

Location: Alaska

Focal Species: Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis), Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)

Project Description: Long-term declines of common eiders and long-tailed ducks have been reported in Alaska, including populations on the North Slope. The causes of these declines are unknown. I used satellite telemetry to characterize use of the Beaufort Sea during migration and to identify wintering and staging areas of common eiders and longtailed ducks. The study is designed to evaluate differences in timing of migration and areas used among years in relation to variation in ice distribution and other factors including weather and timing of nest initiation and molt.