Characterization of Beaufort Sea Flyway: Long-tailed Ducks and Common Eider

Project Number: 23

Year Funded: 2003

Lead Institution(s): USGS Alaska Science Center

Project Lead: Margaret R. Petersen

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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. How the birds in these declining populations use the western Beaufort Sea is unclear, and this information is needed to model the potential effects of off-shore oil and gas development on these two species. The primary objective of this study is to locate and describe migration corridors, staging habitats, and habitats used by common eiders that nest on barrier islands and long-tailed ducks that molt in coastal lagoons when migrating in fall and spring through the western Beaufort Sea. A secondary objective is to identify and describe areas used by common eiders throughout the year and identify breeding and wintering areas of long-tailed ducks. These data will provide information key to effectively managing these populations of sea ducks.

Project Reports: