Ecology of breeding Long-tailed Ducks on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Project Number: 7

Year Funded: 2002

Lead Institution(s): USGS Alaska Science Center

Project Lead: Paul Flint

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Location: Alaska

Focal Species: Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)

Project Description: One of the primary breeding grounds for Long-tailed Ducks is the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD), which supports >30% of Long-tailed Ducks counted in Alaska. However, Long-tailed Ducks nest at very low densities making them difficult to study. Since 1991, in conjunction with other studies, we have consistently searched a study area of approximately 27 km2. We monitored all Long-tailed Duck nests to determine nesting success (approximately 15 nests per year). Additionally, adult females were trapped on nests in early to mid-incubation and marked with subcutaneously anchored radio transmitters and followed to determine brood rearing success. Adult females have been trapped on their nests every year since 1994 and we plan to use standard mark-recapture techniques to estimate annual survival. Finally, we obtained blood samples from females to examine exposure to lead poisoning. We question the applicability of results from a small sample at a single study site to a large breeding area such as the YKD. However, because Long-tailed Ducks nest at low densities, it is unreasonable to establish a study site committed solely to Long-tailed Duck research. Thus in 2002, we expanded our study at Hock Slough to include five additional sites on the YKD where long-term waterfowl research was occurring. We provided additional personnel and logistic support necessary to search for breeding Long-tailed Duck nests in addition to the existing research at each site. Our goal for this study is to estimate the survival and productivity of female Long-tailed Ducks breeding at three sites on the YKD. Information regarding population dynamics of Long-tailed Ducks has been listed as high priority by the Sea Duck Joint Venture.

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