Lead Institution(s): US Geological Survey
Collaborator(s): Kevin Kenow (USGS)
Focal Species: Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Project Description: This project is expected to address information needs concerning population delineation, migration, and ecology of long-tailed ducks (LTDU) wintering in the Great Lakes. Long-tailed ducks marked on the Atlantic Coast and eastern Great Lakes regions have shown very little use of western Great Lakes, however there is a sizable LTDU population that winters on Lake Michigan. We proposed to capture and radio-mark 20 adult female LTDUs during November 2015 through April 2018, in anticipation of obtaining data from ≥12 adult females for one entire year. Over-water mist netting and night-lighting techniques were employed to obtain the sample of birds for this project.
Interim Report FY15
Interim Report FY16
Interim Report FY17
Final Report
Publications:
Fara, Luke J. 2018. Migration patterns, habitat use, prey items, and hunter harvest of Long-tailed Ducks that overwinter on Lake Michigan. M.Sc. Thesis Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Carbondale, Illinois. 110p.
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/2414
Fara, L.J., S. Ford, B.R. Lubinski, S.C. Houdek, M.W. Eichholz. 2019. Long nights, airplanes, and avian surgery: A tale of working with volunteers to study Long-tailed Ducks wintering on Lake Michigan. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 33: 82-88.
https://doi.org/10.1647/2018-418
