Lead Institution(s): US Geological Survey
Collaborator(s): Kevin Kenow (USGS)
Focal Species: Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Project Description: This project addressed information needs concerning population delineation, migration, and ecology of long-tailed ducks 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 population that winters on Lake Michigan. We (1) captured long-tailed ducks on Lake Michigan and implanted them with satellite transmitters to document migratory routes and habitat use, (2) conducted an in-person hunter harvest survey to determine how environmental variables influenced harvest, estimate harvest rates, and gather hunter input regarding regulations and (3) examined diet from carcasses donated by hunters.
Interim Report FY15
Interim Report FY16
Interim Report FY17
Final Report
Related 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
