Waterfowl Research Active
Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the lower 48-states and Hawaii.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
The main objectives of the USGS Alaska Science Center waterfowl research program are to:
- Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about the ecology of waterfowl species in Alaska
- Quantify the drivers of population trends of waterfowl populations in Alaska and throughout their annual cycle
- Provide science information to Department of Interior management agencies and others for decision making regarding waterfowl disease, population delineation, and species of conservation concern
Waterfowl Research by Species
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Capture and Measurement Data of Greater White-Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) from the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2012-2014
Point Sampling Data for Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and Seaweed Distribution and Abundance in Bays Adjacent to the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2008-2010
Point Sampling Data for Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and Seaweed Distribution and Abundance in Bays Adjacent to the Alaska Peninsula-Becharof National Wildlife Refuges, Alaska, 2010
Benthos Sample Data from Izembek and Nelson Lagoons, Alaska, 1998
Counts and Abdominal Profile Indices of Wintering Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) at Three Islands in Alaska, 2003 and 2015-2017
Stable Isotope Data from Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) Feathers, Alaska, 2008 and 2010
Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri) Microsatellite and Mitochondrial DNA Data, 2014-2018, Alaska and Russia
Influenza A Virus Data from Migratory Birds, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Phenological mismatch in coastal western Alaska may increase summer season greenhouse gas uptake
Long‐term trends in fall age ratios of black brant
Genetic structure among greater white-fronted goose populations of the Pacific Flyway
Biochemical and clinical responses of Common Eiders to implanted satellite transmitters
Genome sequence of a novel H14N7 subtype influenza A virus isolated from a blue-winged teal (Anas discors) harvested in Texas, USA
Optimizing surveillance for South American origin influenza A viruses along the United States Gulf Coast through genomic characterization of isolates from blue-winged teal (Anas discors)
Evidence that dorsally mounted satellite transmitters affect migration chronology of Northern Pintails
Changing arctic ecosystems—What is causing the rapid increase of snow geese in northern Alaska?
Re-colonization by common eiders Somateria mollissima in the Aleutian Archipelago following removal of introduced arctic foxes Vulpes lagopus
Microbial infections are associated with embryo mortality in Arctic-nesting geese.
Dispersal of H9N2 influenza A viruses between East Asia and North America by wild birds
Species richness and distributions of boreal waterbirds in relation to nesting and brood-rearing habitats
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- Overview
Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have conducted research on waterfowl species (ducks, geese, and swans) in Alaska since the 1970s. Because Alaska is an international crossroads of migratory bird flyways, with millions of birds from Asia and North America breeding in Alaska each summer, USGS research has also taken place in adjacent countries (Russia, Japan, Canada, Mexico) and in the lower 48-states and Hawaii.
Return to Ecosystems >> Terrestrial Ecosystems
The main objectives of the USGS Alaska Science Center waterfowl research program are to:
- Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about the ecology of waterfowl species in Alaska
- Quantify the drivers of population trends of waterfowl populations in Alaska and throughout their annual cycle
- Provide science information to Department of Interior management agencies and others for decision making regarding waterfowl disease, population delineation, and species of conservation concern
Waterfowl Research by Species
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
- Data
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 20Capture and Measurement Data of Greater White-Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) from the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2012-2014
This data set provides capture information and body size measurements of adult and gosling Greater White-fronted Geese captured at three study sites on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2012-2014.Point Sampling Data for Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and Seaweed Distribution and Abundance in Bays Adjacent to the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2008-2010
These data are in six tables relating to surveys of eelgrass beds in three bays adjacent to Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, in southwestern Alaska. The tables provide environmental conditions, eelgrass abundance, distribution, and measurements used to estimate overall biomass.Point Sampling Data for Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and Seaweed Distribution and Abundance in Bays Adjacent to the Alaska Peninsula-Becharof National Wildlife Refuges, Alaska, 2010
These data are in six tables relating to surveys of eelgrass beds in Chignik Lagoon and Mud Bay, Alaska Peninsula-Becharof National Wildlife Refuges. The tables provide environmental conditions, eelgrass abundance, distribution, and measurements used to estimate overall biomass.Benthos Sample Data from Izembek and Nelson Lagoons, Alaska, 1998
This data set contains a single table of descriptions of benthic samples collected in 1998 at Nelson and Izembek lagoons, Alaska. This includes: the weight of the sample, the species or species group of benthic animals (also vegetation) and their number, size and weight, and the amount of sand and gravel. These data provide a basis for additional studies that includes sampling of the benthos in NeCounts and Abdominal Profile Indices of Wintering Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) at Three Islands in Alaska, 2003 and 2015-2017
These data are in two tables related to surveys conducted on wintering Emperor Geese in Alaska. Surveys counting the number of wintering Emperor Geese were conducted on Shemya Island in 2003 and 2016, and on Adak Island in 2016-2017. Data on abdominal profile indices (body condition) of Emperor Geese were collected on Shemya Island in 2016, on Adak Island in 2016-2017, and on Kodiak Island in 2015Stable Isotope Data from Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) Feathers, Alaska, 2008 and 2010
These data are in a single table that provides date and location information of Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) that were sampled in Alaska for feathers that were subsequently used in a stable isotope analysis. Results of deuterium, nitrogen, and carbon stable isotope analysis of feathers are provided.Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri) Microsatellite and Mitochondrial DNA Data, 2014-2018, Alaska and Russia
This data set describes nuclear microsatellite genotypes derived from ten autosomal loci (Aph8, Aph16, Cmo7, Cmo9, Hhi5, Sfi10, Smo4, Smo6, Smo8, Smo12) and nucleotide sequence data derived from one mitochondrial DNA locus (control region). A total of 262 Spectacled Eiders were examined for this study. Samples were collected at Indigirka and Chaun River Deltas, Russia, and Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, UInfluenza A Virus Data from Migratory Birds, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Data set containing avian influenza sampling information for late summer and early autumn waterfowl and gulls within and around the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Alaska, 2011-2016. Data contains species, age, sex, collection data and location of sampled migratory birds. Laboratory specific data used to identify presence and absence of influenza A viruses (IAVs) from collected samples are - Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 130Phenological mismatch in coastal western Alaska may increase summer season greenhouse gas uptake
High latitude ecosystems are prone to phenological mismatches due to climate change- driven advances in the growing season and changing arrival times of migratory herbivores. These changes have the potential to alter biogeochemical cycling and contribute to feedbacks on climate change by altering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) throughAuthorsKatharine C. Kelsey, A. Joshua Leffler, Karen H. Beard, Ryan T. Choi, Joel A. Schmutz, Jeffery M. WelkerLong‐term trends in fall age ratios of black brant
Accurate estimates of the age composition of populations can inform past reproductive success and future population trajectories. We examined fall age ratios (juveniles:total birds) of black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans; brant) staging at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge near the tip of the Alaska Peninsula, southwest Alaska, USA, 1963 to 2015. We also investigated variation in fall age ratiosAuthorsDavid H. Ward, Courtney L. Amundson, Robert A. Stehn, Christian P. DauGenetic structure among greater white-fronted goose populations of the Pacific Flyway
An understanding of the genetic structure of populations in the wild is essential for long-term conservation and stewardship in the face of environmental change. Knowledge of the present-day distribution of genetic lineages (phylogeography) of a species is especially important for organisms that are exploited or utilize habitats that may be jeopardized by human intervention, including climate chanAuthorsCraig R. Ely, Robert E. Wilson, Sandra L. TalbotBiochemical and clinical responses of Common Eiders to implanted satellite transmitters
Implanted biologging devices, such as satellite-linked platform transmitter terminals (PTTs), have been used widely to delineate populations and identify movement patterns of sea ducks. Although in some cases these ecological studies could reveal transmitter effects on behavior and mortality, experiments conducted under controlled conditions can provide valuable information to understand the influAuthorsChristopher J. Latty, Tuula E. Hollmen, Margaret R. Petersen, Abby Powell, Russel D. AndrewsGenome sequence of a novel H14N7 subtype influenza A virus isolated from a blue-winged teal (Anas discors) harvested in Texas, USA
We report here the complete genome sequence of a novel H14N7 subtype influenza A virus (IAV) isolated from a blue-winged teal (Anas discors) harvested in Texas, USA. The genomic characteristics of this IAV strain with a previously undetected subtype combination suggest recent viral evolution within the New World wild-bird IAV reservoir.AuthorsAndrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. Reeves, Rebecca L. Poulson, Deborah L. Carter, Nicholas Davis-Fields, David E. StallknechtOptimizing surveillance for South American origin influenza A viruses along the United States Gulf Coast through genomic characterization of isolates from blue-winged teal (Anas discors)
Relative to research focused on intercontinental viral exchange between Eurasia and North America, less attention has been directed towards understanding the redistribution of influenza A viruses (IAVs) by wild birds between North America and South America. In this study, we genomically characterized 45 viruses isolated from blue-winged teal (Anas discors) along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf CoastAuthorsAndrew M. Ramey, Patrick Walther, Paul Karl Link, Rebecca L. Poulson, Benjamin R. Wilcox, George M. Newsome, Erica Spackman, J. Brown, David E. StallknechtEvidence that dorsally mounted satellite transmitters affect migration chronology of Northern Pintails
We compared migration movements and chronology between Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) marked with dorsally mounted satellite transmitters and pintails marked only with tarsus rings. During weekly intervals of spring and autumn migration between their wintering area in Japan and nesting areas in Russia, the mean distance that ringed pintails had migrated was up to 1000 km farther than the mean distAuthorsJerry W. Hupp, Sergei Kharitonov, Noriyuki M. Yamaguchi, K. Ozaki, Paul L. Flint, John M. Pearce, Ken-ichi Tokita, Tetsuo Shimada, Hiroyoshi HiguchiChanging arctic ecosystems—What is causing the rapid increase of snow geese in northern Alaska?
Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) informs key resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a warming climate. The Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of northern Alaska is a key study area within the USGS CAE initiative. This region has experienced a warming trend overAuthorsJerry W. Hupp, David H. Ward, Mary E. Whalen, John M. PearceRe-colonization by common eiders Somateria mollissima in the Aleutian Archipelago following removal of introduced arctic foxes Vulpes lagopus
Islands provide refuges for populations of many species where they find safety from predators, but the introduction of predators frequently results in elimination or dramatic reductions in island-dwelling organisms. When predators are removed, re-colonization for some species occurs naturally, and inter-island phylogeographic relationships and current movement patterns can illuminate processes ofAuthorsMargaret R. Petersen, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Matthew G. SexsonMicrobial infections are associated with embryo mortality in Arctic-nesting geese.
To address the role of bacterial infection in hatching failure of wild geese, we monitored embryo development in a breeding population of Greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska. During 2013, we observed mortality of normally developing embryos and collected 36 addled eggs for analysis. We also collected 17 infertile eggs for comparison. Using standard cAuthorsCristina M. Hansen, Brandt W. Meixell, Caroline R. Van Hemert, Rebekah F. Hare, Karsten HuefferDispersal of H9N2 influenza A viruses between East Asia and North America by wild birds
Samples were collected from wild birds in western Alaska to assess dispersal of influenza A viruses between East Asia and North America. Two isolates shared nearly identical nucleotide identity at eight genomic segments with H9N2 viruses isolated from China and South Korea providing evidence for intercontinental dispersal by migratory birds.AuthorsAndrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. Reeves, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Joshua L. Teslaa, Sean W. Nashold, Tyrone F. Donnelly, Bruce Casler, Jeffrey S. HallSpecies richness and distributions of boreal waterbirds in relation to nesting and brood-rearing habitats
Identification of ecological factors that drive animal distributions allows us to understand why distributions vary temporally and spatially, and to develop models to predict future changes to populations–vital tools for effective wildlife management and conservation. For waterbird broods in the boreal forest, distributions are likely driven by factors affecting quality of nesting and brood-rearinAuthorsTyler L. Lewis, Mark S. Lindberg, Joel A. Schmutz, Mark R. Bertram, Adam J. Dubour - Web Tools
- News
Below are news stories associated with this project.