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Waterfowl Research

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By Alaska Science Center September 29, 2025

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

Media
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska​​​​​​.​(Credit: Ryan Askren, USGS. Public domain.)

 

 

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 53

Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022 Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022

This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Nesting Period Data for Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) in Alaska Nesting Period Data for Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) in Alaska

This data package contains one table with nest initiation and end dates and clutch sizes from Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) at two breeding colonies in Alaska. Data include nesting period determined by either nest visits or light-level data recorded by geolocators attached tarsal bands.
By
Alaska Science Center

Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons

This data set represents an ecological and laboratory-based experiment to understand influenza virus viability in surface water. Data tables included in this release consist of 1) daily mean water temperature, 2) viability of viruses maintained in water, 3) influenza detection in duck samples, 4) viral titers of experimentally inoculated water samples, and 5) water chemistry.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia

This data package is comprised of one table with genetic data from Brant (Branta bernicla). Data include sampling location and allele sizes of 14 microsatellite loci.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Movement Data for Migrating Geese Over the Northeast Pacific Ocean, 2018-2021 Movement Data for Migrating Geese Over the Northeast Pacific Ocean, 2018-2021

This dataset consists of one table with a record (row) for each goose location and columns containing location information and covariates. The dataset was used in an analysis of altitude selection and flight propensity in an accompanying paper (Weiser et al. 2024) and is being provided here to allow replication of that analysis. Goose locations (latitude, longitude, and altitude) were...
By
Alaska Science Center

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions

This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
By
Alaska Science Center

Below are multimedia items associated with this project.

No results found.

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 184

Status of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2022—Testing and updating predictive models Status of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2022—Testing and updating predictive models

The nesting biology and demography of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) along the lower Kashunuk River on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, were studied from 1993 to 2002. This previous work demonstrated that the breeding population on the study area was declining, and demographic modeling predicted that the population would continue to decline from 2002 forward. The predicted...
Authors
Paul L. Flint
By
Alaska Science Center

Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl

Coastal wetland salinization related to warming climate has the potential to impact ecological systems globally. In Alaska, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) supports large concentrations of breeding water birds and is an ecologically important area for conservation of migratory bird biodiversity. On the YKD, the majority of waterfowl nest in low elevation coastal tundra where storm surges...
Authors
Tuula E. Hollmen, Paul L. Flint, Sadie Ulman, H.M. Wilson, Courtney Amundson, Erik E. Osnas
By
Alaska Science Center

Effects of mass capture on survival of greater white-fronted geese in Alaska Effects of mass capture on survival of greater white-fronted geese in Alaska

Mass capture of flightless geese during the summer is a common trapping technique to obtain large numbers of individuals for research and marking, but few studies have assessed the impacts of this method on the survival of after-hatch-year geese. We evaluated the effects of holding time and captured flock size on the survival of >26,000 subadult (second yr) and adult (≥third yr) greater...
Authors
Josh Dooley, Joel Schmutz, Julian B. Fischer, Dennis Marks
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Proceedings of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Webinar Series, August 2–5, 2021 Proceedings of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Webinar Series, August 2–5, 2021

In light of ongoing and geographically widespread highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds throughout much of Eurasia during 2020–21, the Interagency Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Migratory Birds disseminated an informational memorandum in January 2021 to highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and heightened awareness in North...
Authors
M. Camille Hopkins, J. Russ Mason, Giavanna Haddock, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an ecologically and economically significant avian disease that is quickly spreading among wild and domestic birds throughout North America. In this blog post, we provide information and resources that can help you to be informed, be prepared, and be ready to take appropriate action should you observe wild birds that may be affected by HPAI.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Colleen M. Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Maintenance and dissemination of avian-origin influenza A virus within the northern Atlantic Flyway of North America Maintenance and dissemination of avian-origin influenza A virus within the northern Atlantic Flyway of North America

Wild waterbirds, the natural reservoirs for avian influenza viruses, undergo migratory movements each year, connecting breeding and wintering grounds within broad corridors known as flyways. In a continental or global view, the study of virus movements within and across flyways is important to understanding virus diversity, evolution, and movement. From 2015 to 2017, we sampled waterfowl...
Authors
Diann Prosser, Jiani Chen, Christina Ahlstrom, Andrew B. Reeves, Rebecca L. Poulson, Jeffery D. Sullivan, Daniel McAuley, Carl R. Callahan, Peter C. McGowan, Justin Bahl, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

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

Media
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska​​​​​​.​(Credit: Ryan Askren, USGS. Public domain.)

 

 

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 53

Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022 Data for Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Alaska in 2022

This data set describes genomic sequence information from 2022 used to infer spatiotemporal trends pertaining to the introductions of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska and spread among wild birds, backyard poultry, and mammals.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Nesting Period Data for Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) in Alaska Nesting Period Data for Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) in Alaska

This data package contains one table with nest initiation and end dates and clutch sizes from Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) at two breeding colonies in Alaska. Data include nesting period determined by either nest visits or light-level data recorded by geolocators attached tarsal bands.
By
Alaska Science Center

Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons Data for Infectivity of Wild-Bird Origin Influenza A Viruses in Minnesota Wetlands Across Seasons

This data set represents an ecological and laboratory-based experiment to understand influenza virus viability in surface water. Data tables included in this release consist of 1) daily mean water temperature, 2) viability of viruses maintained in water, 3) influenza detection in duck samples, 4) viral titers of experimentally inoculated water samples, and 5) water chemistry.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia Brant (Branta bernicla) Genetic Data from North America, Europe, and Asia

This data package is comprised of one table with genetic data from Brant (Branta bernicla). Data include sampling location and allele sizes of 14 microsatellite loci.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Movement Data for Migrating Geese Over the Northeast Pacific Ocean, 2018-2021 Movement Data for Migrating Geese Over the Northeast Pacific Ocean, 2018-2021

This dataset consists of one table with a record (row) for each goose location and columns containing location information and covariates. The dataset was used in an analysis of altitude selection and flight propensity in an accompanying paper (Weiser et al. 2024) and is being provided here to allow replication of that analysis. Goose locations (latitude, longitude, and altitude) were...
By
Alaska Science Center

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions

This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
By
Alaska Science Center

Below are multimedia items associated with this project.

No results found.

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 184

Status of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2022—Testing and updating predictive models Status of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2022—Testing and updating predictive models

The nesting biology and demography of spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri) along the lower Kashunuk River on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, were studied from 1993 to 2002. This previous work demonstrated that the breeding population on the study area was declining, and demographic modeling predicted that the population would continue to decline from 2002 forward. The predicted...
Authors
Paul L. Flint
By
Alaska Science Center

Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl

Coastal wetland salinization related to warming climate has the potential to impact ecological systems globally. In Alaska, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) supports large concentrations of breeding water birds and is an ecologically important area for conservation of migratory bird biodiversity. On the YKD, the majority of waterfowl nest in low elevation coastal tundra where storm surges...
Authors
Tuula E. Hollmen, Paul L. Flint, Sadie Ulman, H.M. Wilson, Courtney Amundson, Erik E. Osnas
By
Alaska Science Center

Effects of mass capture on survival of greater white-fronted geese in Alaska Effects of mass capture on survival of greater white-fronted geese in Alaska

Mass capture of flightless geese during the summer is a common trapping technique to obtain large numbers of individuals for research and marking, but few studies have assessed the impacts of this method on the survival of after-hatch-year geese. We evaluated the effects of holding time and captured flock size on the survival of >26,000 subadult (second yr) and adult (≥third yr) greater...
Authors
Josh Dooley, Joel Schmutz, Julian B. Fischer, Dennis Marks
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Proceedings of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Webinar Series, August 2–5, 2021 Proceedings of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wild Birds Webinar Series, August 2–5, 2021

In light of ongoing and geographically widespread highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds throughout much of Eurasia during 2020–21, the Interagency Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Migratory Birds disseminated an informational memorandum in January 2021 to highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and heightened awareness in North...
Authors
M. Camille Hopkins, J. Russ Mason, Giavanna Haddock, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI): An emerging disease threat in North America

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an ecologically and economically significant avian disease that is quickly spreading among wild and domestic birds throughout North America. In this blog post, we provide information and resources that can help you to be informed, be prepared, and be ready to take appropriate action should you observe wild birds that may be affected by HPAI.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Colleen M. Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Maintenance and dissemination of avian-origin influenza A virus within the northern Atlantic Flyway of North America Maintenance and dissemination of avian-origin influenza A virus within the northern Atlantic Flyway of North America

Wild waterbirds, the natural reservoirs for avian influenza viruses, undergo migratory movements each year, connecting breeding and wintering grounds within broad corridors known as flyways. In a continental or global view, the study of virus movements within and across flyways is important to understanding virus diversity, evolution, and movement. From 2015 to 2017, we sampled waterfowl...
Authors
Diann Prosser, Jiani Chen, Christina Ahlstrom, Andrew B. Reeves, Rebecca L. Poulson, Jeffery D. Sullivan, Daniel McAuley, Carl R. Callahan, Peter C. McGowan, Justin Bahl, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

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