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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

Aerial Imagery Captured at Nesting Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993-2016 Aerial Imagery Captured at Nesting Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993-2016

This data set contains one table of the habitat classifications from imagery captured during aerial photographic surveys at the five primary Pacific black brant colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in western Alaska from 1993-2016.
By
Alaska Science Center

USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection

Understanding the short- and long-distance movements of wildlife is critical for a wide variety of ecological research studies and management decisions. Since the mid-1980s, the USGS Alaska Science Center has collected data from wildlife tracking devices to: determine locations of animals throughout their annual cycles, understand patterns of habitat use, quantify time spent on various...
By
Alaska Science Center

Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska

Data set containing avian influenza A virus (IAV) sampling information for Emperor Geese in Alaska, 2015-2017. The data are in three tables: 1) collection data and IAV screening results from fecal samples at several sites in southwestern Alaska, 2) results of blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) tests for IAV antibodies in blood serum collected from nesting female Emperor...
By
Alaska Science Center

Development of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Greater-White Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) for genetic stock identification on wintering grounds, 2019 Development of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Greater-White Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) for genetic stock identification on wintering grounds, 2019

This data set contains a description of 3 mitochondrial DNA and 93 nuclear DNA Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) loci and sequence information developed through double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) techniques for Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) that winter in California.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Influenza A Virus Data from Migratory Birds, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Influenza A Virus Data from Migratory Birds, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Dataset containing avian influenza screening results for waterfowl and gulls sampled during autumn in (or near) Izembek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Alaska, 2011-2024. These data contain information on species, age, and sex of birds sampled, collection dates, and laboratory testing information used to determine the presence and absence of influenza A viruses (IAVs).
By
Alaska Science Center

Serological data on influenza A from birds and mammals on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska, 2011-2017 Serological data on influenza A from birds and mammals on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska, 2011-2017

These data (in two spreadsheets) are the results of screening for influenza A viruses (IAV) in blood from wild animals that utilize the Arctic region of Alaska. 758 blood samples from nine wildlife species (3 mammal, 6 waterbird) were collected in Arctic Alaska, 2011-2017. Two different tests were used and the results are presented in separate spreadsheets. All blood samples were...
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

Spring temperature, migration chronology, and nutrient allocation to eggs in three species of arctic‐nesting geese: Implications for resilience to climate warming Spring temperature, migration chronology, and nutrient allocation to eggs in three species of arctic‐nesting geese: Implications for resilience to climate warming

The macronutrients that Arctic herbivores invest in their offspring are derived from endogenous reserves of fat and protein (capital) that females build prior to the period of investment or from foods they consume concurrently with investment (income). The relative contribution from each source can be influenced by temporal and environmental constraints on a female's ability to forage on...
Authors
Jerry W. Hupp, David H. Ward, David X. Soto, Keith A. Hobson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Evidence for haemosporidian parasite infections in Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) sampled in Alaska during the breeding season Evidence for haemosporidian parasite infections in Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) sampled in Alaska during the breeding season

We assessed hematozoa infection in Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) at two areas in Alaska. No Haemoproteus or Plasmodium species were detected. Leucocytozoon prevalence was 6.5% for adults across sites and 41.9% for juveniles sampled in the Arctic, providing evidence for local transmission. All Leucocytozoon haplotypes were previously detected in waterfowl.
Authors
John A. Reed, Matthew G. Sexson, Matthew M. Smith, Joel A. Schmutz, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Phenological mismatch in coastal western Alaska may increase summer season greenhouse gas uptake Phenological 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...
Authors
Katharine C. Kelsey, A. Joshua Leffler, Karen H. Beard, Ryan T. Choi, Joel A. Schmutz, Jeffery M. Welker
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Influenza A virus recovery, diversity, and intercontinental exchange: A multi-year assessment of wild bird sampling at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Influenza A virus recovery, diversity, and intercontinental exchange: A multi-year assessment of wild bird sampling at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Western Alaska is a potential point-of-entry for foreign-origin influenza A viruses (IAVs) into North America via migratory birds. We sampled waterfowl and gulls for IAVs at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in western Alaska, USA, during late summer and autumn months of 2011–2015, to evaluate the abundance and diversity of viruses at this site. We collected 4842 samples across five...
Authors
Andrew B. Reeves, Jeffery S. Hall, Rebecca L. Poulson, Tyrone F. Donnelly, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center

Lessons learned from research and surveillance directed at highly pathogenic influenza A viruses in wild birds inhabiting North America Lessons learned from research and surveillance directed at highly pathogenic influenza A viruses in wild birds inhabiting North America

Following detections of highly pathogenic (HP) influenza A viruses (IAVs) in wild birds inhabiting East Asia after the turn of the millennium, the intensity of sampling of wild birds for IAVs increased throughout much of North America. The objectives for many research and surveillance efforts were directed towards detecting Eurasian origin HP IAVs and understanding the potential of such...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Thomas J. DeLiberto, Yohannes Berhane, David E. Swayne, David E. Stallknecht
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Long‐term trends in fall age ratios of black brant Long‐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...
Authors
David H. Ward, Courtney L. Amundson, Robert A. Stehn, Christian P. Dau
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska 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

Aerial Imagery Captured at Nesting Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993-2016 Aerial Imagery Captured at Nesting Pacific Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) Colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1993-2016

This data set contains one table of the habitat classifications from imagery captured during aerial photographic surveys at the five primary Pacific black brant colonies on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in western Alaska from 1993-2016.
By
Alaska Science Center

USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection USGS Alaska Science Center Wildlife Tracking Data Collection

Understanding the short- and long-distance movements of wildlife is critical for a wide variety of ecological research studies and management decisions. Since the mid-1980s, the USGS Alaska Science Center has collected data from wildlife tracking devices to: determine locations of animals throughout their annual cycles, understand patterns of habitat use, quantify time spent on various...
By
Alaska Science Center

Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska Influenza A Virus Data from Emperor Geese, Alaska

Data set containing avian influenza A virus (IAV) sampling information for Emperor Geese in Alaska, 2015-2017. The data are in three tables: 1) collection data and IAV screening results from fecal samples at several sites in southwestern Alaska, 2) results of blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) tests for IAV antibodies in blood serum collected from nesting female Emperor...
By
Alaska Science Center

Development of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Greater-White Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) for genetic stock identification on wintering grounds, 2019 Development of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Greater-White Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) for genetic stock identification on wintering grounds, 2019

This data set contains a description of 3 mitochondrial DNA and 93 nuclear DNA Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) loci and sequence information developed through double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) techniques for Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) that winter in California.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Influenza A Virus Data from Migratory Birds, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Influenza A Virus Data from Migratory Birds, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Dataset containing avian influenza screening results for waterfowl and gulls sampled during autumn in (or near) Izembek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Alaska, 2011-2024. These data contain information on species, age, and sex of birds sampled, collection dates, and laboratory testing information used to determine the presence and absence of influenza A viruses (IAVs).
By
Alaska Science Center

Serological data on influenza A from birds and mammals on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska, 2011-2017 Serological data on influenza A from birds and mammals on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska, 2011-2017

These data (in two spreadsheets) are the results of screening for influenza A viruses (IAV) in blood from wild animals that utilize the Arctic region of Alaska. 758 blood samples from nine wildlife species (3 mammal, 6 waterbird) were collected in Arctic Alaska, 2011-2017. Two different tests were used and the results are presented in separate spreadsheets. All blood samples were...
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

Spring temperature, migration chronology, and nutrient allocation to eggs in three species of arctic‐nesting geese: Implications for resilience to climate warming Spring temperature, migration chronology, and nutrient allocation to eggs in three species of arctic‐nesting geese: Implications for resilience to climate warming

The macronutrients that Arctic herbivores invest in their offspring are derived from endogenous reserves of fat and protein (capital) that females build prior to the period of investment or from foods they consume concurrently with investment (income). The relative contribution from each source can be influenced by temporal and environmental constraints on a female's ability to forage on...
Authors
Jerry W. Hupp, David H. Ward, David X. Soto, Keith A. Hobson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Evidence for haemosporidian parasite infections in Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) sampled in Alaska during the breeding season Evidence for haemosporidian parasite infections in Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) sampled in Alaska during the breeding season

We assessed hematozoa infection in Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) at two areas in Alaska. No Haemoproteus or Plasmodium species were detected. Leucocytozoon prevalence was 6.5% for adults across sites and 41.9% for juveniles sampled in the Arctic, providing evidence for local transmission. All Leucocytozoon haplotypes were previously detected in waterfowl.
Authors
John A. Reed, Matthew G. Sexson, Matthew M. Smith, Joel A. Schmutz, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Phenological mismatch in coastal western Alaska may increase summer season greenhouse gas uptake Phenological 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...
Authors
Katharine C. Kelsey, A. Joshua Leffler, Karen H. Beard, Ryan T. Choi, Joel A. Schmutz, Jeffery M. Welker
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Influenza A virus recovery, diversity, and intercontinental exchange: A multi-year assessment of wild bird sampling at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Influenza A virus recovery, diversity, and intercontinental exchange: A multi-year assessment of wild bird sampling at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Western Alaska is a potential point-of-entry for foreign-origin influenza A viruses (IAVs) into North America via migratory birds. We sampled waterfowl and gulls for IAVs at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in western Alaska, USA, during late summer and autumn months of 2011–2015, to evaluate the abundance and diversity of viruses at this site. We collected 4842 samples across five...
Authors
Andrew B. Reeves, Jeffery S. Hall, Rebecca L. Poulson, Tyrone F. Donnelly, David E. Stallknecht, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center

Lessons learned from research and surveillance directed at highly pathogenic influenza A viruses in wild birds inhabiting North America Lessons learned from research and surveillance directed at highly pathogenic influenza A viruses in wild birds inhabiting North America

Following detections of highly pathogenic (HP) influenza A viruses (IAVs) in wild birds inhabiting East Asia after the turn of the millennium, the intensity of sampling of wild birds for IAVs increased throughout much of North America. The objectives for many research and surveillance efforts were directed towards detecting Eurasian origin HP IAVs and understanding the potential of such...
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Thomas J. DeLiberto, Yohannes Berhane, David E. Swayne, David E. Stallknecht
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Long‐term trends in fall age ratios of black brant Long‐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...
Authors
David H. Ward, Courtney L. Amundson, Robert A. Stehn, Christian P. Dau
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

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