Waterfowl Research
Science Center Objects
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.
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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
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska.(Credit: Ryan Askren, USGS. Public domain.)
Waterfowl Research by Species
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Date published: November 1, 2019Status: ActiveSwan Research
USGS research on swans in Alaska has focused on pathogens, contaminants, and demographic rates in each of the different breeding areas of Alaska. The vastly different migration patterns of swans in Alaska means that there are multiple factors on the wintering grounds and during migration that may influence population size and trends.
Contacts: Craig Ely, Ph.D., John M Pearce, Ph.D.Attribution: Region 11: Alaska, Alaska Science Center -
Date published: June 19, 2019Status: ActiveSpatial and Temporal Maps of Population Change of Waterbirds on Alaska's North Slope
A main objective of the USGS Changing Arctic Research Initiative is to quantify and provide projections of the responses of wildlife species and their habitats to ecosystem change in the Arctic. The following project provides information for Department of Interior agencies, industry, and other stakeholders related to this objective.
Contacts: John M Pearce, Ph.D., Paul Flint, Ph.D.Attribution: Region 11: Alaska, Alaska Science Center -
Date published: August 13, 2018Status: ActiveChanging Arctic Ecosystems
The USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative will enhance the long-term science foundation needed by the U.S. Department of the Interior and other partners.
Contacts: John M Pearce, Ph.D. -
Date published: July 27, 2017Status: ActiveGoose Research
The USGS Alaska Science Center has had a focus on addressing science questions related to geese in Alaska for decades. Information on these species is critical because all are important resources for subsistence and sport hunters in the state and outside of Alaska where these birds spend the winter. The large majority of goose populations in Alaska breed on national wildlife refuges (managed...
Attribution: Region 11: Alaska, Alaska Science Center -
Date published: July 27, 2017Status: ActiveDabbling and Diving Duck Research
Dabbling and diving ducks, such as mallards, pintails and scaup, are widespread species throughout North America. Additionally, their migratory flyways pass through Asia and North America overlap in Alaska. Population trends of these species are closely tracked through aerial surveys by management agencies. Results from these and other surveys are then used to formulate management actions...
Contacts: Paul Flint, Ph.D.Attribution: Region 11: Alaska, Alaska Science Center -
Date published: July 27, 2017Status: ActiveSea Duck Research
USGS research on sea ducks is designed to anticipate and address priority information needs of management agencies. Additionally, work is focused on individual species biology, migration and population status and trends because until just recently, very little was known about sea ducks in Alaska.
Contacts: John M Pearce, Ph.D. -
Date published: July 13, 2017Status: ActiveWildlife Disease and Environmental Health in Alaska
Environmental health is defined by connections between the physical environment, ecological health, and human health. Current research within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the importance of this integrated research philosophy, which includes study of disease and pollutants as they pertain to both wildlife and humans. Due to its key geographic location and significant wildlife...
Contacts: John M Pearce, Ph.D.
Temporal variation in genetic structure within the threatened spectacled eider
We examined the genetic structure of the threatened spectacled eider 14–18 years after the initial assessment to evaluate the influence of population recovery on diversity. Concordant with the initial assessment, spectacled eiders were highly structured at mitochondrial (mt) DNA and lacked differentiation at microsatellite loci. The degree and...
Sonsthagen, Sarah A.; Haughey, Christy; Sexson, Matthew G.; Solovyeva, Diana V; Petersen, Margaret R.; Powell, Abby The black brant population is declining based on mark recapture
Annual survival and recruitment in black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) have declined since the 1990s, yet aerial surveys of the global population have been stable or even increasing over the past decade. We used a combination of a Lincoln estimator based on harvest information and band recoveries, and marked‐unmarked ratios in bag checks in 1...
Sedinger, James S.; Riecke, Thomas V.; Leach, Alan G.; Ward, David H. Spatial distribution of band recoveries of black brant
On average, band recovery rates of adult black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) more than doubled between the 2000s and 2010s. However, the spatial distribution of band recoveries of black brant has not been reported. Our objective was to describe the spatial distribution of band recoveries of black brant since 1990. We found that Alaska,...
Leach, Alan G.; Ward, David H.; Sedinger, James S.; Riecke, Thomas V.; Hupp, Jerry W.; Ritchie, Robert J. Non‐linear effect of sea ice: Spectacled Eider survival declines at both extremes of the ice spectrum
Understanding the relationship between environmental factors and vital rates is an important step in predicting a species’ response to environmental change. Species associated with sea ice are of particular concern because sea ice is projected to decrease rapidly in polar environments with continued levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The...
Christie, Katherine S.; Hollmen, Tuula E.; Flint, Paul L.; Douglas, David C. 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 (...
Kelsey, Katharine C.; Leffler, A. Joshua; Beard, Karen H.; Choi, Ryan T.; Schmutz, Joel A.; Welker, Jeffery M. 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...
Ward, David H.; Amundson, Courtney L.; Stehn, Robert A.; Dau, Christian P. Genetic 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...
Ely, Craig R.; Wilson, Robert E.; Talbot, Sandra L. Biochemical 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...
Latty, Christopher J.; Hollmen, Tuula E.; Petersen, Margaret R.; Powell, Abby; Andrews, Russel D. Genome 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. ...
Ramey, Andrew M.; Reeves, Andrew B.; Poulson, Rebecca L.; Carter, Deborah L.; Davis-Fields, Nicholas; Stallknecht, David E. 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)
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...
Ramey, Andrew M.; Walther, Patrick; Link, Paul Karl; Poulson, Rebecca L.; Wilcox, Benjamin R.; Newsome, George M.; Spackman, Erica; Brown, J.; Stallknecht, David E. Evidence 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...
Hupp, Jerry W.; Kharitonov, Sergei; Yamaguchi, Noriyuki M.; Ozaki, K.; Flint, Paul L.; Pearce, John M.; Tokita, Ken-ichi; Shimada, Tetsuo; Higuchi, Hiroyoshi
Changing 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...
Hupp, Jerry W.; Ward, David H.; Whalen, Mary E.; Pearce, John M.-
Date published: November 12, 2019
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%
Attribution: Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory -
Date published: November 15, 2018Influenza 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 c
Attribution: Alaska Science Center -
Date published: July 1, 2018
Sampling and Resistance and Genomic Typing of Cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in Gulls (Larus spp.) and Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Southcentral Alaska, 2016
This data set includes information on collections of fecal or cloacal samples from wild birds at the landfill in Soldotna, Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Attribution: Alaska Science Center -
Date published: June 1, 2018
Blood Parasite Infection Data from Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri), Alaska, 2008-2012
This dataset includes two spreadsheets associated with a study of three genera of blood parasites (Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, Plasmodium) in 185 Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) sampled in Alaska, 2008-2012. The first spreadsheet provides age, sex, location, and blood parasite (hematozoa) infection data for three different genera of blood parasites. Hematozoa DNA%2
Attribution: Alaska Science Center -
Date published: February 1, 2018
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Biomass, and Nitrogen Content of Goose Forage, Northern Alaska, 2011-2015
This data set contains four tables of information regarding the sampling of plant biomass, nitrogen, cumulative thaw degree days, precipitation, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) information for the Colville River Delta and Point Lonely area of northern Alaska from 2011-2015.
Attribution: Alaska Science Center -
Date published: January 1, 2018
Data for Evaluating Efficacy of 1- versus 2-prong Radio Transmitter Attachment for Scoters in Alaska and Washington, 2008-2010
A major challenge of wildlife telemetry is choosing an attachment technique that maximizes transmitter retention while minimizing negative side effects. For waterbirds, attachment of transmitters with subcutaneous anchors has been an effective and well-established technique, having been used on >40 species. This method was recently modified to include a second subcutaneous anchor, presuma...
Attribution: Alaska Science Center -
Date published: December 31, 2017
Satellite Telemetry Data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) Captured on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, 2013-2017
This data release contains one table of data from a four-year study of Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons frontalis) breeding ecology conducted in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska during 2013-2017. Location data depict habitat use of 5 marked female birds throughout the annual cycle.
Attribution: Alaska Science Center -
Date published: August 1, 2017
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) Habitat Use Data, Teshekpuk Lake Special Area, 2012-2013
This data release contains one table of data from a two-year study of Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons frontalis) molting ecology conducted in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area within the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska in 2012 and 2013.
Attribution: Alaska Science Center -
Date published: August 1, 2017
Influenza A Viruses and Antibody Response in High-Latitude Urban Wintering Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), Alaska, 2012-2015
This data set contains information regarding the sampling of avian influenza viruses from mallard ducks at locations in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska 2012-2015. Data pertaining to wild birds (mallards) sampled includes band numbers, age and sex, location and timing of sampling. Laboratory specific data is also included and used to identify presence and absence of avian influenza virus
Attribution: Alaska Science Center -
Date published: July 24, 2017
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) Nest Characteristics and Nesting Behavior Classifications from Time-lapse Photographs and Nest Visit Data; Point Lonely, Alaska, 2013-2014
This data release contains three tables of information on behavior and productivity of greater white-fronted geese nesting near Point Lonely, Alaska, 2013-2014: transcriptions of nest photographs obtained by time-lapse photography at 1-minute intervals in 2013 and 2014, and characteristics of nests monitored with cameras and via periodic nest visits during 2013-2014. Data were collected
Attribution: Alaska Science Center
Tundra swan on the Colville River Delta, Alaska
Tundra swan on the Colville River Delta, Alaska 2013.
A Male Spectacled Eider in Alaska
A male spectacled eider following implantation of a satellite transmitter in the Colville River delta in June 2009. After breeding numbers of spectacled eiders, a large sea duck, declined by 96 percent at a primary breeding area in Alaska, the species was listed as threatened. Potential risks to eiders include being subjected to increased exposure during storms in winter,
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Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska
Snow Goose near the Colville River, northern Alaska.
Northern Pintail
The USGS conducts surveillance and research nationwide on wildlife diseases that could be harmful to domestic animals and humans.
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Date published: April 11, 2019BBL Data in Publication: Band Recoveries in Black Brant
A recently published scientific article uses USGS Bird Banding Laboratory records to evaluate hotspots of Black Brant band recoveries.
Attribution: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center