Data Supporting Studies of Brant and Other Waterfowl Disturbance Behavior, Distribution, and Diet at Izembek Lagoon, Alaska, 1985-1988

This data package presents legacy data collected during 1985-1988 at Izembek Lagoon on the western end of the Alaska Peninsula. The data were collected in support of a multi-year study focused on aircraft disturbance of waterfowl, particularly Black Brant, Emperor Geese, and Cackling Geese. The study was conducted at Izembek Lagoon and included several study sites within the lagoon: Halfway Point, Grant Point, Outer Marker, Quarter Point, Applegate Cove, Norma Bay, Round Island, and Banding Island. The primary objectives were to 1) determine the effects of aircraft overflights and other human activities on the behavior, distribution, and habitat use of Brant, Cackling, and Emperor Geese, 2) examine noise levels associated with aircraft overflights and determine whether the behavioral response of geese is influenced by noise, 3) evaluate the potential impact of disturbance on the energetic requirements of fall-staging Brant, 4) determine the proportion of time brant spend foraging, resting, and in flight during natural environmental conditions, 5) assess the diet of brant staging at Izembek Lagoon, 6) analyze the nutritional quality of brant foods to determine selection patterns for both plants and plant parts, 7) determine the distribution and abundance of eelgrass, 8) define the time periods that are most important for geese foraging, 9) determine if certain portions of Izembek Lagoon are more important than other areas, 10) evaluate factors that influence distribution of geese within Izembek Lagoon, and 11) compare use by geese of Izembek Lagoon with use of other adjacent lagoons to determine relative importance.