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Abby Powell, PhD

Unit Leader - Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit 

Dr. Powell joined the unit program in 2000, when she became an Assistant Unit Leader at the Alaska Unit. Prior to that she served as a Research Wildlife Biologist for several USGS Science Centers after receiving her graduate degree from University of Minnesota. In 2015, Dr. Powell became the Unit Leader of the Florida Unit. Her research focuses on avian ecology, particularly species of conservation concern, and spans from the North Slope of Alaska to the shores of Florida. Dr. Powell's interests include breeding and migration ecology. Her work on migration includes tracking birds with devices ranging from light-level geolocators to satellite transmitters to determine routes of migration routes, timing of migration, variation in age classes and individuals, and locations of stopover/staging and wintering areas. Although her early work on piping plovers led to a long career working with shorebirds, she has worked on many other groups including waterfowl, songbirds, and long-legged waders. Dr. Powell has taught classes and workshops on Scientific Writing and Publishing, as well as special topics courses on Migration Ecology and Avian Ecology.

Areas of Expertise

Marine/Coastal Ecology, Movement Ecology, Population Dynamics, Species Management, T&E Species Management

Taxon Groups Studied

Coastal/Marine Birds, Nongame Fish/Wildlife, Songbirds, Species of Greatest Conservation Need, Waterfowl

Research Interests

  • Conservation Biology
  • Avian Ecology
  • Endangered Species Biology and Management

Teaching Interests

  • Conservation Biology
  • Endangered Species Management
  • Avian Ecology
  • Scientific Writing

Education and Certifications

  • Ph D University of Minnesota 1992

  • MS San Diego State University 1986

  • BS Cornell University 1980

Science and Products

Image: Red Knots at Delaware Bay

Sustaining Horseshoe Crabs and Supporting Migratory Shorebirds in the Delaware Bay

USGS is developing predictive models to inform sustainable harvest of horseshoe crabs ( Limulus polyphemus) in Delaware Bay to help managers make decisions to support needs of people and shorebirds including rufa red knot ( Calidris canutus rufa).
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Sustaining Horseshoe Crabs and Supporting Migratory Shorebirds in the Delaware Bay

Sustaining Horseshoe Crabs and Supporting Migratory Shorebirds in the Delaware Bay

USGS is developing predictive models to inform sustainable harvest of horseshoe crabs ( Limulus polyphemus) in Delaware Bay to help managers make decisions to support needs of people and shorebirds including rufa red knot ( Calidris canutus rufa).
Learn More
A flock of Steller's Eiders in the Izembek Lagoon. Isanotski Volcano in the background

Developing a Coordinated, Multi-Region Effort to Understand the Effects of Climate Change on Migratory Birds

Birds are appreciated and enjoyed by thousands of people and also play important roles in the ecosystem as predators, prey, and pollinators. Alaska provides important breeding ground for hundreds of migratory bird species that travel thousands of miles in their annual migrations between breeding and wintering spots. Understanding how climate and land use changes affect migratory bird...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Developing a Coordinated, Multi-Region Effort to Understand the Effects of Climate Change on Migratory Birds

Developing a Coordinated, Multi-Region Effort to Understand the Effects of Climate Change on Migratory Birds

Birds are appreciated and enjoyed by thousands of people and also play important roles in the ecosystem as predators, prey, and pollinators. Alaska provides important breeding ground for hundreds of migratory bird species that travel thousands of miles in their annual migrations between breeding and wintering spots. Understanding how climate and land use changes affect migratory bird populations
Learn More

Locations of Smith's Longspurs tagged with light-level geolocators in northern Alaska, 2013 and 2014 Locations of Smith's Longspurs tagged with light-level geolocators in northern Alaska, 2013 and 2014

These data are locations derived from light-level geolocators placed on 4 male Smith Longspurs captured on the breeding grounds of northern Alaska in 2013. In addition, we downloaded data from eBird to record where this species was observed through citizen science. Finally, we collected head feathers from birds on the breeding ground of Alaska to determine their isotopic values of...
By
Cooperative Research Units

Pacific common eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) nest records, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1991-2004 Pacific common eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) nest records, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1991-2004

This data are a single table of nest records from a multi-year study of Pacific Common Eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) biology that was conducted along the lower Kashunuk River, Kigigak Island, and the mouth of the Tutakoke River on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta from 1991-2004.
By
Alaska Science Center

Nesting Habitat and Nest Survival Data for American (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific (P. fulva) Golden-Plovers on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2013 Nesting Habitat and Nest Survival Data for American (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific (P. fulva) Golden-Plovers on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2013

This data set contains information (in two tables) on nesting habitat and nest survival for American (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific (P. fulva) Golden-Plovers monitored at seven study sites across an elevational gradient (28-416 m) on the Seward Peninsula in northwestern Alaska during the summers of 2012 and 2013. We used principal components analysis to reduce habitat measurements into...
By
Alaska Science Center

Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri) Microsatellite and Mitochondrial DNA Data, 2014-2018, Alaska and Russia 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...
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory
Filter Total Items: 52

Global tracking of marine megafauna space use reveals how to achieve conservation targets Global tracking of marine megafauna space use reveals how to achieve conservation targets

The recent Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) sets ambitious goals but no clear pathway for how zero loss of important biodiversity areas and halting human-induced extinction of threatened species will be achieved. We assembled a multi-taxa tracking dataset (11 million geopositions from 15,845 tracked individuals across 121 species) to provide a global assessment of...
Authors
Ana M.M. Sequeira, Jorge P. Rodríguez, Sarah A. Marley, Hannah J. Calich, Mirjam van der Mheen, Michelle VanCompernolle, Lucy M. Arrowsmith, Lauren R. Peel, Nuno Queiroz, Marisa Vedor, Ivo da Costa, Gonzalo Mucientes, Ana Couto, Nicolas E. Humphries, Sara Abalo-Morla, Francisco J. Abascal, Debra L. Abercrombie, Katya Abrantes, F. Alberto Abreu-Grobois, André S. Afonso, Pedro Afonso, Heidi Ahonen, Susanne Åkesson, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Russel D. Andrews, Frédéric Angelier, Marina Antonopoulou, Javier A. Arata, Gonzalo Araujo, Randall Arauz, José Manuel Arcos, Igor Arregui, Haritz Arrizabalaga, Marie Auger-Méthé, Steffen Bach, Fred Bailleul, Robin W. Baird, George H. Balazs, Susan G. Barco, Adam Barnett, Warren Baverstock, Alastair M.M. Baylis, Annalea Beard, Juan Bécares, Eduardo J. Belda, Ian Bell, Ashley Bennison, Scott R. Benson, Diego Bernal, Michael L. Berumen, Sandra Bessudo, Natalia P.A. Bezerra, Antonin V. Blaison, Gabriela S. Blanco, Barbara A. Block, Mark Bolton, Mark E. Bond, Ramón Bonfil, Camrin D. Braun, Annette C. Broderick, Michael de L. Brooke, Annabelle M.L. Brooks, Edward J. Brooks, Ignacio M. Bruno, Jennifer M. Burns, Michael E. Byrne, Steven E. Campana, Hamish A. Campbell, Richard A. Campbell, Aaron Carlisle, Ruth H. Carmichael, Gemma Carroll, Paolo Casale, Filipe R. Ceia, Demian D. Chapman, Taylor K. Chapple, Jean-Benoit Charrassin, Andre Chiaradia, John Chisholm, Christopher R. Clarke, Thomas A. Clay, Christophe Cleguer, Elizabeth Clingham, Eric E. G. Clua, Jesse E.M. Cochran, Rochelle Constantine, Robert W. Cooper, Estelle Crochelet, Michelle Cronin, Eduardo Cuevas, Kayla P. DaCosta, Laurent Dagorn, Ryan Daly, Randall W. Davis, Nico P. J. de Bruyn, Carlos Delgado-Trejo, Thomas Dellinger, Solène Derville, Stella Diamant, Andrew DiMatteo, Kara L. Dodge, Philip D. Doherty, Michael C. Double, Alistair D. M. Dove, Thomas K Doyle, Michael J. Drew, Lindsay L. Dubbs, Clinton A.J. Duffy, Peter H. Dutton, Ewan W.J. Edwards, Luke D. Einoder, Mark V. Erdmann, Eduardo Espinoza, Nicole Esteban, Ana Isabel Fagundes, Chris Feare, Steven H. Ferguson, Luciana C. Ferreira, Francesco Ferretti, John Filmalter, Brittany Finucci, G. Chris Fischer, Richard J. Fitzpatrick, Jorge Fontes, Angela Formia, Sabrina Fossette, Malcolm P. Francis, Ari S. Friedlaender, Miguel Furtado, Austin J. Gallagher, Claire Garrigue, Enrico Gennari, H. Grant Gilchrist, Brendan J. Godley, Simon D. Goldsworthy, Matthew Gollock, Victoria González Carman, W. James Grecian, Jonathan R. Green, Christophe Guinet, Johan Gustafson, Tristan L. Guttridge, Hector M. Guzman, Derek Hamer, Keith C. Hamer, Neil Hammerschlag, Mike O. Hammill, Luke Harman, Emma Harrison, Catherine E. Hart, A. Errol Harris, Gordon Hastie, Fabio H.V. Hazin, Matt Heard, Alex R. Hearn, Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen, Leeann Henry, Robert William Henry, Vicente Guzman Hernandez, Arturo E. Herrera, Mark A. Hindell, John C. Holdsworth, Bonnie J. Holmes, Lucy A. Howey, Edgar Mauricio Hoyos Padilla, Luis A. Huckstadt, Robert E. Hueter, Paulo H. Lara, Nigel E. Hussey, Charlie Huveneers, Kevin Hyland, Dylan T. Irion, David M.P. Jacoby, Audrey Jaeger, Mohammed Y. Jaidah, Mark Jessopp, Oliver J.D. Jewell, Ryan Johnson, Carl G. Jones, Ian D. Jonsen, Lance K.B. Jordan, Salvador J. Jorgensen, Akiko Kato, James T. Ketchum, Alexander S. Kitaysky, A. Peter Klimley, Alison A. Kock, Pieter Koen, Felipe Ladino Archila, Fernanda O. Lana, Jude V. Lane, Matthieu Le Corre, Mary-Anne Lea, Eliza H.K. Leat, Olivia A. Lee, J. Jacob Levenson, César P. Ley-Quiñonez, Fiona Llewellyn, Gwen Lockhart, Gustave G. Lopez, Milagros Lopez Mendilaharsu, Andrew D. Lowther, Paolo Luschi, Molly E. Lutcavage, Warrick S. Lyon, Bruno C.L. Macena, Alice I. Mackay, Christine A. Madden Hof, Mark L. Mallory, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Michael Manning, Kate L. Mansfield, David March, Adolfo Marco, Marianne Marcoux, David Acuña-Marrero, Helene Marsh, Heather Marshall, Bruce R Mate, Jaime D. McAllister, Rebecca L. McGuire, Jane McKenzie, Lachlan McLeay, Clive R. McMahon, Michelle Modest, John T Morris, Mônica M.C. Muelbert, Naveen Namboothri, Wallace J. Nichols, Malcolm A.C. Nicoll, Bradley M. Norman, Ken Norris, Erik Olsen, Steffen Oppel, Sabine Orlowski, Anthony M. Pagano, Brad Page, Vitor H. Paiva, Daniel M. Palacios, Yannis P. Papastamatiou, Denise M. Parker, Charitha B Pattiaratchi, Hoyt Peckham, Cesar R. Peñaherrera-Palma, Julian G. Pepperell, Richard A. Phillips, Simon J. Pierce, Stephen K. Pikesley, Nicolas J. Pilcher, Patrick Pinet, Matt Pinkerton, Enrico Pirotta, Virginie Plot, Abby Powell, Kevin D. Powers, Clare E.M. Prebble, Tiana J. Preston, Rui Prieto, Laura Prosdocimi, John L. Quinn, Lina Maria Quintero, Thierry Raclot, Iván Ramirez, Dení Ramírez-Macías, Jaime A. Ramos, Andrew J. Read, Rolf Ream, Alan F. Rees, Richard D. Reina, Ryan R. Reisinger, Ohiana Revuelta, Samantha D. Reynolds, Anthony J. Richardson, Leena Riekkola, Federico G. Riet-Sapriza, David P. Robinson, Patrick W. Robinson, Carlos F.D. Rocha, Tracey L. Rogers, Christoph A. Rohner, Yan Ropert-Coudert, Monica Ross, David R. L. Rowat, Kevin Ruhomaun, Paul M. Sagar, Melita A. Samoilys, Sonia Sanchez, Alejandra G. Sandoval-Lugo, Erik A.P. dos Santos, António M. Santos, Kylie L. Scales, Gail Schofield, Jayson M. Semmens, Edy Setyawan, Scott A. Shaffer, Kartik Shanker, Marcus Sheaves, George L. Shillinger, Mahmood S. Shivji, Abraham Sianipar, Janet R.D. Silk, Mónica A. Silva, Jolene Sim, Samantha J. Simpson, Gregory B. Skomal, David J. Slip, Malcolm J. Smale, German A. Soler, Marc Soria, Lara L. Sousa, Emily J. Southall, Jean-Claude Stahl, Kilian M. Stehfest, Jeremy T. Sterling, John D. Stevens, Guy M.W. Stevens, Joshua D. Stewart, Adhith Swaminathan, Akinori Takahashi, Vikash Tatayah, Jean-Baptiste Thiebot, Paul M. Thompson, Simon R. Thorrold, Michele Thums, Jesús Tomás, Leigh G. Torres, Alison Towner, Philip N. Trathan, John P. Tyminski, Ricardo Sagarminaga van Buiten, Robert P. van Dam, Frederic Vandeperre, Nuria Varo-Cruz, Jeremy J. Vaudo, Michel Vely, Stella Villegas-Amtmann, Cecile Vincent, David Waayers, Sarah Wanless, Yuuki Y. Watanabe, Cortney A. Watt, Sam B. Weber, Nicola Weber, Michael J. Weise, Linda Welch, Randall S. Wells, Jonathan M. Werry, Bradley M. Wetherbee, Timothy D. White, Scott D. Whiting, Andrea U. Whiting, Annelise Wiebkin, Barbara Wienecke, Natalie E. Wildermann, David N. Wiley, Alexis Will, Sean Williams, Marie Windstein, Saskia Wischnewski, Matthew J. Witt, Freya C. Womersley, Andrew G. Wood, Lucy J. Wright, José C. Xavier, Takashi Yamamoto, David J. Yurkowski, Patricia M. Zarate, Alan Zavala-Norzagaray, Alexandre N. Zerbini, Daniel P. Costa, Robert Harcourt, Mark G. Meekan, Graeme C. Hays, David W. Sims, Carlos M. Duarte, Víctor M. Eguíluz
By
Alaska Science Center

Geolocators, stable isotopes, and citizen science identify migratory timing, route, and spring molt of Smith’s Longspurs Geolocators, stable isotopes, and citizen science identify migratory timing, route, and spring molt of Smith’s Longspurs

Climate change is having a disproportionate impact on the Arctic. For Arctic breeding birds, basic knowledge of their annual cycle, specifically the timing, route, and movement behavior of migration, is needed to understand when and where populations may experience threats. We used a combination of geolocators and stable isotope analysis to identify route and timing of migration in Smith...
Authors
Alexis Will, Heather McFarland, Christopher Latty, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

Evidence of a load-lightening helper effect in Florida Scrub-Jays: Implications for translocation Evidence of a load-lightening helper effect in Florida Scrub-Jays: Implications for translocation

The Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is an imperiled cooperatively breeding species endemic to Florida scrub habitats. Translocation of non-reproductive helpers has been proposed as a conservation tool to increase population size and connectivity. However, the potential consequences of helper removal on the source population remain unclear because the benefits provided by...
Authors
Alexis Cardas, Erin Hewett Ragheb, Karl E. Miller, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

First nests of Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer found in over 40 years indicate nesting plasticity First nests of Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer found in over 40 years indicate nesting plasticity

Knowledge of the breeding ecology of Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer is necessary to develop a comprehensive species-specific conservation plan. We found nine greenshank nests in Schaste Bay, Russian Far East during the summers of 2019–2021. These are the first nests found in over 40 years and the only discovered to date on mainland Russia. In contrast to previous nest...
Authors
Konstantin S. Maslovsky, Philipp N. Maleko, Vladimir V. Pronkevich, Jonathan C. Slaght, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

An invasive prey provides long-lasting silver spoon effects for an endangered predator An invasive prey provides long-lasting silver spoon effects for an endangered predator

The natal environment can have long-term fitness consequences for individuals, particularly via ‘silver spoon’ or ‘environmental matching’ effects. Invasive species could alter natal effects on native species by changing species interactions, but this potential remains unknown. Using 17 years of data on 2588 individuals across the entire US breeding range of the endangered snail kite...
Authors
Caroline L. Poli, Ellen P. Robertson, Julien Martin, Abby Powell, Robert J. Fletcher Jr.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

How effective is the Birdsbesafe® cat collar at reducing bird mortality by domestic cats? How effective is the Birdsbesafe® cat collar at reducing bird mortality by domestic cats?

The global decline of songbird populations is a well-recognized conservation issue. Domestic cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds each year in the United States alone—more than most other anthropogenic threats combined. As many pet owners are reluctant to keep their cats inside, collar-mounted antipredation devices for domestic cats may be an important conservation tool. We examined...
Authors
M.B. Jensen, S.K. Willson, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

The Southeastern U.S. as a complex of use sites for nonbreeding rufa Red Knots: Fifteen years of band-encounter data The Southeastern U.S. as a complex of use sites for nonbreeding rufa Red Knots: Fifteen years of band-encounter data

Shorebirds have been banded for decades and monitoring programs have helped to accumulate large band-encounter datasets from across the globe; however, many of these datasets are left largely unused, particularly those collected by citizen scientists. These datasets can provide valuable insight into the migration and movement strategies of shorebirds and the threats they face throughout...
Authors
M.E. Tuma, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

Factors limiting reproductive success of American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) in Florida's southern Big Bend region Factors limiting reproductive success of American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) in Florida's southern Big Bend region

Florida's Big Bend region hosts the second largest concentration of breeding American Oystercatchers in the state, but reproductive success is low. Nest site characteristics and predation were examined to determine their influence on survival of nests and broods at two areas in the southern Big Bend (Cedar Key and Barge Canal). The probability of a nest surviving in Cedar Key was low (x̄...
Authors
N. Vitale, J. Brush, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

Loss of coastal islands along Florida’s Big Bend region: Implications for breeding American oystercatchers Loss of coastal islands along Florida’s Big Bend region: Implications for breeding American oystercatchers

Many coastal-dependent species have undergone large-scale population declines due to impacts from habitat loss, including American oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus). Islands along the Big Bend region of Florida’s Gulf Coast provide important nesting habitat for oystercatchers, but reproductive success here is low and habitat degradation and loss are a major concern. To determine...
Authors
N. Vitale, J. Brush, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

Does habitat partitioning by sympatric plovers affect nest survival? Does habitat partitioning by sympatric plovers affect nest survival?

The vertical structure and composition of vegetation can influence the quantity and quality of potential nesting sites for birds. Interspecific competition for high-quality nesting habitat may force some individuals into suboptimal habitat and lead to reduced reproductive success, eventually leading to changes in distribution or abundance. Large climate-mediated shifts in vegetation...
Authors
Kelly S Overduijn, Colleen M. Handel, Abby Powell
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Temporal variation in genetic structure within the threatened spectacled eider 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 spatial pattern of structure has changed at...
Authors
Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Christy Haughey, Matthew G. Sexson, Diana V Solovyeva, Margaret R. Petersen, Abby Powell
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Energy intake rate influences survival of Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani broods Energy intake rate influences survival of Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani broods

Black Oystercatchers Haematopus bachmani, a species of conservation concern, depend on marine intertidal prey resources. We examined diet, feeding rates, growth, and survival of Black Oystercatcher broods in southcentral Alaska, 2013-2014. To determine the importance of diet on brood survival, we modeled daily survival rates of broods as a function of energy intake rate and other...
Authors
B.H. Robinson, L.M. Phillips, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

Science and Products

Image: Red Knots at Delaware Bay

Sustaining Horseshoe Crabs and Supporting Migratory Shorebirds in the Delaware Bay

USGS is developing predictive models to inform sustainable harvest of horseshoe crabs ( Limulus polyphemus) in Delaware Bay to help managers make decisions to support needs of people and shorebirds including rufa red knot ( Calidris canutus rufa).
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Sustaining Horseshoe Crabs and Supporting Migratory Shorebirds in the Delaware Bay

Sustaining Horseshoe Crabs and Supporting Migratory Shorebirds in the Delaware Bay

USGS is developing predictive models to inform sustainable harvest of horseshoe crabs ( Limulus polyphemus) in Delaware Bay to help managers make decisions to support needs of people and shorebirds including rufa red knot ( Calidris canutus rufa).
Learn More
A flock of Steller's Eiders in the Izembek Lagoon. Isanotski Volcano in the background

Developing a Coordinated, Multi-Region Effort to Understand the Effects of Climate Change on Migratory Birds

Birds are appreciated and enjoyed by thousands of people and also play important roles in the ecosystem as predators, prey, and pollinators. Alaska provides important breeding ground for hundreds of migratory bird species that travel thousands of miles in their annual migrations between breeding and wintering spots. Understanding how climate and land use changes affect migratory bird...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Developing a Coordinated, Multi-Region Effort to Understand the Effects of Climate Change on Migratory Birds

Developing a Coordinated, Multi-Region Effort to Understand the Effects of Climate Change on Migratory Birds

Birds are appreciated and enjoyed by thousands of people and also play important roles in the ecosystem as predators, prey, and pollinators. Alaska provides important breeding ground for hundreds of migratory bird species that travel thousands of miles in their annual migrations between breeding and wintering spots. Understanding how climate and land use changes affect migratory bird populations
Learn More

Locations of Smith's Longspurs tagged with light-level geolocators in northern Alaska, 2013 and 2014 Locations of Smith's Longspurs tagged with light-level geolocators in northern Alaska, 2013 and 2014

These data are locations derived from light-level geolocators placed on 4 male Smith Longspurs captured on the breeding grounds of northern Alaska in 2013. In addition, we downloaded data from eBird to record where this species was observed through citizen science. Finally, we collected head feathers from birds on the breeding ground of Alaska to determine their isotopic values of...
By
Cooperative Research Units

Pacific common eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) nest records, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1991-2004 Pacific common eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) nest records, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1991-2004

This data are a single table of nest records from a multi-year study of Pacific Common Eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) biology that was conducted along the lower Kashunuk River, Kigigak Island, and the mouth of the Tutakoke River on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta from 1991-2004.
By
Alaska Science Center

Nesting Habitat and Nest Survival Data for American (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific (P. fulva) Golden-Plovers on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2013 Nesting Habitat and Nest Survival Data for American (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific (P. fulva) Golden-Plovers on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2013

This data set contains information (in two tables) on nesting habitat and nest survival for American (Pluvialis dominica) and Pacific (P. fulva) Golden-Plovers monitored at seven study sites across an elevational gradient (28-416 m) on the Seward Peninsula in northwestern Alaska during the summers of 2012 and 2013. We used principal components analysis to reduce habitat measurements into...
By
Alaska Science Center

Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri) Microsatellite and Mitochondrial DNA Data, 2014-2018, Alaska and Russia 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...
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory
Filter Total Items: 52

Global tracking of marine megafauna space use reveals how to achieve conservation targets Global tracking of marine megafauna space use reveals how to achieve conservation targets

The recent Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) sets ambitious goals but no clear pathway for how zero loss of important biodiversity areas and halting human-induced extinction of threatened species will be achieved. We assembled a multi-taxa tracking dataset (11 million geopositions from 15,845 tracked individuals across 121 species) to provide a global assessment of...
Authors
Ana M.M. Sequeira, Jorge P. Rodríguez, Sarah A. Marley, Hannah J. Calich, Mirjam van der Mheen, Michelle VanCompernolle, Lucy M. Arrowsmith, Lauren R. Peel, Nuno Queiroz, Marisa Vedor, Ivo da Costa, Gonzalo Mucientes, Ana Couto, Nicolas E. Humphries, Sara Abalo-Morla, Francisco J. Abascal, Debra L. Abercrombie, Katya Abrantes, F. Alberto Abreu-Grobois, André S. Afonso, Pedro Afonso, Heidi Ahonen, Susanne Åkesson, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Russel D. Andrews, Frédéric Angelier, Marina Antonopoulou, Javier A. Arata, Gonzalo Araujo, Randall Arauz, José Manuel Arcos, Igor Arregui, Haritz Arrizabalaga, Marie Auger-Méthé, Steffen Bach, Fred Bailleul, Robin W. Baird, George H. Balazs, Susan G. Barco, Adam Barnett, Warren Baverstock, Alastair M.M. Baylis, Annalea Beard, Juan Bécares, Eduardo J. Belda, Ian Bell, Ashley Bennison, Scott R. Benson, Diego Bernal, Michael L. Berumen, Sandra Bessudo, Natalia P.A. Bezerra, Antonin V. Blaison, Gabriela S. Blanco, Barbara A. Block, Mark Bolton, Mark E. Bond, Ramón Bonfil, Camrin D. Braun, Annette C. Broderick, Michael de L. Brooke, Annabelle M.L. Brooks, Edward J. Brooks, Ignacio M. Bruno, Jennifer M. Burns, Michael E. Byrne, Steven E. Campana, Hamish A. Campbell, Richard A. Campbell, Aaron Carlisle, Ruth H. Carmichael, Gemma Carroll, Paolo Casale, Filipe R. Ceia, Demian D. Chapman, Taylor K. Chapple, Jean-Benoit Charrassin, Andre Chiaradia, John Chisholm, Christopher R. Clarke, Thomas A. Clay, Christophe Cleguer, Elizabeth Clingham, Eric E. G. Clua, Jesse E.M. Cochran, Rochelle Constantine, Robert W. Cooper, Estelle Crochelet, Michelle Cronin, Eduardo Cuevas, Kayla P. DaCosta, Laurent Dagorn, Ryan Daly, Randall W. Davis, Nico P. J. de Bruyn, Carlos Delgado-Trejo, Thomas Dellinger, Solène Derville, Stella Diamant, Andrew DiMatteo, Kara L. Dodge, Philip D. Doherty, Michael C. Double, Alistair D. M. Dove, Thomas K Doyle, Michael J. Drew, Lindsay L. Dubbs, Clinton A.J. Duffy, Peter H. Dutton, Ewan W.J. Edwards, Luke D. Einoder, Mark V. Erdmann, Eduardo Espinoza, Nicole Esteban, Ana Isabel Fagundes, Chris Feare, Steven H. Ferguson, Luciana C. Ferreira, Francesco Ferretti, John Filmalter, Brittany Finucci, G. Chris Fischer, Richard J. Fitzpatrick, Jorge Fontes, Angela Formia, Sabrina Fossette, Malcolm P. Francis, Ari S. Friedlaender, Miguel Furtado, Austin J. Gallagher, Claire Garrigue, Enrico Gennari, H. Grant Gilchrist, Brendan J. Godley, Simon D. Goldsworthy, Matthew Gollock, Victoria González Carman, W. James Grecian, Jonathan R. Green, Christophe Guinet, Johan Gustafson, Tristan L. Guttridge, Hector M. Guzman, Derek Hamer, Keith C. Hamer, Neil Hammerschlag, Mike O. Hammill, Luke Harman, Emma Harrison, Catherine E. Hart, A. Errol Harris, Gordon Hastie, Fabio H.V. Hazin, Matt Heard, Alex R. Hearn, Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen, Leeann Henry, Robert William Henry, Vicente Guzman Hernandez, Arturo E. Herrera, Mark A. Hindell, John C. Holdsworth, Bonnie J. Holmes, Lucy A. Howey, Edgar Mauricio Hoyos Padilla, Luis A. Huckstadt, Robert E. Hueter, Paulo H. Lara, Nigel E. Hussey, Charlie Huveneers, Kevin Hyland, Dylan T. Irion, David M.P. Jacoby, Audrey Jaeger, Mohammed Y. Jaidah, Mark Jessopp, Oliver J.D. Jewell, Ryan Johnson, Carl G. Jones, Ian D. Jonsen, Lance K.B. Jordan, Salvador J. Jorgensen, Akiko Kato, James T. Ketchum, Alexander S. Kitaysky, A. Peter Klimley, Alison A. Kock, Pieter Koen, Felipe Ladino Archila, Fernanda O. Lana, Jude V. Lane, Matthieu Le Corre, Mary-Anne Lea, Eliza H.K. Leat, Olivia A. Lee, J. Jacob Levenson, César P. Ley-Quiñonez, Fiona Llewellyn, Gwen Lockhart, Gustave G. Lopez, Milagros Lopez Mendilaharsu, Andrew D. Lowther, Paolo Luschi, Molly E. Lutcavage, Warrick S. Lyon, Bruno C.L. Macena, Alice I. Mackay, Christine A. Madden Hof, Mark L. Mallory, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Michael Manning, Kate L. Mansfield, David March, Adolfo Marco, Marianne Marcoux, David Acuña-Marrero, Helene Marsh, Heather Marshall, Bruce R Mate, Jaime D. McAllister, Rebecca L. McGuire, Jane McKenzie, Lachlan McLeay, Clive R. McMahon, Michelle Modest, John T Morris, Mônica M.C. Muelbert, Naveen Namboothri, Wallace J. Nichols, Malcolm A.C. Nicoll, Bradley M. Norman, Ken Norris, Erik Olsen, Steffen Oppel, Sabine Orlowski, Anthony M. Pagano, Brad Page, Vitor H. Paiva, Daniel M. Palacios, Yannis P. Papastamatiou, Denise M. Parker, Charitha B Pattiaratchi, Hoyt Peckham, Cesar R. Peñaherrera-Palma, Julian G. Pepperell, Richard A. Phillips, Simon J. Pierce, Stephen K. Pikesley, Nicolas J. Pilcher, Patrick Pinet, Matt Pinkerton, Enrico Pirotta, Virginie Plot, Abby Powell, Kevin D. Powers, Clare E.M. Prebble, Tiana J. Preston, Rui Prieto, Laura Prosdocimi, John L. Quinn, Lina Maria Quintero, Thierry Raclot, Iván Ramirez, Dení Ramírez-Macías, Jaime A. Ramos, Andrew J. Read, Rolf Ream, Alan F. Rees, Richard D. Reina, Ryan R. Reisinger, Ohiana Revuelta, Samantha D. Reynolds, Anthony J. Richardson, Leena Riekkola, Federico G. Riet-Sapriza, David P. Robinson, Patrick W. Robinson, Carlos F.D. Rocha, Tracey L. Rogers, Christoph A. Rohner, Yan Ropert-Coudert, Monica Ross, David R. L. Rowat, Kevin Ruhomaun, Paul M. Sagar, Melita A. Samoilys, Sonia Sanchez, Alejandra G. Sandoval-Lugo, Erik A.P. dos Santos, António M. Santos, Kylie L. Scales, Gail Schofield, Jayson M. Semmens, Edy Setyawan, Scott A. Shaffer, Kartik Shanker, Marcus Sheaves, George L. Shillinger, Mahmood S. Shivji, Abraham Sianipar, Janet R.D. Silk, Mónica A. Silva, Jolene Sim, Samantha J. Simpson, Gregory B. Skomal, David J. Slip, Malcolm J. Smale, German A. Soler, Marc Soria, Lara L. Sousa, Emily J. Southall, Jean-Claude Stahl, Kilian M. Stehfest, Jeremy T. Sterling, John D. Stevens, Guy M.W. Stevens, Joshua D. Stewart, Adhith Swaminathan, Akinori Takahashi, Vikash Tatayah, Jean-Baptiste Thiebot, Paul M. Thompson, Simon R. Thorrold, Michele Thums, Jesús Tomás, Leigh G. Torres, Alison Towner, Philip N. Trathan, John P. Tyminski, Ricardo Sagarminaga van Buiten, Robert P. van Dam, Frederic Vandeperre, Nuria Varo-Cruz, Jeremy J. Vaudo, Michel Vely, Stella Villegas-Amtmann, Cecile Vincent, David Waayers, Sarah Wanless, Yuuki Y. Watanabe, Cortney A. Watt, Sam B. Weber, Nicola Weber, Michael J. Weise, Linda Welch, Randall S. Wells, Jonathan M. Werry, Bradley M. Wetherbee, Timothy D. White, Scott D. Whiting, Andrea U. Whiting, Annelise Wiebkin, Barbara Wienecke, Natalie E. Wildermann, David N. Wiley, Alexis Will, Sean Williams, Marie Windstein, Saskia Wischnewski, Matthew J. Witt, Freya C. Womersley, Andrew G. Wood, Lucy J. Wright, José C. Xavier, Takashi Yamamoto, David J. Yurkowski, Patricia M. Zarate, Alan Zavala-Norzagaray, Alexandre N. Zerbini, Daniel P. Costa, Robert Harcourt, Mark G. Meekan, Graeme C. Hays, David W. Sims, Carlos M. Duarte, Víctor M. Eguíluz
By
Alaska Science Center

Geolocators, stable isotopes, and citizen science identify migratory timing, route, and spring molt of Smith’s Longspurs Geolocators, stable isotopes, and citizen science identify migratory timing, route, and spring molt of Smith’s Longspurs

Climate change is having a disproportionate impact on the Arctic. For Arctic breeding birds, basic knowledge of their annual cycle, specifically the timing, route, and movement behavior of migration, is needed to understand when and where populations may experience threats. We used a combination of geolocators and stable isotope analysis to identify route and timing of migration in Smith...
Authors
Alexis Will, Heather McFarland, Christopher Latty, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

Evidence of a load-lightening helper effect in Florida Scrub-Jays: Implications for translocation Evidence of a load-lightening helper effect in Florida Scrub-Jays: Implications for translocation

The Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is an imperiled cooperatively breeding species endemic to Florida scrub habitats. Translocation of non-reproductive helpers has been proposed as a conservation tool to increase population size and connectivity. However, the potential consequences of helper removal on the source population remain unclear because the benefits provided by...
Authors
Alexis Cardas, Erin Hewett Ragheb, Karl E. Miller, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

First nests of Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer found in over 40 years indicate nesting plasticity First nests of Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer found in over 40 years indicate nesting plasticity

Knowledge of the breeding ecology of Endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank Tringa guttifer is necessary to develop a comprehensive species-specific conservation plan. We found nine greenshank nests in Schaste Bay, Russian Far East during the summers of 2019–2021. These are the first nests found in over 40 years and the only discovered to date on mainland Russia. In contrast to previous nest...
Authors
Konstantin S. Maslovsky, Philipp N. Maleko, Vladimir V. Pronkevich, Jonathan C. Slaght, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

An invasive prey provides long-lasting silver spoon effects for an endangered predator An invasive prey provides long-lasting silver spoon effects for an endangered predator

The natal environment can have long-term fitness consequences for individuals, particularly via ‘silver spoon’ or ‘environmental matching’ effects. Invasive species could alter natal effects on native species by changing species interactions, but this potential remains unknown. Using 17 years of data on 2588 individuals across the entire US breeding range of the endangered snail kite...
Authors
Caroline L. Poli, Ellen P. Robertson, Julien Martin, Abby Powell, Robert J. Fletcher Jr.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

How effective is the Birdsbesafe® cat collar at reducing bird mortality by domestic cats? How effective is the Birdsbesafe® cat collar at reducing bird mortality by domestic cats?

The global decline of songbird populations is a well-recognized conservation issue. Domestic cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds each year in the United States alone—more than most other anthropogenic threats combined. As many pet owners are reluctant to keep their cats inside, collar-mounted antipredation devices for domestic cats may be an important conservation tool. We examined...
Authors
M.B. Jensen, S.K. Willson, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

The Southeastern U.S. as a complex of use sites for nonbreeding rufa Red Knots: Fifteen years of band-encounter data The Southeastern U.S. as a complex of use sites for nonbreeding rufa Red Knots: Fifteen years of band-encounter data

Shorebirds have been banded for decades and monitoring programs have helped to accumulate large band-encounter datasets from across the globe; however, many of these datasets are left largely unused, particularly those collected by citizen scientists. These datasets can provide valuable insight into the migration and movement strategies of shorebirds and the threats they face throughout...
Authors
M.E. Tuma, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

Factors limiting reproductive success of American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) in Florida's southern Big Bend region Factors limiting reproductive success of American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) in Florida's southern Big Bend region

Florida's Big Bend region hosts the second largest concentration of breeding American Oystercatchers in the state, but reproductive success is low. Nest site characteristics and predation were examined to determine their influence on survival of nests and broods at two areas in the southern Big Bend (Cedar Key and Barge Canal). The probability of a nest surviving in Cedar Key was low (x̄...
Authors
N. Vitale, J. Brush, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

Loss of coastal islands along Florida’s Big Bend region: Implications for breeding American oystercatchers Loss of coastal islands along Florida’s Big Bend region: Implications for breeding American oystercatchers

Many coastal-dependent species have undergone large-scale population declines due to impacts from habitat loss, including American oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus). Islands along the Big Bend region of Florida’s Gulf Coast provide important nesting habitat for oystercatchers, but reproductive success here is low and habitat degradation and loss are a major concern. To determine...
Authors
N. Vitale, J. Brush, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units

Does habitat partitioning by sympatric plovers affect nest survival? Does habitat partitioning by sympatric plovers affect nest survival?

The vertical structure and composition of vegetation can influence the quantity and quality of potential nesting sites for birds. Interspecific competition for high-quality nesting habitat may force some individuals into suboptimal habitat and lead to reduced reproductive success, eventually leading to changes in distribution or abundance. Large climate-mediated shifts in vegetation...
Authors
Kelly S Overduijn, Colleen M. Handel, Abby Powell
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Temporal variation in genetic structure within the threatened spectacled eider 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 spatial pattern of structure has changed at...
Authors
Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Christy Haughey, Matthew G. Sexson, Diana V Solovyeva, Margaret R. Petersen, Abby Powell
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Energy intake rate influences survival of Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani broods Energy intake rate influences survival of Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani broods

Black Oystercatchers Haematopus bachmani, a species of conservation concern, depend on marine intertidal prey resources. We examined diet, feeding rates, growth, and survival of Black Oystercatcher broods in southcentral Alaska, 2013-2014. To determine the importance of diet on brood survival, we modeled daily survival rates of broods as a function of energy intake rate and other...
Authors
B.H. Robinson, L.M. Phillips, Abby Powell
By
Cooperative Research Units
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