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Colleen Handel, Ph.D.

Population ecology of passerines and shorebirds, behavioral ecology, population monitoring, and sampling design.

Professional Experience

  • 1996 - Present   Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska

  • 1993 - 1996        Research Wildlife Biologist, NBS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska

  • 1978 - 1993        Research Wildlife Biologist, USFWS, Alaska Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Anchorage, Alaska

  • 1977 - 1978        Research/ Teaching Assistant, University of California Davis, Davis, California

  • 1975 - 1978        Biological Science Technician, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska

  • 1975 - 1975        Biological Science Aide, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Kenai, Alaska

  • 1974 - 1974        Botany and Ornithology Instructor, Murray Rhode School, Newton Public High Schools, Newton, Massachusetts

  • 1972 - 1972        Assistant Curator, Farlow Herbarium, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

  • 1972 - 1972        Research Assistant, Concord Field Station, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D.  2002  University of California Davis, Davis, CA  Ecology

  • M.S.    1982  University of California Davis, Davis, CA  Ecology

  • B.A.    1974   Harvard University, Cambridge, MA  Biological Sciences

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science

  • American Ornithological Society (Fellow, Deputy Editor)

  • Association of Field Ornithologists

  • Colonial Waterbird Group

  • Ecological Society of America

  • Pacific Seabird Group

  • Society for Conservation Biology

  • Wader Study Group

  • Wildlife Society

  • Wilson Ornithological Society

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 20
Map of Alaska with bird conservation regions

Bird Conservation Areas

Five Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) were designated in Alaska as part of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in order to provide a framework that would facilitate coordinated conservation and evaluations of major bird initiatives.
By
Alaska Science Center
Bird Conservation Areas

Bird Conservation Areas

Five Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) were designated in Alaska as part of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in order to provide a framework that would facilitate coordinated conservation and evaluations of major bird initiatives.
Learn More
Scientist holding a Common Redpoll songbird

Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight

There is enormous value in learning about our natural world. Educational resources help us with this endeavor and help us teach others about landbirds. Note: This list is for your convenience. We are not advertising or endorsing any product or entity listed.
Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight

Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight

There is enormous value in learning about our natural world. Educational resources help us with this endeavor and help us teach others about landbirds. Note: This list is for your convenience. We are not advertising or endorsing any product or entity listed.
Learn More
A bird nest camouflaged in the grass

Conservation of Landbirds in Alaska

Alaska lies at the convergence of four major global migration flyways and encompasses a diverse array of important landbird habitats. Temperate rainforests tower along the southern coast, boreal forests span the vast interior, and low-lying tundra blankets the continent’s northern and western fringes.
By
Alaska Science Center
Conservation of Landbirds in Alaska

Conservation of Landbirds in Alaska

Alaska lies at the convergence of four major global migration flyways and encompasses a diverse array of important landbird habitats. Temperate rainforests tower along the southern coast, boreal forests span the vast interior, and low-lying tundra blankets the continent’s northern and western fringes.
Learn More
Logo for Boreal Partners in Flight

Boreal Partners in Flight

Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Boreal Partners in Flight

Boreal Partners in Flight

Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
Learn More
Small bird in a hand

Monitoring and Research Boreal Partners in Flight Projects

Boreal Partners in Flight has five major regional projects designed to monitor broad-scale trends in populations of landbirds. There are also many projects throughout Alaska that address specific research questions or local monitoring needs.
By
Alaska Science Center
Monitoring and Research Boreal Partners in Flight Projects

Monitoring and Research Boreal Partners in Flight Projects

Boreal Partners in Flight has five major regional projects designed to monitor broad-scale trends in populations of landbirds. There are also many projects throughout Alaska that address specific research questions or local monitoring needs.
Learn More
Small bird in a hand

About Boreal Partners in Flight

Boreal Partners in Flight is a coalition of individuals who are working together to help conserve bird populations throughout boreal regions of North America. Boreal Partners in Flight is the official Alaska state working group of the international Partners in Flight program. We also have many members from Canada because we share many of the same species, habitats, and problems. The international...
By
Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
About Boreal Partners in Flight

About Boreal Partners in Flight

Boreal Partners in Flight is a coalition of individuals who are working together to help conserve bird populations throughout boreal regions of North America. Boreal Partners in Flight is the official Alaska state working group of the international Partners in Flight program. We also have many members from Canada because we share many of the same species, habitats, and problems. The international...
Learn More
an eagle

Alaska Raptor Group

Thirty-one raptor species, including 18 species of diurnal raptors (Orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and 13 species of owls (Order Strigiformes), have been documented in Alaska, 23 of which are known to breed within the state.
By
Alaska Science Center
Alaska Raptor Group

Alaska Raptor Group

Thirty-one raptor species, including 18 species of diurnal raptors (Orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and 13 species of owls (Order Strigiformes), have been documented in Alaska, 23 of which are known to breed within the state.
Learn More
Small bird with crossed beak

Environmental Contaminants and Beak Deformities in Alaskan Chickadees

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides some of the first environmental contaminants data for a species of passerine bird (perching birds) in Alaska but leaves unanswered questions as to the cause of beak abnormalities found in this species.Beginning in the late 1990s, biologists and members of the public reported an unusual number of beak abnormalities among black-capped...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Environmental Contaminants and Beak Deformities in Alaskan Chickadees

Environmental Contaminants and Beak Deformities in Alaskan Chickadees

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides some of the first environmental contaminants data for a species of passerine bird (perching birds) in Alaska but leaves unanswered questions as to the cause of beak abnormalities found in this species.Beginning in the late 1990s, biologists and members of the public reported an unusual number of beak abnormalities among black-capped...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 18

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

Measurements Used to Determine the Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) Measurements Used to Determine the Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis)

This data set contains bill and tarsal measurements from 114 Bristle-thighed Curlews, captured on breeding grounds in Alaska, and non-breeding areas in Hawaii and Reitoru atoll, French Polynesia.
By
Alaska Science Center

Genetic Data Associated with Avian Keratin Disorder and Poecivirus in Black-capped Chickadees, Alaska, 2001-2017 Genetic Data Associated with Avian Keratin Disorder and Poecivirus in Black-capped Chickadees, Alaska, 2001-2017

This dataset contains results of genetic screening for Poecivirus from samples of black-capped chickadees (BCCH; Poecile atricapillus) with and without clinical signs of avian keratin disorder (AKD). Data include information on detection/non-detection of the virus in tissue collected with buccal swabs, cloacal swabs, blood samples, and fecal samples from up to 124 individuals between...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center

Data for Montane-breeding Bird Distribution and Abundance across National Parks of Southwestern Alaska, 2004-2008 Data for Montane-breeding Bird Distribution and Abundance across National Parks of Southwestern Alaska, 2004-2008

Observation data and model covariate data from breeding bird inventory conducted during May-June 2004 and 2008 primarily in montane areas (>100 m above sea level) in Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve (Aniakchak NMP), Katmai National Park and Preserve (Katmai NPP), and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Lake Clark NPP) in southwestern Alaska. Observers conducted 1,021 point...
By
Alaska Science Center

Audio Recording Device Data for Assessing Avian Detectability, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2013-2014 Audio Recording Device Data for Assessing Avian Detectability, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2013-2014

This data set contains information from recording devices that we placed at 11 site-years, set to record regularly during summer breeding seasons. A single observer listened to 2692 recordings, noting which species were heard during each 10-min recording. We used this information to examine how avian detectability varied by day of season, time of day, and ambient temperature. All study...
By
Alaska Science Center

Avian Point Count, Habitat, and Covariate Data for Subarctic Bird Abundance, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2014 Avian Point Count, Habitat, and Covariate Data for Subarctic Bird Abundance, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2014

This data package contains three tables: avian counts by species, habitat type, a covariate information used for analysis of bird surveys conducted between 2012 and 2014 on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, as part of the USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative. We conducted 1,208 point counts on 12 study blocks from 2012-2014 in northwestern Alaska, using repeated surveys to account for...
By
Alaska Science Center
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 92

Prevalence and diversity of avian blood parasites in a resident northern passerine Prevalence and diversity of avian blood parasites in a resident northern passerine

Background: Climate-related changes are expected to influence the prevalence and distribution of vector-borne haemosporidian parasites at northern latitudes, although baseline information about resident birds is still lacking. In this study, we investigated prevalence and genetic diversity of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon parasites infecting the Northwestern Crow (Corvus...
Authors
Caroline Van Hemert, Brandt Meixell, Matthew Smith, Colleen Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Evidence of Culiseta mosquitoes as vectors for Plasmodium parasites in Alaska Evidence of Culiseta mosquitoes as vectors for Plasmodium parasites in Alaska

Mosquito vectors play a crucial role in the distribution of avian Plasmodium parasites worldwide. At northern latitudes, where climate warming is most pronounced, there are questions about possible changes in the abundance and distribution of Plasmodium parasites, their vectors, and their impacts to avian hosts. To better understand the transmission of Plasmodium among local birds and to...
Authors
Matthew Smith, Caroline Van Hemert, Colleen Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Population trends of birds wintering in the Central Valley of California Population trends of birds wintering in the Central Valley of California

Since the 1970s, the Central Valley of California has seen a large investment in preservation and restoration of wetlands and riparian areas. At the same time, grasslands have been lost to vineyards, orchards, and residential development at an accelerating rate. We analyzed data from 17 Christmas Bird Count circles that were surveyed regularly between winter 1978–79 and winter 2013–14 to...
Authors
Edward Pandolfino, Colleen Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Trends and traditions: Overview and synthesis Trends and traditions: Overview and synthesis

This paper provides an overview by the editors of a collection of 25 papers for the Studies of Western Birds, to be published in a single volume by Western Field Ornithologists. The title of the volume is: "Trends and traditions: Avifaunal change in western North America."
Authors
W David Shuford, Robert E. Gill, Colleen Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Shorebirds adjust spring arrival schedules with variable environmental conditions: Four decades of assessment on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska Shorebirds adjust spring arrival schedules with variable environmental conditions: Four decades of assessment on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Arctic summers are brief, and there has been strong selection for migratory birds to arrive in Arctic nesting areas as early as possible to time breeding with peak food availability and complete reproduction. The timing of emergence of nesting habitat in spring is, however, extremely variable in the Arctic, and few long-term studies have examined the ability of avian migrants to track...
Authors
Craig Ely, Brian McCaffery, Robert E. Gill
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Avian keratin disorder of Alaska black-capped chickadees is associated with Poecivirus infection Avian keratin disorder of Alaska black-capped chickadees is associated with Poecivirus infection

Background Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is an epizootic of debilitating beak deformities, first documented in black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) in Alaska during the late 1990s. Similar deformities have now been recorded in dozens of species of birds across multiple continents. Despite this, the etiology of AKD has remained elusive, making it difficult to assess the impacts...
Authors
Maxine Zylberberg, Caroline Van Hemert, Colleen Handel, Joseph DeRisi
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Montane-breeding bird distribution and abundance across national parks of southwestern Alaska Montane-breeding bird distribution and abundance across national parks of southwestern Alaska

Between 2004 and 2008, biologists conducted an inventory of breeding birds during May–June primarily in montane areas (>100 m above sea level) in Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve (Aniakchak NMP), Katmai National Park and Preserve (Katmai NPP), and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Lake Clark NPP) in southwestern Alaska. Observers conducted 1,021 point counts along 169...
Authors
Courtney Amundson, Colleen Handel, Daniel Ruthrauff, T. Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Comparison of acoustic recorders and field observers for monitoring tundra bird communities Comparison of acoustic recorders and field observers for monitoring tundra bird communities

Acoustic recorders can be useful for studying bird populations but their efficiency and accuracy should be assessed in pertinent ecological settings before use. We investigated the utility of an acoustic recorder for monitoring abundance of tundra‐breeding birds relative to point‐count surveys in northwestern Alaska, USA, during 2014. Our objectives were to 1) compare numbers of birds...
Authors
Skyler Vold, Colleen Handel, Lance McNew
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Combined analysis of roadside and off-road breeding bird survey data to assess population change in Alaska Combined analysis of roadside and off-road breeding bird survey data to assess population change in Alaska

Management interest in North American birds has increasingly focused on species that breed in Alaska, USA, and Canada, where habitats are changing rapidly in response to climatic and anthropogenic factors. We used a series of hierarchical models to estimate rates of population change in 2 forested Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in Alaska based on data from the roadside North American...
Authors
Colleen Handel, John Sauer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Autonomous acoustic recorders reveal complex patterns in avian detection probability Autonomous acoustic recorders reveal complex patterns in avian detection probability

Avian point‐count surveys are typically designed to occur during periods when birds are consistently active and singing, but seasonal and diurnal patterns of detection probability are often not well understood and may vary regionally or between years. We deployed autonomous acoustic recorders to assess how avian availability for detection (i.e., the probability that a bird signals its...
Authors
Sarah Thompson, Colleen Handel, Lance McNew
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Model-based approaches to deal with detectability: a comment on Hutto (2016) Model-based approaches to deal with detectability: a comment on Hutto (2016)

In a recent paper, Hutto (2016a) challenges the need to account for detectability when interpreting data from point counts. A number of issues with model-based approaches to deal with detectability are presented, and an alternative suggested: surveying an area around each point over which detectability is assumed certain. The article contains a number of false claims and errors of logic...
Authors
Tiago Marques, Len Thomas, Marc Kery, Steve Buckland, David Borchers, Eric Rexstad, Rachel Fewster, Darryl MacKenzie, Andy Royle, Gurutzeta Guillera-Arroita, Colleen Handel, David C. Pavlacky, Richard J. Camp
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

A global threats overview for Numeniini populations: synthesising expert knowledge for a group of declining migratory birds. A global threats overview for Numeniini populations: synthesising expert knowledge for a group of declining migratory birds.

The Numeniini is a tribe of 13 wader species (Scolopacidae, Charadriiformes) of which seven are Near Threatened or globally threatened, including two Critically Endangered. To help inform conservation management and policy responses, we present the results of an expert assessment of the threats that members of this taxonomic group face across migratory flyways. Most threats are...
Authors
James Pearce-Higgins, Daniel Brown, David Douglas, José A. Alves, Mariagrazia Bellio, Pierrick Bocher, Graeme Buchannan, Robert Clay, Jesse Conklin, Nicola Crockford, Peter Dann, Jaanus Elts, Christian Friis, Richard A. Fuller, Jennifer Gill, Ken Gosbell, James A. Johnson, Rocio Marquez-Ferrando, Jose Masero, David Melville, Spike Millington, Clive Minton, Taej Mundkur, Erika Nol, Hannes Pehlak, Theunis Piersma, Danny Rogers, Daniel Ruthrauff, Nathan Senner, Junid Nazeer Shah, Rob Sheldon, Sergej Soloviev, Pavel Tomkovich, Yvonne Verkuil
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 20
Map of Alaska with bird conservation regions

Bird Conservation Areas

Five Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) were designated in Alaska as part of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in order to provide a framework that would facilitate coordinated conservation and evaluations of major bird initiatives.
By
Alaska Science Center
Bird Conservation Areas

Bird Conservation Areas

Five Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) were designated in Alaska as part of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in order to provide a framework that would facilitate coordinated conservation and evaluations of major bird initiatives.
Learn More
Scientist holding a Common Redpoll songbird

Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight

There is enormous value in learning about our natural world. Educational resources help us with this endeavor and help us teach others about landbirds. Note: This list is for your convenience. We are not advertising or endorsing any product or entity listed.
Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight

Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight

There is enormous value in learning about our natural world. Educational resources help us with this endeavor and help us teach others about landbirds. Note: This list is for your convenience. We are not advertising or endorsing any product or entity listed.
Learn More
A bird nest camouflaged in the grass

Conservation of Landbirds in Alaska

Alaska lies at the convergence of four major global migration flyways and encompasses a diverse array of important landbird habitats. Temperate rainforests tower along the southern coast, boreal forests span the vast interior, and low-lying tundra blankets the continent’s northern and western fringes.
By
Alaska Science Center
Conservation of Landbirds in Alaska

Conservation of Landbirds in Alaska

Alaska lies at the convergence of four major global migration flyways and encompasses a diverse array of important landbird habitats. Temperate rainforests tower along the southern coast, boreal forests span the vast interior, and low-lying tundra blankets the continent’s northern and western fringes.
Learn More
Logo for Boreal Partners in Flight

Boreal Partners in Flight

Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Boreal Partners in Flight

Boreal Partners in Flight

Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
Learn More
Small bird in a hand

Monitoring and Research Boreal Partners in Flight Projects

Boreal Partners in Flight has five major regional projects designed to monitor broad-scale trends in populations of landbirds. There are also many projects throughout Alaska that address specific research questions or local monitoring needs.
By
Alaska Science Center
Monitoring and Research Boreal Partners in Flight Projects

Monitoring and Research Boreal Partners in Flight Projects

Boreal Partners in Flight has five major regional projects designed to monitor broad-scale trends in populations of landbirds. There are also many projects throughout Alaska that address specific research questions or local monitoring needs.
Learn More
Small bird in a hand

About Boreal Partners in Flight

Boreal Partners in Flight is a coalition of individuals who are working together to help conserve bird populations throughout boreal regions of North America. Boreal Partners in Flight is the official Alaska state working group of the international Partners in Flight program. We also have many members from Canada because we share many of the same species, habitats, and problems. The international...
By
Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
About Boreal Partners in Flight

About Boreal Partners in Flight

Boreal Partners in Flight is a coalition of individuals who are working together to help conserve bird populations throughout boreal regions of North America. Boreal Partners in Flight is the official Alaska state working group of the international Partners in Flight program. We also have many members from Canada because we share many of the same species, habitats, and problems. The international...
Learn More
an eagle

Alaska Raptor Group

Thirty-one raptor species, including 18 species of diurnal raptors (Orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and 13 species of owls (Order Strigiformes), have been documented in Alaska, 23 of which are known to breed within the state.
By
Alaska Science Center
Alaska Raptor Group

Alaska Raptor Group

Thirty-one raptor species, including 18 species of diurnal raptors (Orders Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) and 13 species of owls (Order Strigiformes), have been documented in Alaska, 23 of which are known to breed within the state.
Learn More
Small bird with crossed beak

Environmental Contaminants and Beak Deformities in Alaskan Chickadees

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides some of the first environmental contaminants data for a species of passerine bird (perching birds) in Alaska but leaves unanswered questions as to the cause of beak abnormalities found in this species.Beginning in the late 1990s, biologists and members of the public reported an unusual number of beak abnormalities among black-capped...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Environmental Contaminants and Beak Deformities in Alaskan Chickadees

Environmental Contaminants and Beak Deformities in Alaskan Chickadees

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides some of the first environmental contaminants data for a species of passerine bird (perching birds) in Alaska but leaves unanswered questions as to the cause of beak abnormalities found in this species.Beginning in the late 1990s, biologists and members of the public reported an unusual number of beak abnormalities among black-capped...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 18

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

Measurements Used to Determine the Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis) Measurements Used to Determine the Sex of Bristle-thighed Curlews (Numenius tahitiensis)

This data set contains bill and tarsal measurements from 114 Bristle-thighed Curlews, captured on breeding grounds in Alaska, and non-breeding areas in Hawaii and Reitoru atoll, French Polynesia.
By
Alaska Science Center

Genetic Data Associated with Avian Keratin Disorder and Poecivirus in Black-capped Chickadees, Alaska, 2001-2017 Genetic Data Associated with Avian Keratin Disorder and Poecivirus in Black-capped Chickadees, Alaska, 2001-2017

This dataset contains results of genetic screening for Poecivirus from samples of black-capped chickadees (BCCH; Poecile atricapillus) with and without clinical signs of avian keratin disorder (AKD). Data include information on detection/non-detection of the virus in tissue collected with buccal swabs, cloacal swabs, blood samples, and fecal samples from up to 124 individuals between...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center

Data for Montane-breeding Bird Distribution and Abundance across National Parks of Southwestern Alaska, 2004-2008 Data for Montane-breeding Bird Distribution and Abundance across National Parks of Southwestern Alaska, 2004-2008

Observation data and model covariate data from breeding bird inventory conducted during May-June 2004 and 2008 primarily in montane areas (>100 m above sea level) in Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve (Aniakchak NMP), Katmai National Park and Preserve (Katmai NPP), and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Lake Clark NPP) in southwestern Alaska. Observers conducted 1,021 point...
By
Alaska Science Center

Audio Recording Device Data for Assessing Avian Detectability, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2013-2014 Audio Recording Device Data for Assessing Avian Detectability, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2013-2014

This data set contains information from recording devices that we placed at 11 site-years, set to record regularly during summer breeding seasons. A single observer listened to 2692 recordings, noting which species were heard during each 10-min recording. We used this information to examine how avian detectability varied by day of season, time of day, and ambient temperature. All study...
By
Alaska Science Center

Avian Point Count, Habitat, and Covariate Data for Subarctic Bird Abundance, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2014 Avian Point Count, Habitat, and Covariate Data for Subarctic Bird Abundance, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2012-2014

This data package contains three tables: avian counts by species, habitat type, a covariate information used for analysis of bird surveys conducted between 2012 and 2014 on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, as part of the USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative. We conducted 1,208 point counts on 12 study blocks from 2012-2014 in northwestern Alaska, using repeated surveys to account for...
By
Alaska Science Center
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 92

Prevalence and diversity of avian blood parasites in a resident northern passerine Prevalence and diversity of avian blood parasites in a resident northern passerine

Background: Climate-related changes are expected to influence the prevalence and distribution of vector-borne haemosporidian parasites at northern latitudes, although baseline information about resident birds is still lacking. In this study, we investigated prevalence and genetic diversity of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon parasites infecting the Northwestern Crow (Corvus...
Authors
Caroline Van Hemert, Brandt Meixell, Matthew Smith, Colleen Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Evidence of Culiseta mosquitoes as vectors for Plasmodium parasites in Alaska Evidence of Culiseta mosquitoes as vectors for Plasmodium parasites in Alaska

Mosquito vectors play a crucial role in the distribution of avian Plasmodium parasites worldwide. At northern latitudes, where climate warming is most pronounced, there are questions about possible changes in the abundance and distribution of Plasmodium parasites, their vectors, and their impacts to avian hosts. To better understand the transmission of Plasmodium among local birds and to...
Authors
Matthew Smith, Caroline Van Hemert, Colleen Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Population trends of birds wintering in the Central Valley of California Population trends of birds wintering in the Central Valley of California

Since the 1970s, the Central Valley of California has seen a large investment in preservation and restoration of wetlands and riparian areas. At the same time, grasslands have been lost to vineyards, orchards, and residential development at an accelerating rate. We analyzed data from 17 Christmas Bird Count circles that were surveyed regularly between winter 1978–79 and winter 2013–14 to...
Authors
Edward Pandolfino, Colleen Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Trends and traditions: Overview and synthesis Trends and traditions: Overview and synthesis

This paper provides an overview by the editors of a collection of 25 papers for the Studies of Western Birds, to be published in a single volume by Western Field Ornithologists. The title of the volume is: "Trends and traditions: Avifaunal change in western North America."
Authors
W David Shuford, Robert E. Gill, Colleen Handel
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Shorebirds adjust spring arrival schedules with variable environmental conditions: Four decades of assessment on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska Shorebirds adjust spring arrival schedules with variable environmental conditions: Four decades of assessment on the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Arctic summers are brief, and there has been strong selection for migratory birds to arrive in Arctic nesting areas as early as possible to time breeding with peak food availability and complete reproduction. The timing of emergence of nesting habitat in spring is, however, extremely variable in the Arctic, and few long-term studies have examined the ability of avian migrants to track...
Authors
Craig Ely, Brian McCaffery, Robert E. Gill
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Avian keratin disorder of Alaska black-capped chickadees is associated with Poecivirus infection Avian keratin disorder of Alaska black-capped chickadees is associated with Poecivirus infection

Background Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is an epizootic of debilitating beak deformities, first documented in black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) in Alaska during the late 1990s. Similar deformities have now been recorded in dozens of species of birds across multiple continents. Despite this, the etiology of AKD has remained elusive, making it difficult to assess the impacts...
Authors
Maxine Zylberberg, Caroline Van Hemert, Colleen Handel, Joseph DeRisi
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Montane-breeding bird distribution and abundance across national parks of southwestern Alaska Montane-breeding bird distribution and abundance across national parks of southwestern Alaska

Between 2004 and 2008, biologists conducted an inventory of breeding birds during May–June primarily in montane areas (>100 m above sea level) in Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve (Aniakchak NMP), Katmai National Park and Preserve (Katmai NPP), and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Lake Clark NPP) in southwestern Alaska. Observers conducted 1,021 point counts along 169...
Authors
Courtney Amundson, Colleen Handel, Daniel Ruthrauff, T. Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Comparison of acoustic recorders and field observers for monitoring tundra bird communities Comparison of acoustic recorders and field observers for monitoring tundra bird communities

Acoustic recorders can be useful for studying bird populations but their efficiency and accuracy should be assessed in pertinent ecological settings before use. We investigated the utility of an acoustic recorder for monitoring abundance of tundra‐breeding birds relative to point‐count surveys in northwestern Alaska, USA, during 2014. Our objectives were to 1) compare numbers of birds...
Authors
Skyler Vold, Colleen Handel, Lance McNew
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Combined analysis of roadside and off-road breeding bird survey data to assess population change in Alaska Combined analysis of roadside and off-road breeding bird survey data to assess population change in Alaska

Management interest in North American birds has increasingly focused on species that breed in Alaska, USA, and Canada, where habitats are changing rapidly in response to climatic and anthropogenic factors. We used a series of hierarchical models to estimate rates of population change in 2 forested Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in Alaska based on data from the roadside North American...
Authors
Colleen Handel, John Sauer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Autonomous acoustic recorders reveal complex patterns in avian detection probability Autonomous acoustic recorders reveal complex patterns in avian detection probability

Avian point‐count surveys are typically designed to occur during periods when birds are consistently active and singing, but seasonal and diurnal patterns of detection probability are often not well understood and may vary regionally or between years. We deployed autonomous acoustic recorders to assess how avian availability for detection (i.e., the probability that a bird signals its...
Authors
Sarah Thompson, Colleen Handel, Lance McNew
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Model-based approaches to deal with detectability: a comment on Hutto (2016) Model-based approaches to deal with detectability: a comment on Hutto (2016)

In a recent paper, Hutto (2016a) challenges the need to account for detectability when interpreting data from point counts. A number of issues with model-based approaches to deal with detectability are presented, and an alternative suggested: surveying an area around each point over which detectability is assumed certain. The article contains a number of false claims and errors of logic...
Authors
Tiago Marques, Len Thomas, Marc Kery, Steve Buckland, David Borchers, Eric Rexstad, Rachel Fewster, Darryl MacKenzie, Andy Royle, Gurutzeta Guillera-Arroita, Colleen Handel, David C. Pavlacky, Richard J. Camp
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

A global threats overview for Numeniini populations: synthesising expert knowledge for a group of declining migratory birds. A global threats overview for Numeniini populations: synthesising expert knowledge for a group of declining migratory birds.

The Numeniini is a tribe of 13 wader species (Scolopacidae, Charadriiformes) of which seven are Near Threatened or globally threatened, including two Critically Endangered. To help inform conservation management and policy responses, we present the results of an expert assessment of the threats that members of this taxonomic group face across migratory flyways. Most threats are...
Authors
James Pearce-Higgins, Daniel Brown, David Douglas, José A. Alves, Mariagrazia Bellio, Pierrick Bocher, Graeme Buchannan, Robert Clay, Jesse Conklin, Nicola Crockford, Peter Dann, Jaanus Elts, Christian Friis, Richard A. Fuller, Jennifer Gill, Ken Gosbell, James A. Johnson, Rocio Marquez-Ferrando, Jose Masero, David Melville, Spike Millington, Clive Minton, Taej Mundkur, Erika Nol, Hannes Pehlak, Theunis Piersma, Danny Rogers, Daniel Ruthrauff, Nathan Senner, Junid Nazeer Shah, Rob Sheldon, Sergej Soloviev, Pavel Tomkovich, Yvonne Verkuil
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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