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Craig Ely, Ph.D. (Former Employee)

Science and Products

Tundra swan on the Colville River Delta

Swan 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.
By
Alaska Science Center
Swan Research

Swan 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.
Learn More
Tundra swans that nest in Alaska are exposed to lead on their wintering grounds along the Atlantic Coast

Satellite Tracking of Birds in Alaska Points to Distant Sources of Lead and Mercury Exposure

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists measured lead in blood from tundra swans that nest in Alaska and then followed the migration of these birds using satellite telemetry. Levels of lead in blood were higher in adults than young swans,suggesting exposure to lead occurs on wintering areas and/or during migration, rather than on the summer breeding grounds in Alaska. The lowest blood levels were...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Satellite Tracking of Birds in Alaska Points to Distant Sources of Lead and Mercury Exposure

Satellite Tracking of Birds in Alaska Points to Distant Sources of Lead and Mercury Exposure

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists measured lead in blood from tundra swans that nest in Alaska and then followed the migration of these birds using satellite telemetry. Levels of lead in blood were higher in adults than young swans,suggesting exposure to lead occurs on wintering areas and/or during migration, rather than on the summer breeding grounds in Alaska. The lowest blood levels were...
Learn More

Tracking Data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) Tracking Data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons)

This data release includes 1 child item with tracking data for Greater White-fronted Geese, a species that nests in coastal areas of western and northern Alaska and winters across a broad area of North America along the Pacific and Central flyways. Child Item 1: "VHF Tracking Data for Pacific Flyway Greater White-Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons), 1987-1991" -- VHF tracking data for...
By
Alaska Science Center

Tracking Data for Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) Tracking Data for Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus)

This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Emperor Geese, a waterfowl species endemic to the Bering Sea region that breeds primarily in western Alaska on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and spends the winter in southwestern Alaska and throughout the Aleutian Islands. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) - Processed Data" --...
By
Alaska Science Center

Stable Isotope Data from Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) Feathers, Alaska, 2008 and 2010 Stable Isotope Data from Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) Feathers, Alaska, 2008 and 2010

These data are in a single table that provides date and location information of Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) that were sampled in Alaska for feathers that were subsequently used in a stable isotope analysis. Results of deuterium, nitrogen, and carbon stable isotope analysis of feathers are provided.
By
Alaska Science Center

Tracking Data for Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) Tracking Data for Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus)

This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Tundra Swans, a species that nests in coastal areas throughout Alaska and winters across a broad area of North America from the Pacific to Atlantic coasts. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos satellite...
By
Alaska Science Center

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

This data set contains a description of 3 mitochondrial DNA and 93 nuclear DNA Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) loci and sequence information developed through double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) techniques for Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) that winter in California.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984.

By
Alaska Science Center
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984.

By
Alaska Science Center
Filter Total Items: 63

As the goose flies: Migration routes and timing influence patterns of genetic diversity in a circumpolar migratory herbivore As the goose flies: Migration routes and timing influence patterns of genetic diversity in a circumpolar migratory herbivore

Migration schedules and the timing of other annual events (e.g., pair formation and molt) can affect the distribution of genetic diversity as much as where these events occur. The greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) is a circumpolar goose species, exhibiting temporal and spatial variation of events among populations during the annual cycle. Previous range-wide genetic...
Authors
Robert E. Wilson, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Jeffrey M. DaCost, Michael D. Sorenson, Anthony D. Fox, Melanie Weaver, Dan Skalos, Alexander V. Kondratyev, Kim T. Scribner, Alyn Walsh, Craig R. Ely, Sandra L. Talbot
By
Cooperative Research Units

Body condition of wintering Pacific greater white-fronted geese Body condition of wintering Pacific greater white-fronted geese

Extreme changes to key waterfowl habitats in the Klamath Basin (KB) on the Oregon–California border and the Sacramento Valley (SV) in California, USA, have occurred since 1980. The spatial distribution of Pacific greater white‐fronted geese (Anser albifrons sponsa; geese) has likewise changed among these areas and population size has grown from 79,000 to >600,000 geese during the same...
Authors
Daniel A. Skalos, John M. Eadie, Daniel R. Yparraguirre, Melanie L. Weaver, Shaun L. Oldenburger, Craig R. Ely, Julie L. Yee, Joseph P. Fleskes
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Exploring overlap of feather molting and migration in Tundra Swans using δ2H analysis Exploring overlap of feather molting and migration in Tundra Swans using δ2H analysis

Determining the processes that shape the relative timing of energetically-costly events in the annual cycle of migrating birds is important to our understanding of avian phenology and ecology. We paired satellite tracking and hydrogen stable isotope analysis (δ2H) to examine the relative timing of two such events – migration and feather molting – in tundra swans from four breeding areas...
Authors
Nathan Wolf, T. Scott Smeltz, Jeffrey Welker, Matthew Rogers, Craig R. Ely
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Conservation status of the world’s swan populations, Cygnus sp. and Coscoroba sp.: a review of current trends and gaps in knowledge Conservation status of the world’s swan populations, Cygnus sp. and Coscoroba sp.: a review of current trends and gaps in knowledge

Recent estimates of the world’s swan Cygnus sp. populations indicate that there are currently between 1.5–1.6 million birds in 8 species, including the Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba as an honorary swan. Monitoring programmes in Europe and North America indicate that most populations increased following the introduction of national and international legislation to protect the species...
Authors
Eileen Rees, Lei Cao, P. Clausen, J. M. Coleman, J. Cornely, O. Einarsson, Craig R. Ely, R. Kingsford, Ming Ma, C. E. Mitchell, S. Nagy, T. Shimada, Jeffrey Snyder, D. Solovyeva, W. Tijsen, Y. Vilna, R. Wlodarczyk, K. Brides
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms for use in a genetic stock identification system for greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) subspecies wintering in California Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms for use in a genetic stock identification system for greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) subspecies wintering in California

California provides wintering habitat for most greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons [GWFG]) in the Pacific Flyway and this population has rapidly increased since the 1980s. Increased harvest of GWFG wintering in California may prevent agricultural depredation while providing increased hunting opportunities. However, changes in harvest levels are unlikely to be uniform across the...
Authors
Robert E. Wilson, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Jeffrey M. DaCosta, Craig R. Ely, Michael D. Sorenson, Sandra L. Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Current trends and future directions in swan research: Insights from the 6th International Swan Symposium Current trends and future directions in swan research: Insights from the 6th International Swan Symposium

Given their popularity with researchers and public alike, together with their welldocumented importance in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, fundamental and applied research on swans continues to develop in the 21st century. The 6th International Swan Symposium (6th ISS), was held at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu, Estonia, in October 2018. The symposium brought...
Authors
Kevin Wood, Lei Cao, P. Clausen, Craig R. Ely, L. Luigujoe, Eileen Rees, Jeffrey Snyder, D. Solovyeva, R. Wlodarczyk
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 R. Ely, Brian McCaffery, Robert E. Gill
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Flyway structure in the circumpolar greater white‐fronted goose Flyway structure in the circumpolar greater white‐fronted goose

Dispersal and migratory behavior are influential factors in determining how genetic diversity is distributed across the landscape. In migratory species, genetic structure can be promoted via several mechanisms including fidelity to distinct migratory routes. Particularly within North America, waterfowl management units have been delineated according to distinct longitudinal migratory...
Authors
Robert E. Wilson, Craig R. Ely, Sandra L. Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Variation in age ratio of midcontinent greater white-fronted geese during fall migration Variation in age ratio of midcontinent greater white-fronted geese during fall migration

Annual productivity is an important parameter for the management of waterfowl populations. Fall age ratio (juveniles:total birds) is an index of productivity of the preceding breeding season. However, differences in the timing of migration between family groups and nonbreeding birds may bias age-ratio estimates. We examined temporal variation in age ratios of midcontinent greater white...
Authors
Wade G. Schock, Julian B. Fischer, Craig R. Ely, Robert A. Stehn, Jeffery M. Welker, Douglas Causey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Genetic structure among greater white-fronted goose populations of the Pacific Flyway 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 jeopardized by human intervention, including...
Authors
Craig R. Ely, Robert E. Wilson, Sandra L. Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Chewing lice of swan geese (Anser cygnoides): New host-parasite associations Chewing lice of swan geese (Anser cygnoides): New host-parasite associations

Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) that parasitize the globally threatened swan goose Anser cygnoides have been long recognized since the early 19th century, but those records were probably biased towards sampling of captive or domestic geese due to the small population size and limited distribution of its wild hosts. To better understand the lice species parasitizing swan geese that are...
Authors
Chang-Yong Choi, John Y. Takekawa, Diann J. Prosser, Lacy M. Smith, Craig R. Ely, Anthony D. Fox, Lei Cao, Xin Wang, Nyambayar Batbayar, Tseveenmayadag Natsagdorj, Xiangming Xiao
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Low survival rates of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) estimated from neck-collar resighting and telemetry Low survival rates of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) estimated from neck-collar resighting and telemetry

Waterbird survival rates are a key component of demographic modeling used for effective conservation of long-lived threatened species. The Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) is globally threatened and the most vulnerable goose species endemic to East Asia due to its small and rapidly declining population. To address a current knowledge gap in demographic parameters of the Swan Goose, available...
Authors
Chang-Yong Choi, Ki-Sup Lee, Nikolay D. Poyarkov, Jin-Young Park, Hansoo Lee, John Y. Takekawa, Lacy M. Smith, Craig R. Ely, Xin Wang, Lei Cao, Anthony D. Fox, Oleg Goroshko, Nyambayar Batbayar, Diann J. Prosser, Xiangming Xiao
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
A 100-year History of Flooding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

A 100-year History of Flooding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

Scientists examined storm flooding events in the Bering Sea region of western Alaska from 1913 to 2011 and found that the largest events occurred in...

Read Article

Science and Products

Tundra swan on the Colville River Delta

Swan 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.
By
Alaska Science Center
Swan Research

Swan 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.
Learn More
Tundra swans that nest in Alaska are exposed to lead on their wintering grounds along the Atlantic Coast

Satellite Tracking of Birds in Alaska Points to Distant Sources of Lead and Mercury Exposure

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists measured lead in blood from tundra swans that nest in Alaska and then followed the migration of these birds using satellite telemetry. Levels of lead in blood were higher in adults than young swans,suggesting exposure to lead occurs on wintering areas and/or during migration, rather than on the summer breeding grounds in Alaska. The lowest blood levels were...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Satellite Tracking of Birds in Alaska Points to Distant Sources of Lead and Mercury Exposure

Satellite Tracking of Birds in Alaska Points to Distant Sources of Lead and Mercury Exposure

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists measured lead in blood from tundra swans that nest in Alaska and then followed the migration of these birds using satellite telemetry. Levels of lead in blood were higher in adults than young swans,suggesting exposure to lead occurs on wintering areas and/or during migration, rather than on the summer breeding grounds in Alaska. The lowest blood levels were...
Learn More

Tracking Data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) Tracking Data for Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons)

This data release includes 1 child item with tracking data for Greater White-fronted Geese, a species that nests in coastal areas of western and northern Alaska and winters across a broad area of North America along the Pacific and Central flyways. Child Item 1: "VHF Tracking Data for Pacific Flyway Greater White-Fronted Geese (Anser albifrons), 1987-1991" -- VHF tracking data for...
By
Alaska Science Center

Tracking Data for Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) Tracking Data for Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus)

This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Emperor Geese, a waterfowl species endemic to the Bering Sea region that breeds primarily in western Alaska on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and spends the winter in southwestern Alaska and throughout the Aleutian Islands. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) - Processed Data" --...
By
Alaska Science Center

Stable Isotope Data from Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) Feathers, Alaska, 2008 and 2010 Stable Isotope Data from Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) Feathers, Alaska, 2008 and 2010

These data are in a single table that provides date and location information of Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) that were sampled in Alaska for feathers that were subsequently used in a stable isotope analysis. Results of deuterium, nitrogen, and carbon stable isotope analysis of feathers are provided.
By
Alaska Science Center

Tracking Data for Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) Tracking Data for Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus)

This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Tundra Swans, a species that nests in coastal areas throughout Alaska and winters across a broad area of North America from the Pacific to Atlantic coasts. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos satellite...
By
Alaska Science Center

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

This data set contains a description of 3 mitochondrial DNA and 93 nuclear DNA Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) loci and sequence information developed through double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) techniques for Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) that winter in California.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984.

By
Alaska Science Center
Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984

Tule white-fronted goose in the Kahiltna Valley, Alaska, in 1984.

By
Alaska Science Center
Filter Total Items: 63

As the goose flies: Migration routes and timing influence patterns of genetic diversity in a circumpolar migratory herbivore As the goose flies: Migration routes and timing influence patterns of genetic diversity in a circumpolar migratory herbivore

Migration schedules and the timing of other annual events (e.g., pair formation and molt) can affect the distribution of genetic diversity as much as where these events occur. The greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) is a circumpolar goose species, exhibiting temporal and spatial variation of events among populations during the annual cycle. Previous range-wide genetic...
Authors
Robert E. Wilson, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Jeffrey M. DaCost, Michael D. Sorenson, Anthony D. Fox, Melanie Weaver, Dan Skalos, Alexander V. Kondratyev, Kim T. Scribner, Alyn Walsh, Craig R. Ely, Sandra L. Talbot
By
Cooperative Research Units

Body condition of wintering Pacific greater white-fronted geese Body condition of wintering Pacific greater white-fronted geese

Extreme changes to key waterfowl habitats in the Klamath Basin (KB) on the Oregon–California border and the Sacramento Valley (SV) in California, USA, have occurred since 1980. The spatial distribution of Pacific greater white‐fronted geese (Anser albifrons sponsa; geese) has likewise changed among these areas and population size has grown from 79,000 to >600,000 geese during the same...
Authors
Daniel A. Skalos, John M. Eadie, Daniel R. Yparraguirre, Melanie L. Weaver, Shaun L. Oldenburger, Craig R. Ely, Julie L. Yee, Joseph P. Fleskes
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Exploring overlap of feather molting and migration in Tundra Swans using δ2H analysis Exploring overlap of feather molting and migration in Tundra Swans using δ2H analysis

Determining the processes that shape the relative timing of energetically-costly events in the annual cycle of migrating birds is important to our understanding of avian phenology and ecology. We paired satellite tracking and hydrogen stable isotope analysis (δ2H) to examine the relative timing of two such events – migration and feather molting – in tundra swans from four breeding areas...
Authors
Nathan Wolf, T. Scott Smeltz, Jeffrey Welker, Matthew Rogers, Craig R. Ely
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Conservation status of the world’s swan populations, Cygnus sp. and Coscoroba sp.: a review of current trends and gaps in knowledge Conservation status of the world’s swan populations, Cygnus sp. and Coscoroba sp.: a review of current trends and gaps in knowledge

Recent estimates of the world’s swan Cygnus sp. populations indicate that there are currently between 1.5–1.6 million birds in 8 species, including the Coscoroba Swan Coscoroba coscoroba as an honorary swan. Monitoring programmes in Europe and North America indicate that most populations increased following the introduction of national and international legislation to protect the species...
Authors
Eileen Rees, Lei Cao, P. Clausen, J. M. Coleman, J. Cornely, O. Einarsson, Craig R. Ely, R. Kingsford, Ming Ma, C. E. Mitchell, S. Nagy, T. Shimada, Jeffrey Snyder, D. Solovyeva, W. Tijsen, Y. Vilna, R. Wlodarczyk, K. Brides
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms for use in a genetic stock identification system for greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) subspecies wintering in California Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms for use in a genetic stock identification system for greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) subspecies wintering in California

California provides wintering habitat for most greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons [GWFG]) in the Pacific Flyway and this population has rapidly increased since the 1980s. Increased harvest of GWFG wintering in California may prevent agricultural depredation while providing increased hunting opportunities. However, changes in harvest levels are unlikely to be uniform across the...
Authors
Robert E. Wilson, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Jeffrey M. DaCosta, Craig R. Ely, Michael D. Sorenson, Sandra L. Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Current trends and future directions in swan research: Insights from the 6th International Swan Symposium Current trends and future directions in swan research: Insights from the 6th International Swan Symposium

Given their popularity with researchers and public alike, together with their welldocumented importance in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, fundamental and applied research on swans continues to develop in the 21st century. The 6th International Swan Symposium (6th ISS), was held at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu, Estonia, in October 2018. The symposium brought...
Authors
Kevin Wood, Lei Cao, P. Clausen, Craig R. Ely, L. Luigujoe, Eileen Rees, Jeffrey Snyder, D. Solovyeva, R. Wlodarczyk
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 R. Ely, Brian McCaffery, Robert E. Gill
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Flyway structure in the circumpolar greater white‐fronted goose Flyway structure in the circumpolar greater white‐fronted goose

Dispersal and migratory behavior are influential factors in determining how genetic diversity is distributed across the landscape. In migratory species, genetic structure can be promoted via several mechanisms including fidelity to distinct migratory routes. Particularly within North America, waterfowl management units have been delineated according to distinct longitudinal migratory...
Authors
Robert E. Wilson, Craig R. Ely, Sandra L. Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Variation in age ratio of midcontinent greater white-fronted geese during fall migration Variation in age ratio of midcontinent greater white-fronted geese during fall migration

Annual productivity is an important parameter for the management of waterfowl populations. Fall age ratio (juveniles:total birds) is an index of productivity of the preceding breeding season. However, differences in the timing of migration between family groups and nonbreeding birds may bias age-ratio estimates. We examined temporal variation in age ratios of midcontinent greater white...
Authors
Wade G. Schock, Julian B. Fischer, Craig R. Ely, Robert A. Stehn, Jeffery M. Welker, Douglas Causey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Genetic structure among greater white-fronted goose populations of the Pacific Flyway 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 jeopardized by human intervention, including...
Authors
Craig R. Ely, Robert E. Wilson, Sandra L. Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Chewing lice of swan geese (Anser cygnoides): New host-parasite associations Chewing lice of swan geese (Anser cygnoides): New host-parasite associations

Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) that parasitize the globally threatened swan goose Anser cygnoides have been long recognized since the early 19th century, but those records were probably biased towards sampling of captive or domestic geese due to the small population size and limited distribution of its wild hosts. To better understand the lice species parasitizing swan geese that are...
Authors
Chang-Yong Choi, John Y. Takekawa, Diann J. Prosser, Lacy M. Smith, Craig R. Ely, Anthony D. Fox, Lei Cao, Xin Wang, Nyambayar Batbayar, Tseveenmayadag Natsagdorj, Xiangming Xiao
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Low survival rates of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) estimated from neck-collar resighting and telemetry Low survival rates of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) estimated from neck-collar resighting and telemetry

Waterbird survival rates are a key component of demographic modeling used for effective conservation of long-lived threatened species. The Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) is globally threatened and the most vulnerable goose species endemic to East Asia due to its small and rapidly declining population. To address a current knowledge gap in demographic parameters of the Swan Goose, available...
Authors
Chang-Yong Choi, Ki-Sup Lee, Nikolay D. Poyarkov, Jin-Young Park, Hansoo Lee, John Y. Takekawa, Lacy M. Smith, Craig R. Ely, Xin Wang, Lei Cao, Anthony D. Fox, Oleg Goroshko, Nyambayar Batbayar, Diann J. Prosser, Xiangming Xiao
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center
A 100-year History of Flooding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

A 100-year History of Flooding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

Scientists examined storm flooding events in the Bering Sea region of western Alaska from 1913 to 2011 and found that the largest events occurred in...

Read Article

*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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