Daniel Esler, Ph.D.
Dan is a Research Wildlife Biologist with the Alaska Science Center and leads the Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Research Program. His work focuses on nearshore marine monitoring, drivers of variation in nearshore systems, sea duck ecology and conservation, and program management.
Professional Experience
2013 - Present Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center
2001 - 2013 Research Scientist, Centre for Wildlife Ecology, Simon Fraser University, Delta, British Columbia
1990 - 2001 Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS/US Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Biological Science Center/Alaska Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1989 - 1990 Biological Technician, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Anchorage, Alaska
1989 Wildlife Technician, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, Okeechobee, Florida
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2000 Oregon State University Wildlife Science
M.S. 1988 Texas A&M University Wildlife Ecology
B.S. 1985 Northland College Biology/Outdoor Education
Affiliations and Memberships*
Affiliate Faculty - University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Adjunct Professor - Simon Fraser University
The Wildlife Society
Pacific Seabird Group
Sea Duck Joint Venture Continental Technical Team
Science and Products
Time of day of ovulation by three duck species in subarctic Alaska
Loss from harlequin ducks of abdominally implanted radio transmitters equipped with percutaneous antennas
Evaluation of bursal depth as an indicator of age class of harlequin ducks
Surgical and immediate postrelease mortality of harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) implanted with abdominal radio transmitters with percutaneous antennae
Harlequin Duck recovery from the Exxon Valdez oil spill: A population genetics perspective
Nesting ecology of Spectacled Eiders Somateria fischeri on the Indigirka River Delta, Russia
Birds of the Indigirka River Delta, Russia: Historical and biogeographic comparisons
Breeding populations of northern pintails have similar mitochondrial DNA
The role of nutrient reserves for clutch formation by Northern Pintails in Alaska
Comparison of age determination techniques for female northern pintails and American wigeon in spring
Dynamics of ovarian follicles in breeding ducks
Assessment of shoreline vegetation in relation to use by molting black brant Branta bernicla nigricans on the Alaska Coastal Plain
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
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Time of day of ovulation by three duck species in subarctic Alaska
I examined variation in ovulation times of Northern Pintails (Anas acuta), American Wigeon (A. americana), and Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) breeding in subarctic Alaskan wetlands. Ovulation times and, by extension, egg-laying times were highly variable in all three species, with ovulations occurring during all hours of the day. Only Lesser Scaup demonstrated a morning peak in ovulations, within aAuthorsDaniel EslerLoss from harlequin ducks of abdominally implanted radio transmitters equipped with percutaneous antennas
We documented extrusion and loss of abdominally implanted radio transmitters with percutaneous antennas from adult female Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus). Birds were captured during wing molt (late August to mid-September) in 1995-1997. Of 44 Harlequin Ducks implanted with radios and recaptured, 7 (16%) had lost their transmitters and 5 (11%) had radios in the process of extruding. MosAuthorsD.M. Mulcahy, Daniel Esler, M. K. StoskopfEvaluation of bursal depth as an indicator of age class of harlequin ducks
We contrasted the estimated age class of recaptured Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) (n = 255) based on bursal depth with expected age class based on bursal depth at first capture and time since first capture. Although neither estimated nor expected ages can be assumed to be correct, rates of discrepancies between the two for within-year recaptures indicate sampling error, while betweenAuthorsD.D. Mather, Daniel EslerSurgical and immediate postrelease mortality of harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) implanted with abdominal radio transmitters with percutaneous antennae
Radiotelemetry is an essential tool in the study of free-ranging bird populations, and a variety of transmitter-attachment methods have been developed. A promising new method is abdominal implantation of a transmitter with a percutaneous antenna. Researchers using this technique should be concerned about and aware of mortality during surgery and during the immediate postrelease period (the 14-dayAuthorsDaniel M. Mulcahy, Daniel EslerHarlequin Duck recovery from the Exxon Valdez oil spill: A population genetics perspective
Concerns about Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) population recovery following the Exxon Valdez oil spill led biologists to ask whether birds located in different molting and wintering areas belong to genetically distinct and, thus, demographically independent populations. Owing to the lack of direct observations of movements among marine areas, three classes of genetic markers that diffeAuthorsRichard B. Lanctot, Buddy L. Goatcher, Kim T. Scribner, Sandra L. Talbot, Barbara J. Pierson, Daniel Esler, Denny ZwiefelhoferNesting ecology of Spectacled Eiders Somateria fischeri on the Indigirka River Delta, Russia
In 1994 and 1995 we investigated breeding biology and nest site habitat of Spectacled Eiders on two study areas within the coastal fringe of the Indigirka River Delta, Russia (71°20' N, 150°20' E). Spectacled Eiders were first observed on 6 June in both years and nesting commenced by mid-June. Average clutch size declined with later nest initiation dates by 0.10 eggs per day; clutches were largerAuthorsJohn M. Pearce, Daniel Esler, Andrei G. DegtyarevBirds of the Indigirka River Delta, Russia: Historical and biogeographic comparisons
We documented the breeding status and relative abundance of all avian species on the coastal portion of the Indigirka River Delta during spring and summer 1993-95. Data on avifaunal composition were then compared to data from adjacent areas from Eastern Siberia to the Chukotka Peninsula to evaluate how species composition changes longitudinally within the arctic and typical tundra zones of northerAuthorsJohn M. Pearce, Daniel Esler, Andrei G. DegtyarevBreeding populations of northern pintails have similar mitochondrial DNA
Northern pintails (Anas acuta) are highly nomadic, which may result in high levels of gene flow among nesting areas. To assess the extent of genetic differentiation among nesting areas, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in northern pintail females from three regions: Alaska, California, and midcontinent prairies and parklands. Abundant mtDNA variation was evident (20 genotypAuthorsM. A. Cronin, J.B. Grand, Daniel Esler, D.V. Derksen, K.T. ScribnerThe role of nutrient reserves for clutch formation by Northern Pintails in Alaska
We analyzed carcass composition of female Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) in Alaska to assess the importance of nutrient reserves for formation of first clutches (n = 85) and renests (n = 39). Habitat (tundra vs. boreal forest), hen age (yearling vs. adult), and year (1990 vs. 1991) did not affect nutrient reserve use. During formation of first clutches, Northern Pintail hens relied on lipid reservAuthorsDaniel Esler, J. Barry GrandComparison of age determination techniques for female northern pintails and American wigeon in spring
Accurate age-class determination of waterfowl is necessary for studies addressing age-specific effects (e.g., Serie et al., 1992) and age structure of populations (e.g., Raveling and Heitmeyer 1989). Duck ages can be determined in fall by morphological and color characteristics of tertial and tail feathers (Carney 1992); however, these feathers are replaced during fall and winter, thus their charaAuthorsDaniel Esler, J. Barry GrandDynamics of ovarian follicles in breeding ducks
I quantified ovarian rapid follicle growth (RFG) and regression of postovulatory follicles of Northern Pintails (Anas acuta), American Wigeon (A. americana), and Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) by a method that accounted for within-day variation in follicle size. Objective methods for identifying onset of RFG also are presented; this is crucial for accurate classification of breeding status. DuratioAuthorsDaniel EslerAssessment of shoreline vegetation in relation to use by molting black brant Branta bernicla nigricans on the Alaska Coastal Plain
To evaluate the importance of large thaw lakes on the Alaska Coastal Plain for molting Pacific black brant Branta bernicla nigricans, distribution and life form of shoreline vegetation were assessed using several scales: satellite imagery, point-intercept transects, cover quadrats, and a parameter for water regime. Brant population and distribution estimates from aerial surveys were used to classiAuthorsMilton W. Weller, K. C. Jensen, Eric J. Taylor, Mark W. Miller, Karen S. Bollinger, Dirk V. Derksen, Daniel Esler, Carl J. MarkonNon-USGS Publications**
Agüero, M. L., P. G. Borboroglu, and D. Esler. 2014. Trophic ecology of breeding white-headed steamerduck (Tachyeres leucocephalus). Waterbirds 37:88-93.Hogan, D., D. Esler, and J. E. Thompson. 2013. Duration and Phenology of Remigial Molt of Barrow's Goldeneye. Condor 115 (4):762-768Palm, E. C., D. Esler, E. M. Anderson, T. D. Williams, and M. T. Wilson. 2013. Variation in physiology and energy management of wintering white-winged scoters in relation to local habitat conditions. Condor 115 (4) :750-761.Hogan, D., D. Esler, and J. E. Thompson. 2013. Variation in body mass and foraging effort of Barrow’s goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica) during remigial molt. Auk 130 (2):313-322.Palm, E. C., D. Esler, E. M. Anderson, T. D. Williams, O. P. Love, and M. T. Wilson. 2013. Baseline corticosterone in wintering marine birds: methodological considerations and ecological patterns. Physiological and Biochemical. Zoology 86 (3):346-353.Hogan, D., J. E. Thompson, and D. Esler. 2013. Survival of Barrow’s goldeneyes during remigial molt and fall staging. Journal of Wildlife Management 77:701-706.Heath, J. P., W. A. Montevecchi, and D. Esler. 2012. A method for quantifying consistency in animal distributions using survey data. PLoS One 7(9): e44353.Palm, E. C., D. Esler, E. M. Anderson, and M. T. Wilson. 2012. Geographic and temporal variation in diet of wintering white-winged scoters. Waterbirds 35 (4):577-589.Federer, R., T. Hollmén, D. Esler, and M. J. Wooller. 2012. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope discrimination factors for quantifying spectacled eider nutrient allocation to egg production. Condor 114:726-732.Agüero, M. L., P. G. Borboroglu, and D. Esler. 2012. Distribution and abundance of Chubut steamerducks: an endemic species to central Patagonia, Argentina. Bird Conservation International 22:307-315.Hogan, D., J. E. Thompson, D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2011. Discovery of important postbreeding sites for Barrow’s goldeneye in the boreal transition zone of Alberta. Waterbirds 34(3):261-268.Takekawa, J. Y., S. W. De La Cruz, M. T. Wilson, E. C. Palm, J. Yee, D. R. Nyeswander, J. R. Evenson, J. M. Eadie, D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, and D. H. Ward. 2011. Breeding distribution and ecology of Pacific coast surf scoters. Pages 41-64 in J.V. Wells, editor. Boreal Birds of North America: a hemispheric view of their conservation links and significance. Studies in Avian Biology (Number 41). University of California Press, Berkeley.Agüero, M. L., P. G. Borboroglu, and D. Esler. 2010. Breeding habitat attributes and nest site selection of Chubut steamerducks in Patagonia, Argentina. Emu 110:302-306.Federer, R., T. Hollmén, D. Esler, M. J. Wooller, and S. W. Wang. 2010. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope discrimination factors from diet to blood plasma, cellular blood, feathers, and adipose fatty acids in spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri). Canadian Journal of Zoology 88(9): 866-874.Esler, D., and J. C. Bond. 2010. Cross-seasonal dynamics in body mass of male harlequin ducks: a strategy for meeting costs of reproduction. Canadian Journal of Zoology 88:224-230.Iverson, S. A., and D. Esler. 2010. Harlequin duck population dynamics following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill: assessing injury and projecting a timeline to recovery. Ecological Applications 20:1993-2006.Esler, D., and S. A. Iverson. 2010. Female harlequin duck winter survival 11 to 14 years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Journal of Wildlife Management 74(3):471-478.Anderson, E. M., J. R. Lovvorn, D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, and K. C. Stick. 2009. Using predator distributions, diet, and condition to evaluate seasonal foraging sites: sea ducks and herring spawn. Marine Ecology Progress Series 386:287-302.Bond, J. C., S. A. Iverson, N. B. MacCallum, C. M. Smith, H. J. Bruner, and D. Esler. 2009. Variation in breeding season survival of female harlequin ducks. Journal of Wildlife Management 73: 965-972.De La Cruz, S. W., J. Y. Takekawa, M. T. Wilson, D. R. Nysewander, J. R. Evenson, D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, and D. H. Ward. 2009. Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) spring migration routes and chronology: A synthesis of Pacific coast studies. Canadian Journal of Zoology 87:1069-1086.LeBourdais, S. V., R. C. Ydenberg, and D. Esler. 2009. Fish and harlequin ducks compete on breeding streams. Canadian Journal of Zoology 87(1): 31-40.Gorman, K. B., D. Esler, R. L. Walzem, and T. D. Williams. 2009. Plasma yolk precursor dynamics during egg production by female greater scaup (Aythya marila): characterization and indices of reproductive state. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 82(4): 372-381.Žydelis, R., D. Esler, M. Kirk, and W. S. Boyd. 2009. Effects of off-bottom shellfish aquaculture on winter habitat use by molluscivorous sea ducks. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 19:34-42.Bond, J. C., D. Esler, and T. D. Williams. 2008. Breeding propensity of female harlequin ducks. Journal of Wildlife Management 72(6):1388-1393.Lok, E. K., M. Kirk, D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2008. Movements of pre-migratory surf and white-winged scoters in response to Pacific herring spawn. Waterbirds 31:385-393.Bond, J.C., and D. Esler. 2008. Bill entanglement in subcutaneously-anchored radio transmitters on harlequin ducks. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 120(3): 599-602.Gorman, K. B., D. Esler, P. L. Flint, and T. D. Williams. 2008. Nutrient reserve dynamics during egg production by female greater scaup (Aythya marila): relationships with timing of reproduction. Auk 125:384-394.Lewis, T. L., D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2008. Foraging behaviors of surf and white-winged scoters in relation to clam density: inferring food availability and habitat quality. Auk 125:149-157.Kirk, M., D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2007. Foraging effort of surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) wintering in a spatially and temporally variable prey landscape. Canadian Journal of Zoology 85(12): 1207-1215.Kirk, M., D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2007. Morphology and density of mussels on natural and aquaculture structure habitats: implications for sea duck predators. Marine Ecology Progress Series 346:179-187.Bond, J. C., D. Esler, and K. A. Hobson. 2007. Isotopic evidence for sources of nutrients allocated to clutch formation by harlequin ducks. Condor 109:698-704.Iverson, S. A., and D. Esler. 2007. Survival of female harlequin ducks during wing molt. Journal of Wildlife Management 71:1220-1224.Bond, J. C., and D. Esler. 2006. Nutrient acquisition by female harlequin ducks prior to migration and reproduction: evidence for body mass optimization. Canadian Journal of Zoology 84: 1223-1229.Žydelis, R., D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, D. Lacroix, and M. Kirk. 2006. Habitat use by wintering surf and white-winged scoters: effects of environmental attributes and shellfish aquaculture. Journal of Wildlife Management 70(6):1754-1762.Iverson, S. A., and D. Esler. 2006. Site fidelity and the demographic implications of winter movements by a migratory bird, the harlequin duck. Journal of Avian Biology 37:219-228.Lewis, T. L., D. Esler, W. S. Boyd, and R. Žydelis. 2005. Nocturnal foraging behavior of wintering surf scoters and white-winged scoters. Condor 107:636-646.Lacroix, D. L., W. S. Boyd, D. Esler, M. Kirk, T. L. Lewis, and S. Lipovsky. 2005. Surf scoters aggregate in association with ephemerally abundant polychaetes. Marine Ornithology 33:61-63.Žydelis, R., and D. Esler. 2005. Response of wintering Steller’s eiders to herring spawn. Waterbirds 28:344-350.Iverson, S. A., D. Esler, and W. S. Boyd. 2003. Plumage characteristics as an indicator of age class in the surf scoter. Waterbirds 26:56-61.Weller, M. W., K. C. Jensen, E. J. Taylor, M. Miller, K. S. Bollinger, D. V. Derksen, D. Esler, and C. Markon. 1994. Assessment of shoreline vegetation in relation to use by molting black brant on the Alaska coastal plain. Biological Conservation 70:219 225.Esler, D. 1992. Habitat use by piscivorous birds on a power plant cooling reservoir. Journal of Field Ornithology 63:241 249.Esler, D. 1990. Avian community responses to hydrilla invasion. Wilson Bulletin 102:427 440.Esler, D. 1990. Waterfowl habitat use on a Texas reservoir with hydrilla. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 44:390 400.Esler, D. 1989. An assessment of American coot herbivory of hydrilla. Journal of Wildlife Management 53:1147 1149.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
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*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