Robert E Gill, Jr.
The movement ecology of migratory animals, especially extreme endurance migrant birds, fascinates me. Alaska migratory shorebirds have links to all hemispheres, requiring international collaborations to implement effective conservations efforts.
Through an emeritus position at the Alaska Science Center my research is focused on: 1) collaborations with an international suite of colleagues to assess the movement ecology of extreme endurance migrant shorebirds and identify the global-scale conservation issues facing their populations, and 2) releasing data to the public domain and publishing results associated with information collected during my five-decade-long tenure as a research biologist.
Professional Experience
2015 - present Scientist Emeritus USGS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK
1996 - 2015 Research Wildlife Biologist USGS, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK
1993 - 1996 Wildlife Biologist NBS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK
1987 - 1993 Wildlife Biologist USFWS, Alaska Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Anchorage, AK
1984 - 1987 Wildlife Biologist Denver Wildlife Research Center, Anchorage, AK
1981 - 1983 Wildlife Biologist Seattle National Fisheries Research Center, Anchorage, AK
1976 - 1980 Wildlife Biologist US Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK
1973 - 1976 Wildlife Biologist California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA
Education and Certifications
Ph. D. 2010 - present Groningen University, The Netherlands
M.S. 1972 San Jose State University, San Jose, CA Biology
B.A. 1970 San Jose State College, San Jose, CA Wildlife Management
Affiliations and Memberships*
Alaska Shorebird Group (Founding member)
American Ornithologists' Union (Life member, Elective Member 1983, Fellow 2011)
Arctic Institute of North America (Life member)
Australasian Wader Studies Group (North American Representative, 2001-2010)
Canada Shorebird Plan (Member, Scientific Advisory Committee, 1998-2001)
Cooper Ornithological Society (Life member)
East Asian-Australasian Shorebird Working Group (U.S. representative, 2002-2007)
Global Flyway Network (Member, Scientific Advisory Board (2001-present)
International Wader Study Group (Life member; Executive Committee, 1999-2008; Editorial Advisory Board, 2012-present)
New Zealand Wader Study Group
Pacific Shorebird Migration Project (Co-PI, 2006-present)
Russian Working Group on Waders
Western Hemisphere Shorebird Group (Founding Member; Advisory Board, 2008-present)
Western Field Ornithologists (Board of Directors, 1999-2015; Assoc. Editor, 2005-present)
Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, 2004-2012)
U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (Chair, Research and Monitoring Group, 1998-2001)
Abstracts and Presentations
Five invited keynote, 14 invited, and >60 contributed presentations before various scientific bodies.
Science and Products
Tracking Data for Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) Tracking Data for Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Whimbrels, a shorebird found throughout tundra and boreal habitats of Alaska during the summer and winters along the coasts of the continental U.S., and central and South America. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos...
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.
Tracking Data for Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa) Tracking Data for Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Marbled Godwits, a large-bodied shorebird that, in Alaska, nests in the southwestern portion of the state. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos satellite transmitters. Child Item 2: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data
Migratory Timing and Site Use of Marbled Godwits Breeding in Alaska, 2008-2015 Migratory Timing and Site Use of Marbled Godwits Breeding in Alaska, 2008-2015
This dataset contains migration timing and land-based location information from nine Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa beringiae) equipped with solar-powered satellite transmitters on breeding grounds near Ugashik, Alaska, in June of 2008. Transmitters were programmed with a duty cycle of 10 hr on and 48 hr off, yielding 10,858 locations (47-3,490 locations per bird, depending on the...
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...
Filter Total Items: 93
Through thick and thin: Sexing Bristle-thighed Curlews Numenius tahitiensis using measures of bill depth Through thick and thin: Sexing Bristle-thighed Curlews Numenius tahitiensis using measures of bill depth
Birds often exhibit diagnostic traits that differ among individuals of the same species with regard to factors like sex, age, or breeding status. Shorebirds exhibit a wide diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes of their bills, and these traits are commonly used to determine the sex of individuals. In curlews (genus Numenius), length alone accurately separates the sexes in some species...
Authors
Daniel R. Ruthrauff, Colleen M. Handel, T. Lee Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill
Flexible timing of annual movements across consistently used sites by Marbled Godwits breeding in Alaska Flexible timing of annual movements across consistently used sites by Marbled Godwits breeding in Alaska
The study of avian movement has detailed a spectrum of strategies for the timing and use of sites throughout the annual cycle, from near randomness to complete consistency. New tracking devices now permit the repeated tracking of individual animals throughout the annual cycle, detailing previously unappreciated levels of variation within migratory systems. Godwits (genus Limosa) have...
Authors
Daniel R. Ruthrauff, T. Lee Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill
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 M. Handel
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
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 L. Amundson, Colleen M. Handel, Daniel R. Ruthrauff, T. Lee Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill
Energetic solutions of Rock Sandpipers to harsh winter conditions rely on prey quality Energetic solutions of Rock Sandpipers to harsh winter conditions rely on prey quality
Rock Sandpipers Calidris ptilocnemis have the most northerly non-breeding distribution of any shorebird in the Pacific Basin (upper Cook Inlet, Alaska; 61°N, 151°W). In terms of freezing temperatures, persistent winds and pervasive ice, this site is the harshest used by shorebirds during winter. We integrated physiological, metabolic, behavioural and environmental aspects of the non...
Authors
Daniel R. Ruthrauff, Anne Dekinga, Robert E. Gill, Theunis Piersma
Science and Products
Tracking Data for Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) Tracking Data for Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Whimbrels, a shorebird found throughout tundra and boreal habitats of Alaska during the summer and winters along the coasts of the continental U.S., and central and South America. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos...
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.
Tracking Data for Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa) Tracking Data for Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for Marbled Godwits, a large-bodied shorebird that, in Alaska, nests in the southwestern portion of the state. Child Item 1: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data for Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos satellite transmitters. Child Item 2: "Argos Satellite Tracking Data
Migratory Timing and Site Use of Marbled Godwits Breeding in Alaska, 2008-2015 Migratory Timing and Site Use of Marbled Godwits Breeding in Alaska, 2008-2015
This dataset contains migration timing and land-based location information from nine Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa beringiae) equipped with solar-powered satellite transmitters on breeding grounds near Ugashik, Alaska, in June of 2008. Transmitters were programmed with a duty cycle of 10 hr on and 48 hr off, yielding 10,858 locations (47-3,490 locations per bird, depending on the...
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...
Filter Total Items: 93
Through thick and thin: Sexing Bristle-thighed Curlews Numenius tahitiensis using measures of bill depth Through thick and thin: Sexing Bristle-thighed Curlews Numenius tahitiensis using measures of bill depth
Birds often exhibit diagnostic traits that differ among individuals of the same species with regard to factors like sex, age, or breeding status. Shorebirds exhibit a wide diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes of their bills, and these traits are commonly used to determine the sex of individuals. In curlews (genus Numenius), length alone accurately separates the sexes in some species...
Authors
Daniel R. Ruthrauff, Colleen M. Handel, T. Lee Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill
Flexible timing of annual movements across consistently used sites by Marbled Godwits breeding in Alaska Flexible timing of annual movements across consistently used sites by Marbled Godwits breeding in Alaska
The study of avian movement has detailed a spectrum of strategies for the timing and use of sites throughout the annual cycle, from near randomness to complete consistency. New tracking devices now permit the repeated tracking of individual animals throughout the annual cycle, detailing previously unappreciated levels of variation within migratory systems. Godwits (genus Limosa) have...
Authors
Daniel R. Ruthrauff, T. Lee Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill
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 M. Handel
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
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 L. Amundson, Colleen M. Handel, Daniel R. Ruthrauff, T. Lee Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill
Energetic solutions of Rock Sandpipers to harsh winter conditions rely on prey quality Energetic solutions of Rock Sandpipers to harsh winter conditions rely on prey quality
Rock Sandpipers Calidris ptilocnemis have the most northerly non-breeding distribution of any shorebird in the Pacific Basin (upper Cook Inlet, Alaska; 61°N, 151°W). In terms of freezing temperatures, persistent winds and pervasive ice, this site is the harshest used by shorebirds during winter. We integrated physiological, metabolic, behavioural and environmental aspects of the non...
Authors
Daniel R. Ruthrauff, Anne Dekinga, Robert E. Gill, Theunis Piersma
*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