Aerial Surveys of Molting Long-tailed Ducks and Other I ...

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FINAL REPORT20 September 2002

Aerial Surveys of Molting Long-tailed Ducks and OtherWaterfowl in the Barrier Island-Lagoon Systems Between

Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 2001

Prepared for

BP EXPLORATION (ALASKA) INC.Environmental Studies Group

P.O. Box 196612Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6612

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FINAL REPORT20 September 2002

P598

Aerial Surveys of Molting Long-tailed Ducks and OtherWaterfowl in the Barrier Island-Lagoon Systems Between

Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 2001

by

'Lynn E. Noel'Stephen R. Johnson2

Gillian M, O'Doherty'

'LGL ALASKA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.1101 East 76th Avenue, Suite B

Anchorage, Alaska 99518

2LGL LIMITED, environmental research associates9768 Second Street

Sidney British Columbia, CanadaV8L3Y8

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Aerial Surveys of Molting Long-tailed Ducks and other Waterfowlin the Barrier Island-Lagoon SystemsBetween Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 2001

This report was prepared under contract to BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.Inquiries about this report may be addressed to:

BP EXPLORATION (ALASKA) INC.Environmental Studies GroupP.O. Box 196612Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6612

Cite report as:

Noel, L.E., S.R. Johnson, and G.M. O'Doherty, 2002. Aerial surveys of molting long-tailed ducks and otherwaterfowl in the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 2001. Reportfor BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. by LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, USA. 122 p.

Cover photo by John Warden

ABSTRACT

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There is concern about declines in sea duckpopulations in western North America and Alaska.We collected aerial survey data for molting sea ducksand other waterfowl in central Alaskan Beaufort Seabarrier island-lagoon systems collected duringJuly-August 2001. These data add to the 15 years oflong-term monitoring data collected on the samesurvey transects over the 25-year period since 1977.Our study objectives were to determine currentdistribution and abundance of molting sea ducks andother waterfowl, and to compare current andhistorical numbers and distributions of long-tailedducks (Clangula hyemalis) in the barrier islandlagoon system between Spy Island and BrownlowPoint, Alaska. nrree low-level aerial strip-transectsurveys were conducted between 23 July-II August2001, covering 1986 linear km and 790 km'. Longtailed ducks comprised 78% of the avian fauna inJuly-August 200 I. This is slightly lower than resultssince 1977 (80-98%) across this same survey area.Eiders, primarily common eiders (Somateriamollissima v-nigrum), were more abundant in theeastern lagoon system (west of the Arctic Nationalwildlife Refuge; mean density ± standard error; 5.0 ±2.13 eiderslkm'); while scoters, primarily surf scoters(Meianitta perspicillata), were more abundant in thewestern lagoon system (west of Prudhoe Bay; 1.8 ±0.43 scoters!km'). Geese and swans were most

abundant along the mainland shoreline in the westernlagoon (6.0 ±2.04 geese/km') and on tundra transectssouth of the eastern lagoon (4.1 ± 2.28 geese/km').Gulls, primarily glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus),were more abundant in the western lagoon system(1.5 ± 0.78 gulls/km'), compared to the easternlagoon system (0.8 ± 0.61 gulls/km'). DuringJuly-August 2001, density of long-tailed ducks washighest in the eastern lagoon system (18.5 ± 15.26ducks/km'), followed by Stefansson Sound (9.5 ±6.93 ducks/km'), the western lagoon system (8.1 ±7.75 ducks/km'), and tundra (0.1 ± 0.10 ducks/km').Throughout the survey area the total number of longtailed ducks increased from 23 July (n = 8973) to8 August (n = 14,736) and then decreased on11 August 2001 (n ~ 3169). Mean density of longtailed ducks within the entire survey area (combinedwestern and eastern lagoons) during July and Augustdeclined from 1978-2001 (P ~ 0.018). Mean arealdensity declined for 9 of 16 western lagoon transects,1 offshore, 4 barrier island, 2 lagoon, and 2 mainland,through the 3 summary time periods (1978-1984,1989-1991, 1998-2001) between 1978 and 2001. Inthe eastern lagoon, mean long-tailed duck densitydecreased on 3 barrier island transects and 1 lagoontransect from 1989-1991 to 1998-2000, while densityon 2 mainland shoreline transects increased.

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Key Words: central Alaska Beaufort Sea, Clangula hyemalis, eider, glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus, Iongtailed duck, marine waterbirds, Melanitta, scoter, Somateria

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT iTABLE OF CONTENTS iiLIST OF FIGURES iiiLIST OF TABLES viiINTRODUCTION 1

Business Rationale 1Study Objectives 1

METHODS 2Survey Conditions 2Data Summary and Analysis 3

RESULTS 3Overview 3Long-tailed Duck 3

2001 Distribution and Abundance 3Current and Historical Distribution and Abundance 3

Loons 4Seabirds 4

Gulls 4Arctic Terns 4Miscellaneous Seabirds 4

Ducks 4Eiders 4Scoters 5Miscellaneous Ducks 5

Geese and Swans 52001 Human Activity 5

DISCUSSION 5Long-tailed Duck Distribution and Abundance 5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 6LITERATORE CITED 7APPENDIX A: JULy AND AUGUST 2001 WEST DOCK NOAA STATION DATA 74APPENDIX B: 2001 LONG-TAILED DUCK DENSITY BY SURVEY AND HISTORICAL DATA 8 IAPPENDIX C: 2001 DISTRIBUTION MAPS FOR SELECTED SPECIES 99

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure I. Locations and numbers for aerial survey transects and survey regions in the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska 9

Figure 2. Avian species occurring within the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island andBrownlow Point, Alaska I0

Figure 3. Survey aircraft and examples of habitats covered in the barrier-island lagoon systems betweenSpy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska I I

Figure 4. Long-tailed duck sightings as percentage of all bird sightings for aerial surveys with annualmean densities showing standard error in nearshore waters of the central Alaska Beaufort Sea,1977-2001 12

Figure 5. Mean with standard error bar and standard deviation line for areal density ofavian groupsamong survey regions for 2 or 3 aerial survey replicates between Spy Island and BrownlowPoint, Alaska, July-August 1999-2001 13

Figure 6. Areal density oflong-tailed ducks for 3 aerial surveys during 23 July-I I August 2001, andmean areal density with standard error for all surveys by region between Spy Island andBrownlow Point, Alaska 14

Figure 7. Total number oflong-tailed ducks on- and off-transect during aerial surveys in the barrierisland-lagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-I I August2001 15

Figure 8. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 200 I I6

Figure 9. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 1-24 August 2000 17

Figure 10. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 30 July-26 August 1999 18

Figure I I. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 19

Figure 12. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 1-24 August 2000 20

Figure 13. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 30 July-26 August 1999 21

Figure 14. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 5 August-3 September 1998 ..........22

Figure 15. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed-ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-l I August 2001 23

Figure 16. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments on the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 1-24 August 2000 24

Figure 17. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 30 July-26 August 1999 25

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Figure 18. Mean areal long-tailed duck density with standard error by year for aerial surveys in thelagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, during July and August1978-2001 26

Figure 19. Mean areal long-tailed duck density with standard error by transect for aerial surveys betweenSpy Island and West Dock, Alaska, during male long-tailed duck molt period from 15 July to21 August 1978-1984, 1989-1991, and 1998-2001 27

Figure 20. Mean areal long-tailed duck density with standard error by transect for aerial surveys betweenPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, during male long-tailed duck molt period fromIS July to 21 August 1978-1984, 1989-1991, and 1998-2001 28

Figure 21. Total number ofloons on- and off-transect during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoonsystems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 29

Figure 22. Areal density of loons for 3 aerial surveys by region between Spy Island and Brownlow Point,Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .30

Figure 23. Summary of density for loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .31

Figure 24. Summary ofdensity for loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 32

Figure 25. Summary ofdensity for loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 200 I 33

Figure 26. Total number of seabirds on- and off-transect during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 200 I 34

Figure 27. Areal density ofgulls for 3 aerial surveys by region between Spy Island and Brownlow Point,Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 35

Figure 28. Summary ofdensity for gulls by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .36

Figure 29. Summary ofdensity for gulls by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 37

Figure 30. Summary ofdensity for gulls by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 38

Figure 31. Areal density ofterns for 3 aerial surveys by region between Spy Island and Brownlow Point,Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 39

Figure 32. Summary ofdensity for Arctic tems by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .40

Figure 33. Summary ofdensity for Arctic terns by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between West Dock and PoleJsland, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .41

Figure 34. Summary ofdensity for Arctic terns by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .42

Figure 35. Total number ofeiders on- and off-transect during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoonsystems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 200 I .43

Figure 36. Areal density ofeiders for 3 aerial surveys by region between Spy Island and BrownlowPoint, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .44

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Figure 37. Summary of density for eiders by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .45

Figure 38. Summary of density for eiders by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .46

Figure 39. Summary ofdensity for eiders by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 .47

Figure 40. Total number of scoters on- and off-transect during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoonsystems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Ahlska, 23 July-II August2001 .48

Figure 41. Areal density ofscoters for 3 aerial surveys by region between Spy Island and BrownlowPoint, Alaska, 23 July-II August 200 I .49

Figure 42. Summary of density for scoters by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 50

Figure 43. Summary ofdensity for scoters by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 51

Figure 44. Total number ofgeese and swans observed both on- and off-transect during aerial surVeys inthe barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 52

Figure 45. Areal density ofgeese and swans for 3 aerial surveys by region between Spy Islandand Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 53

Figure 46. Summary ofdensity for geese and swans by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 54

Figure 47. Summary ofdensity for geese and swans by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001.. 55

Figure 48. Summary ofdensity for geese and swans by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 56

Figure 49. Mean areal density with standard error for vessel traffic and buman activity during aerialsurveys by region between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 200 1 57

Figure AI. Daily mean temperature and wind speed recorded at the Prudhoe Bay NOAA Station at WestDock, Alaska, 15 July-31 August 200 I 75

Figure A2. Hourly mean water temperature recorded at the Prudhoe Bay NOAA Station at West Dock,Alaska, 15 July-I September 2001 76

Figure A3. Hourly mean wind speed and direction recorded at the Prudhoe Bay NOAA Station at WestDock, Alaska, 15 July-I September 2001 77

Figure A4. Hourly mean air temperature recorded at the Prudhoe Bay NOAA Station at West Dock,Alaska, 15 July-I September 200 I 78

Figure A5. Water level relative to mean low, low water level recorded at 6-min intervals at the PrudhoeBay NOAA Station at West Dock, Alaska, 1-31 July 2001.. 79

Figure A6. Water level relative to mean low, low water level recorded at 6-min intervals at the PrudhoeBay NOAA Station at West Dock, Alaska, 1-31 August2001 80

Figure B I. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July 2001 82

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Figure B2. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 8 August 200 1 83

Figure B3. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 11 August 2001 84

Figure B4. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July 2001 85

Figure B5. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, A.laska, 8 August 200 1 86

Figure B6. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s tiine period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, I I August 2001 87

Figure B7. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July 2001... 88

Figure B8. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 8 August 2001 89

Figure B9. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrierisland-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, I I August 2001 90

Figure C I. Summary ofdensity for Pacific loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 200 I 100

Figure C2. Summary of density for Pacific loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001.. 101

Figure C3. Summary ofdensity for Pacific loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001 102

Figure C4. Summary ofdensity for red-throated loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 103

Figure C5. Summary ofdensity for red-throated loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001... 104

Figure C6. Summary ofdensity for red-throated loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 200 I I05

Figure C7. Summary ofdensity for yellow-billed loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrierisland-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 106

Figure C8. Summary ofdensity for yellow-billed loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrierisland-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001.. 107

Figure C9. Summary ofdensity for yellow-billed loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrierisland-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August2001 108

Figure C 1O. Summary ofdensity for jaegers by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 200 I I09

Figure C II. Summary of density for jaegers by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoonsystem between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 200 I 110

Figure C12. Summary ofdensity for black guillemots by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 111

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Figure C13. Summary ofdensity for black guillemots by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 112

Figure C14. Summary of density for black guillemots by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001 I I3

Figure C15. Summary ofdensity for glaucous gulls by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 I 14

Figure CI 6. Summary ofdensity for glaucous gulls by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, ~laska, 23 July-I I August 2001.. I 15

Figure C17. Summary ofdensity for glaucous gulls by 30-s timeperiod segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001 116

LIST OF TABLES

Table I. Summary of weather and lagoon conditions during 3 aerial surveys in the barrier islandlagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point and on tundra transects fromBrownlow Point to the Shaviovik River, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001 58

Table 2. Summary ofsurvey effort in the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island andBrownlow Point and tundra between Browlow Point and the Shaviovik River, Alaska, 23July-I I August 2001 59

Table 3. Total number ofbird sightings and individuals seen on- and off-transect for all aerial surveytransects in the barrier island-lagoon system, offshore, and on tundra between Spy Island andBrownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-I I August200I.. 60

Table 4. Total number of bird sightings and individuals seen on- and off-transect for aerial surveytransects in the barrier island-lagoon system and offshore between Spy Island and West Dock,Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001 61

Table 5. Total number of bird sightings and individuals seen on- and off-transect for aerial surveytransects in the barrier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23July--I I August 2001 62

Table 6. Total number of bird sightings and individuals seen on- and off-transect for aerial surveytransects in the barrier island-lagoon system and offshore between Pole Island and BrownlowPoint, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001 63

Table 7. Total number of bird sightings and individuals seen on- and off-transect for aerial surveytransects on tundra between Brownlow Point and the Shaviovik River, Alaska, 8 and IIAugust 2001 64

Table 8. Long-tailed duck density by aerial survey transect in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenSpy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 65

Table 9. Long-tailed duck density by aerial survey transect in the barrier island-lagoon system and ontundra between Pole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 66

Table 10. Long-tailed duck density by aerial survey transect in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenWest Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001... 67

Table II. Species densities for all aerial survey transects in the barrier island-lagoon systems and ontundra between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001 68

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Table 12. Habitat associations of loons during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoon systems andtundra transects between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 69

Table 13. Habitat associations of seabirds during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoon systems andtundra transects between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 70

Table 14. Habitat associations of eiders during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoon systems andtundra transects between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001 71

Table 15. Habitat associations ofscoters during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoon systemsbetween Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23/uly-1 I August 2001 72

Table 16. Habitat associations of geese and swans during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoonsystems and tundra transects between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-IIAugust 200 I 73

Table B1. Numbers and percentages oflong-tailed ducks counted during aerial surveys in nearshorewaters of the central Alaska Beaufort Sea, 1977-1984; 1989-1991; 1998-2001 91

Table B2. Individual on-transect long-tailed duck densities for transects between Spy Island andBrownlow Point, Beaufort Sea, Alaska, 5 June-23 September 1977-1984; 1989-1991~1998-2001 92

Table B3. Database records for sightings ofhuman activity during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-I I August 2001 95

Table B4. Habitat associations oflong-tailed ducks during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoonsystems and tundra transects between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-IIAugust 2001 97

Table B5. Long-tailed duck behavior during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoon systems andtundra transects between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-II August 2001 98

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Aerial Surveys of Molting Long-tailed Ducks and Other Waterfowl in theBarrier Island-Lagoon Systems Between Spy Island

and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 2001

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INTRODUCTIONTens of thousands of molting/flightless waterfowl

aggregate along the mainland and barrier islandcoastlines in the central Beaufort Sea, Alaska(Figures 1 and 2). Based on several decades of study,we know that these aggregations of molting/flightlesswaterfowl, primarily sea ducks and geese, are highlysusceptible to disturbance, and to oil or fuel spills(Johnson and Richardson 1981; Johnson 1985, 1990;Johnson and Gazey 1992). Recently, concern hasbeen expressed over the apparent decline in 10 of the15 species of North American sea ducks (Elliot 1997,USFWS 1999). These include species that occurwithin the Spy Island to Brownlow Point barrierisland-lagoon systems (Figures I and 2): long-tailedduck (Clangula hyemalis), common eider (Somaleriamollissima v-nigrum), king eider (Somaleriaspeclabilis), black scoter (Melanitta nigraamericana), surf scoter (Melanilla perspicillala), andwhite-winged scoter (Melanillafusca degland!).

Long-tailed ducks (formerly called oldsquawducks) are the predominant species in central AlaskanBeaufort Sea lagoon systems, and therefore they werethe focus for the development of a monitoringprogram that was designed to evaluate changes inabundance and disrribution of marine waterfowl inrelation to industrial development (Figure I, Johnsonand Gazey 1992). Currently, there is concern overreported declines in long-tailed duck populations inwestern North America, Alaska, and northwesternCanada (Hodges et al. 1996, Conant et al. 1997,Dickson and Gilchrist 2002, Mallek et al. 2002).Trend data for the long-tailed duck populationnesting on the Arctic Coastal Plain, however, areconflicting. Lamed et al. (1999: 15) reported aslightly increasing trend in long-tailed ducks on theArctic Coastal Plain of Alaska from 1992-1999.Other authors have reported stable long-tailed duckpopulations during the same period (Conant et al.1997, Elliot 1997, Larned and Balogh 1997, USFWS1999), whereas Mallek and King (2000) and Malleket al. (2002) reported recent declines in thepopulation.

In 1998-2001, BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.(BPXA) and the Point Thomson Unit Owners(PTUO) funded LGL Alaska Research Associates,Inc. (LGL) to collect molting waterfowl distributionand abundance data (Noel et al. 1999, 2000, 2001)using methods developed and tested for this

monitoring protocol (Johnson and Gazey 1992).BPXA and the PTUO have continued to fund LGL tomonitor molting long-tailed ducks and otherwaterfowl using the Johnson and Gazey (1992)protocol to document activities that could disturbmolting waterfowl and provide current distributionand abundance information for use in environmentalassessments and environmental impact statements.

Business RationaleNesting populations of long-tailed ducks may be

declining across the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska(Mallek et al. 2002), and in northwestern Canada(Dickson and Gilchrist 2002). Tl.!is species is themost abundant molting waterfowl within the barrierisland lagoons adjacent to oilfields in the PrudhoeBay region and in areas of proposed coastaldevelopments at Point Thomson. Waterfowl such aslong-tailed ducks are susceptible to disturbance andpetroleum spills during the molt when they areflightless. Development of new near shore(Northstar) and coastal oilfields (Badami and PointThomson) increases the potential for disturbancefrom resource exploration and development activitiesand disturbance associated with wildlife researchactivities (Johnson et al. in prep.). Documenting andunderstanding how these activities affect distributionand abundance of long-tailed ducks is important fordeveloping meaningful environmental assessmentsand impact statements.

StUdy ObjectivesThis report presents the results of molting long

tailed duck and other waterfowl monitoring surveysduring July and August 200 I between Spy Island andBrownlow Point, Alaska. Aerial survey data formolting long-tailed ducks and other waterfowl incentral Alaskan Beaufort Sea barrier island-lagoonsystems collected during July-August 200 I add to the15 years of long-term monitoring data collected overthe 25-year period since 1977.

Objectives for the 2001 study were:

1. Document the distribution and abundance ofmolting long-tailed ducks and other waterfowlin the barrier island-lagoon systems betweenSpy Island and Brownlow Point, and on largelakes along an inland transect betweenBrownlow Point and the Shaviovik River,Alaska.

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2. Compare current and historical numbers anddistributions of long-tailed ducks in the barrierisland-lagoon systems between Spy Island andBrownlow Point, Alaska.

3. Document the level of human activity duringsurveys in the barrier island-lagoon systemsbetween Spy Island and Brownlow Point,Alaska.

METHODSSurvey methods and conditions adopted in this

study were based on analyses that identified variablesthat influenced the numbers of long-tailed ducksrecorded during low-level aerial surveys (Johnson1990, Johnson and Gazey 1992). Three of fivescheduled low-level aerial (fixed-wing aircraft)surveys were flown during the period 23 July 11 August 2001 in the barrier island-lagoon systemsfrom Spy Island in the west to Brownlow Point in theeast (Figure 1, Table I). Brownlow Point lies on themainland just east of Flaxman Island (Figure I).Sampling was balanced by surveying both thewestern and eastern lagoons on the same day. Fourcontiguous transects were surveyed within 4 habitatstrata (offshore, barrier island, lagoon, mainlandshoreline) in both the western and eastern lagoons(Figure I). All habitats within a lagoon system weresurveyed before continuing to the next lagoon systemto reduce the time between sampling these transects,thereby minimizing the possibility of birds movingbetween transects. In addition to transectsestablished by the monitoring protocol in the westernand eastern lagoons (Johnson and Gazey 1992),barrier island and mainland shoreline habitats acrossStefansson Sound, and large lakes on the tundrabetween the Staines River and the Shaviovik Riverwere also surveyed (Figure I).

The survey crew consisted of a pilot and twoobservers in a float equipped Cessna 206 fixed-wingaircraft (Figure 3); one observer sat in the right frontseat and the other sat in the left rear seat. Surveyaltitude was approximately 45 m above ground leveland ground speed approximately 180 kmlh. Transectwidth was 400 m total: 200 m on each side of theaircraft. On-transect sightings were within 200 mfrom the aircraft, and off-transect sightings weremore than 200 m from the aircraft. Observers weretrained to estimate large numbers of birds in denseconcentrations using the simulation programCounting Wildlife" v. 2.0 (1986, Wildlife Counts,Juneau, AK) and using poppy seed scatter trials(Johnson 1990, Johnson and Gazey 1992).

The survey period was focused on the peak of themale long-tailed duck flightless period from 15 Julyto 21 August, based on progression of the wing molt

Beaufort Sea Waterfowl, 2001

(Johnson and Richardson 1981, Johnson and Gazey1992). Six to 8 replicate surveys at even intervalsduring this period were recommended (Johnson andGazey 1992). Surveys were scheduled as late in theday as practical; as late as 1700 h Alaska DaylightSavings Time, because long-tailed ducks have beenfound to concentrate along the barrier islands in thelate afternoon (Johnson and Richardson 1981;Johnson 1982, 1985). Surveys on days with highwinds (>37 kmIh, 20 kts) were delayed until winds,wave height, and chop diminished, therebyimproving sightability of birds on the water (Johnson1990, Johnson and Gazey 1992). Marginal surveyconditions were when winds approached 37 kmIh.

Tape recorders were used to record informationabout observed birds, mammals, habitats, andenvironmental conditions. Continuous audio-taperecordings were made which included information ontransects, sightings, and 30-s intervals (time period)marked by an audio-intervafometer (timer).Variables recorded include: Transect - start time (hminMs), general location, transect number,temperature, wind speed, wind direction, BeaufortSea state, wave height, cloud cover, habitat type, stoptime; Sighting - species, number, behavior, habitattype, human activity, on- or off-transect; Time period- time at "beep" sound, ice cover, wave height, glareon the water surface, wind speed, wind direction, anychanges in any particular variable. A notebookcomputer equipped with a Global Positioning System(GPS) receiver coupled with. mapping software wasused to record the flight line on a map of the area at1-s intervals during surveys. Observers synchronizedtheir watches with the GPS satellite time, and thesetimes (recorded for transects and time periods) wereused to geo-reference the survey data.

Survey ConditionsGeneral weather conditions in the study area were

recorded during each survey and as broadcast byradio operators at the Deadhorse airport or at theBadami weather office. Wind speed and directionwere assessed by a combination of water surfaceconditions and pilot observations. Temperatureswere either recorded at altitude from the aircraft orfrom Deadhorse or Badami air-radio broadcast.Wind speed and direction greatly influencesightability and behavior of molting waterfowl(Johnson and Richardson 1981, Johnson 1990,Johnson and Gazey 1992). We attempted to limitsurvey days to those with winds <37 kmlh (Table 1).Weather data recorded over this survey period by theNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) station at West Dock is presented inAppendix A.

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Data Summary and AnalysisOur unit of replication for summaries and analyses

is the survey_ For visual comparisons among regions,transects within regions were summed for eachsurvey and mean values for the 3 replicate surveysduring 200 I were computed with standard errors andstandard deviations. To compare changes in themolting long-tailed duck population over time, wesummed the number of long tailed ducks for transectsin both the western and eastern lagoons for eachsurvey and computed the mean values based onsurvey replicates for each year. We then completedsimple linear regression to evaluate data for any trendover time (Zar 1974). To compare changes in longtailed duck density over time for individual transects,we computed the mean and standard errors for longtailed duck density during 3 time periods 1978-1984(n = 6 to 15 surveys), 1989-1991 (n = II to 20surveys), and 1998-2001 (n = 9 to 12 surveys) fortransects in the western and eastern lagoons.

Habitat and behavior summaries were based on thenumber of sightings of each species. Sightings arebased on flocks rather than individuals. Individualswithin a flock behave similarly and respond to otherswithin the flock, and therefore are not independent.Flocks consisting of 1 or many individuals wereconsidered independent from one another.

RESULTSTotal survey effort was 1986 linear km (790.4

km', Table 2). Results are presented below as ageneral overview, followed by sections for taxonomicgroupings. We rely on graphs, maps, and tables toillustrate relative abundances, distributions, andhabitat associations. Graphics and tables arepresented in the order cited, following the body of thereport. Areal density maps for taxonomic groups arepresented as the number of individuals per km' foron-transect data, plotted at the mid-point of each 30-stime period, for each transect. Data for all 3 surveysare presented on a series of 3 maps covering thesurvey area. Maps for each survey date in 200 I forlong-tailed ducks are presented in Appendix B. Mapsfor other selected species are presented inAppendix C.

OverviewLong-tailed ducks dominated the avian fauna in

200 I, both in terms of numbers of individuals andnumbers of sightings (Table 3), which is consistentwith results since 1977 (Figure 4, Table BI, Johnsonand Gazey 1992). Long-tailed ducks dominated inthe western lagoon, Stefansson Sound, and theeastern lagoon during 2001, ranging from 75-81% ofthe total number of individuals recorded (Figure I,Tables 4-6).


Relative abundance among other avian groupsdiffered among the 4 survey regions (western lagoon,Stefansson Sound, eastern lagoon, and tundra, FigureI). Loons dominated in terms of number ofsightings, while geese and swans dominated thenumber of individuals on tundra transects (Table 7).Relative abundance of gulls Was highest in thewestern lagoon, but was highly variable (Figure 5).Eiders were morc abundant in the eastern lagoon;while scaters were more abundant in the westernlagoon (Figure 5). Geese and swans were mostabundant in the western lagoon and tundra (Figure 5).

Long-tailed Duck

2001 Distribution and Abundance

.Mean areal long-tailed duck density was highest inthe eastern lagoon (18.5 ± 15.26 duckslkm'),followed by Stefansson Sound (9.5 ± 6.93duckslkm'), the western lagoon (8.1 ± 7.75duckslkm'), and tundra (0.1 ± 0.10 duckslkm') forsurveys in July and August 200 I; although variability(duckslkm' ±standard error) was high (Figure 6).Throughout the survey area the total number of longtailed ducks increased from 23 July-8 August (8973,27.5 ± 3.02 individualslflock to 14,736, 38.7 ± 3.56individualslflock) and decreased between8 August-II August 2001 (14,736, 38.7 ± 3.56individuals/flock to 3,169, 21.2 ± 3.41individualslflock, Figure 7). In the western lagoon,long-tailed ducks were concentrated along the barrierislands and in the lagoon, with few long-tailed ducksalong the mainland shoreline (Figure 8, Table 8).

Current and Historical Distribution andAbundance

The relatively low use of the mainland shoreline inthe western lagoon in 200 I (Figure 8) is consistentwith the distribution oflong-tailed ducks observed in2000 (Figure 9) and 1999 (Figure 10). In the easternlagoon, long-tailed ducks were concentrated nearPole Island (Transect #133), Tigvariak Island(Transect #193), and along the mainland shoreline(Transect #190, Figure II, Table 9). Long-tailedduck use of the mainland shoreline in the easternlagoon in 200 I is consistent with distributionsobserved in 2000, 1999 and 1998 (Figures 12, 13,and 14). In Stefansson Sound, long-tailed duckswere concentrated in the lee of Cross Island and theMcClure ISlands in 200 I (Figure 15), similar todistributions in 2000 (Figure 16) and 1999(Figure 17, Table 10). Distribution maps for eachregion by survey, showing long-tailed duck densityby 30-s period and vessel traffic, are presented inAppendix B.

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Long-tailed duck was the dominant species in thebarrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island andBrownlow Point during 2001 (Table 3), consistentwith survey data since 1977 (Figure 4, Table B1).Mean areal density of long-tailed ducks within thissurvey area during July and August appears to havedeclined from 1978-200I, although time appears toexplain only 38% of the variation in long-tailed duckdensity (Figure 18). This summary does not correctfor factors which influence mean density such as thetotal number of km2 surveyed, regions covered, orvariability in survey conditions (Johnson and Gazey1992, Johnson et al. in prep.).

The molting long-tailed duck population inBeaufort Sea lagoons from 15 July to 21 August isprimarily composed of flightless males, asdetermined by wing measurements (Johnson andRichardson 1981, Johnson 1985). Mean long-tailedduck density among some transects in the westernlagoon during this molt period shows a generaldecline from 1978-1984 to 1998-200I (Figure 19).This trend is most pronounced for the barrier islandtransects at the western end of Simpson Lagoon(Figure 19). Mean areal density declined for 9 of 12western lagoon transects (I offshore, 4 barrier island,2 lagoon, and 2 mainland) through the 3 summarytime periods between 1978 and 2001 (Figure 19). Inthe eastern lagoon, mean long-tailed duck densitydecreased on 3 of4 barrier island transects and I of 4lagoon transects from 1989-199 I to 1998-200I, whilemean long-tailed duck density on 2 of 4 mainlandshoreline transects increased (Figure 20).

LoonsAlthough there was variability between individual

surveys, loons were most abundant on tundratransects, followed by the western lagoon, StefunssonSound, and eastern lagoon (Figure 5). The number ofloons per survey by region ranged from >180 on8 August (western lagoon) to <Ion 23 July (tundra)and II August (Stefansson Sound, Figure 21). Arealloon density was highest in the western lagoon on 8August and was lowest in Stefansson Sound on IIAugust (Figure 22). Pacific loons (Gavia pacifica)and red-throated loons (Gavia stel/ata) were the mostcommon loon species, with the total density ofPacific loons more than twice that of red-throatedloons in the survey area (Table II). Loons werescattered throughout the survey area in low numbers(Figures 23-25). Pacific loons were the most widelydistributed across habitat types with a higherproportion ofsightings in lagoon, mainland shoreline,and barrier island shoreline habitats (Table 12). Redthroated loons occurred in the same habitats asPacific loons, except the red-throated loons were notrecorded in the tundra habitats surveyed (Table 12).

Beaufort Sea Woterfowl. 2001

Yellow-billed loons (Gavia adamsii) were the leastcommon loon species, and occurred primarily alongmainland shorelines and in lagoons (Table 12).

SeabirdsGulls, primarily glaucous gulls (Larus

hyperboreus), were the most common seabird withinthe survey area (Figure 26, Table 3-7).

Gulls

Gull abundance (both total numbers and density)decreased in the western and eastern lagoons from23 July-8 August (Figures 26 and 27). The meandensity of gulls in the western lagoon was nearlytwice that of gulls in the eastern lagoon (Figure 5).Most glaucous gull sightings were along the barrierislands (55%), followed by the mainland shoreline(33%, Table 13). The greatest concentrations of gullsin the western lagoon occurred near Stump Island andBertoncini Island (Figure 28). In the StefanssonSound region, gulls were scattered throughout thebarrier islands (Figure 29). In the eastern lagoon,gulls were concentrated on the shoreline ofMikkelson Bay (Figure 30). Three flocks with 49Sabine's gulls (Xema sabin!) were also recorded,with the largest flock (84% of individuals) offshorein the western lagoon.

Arctic Terns

Arctic terns (Sterna paradisaea) were notabundant in the survey area, but occurred mostfrequently in the Stefansson Sound and easternlagoon (Figures 5 and 26, Tables 3-7). Arctic terndensity was highest on 11 August in the StefanssonSound region (Figure 31). Most sightings wereadjacent to the barrier islands (Figures 32-34,Table 13).

Miscellaneous Seabirds

Two Pomarine Jaegers (Stercoratius pomarinus)were sighted on 8 August near the Shaviovik River(Figures CIO and CII). A common murre (Uriaaalge) and a black guillemot (Cepphus grylle) weresighted on II August in the eastern lagoon andStefansson Sound regions respectively (Figure CI2,Tables 3-7).

Ducks

Eiders

Eiders were most abundant in the eastern lagoonand Stefansson Sound with highest numbers on 23July in both areas (Figures 5, 35, and 36). Eiderdensities were higher in the eastern lagoon andStefansson Sound than in the western lagoon ortundra regions (Figure 5). Density was highest in theeastern lagoon on 23 July and was lowest in the

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tundra region on II August (Figure 36). Commoneiders were the most abundant species in this group,comprising over 99% of eiders that were classified tospecies (Table 3). In the western lagoon, most eiderswere scattered in small numbers along the barrierislands and in the lagoon with a few large groupsoffshore from Pingok and Bodfish islands and alongthe mainland on either side of Milne Point(Figure 37). In Stefansson Sound, eiders occurredsouth of Reindeer, Cross, Narwhal, and Jeanetteislands (Figure 38). In the eastern lagoon largeflocks ofeiders occurred along the barrier islands andin the lagoons between the Stockton Islands and theMaguire Islands (Figure 39). Over half of commoneider sightings (57%) were associated with the barrierislands (Table 14).

Seaters

Scoters, primarily surf scoters, were mostabundant in the western lagoon, with the highestdensity on 8 August (Figures 5, 40, and 41;Tables 3-7). Over 75% of scoter sightings were onlagoon transects (Table 15). The largest flocks ofscoters were in Simpson Lagoon (Figures 42 and 43).

Miscellaneous Ducks

Aside from scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks,only a few other duck species were recorded. Scaup(Aylhya spp.) were recorded in the western lagoon,eastern lagoon, and tundra; northern pintails (Anasacula) were recorded in the eastern lagoon; and a redbreasted merganser (Mergus serralor) was recordedin the eastern lagoon.

Geese and SwansWithin the survey area during 200 I, geese and

swans were most abundant along the mainlandshoreline of the western lagoon and on tundra(Figure 5, 44, and 45; Table 16), with highestnumbers on 8 August in the western lagoon(Figure 44). Goose and swan density wasconsistently higher in the western lagoon than in theeastern lagoon (Figures 5, 45-48, Table 4 and 6).Greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) andblack brant (Branla bernicla) were the most commonspecies, occurring primarily along the coastline in thewestern lagoon (Figure 46, Tables 4 and 16). Lessersnow geese (Chen coerulescens caerulescens) andCanada geese (Branla canadensis) were the mostcommon species in the eastern lagoon primarily onTigvariak Island and in the Shaviovik River delta(Figure 48, Tables 6 and 16). A few tundra swans(Cygnus columbianus) were recorded on coastaltundra in the eastern and western lagoons, and ontundra transects (Figure 44, Table 16).

Beauforl Sea Waterfowl. 2001

2001 Human ActivityVessel traffic was highest on 8 August 2001 in the

western lagoon region (Table B3). Vessel traffic wasgenerally higher within the western lagoon thanwithin the eastern lagoon, although vessel traffic wasrecorded throughout the survey area during 200 I(Figure 49, Table B3). Vessel sightings includedsmall and medium sized boats, seismic boats, largeships, and small aircraft (Table B3). Human activityother than the established oilfield facilities includedfield' camps at Cottle Island, Flaxman Island. and thePOInt Thomson #3 pad (Table B3). Other humanactivity sightings included i)'ke nets, bird capturenets, telemetry monitoring stations, people, andtelemetry antennas (Table B3). On transect vesseltraffic has remained generally higher in the westernlagoon than in the eastern lagoon from 1999-200 I,although there does not appear to be a similar patternfor human activity (Figure 49).

DISCUSSION

Long-tailed Duck Distribution andAbundance

Survey data for the central Beaufort Sea barrierisland-lagoon systems collected during August 200 Isupplement the 14 years of long-term monitoring datacollected over the 25 year period since 1977. Basedon the 200 I data, long-tailed ducks continue to be themost numerous birds in Beaufort Sea barrier islandlagoon systems, where they feed primarily onepibenthic organisms including mysids (Mysis relictaand M liloralis) and amphipods (Onisimus glacialis)(Johnson 1982). During the flightless molt periodfrom mid July to late August, male long-tailed ducksand some non-breeding females congregate in verylarge numbers in barrier island-lagoon systems suchas Simpson Lagoon, Gwydyr Bay, and south ofFlaxman Island. The highest densities of moltingflocks generally concentrate immediately south ofbarrier island shorelines. Barrier islands provideprotection from prevailing winds and rough water,provide easy access to roosting areas along leewardbeaches, and are close to abundant prey resources inthe lagoons (Johnson 1982).

Mean density of long-tailed ducks within thecombined western and eastern lagoons during Julyand August appears to have declined from 1978-2001(Figure 18, y = -4.96x + 178, R' = 0.382, P = 0.018),without correction for number of km' surveyed,regions covered, or variability in survey conditions.During periods of disturbance (aircraft, boat andhumans) and rough water, Johnson (1982) found thatlong-tailed ducks responded by moving to a nearby

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location that provided protection ITom wind andwaves. Changes in distribution appeared to beprimarily related to weather conditions rather thandisturbance, but a decline in overall long-tailed ducknumbers within the study area in 1981 (4000 to 2000)indicated that there was a general pattern ofmovement away ITom the sources of disturbance(Johnson 1982). This suggests that continuous vesseltraffic and aircraft disturbance during molting maylead to displacement of long-tailed ducks.Development and expansion of the oilfields in thePrudhoe Bay region since 1977, with an assumedincrease in nearshore traffic, may have contributed tothe decreased density of long-tailed ducks within thewestern lagoon systems ITom 1977-1984 to 19982001 (Figure 19).

Since 1998, an assumed increase in vessel andaircraft traffic associated with development of theBadami oilfield, exploration in the Flaxman Islandarea, and intensive environmental studies may alsohave contributed to a decrease in density of longtailed ducks on 3 of 4 barrier islands and an increasein density on 2 of4 mainland shoreline transects from1989-1991 to 1998-200 I (Figure 20). This may inpart be a reflection of sampling intensity, surveytiming. survey weather conditions, and the generaldecline in the Arctic Coastal Plain nestingpopulation; but may also. be related to increaseddisturbance within this lagoon system. A detailedanalysis of these data, incorporating disturbance andother environmental variables known to influence thenumber of long-tailed ducks recorded duringmonitoring surveys, is beyond the scope of thispresentation ofour 2001 survey results. This.analysishas recently been completed and the manuscriptbased on this analysis is in preparation (Johnson et a!.in prep.).

Weather conditions influence the total number anddistribution of long-tailed ducks recorded during ourmonitoring surveys (Johnson 1982, Johnson andGazey 1992). Moderate to strong winds (20-37kmIh) directly influence sightability of birds on thewater by increasing wave height and surfacedisturbance (Johnson and Gazey 1992). Duringperiods of strong southwesterly winds, long-tailedducks move toward the mainland coast and/or out ofthe lagoon through the inter-island passes to takeshelter in the lee of the mainland coast or north of thebarrier islands (Johnson and Richardson 1981).

Undisturbed molting long-tailed ducks typicallycycle through a 24-h period of activity, with peaknumbers resting and preening in the leewardnearshore and beach habitats during evening andearly morning (Johnson 1982, 1985; Flint et a!.2001). During mid-day, long-tailed ducks typically


move farther from shore into mid-lagoon habitats tofeed (Johnson 1982, Flint et al. 200 I). Althoughmolting sea ducks have been found to spend moretime in open water when disturbed intermittently byaircraft; time spent swimming and feeding, andpopulation levels appeared to be unaffected (Gollopet al. 1974). Flint et al. (200 I) conductedexperimental boat disturbances but could not identifychanges in location, changes in movement patterns,or changes in feeding frequency associated with theseexperimental disturbances. Poor resolution for radiotriangulated locations, and behavioral differencesbetween experimental and control areas were cited asreasons for an inability to measure a response toexperimental disturbances (Flint et a!. 2001).Johnson (1982) documented a breakdown in the 24-hactivity cycle with disturbance and increased wind,although cyclic movements continued in an adjacentundisturbed sheltered area (Johnson 1982).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThis study was funded by BP Exploration (Alaska)

Inc. (BP). We thank Dave Trudgen and Bill Streever,with the Environmental Studies Group at BPExploration (Alaska) Inc. for their support andsuggestions concerning this study. Bill Streeverprovided comments which improved this report.Peter Wainwright designed, programmed, andmaintains the customized software used for dataanalysis. The survey aircraft was piloted by JimHelmericks, who has piloted these surveys since1977.

6

I Beaufort Sea Waterfowl, 200f

LITERATURE CITEDIIIItIIIIIIItt

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Conant, B., DJ. Groves, C. Ferguson, and RJ. King.1997. Long-tailed ducks - toward listing.Seventh Alaska Bird Conference, 1-5 December1997, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MigratoryBird Management, Anchorage, AK.

Dickson, D.L., and H.G. Gilchrist. 2002 Status ofmarine birds in the southeastern Beaufort Sea.Arctic 55 Supplement 1:46-58.

Elliot, R.D. (ed) 1997. Conservation issues for NorthAmerican Sea Ducks. A concept paper for a SeaDuck Joint Venture under the North AmericanWaterfowl Management Plan. Report byCanadian Wildlife Service, U.S. Fish & WildlifeService and U.S. Geological Survey (BiologicalResources Division). Canadian Wildlife Service- Atlantic Region, Sackville, New Brunswick,Canada. 35 p.

Flint, P. L., R. B. Lanctot, J. C. Franson, T. Hollmen,J. Fischer, J. B. Grand, and M. Howell. 2001.Monitoring Beaufort Sea waterfowl and marinebirds. Annual Progress Report by U.S.Geological Survey, Alaska Biological ScienceCenter, Anchorage, AK. 43 P + appendices.

Gollop, M.A., J.R. Goldsberry, and R.A. Davis.1974. Aircraft disturbance to moulting seaducks, Herschel Island, Yukon Territory, August1972. Arctic Gas BioI. Rep. Ser. 14(5):202-231.

Hodges, J.I., J.B. King, B. Conant, and H.A. Hanson.1996. Aerial surveys of waterbirds in Alaska1957-1994: Population trends and observervariability. National Biological . ServiceInformation and Technology Report 4. 24 p.

Johnson, S.R. 1982. Continuing investigations oflong-tailed d.ucks (Cfangula hyemalis L.) duringthe molt period in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea.Pages 547-563 in Envir. Assess. Alaskan Cont.Shelf, Final Rep. Prine. Invest. Vol. 23.BLMINOAA, OCSEAP, Juneau, AK.

Johnson, S.R. 1985. Adaptations of the long-tailedduck (Clangula hyemalis L.) during the period ofmolt in Arctic Alaska. Proc. Internat. Ornithol.Congress 18:530-540.

Johnson, S.R. 1990. Monitoring Beaufort Seawaterfowl and marine birds. Report OCS StudyMMS 90-0048 by LGL Alaska Research Assoc.,Inc. for U.S. Department of Interior, AlaskaOuter Continental Shelf Region of the MineralsManagement Service, Anchorage, Alaska. 121 p.

Johnson, S.R. and W. Gazey. 1992. Design andtesting ofa monitoring program for Beaufort Seawaterfowl and marine birds. Report OCS StudyMMS 92-0060 by LGL Alaska ResearchAssociates, Inc. for U.S. Department of Interior,Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region of theMinerals Management Service, Anchorage,Alaska.114p.

Johnson, S.R. and D.R. Herter. 1989. The Birds ofthe Beaufort Sea. BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.,Anchorage, AK. 372 p.

Johnson, S.R. and WJ. Richardson. 1981. Barrierisland lagoon ecological process studies: FinalReport, Simpson Lagoon. Part 3, Birds. Pages109-383 in Environmental Assessment of theAlaskan Continental Shelf , Final Reports ofPrincipal Investigators. Volume 7. BiologicalStudies. Outer Continental Shelf EnvironmentalAssessment Program. U.S. Department ofCommerce, National Oceanic & AtmosphericAdministration and U.S. Department of theInterior, Bureau of Land Management. Boulder,Colorado. National Technical InformationService PB82-192113/AS.

Johnson, S.R., L.E. Noel, WJ. Gazey, and V.C.Hawkes. In prep. Aerial monitoring of marinewaterfowl in the central Alaskan Beaufort Sea:1989-1991 and 1999-2001.

Larned, W.W. and G.R. Balogh. 1997. Eiderbreeding population survey Arctic Coastal Plain,Alaska, 1992-1996. Unpublished Report, U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory BirdManagement Division, Anchorage, AK. 51 p.

Larned, W., T. Tiplady, R. Platte, and R. Stehn.1999. Eider breeding population survey, ArcticCoastal Plain, Alaska, 1997-1998. Unpub. reportby U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office ofMigratory Bird Management, Anchorage, AK.22 p.

Mallek, EJ. and R. J. King. 2000. Aerial breedingpair surveys of the Arctic Coastal Plain ofAlaska, 1999. Unpublished report by U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service, Waterfowl Management,Fairbanks, AK. 17 p.

Mallek, EJ., R. Platte, and R. Stehn. 2002. Aerialbreeding pair surveys of the Arctic Coastal Plainof Alaska-2001. Unpublished report by U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, WaterfowlManagement, Fairbanks, AK. 25 p. + Append.

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Noel, L.E., S.R. Johnson, and P.F. Wainwright.1999. Aerial surveys of molting waterfowl inthe barrier island-lagoon systems between SpyIsland and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 1998.Report by LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc.for BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., Anchorage,AK. 53 p.

Noel, L.E., S.R. Johnson, and P.F. Wainwright.2000. Aerial surveys of molting waterfowl inthe barrier island-lagoon systems between theStockton Islands and Flaxman Island, Alaska,1999. Report by LGL Alaska ResearchAssociates, Inc. for BP Exploration (Alaska)Inc., Anchorage, AK. 64 p. + Append.

Noel, L.E., S.R. Johnson, and R. Rodrigues. 2001.Aerial surveys of molting waterfowl in thebarrier island-lagoon systems between SpyIsland and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 2000.Report by LGL Alaska Research Associates, Inc.for BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., Anchorage,AK. 69 p. + Append.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999.Population status and trends of sea ducks inAlaska. Unpublished Report. U.S. Fish andWildlife Service, Migratory Bird Management,Anchorage, AK 137 p.

Zar, J.H. 1974. Biostatistical Analysis. PrenticeHall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. 620 p.


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Pair ofcommon eiders.Photo by John Werden

Pair of long-tailed ducks.Photo BPXA file

Black brant (Branta bemic/a nigricans).Photo by Lynn Noel

Nesting female common eider (Somateria mo//issimav-nigrum). Photo by John Warden

Male long-tailed duck (Clangula hyema/is).Photo by John Werden

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Figure 2. Avian species occurring within the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island andBrownlow Point, Alaska.

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Figure 3. Survey aircraft and examples of habitats covered in the barrier island-lagoon systemsbetween Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska.

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.p,.

<>23-Jul-01

08-Aug-01

<>6. 11-Aug-01 I-

a Mean Region Density

± Standard Error

<> <>

. -'~

P

6. -Long-tailed Ducks Long-tailed Ducks Long-tailed Ducks Long-tailed Ducks

WESTERN LAGOON STEFANSSON SOUND EASTERN LAGOON TUNDRA

Figure 6. Areal density of long-tailed ducks for 3 aerial surveys during 23 July-11 August 2001, and mean areal density with standarderror for all surveys by region between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska. On 23 July 2001, two mainland transects in the easternlagoon and all tundra transects were not flown because of fog.

'"g<§,~

~~ii>~~.-'":5.....

..... -.-.-.-. _-WESTERN LAGOON (Spy Island to West Dock) EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)

1000

r-------------------------l'8000 i

I I ~ ~ ~ ~ I I ~ I I i I I I I I I I ~o

70001 1

j 6OOOtl------------~~'i 8OOO

t.9 "000

1;,8 ""lOIiZ2000

~lliilll;111I I ~ ~ ~ ~ I Io

1000

7000+-1---------------1

8000 I I

~ 6000+-1---------------1~'i llOO0tl----------------I'5~ 4OOotl------------------Jj1;,83000IiZ 2000

STEFANSSON SOUND (West Dock to Pole Island) TUNDRA (Brownlow Point to Shaviovik River)

Figure 7. Total number of long-tailed ducks on- and off-trarisect during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Islandand Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 JUly- 11 August 2001. Surveys were "own on 23 July, 8 August and 11 August 2001.

~

~§.fi?"~

""~R'"'=>:::

~ §~ ~11 I 1111 1 ~ I I I ill 1 I I

"

,'00

700'

800,

j-'i 8OOO

tj 4001

1;j3060IiZ2000

'000 .o. •• .-11111111 ~ ~ II i 111111 ~

70001 1

8000T'---------------------'------,

~6000~=======_----========~~ 8000 1-======-----=======1-1- '1.., 'I_I !

~=----===II

-v.

-------- _----

PINGOK UlLANO

'"2-

~§,3-~.I'<!

~ ~

~

~t

..,.

,

,~

•

,Pl/UDHOE B-1};.

gg,"~ MIDWAY+ 70' 30'.".OEER ISLANDS

ISLAND

Kilometers

024

"

• 1000.01 - 2500.0/km2

• 500.01 - 1000.0/km2

• 200.01 - 500.0/km2

• 50.01 - 200.0/km2

, 0.01 - 50.0/km 2

ProJoction: UTM Zono 6, NAQ 27 for Alaska~

LONG ISLAND

LONG ISLAND

.., .• •

gl'n"~

,Jo~

'l:.s'I?~UI?",loS:

come (,q"'OnISLAND u

BERTONCIMISLAND

~~

LEAVITT ISLAND

~,..• 'Af;SON~-1db'"

• • '.. UN

SPY ISLAND

LONG-TAILED DUCK 2001 gWESTERN LAGOON(Spy Island to West Dock)

-0'>

- - -- -- -- -- -. -. -. - - -- -- -- - .- - - -

SPY ISLAND

PfNGOK ISLAND

LEAVln ISLAND

,

.PRUDHOE 1M];.

WEST DOCK

b

'"o<0..,.

,.~

•

Kilometers

MIDWAY+ 70° 30'REINDEER ISLANDSISLAND

o 2 4-

""'""§,~%'":;;;

~I ~

'"Sh1

L-...UJ NW I; ~

-

• 1000.01 - 2500.0/km2

• 500.01 - 1000.0/km2

• 200.01 - 500.0/km2

• 50.01 - 200.0/km 2

• 0.01 - 50.0/km2

Projection: UTM Zone 6, NAO 27 for Alaska

Eoa ISLAND

~

LONG ISLANO

lONG ISLAND

If

••• •

bo

~~

u'O~

~8'~l:1';U~""8

COrn.E (,q"'D~lSLANO u

8ERTONCINIISLAND

l'n..,.~

~ ...• 'MPSON..l:"1'~O... ." ~

LONG-TAILED DUCK 2000 gWESTERN LAGOON(Spy Island to West Dock)

..........,

---------- -.-.-.-.-- ...

EOG ISLAND

STUMP ISLAND

..,.

g:>l:>'§,§.

. [;;'

oJ ~

"SJ.,

~~'"~~

.PRUDHOE BAY,.

,

WEST DOCK

• '7')•

b0)

o

'"'<t~

MIDWAY+ 70° 30'REINDEER ISLANDSISLAND

Kilometers

o 2 4

• 1000.01 - 2500.0/km2

• 500.01 - 1000.0/km2

• 200.01 - 500.0/km2

• 50.01 - 200.0/km 2

• 0.01 - 50.0/km2

ProJecllon: UTM Zono 6, NAD 27 for Ataskll~

LONO ISLAND

LONO ISLAND

•• •• •

8oOl'<t~

•

"o~'(:S'~l:-r.

lJ~~fScome ~~OnISLAND u

BERTONelNIISLAND

PINGOI( ISLAND

~ ...• 'MPSON~.Jdbo~.. . ....

LEAVITT ISLANDSPY ISLAND

LONG-TAILED DUCK 1999 ~Ol

WESTERN LAGOON ;!

(Spy Island to West Dock)

00

__ lIIIaIL -.. ..... ~ __ ~ .... .... ~ ... ... -.. .... ~ ~ ... .--, -

o

Figure 11. Summary ofdensity for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001.

LONG-TAILED DUCK 2001EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)

BrownlowPoint

oo

Kilometers

o 2 4

FLAXMAN ISLAND

1000.01 - 2500.0/km2

500.01 - 1000.0/km2

200.01 - 500.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

0.01 - 50.0/km2••

•••PrOjecllon: UTM Zone 6, NAD 27 for Alaska~

• ••

o'"r""<t~

+ 700 20'

,.@

• ••

i;-c,'v

~~NORTHSTAR ~~

11iLANO ~S

.~'....-.-......... "t-G IMRY'ACH'J • .. ....... .d S ISLAND

I :0/'. ~-r;

•••

~c,~

~~'\(j~ MAGUIRE ISLANDS

i.~~ CHALLENGe ISLAND DUCHESS~y ISLAND

c,~

••

-••tb••••

STOCKTONISLANDS

<l, \.~\-8?l\"') \\. l

700 10' +

MIKKELSEN BAY

8c,'9 ~~ ~

#'~ 700 20'+

% POLE ISLAND

t- BELVEO'R' IS,",NO~~C .....~~~ ..'.

{"<.

nOVAR"~,E!lLANO .'.

.

McCLURE ISLANDS

JEANETTE""'"' ISLAND

•---.... --.)

KARLUKISLAND

700 20'

.....'0

....... -. .... ~ ~~ ..... ~ -.. ..... .-..@III. ~ ~ _~.-.-, . '.

'"2~

BrownlowPoint

024

'"Kilometers

FLAXMAN ISLAND

1000.01 - 2500.0/km 2

500.01 - 1000.0/km2

200.01 - 500.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

0.01 - 50.0/km2••

•••ProjacUon: UTM Zone 6, NAO 27 for Alaska

,.• ••

b

~'"&,....~

+ 70' 20'

,.o@)

.--•

~G~

~o<,.#~

6~ MAGUIRE ISLANDS'\<p~ CHALLENGE ISLAND DUCHESS

:\JY ISLANDI",,(i~ NORTH STARVV' ~ ISLAND. .', ....--...... ",••

-••-"). ••••

STOCKTONISLANDS

LONG·TAILED DUCK 2000EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)

70' 10' +

....~:VEOEREmUN'

MIKKELSEN BAY

isr~ 0

~v !¢

~"'~ 70' 20' :;:I\.~ POLE ISLAND

O'{

4"':-~

~

n'VAR"~'ISLAND . - •

•

McCLURE ISLANDS

10 ~D ®g \ ""oeK\ \-.,1\"\ l) - -I .)n(~Figure 12. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweanPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 1-24 August 2000.

JEANETTE

~ISLAND

'--.,"'''.

70' 20') KARLUK

ISLAND

,

No

_ ~ -..- -.". __ -.,.. IlJ!!!!I!- ~ '~1 @la, ' ... 'II!!!!!!oIr '-.. .... 1!!!!!!w .... --.-, ~. ...,. .- '-,~ - - ....-.~

o

McCLURE ISLANDS

JEANETTE.",..... ISLAND

'---.,....


42o

1000.01 - 2500.0/km2

500.01 - 1000.0/km2

200.01 - 500.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km 2

0.01 - 50.0/km2,•

•••ProJOc1lon: UTM Zone 6, NAD 27 for Alaska~

b'"~...~

+ 70'20'STOCKTON

ISLANDS

r..~:~ER'~~ND

ba

'S-(,~ ~

;.# 70' 20' +-:'\.~ POLE ISLAND

Q</;-l·

~V;i

)KARLUKISLAND

70' 20'

Figure 13. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 30 July-26 August 1999.

N-

r<.TIGVARIAt\.ISLAND .•

,

MIKKELSEN BAY

70' 10' +

~••....,, .-'. '.

, .

••l

•

o

.~

Kilometers

Fl.AXMAN ISLAND

BrownlowPoint

'"'"'"-

-. - - -.--"",!!*--'~~-~ -- -- -- - ....-...- ........., - ....-.

Figure 14. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 5 August-3 September 1998.


~~~VEa~E"~NO

"->:5....

BrownlowPoint

42

bo

Kilometers

a

FlAXMAN ISLAND

1000.01 - 2500.0/k~2l500.01 - 1000.0/km2

200.01 - 500.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

0.01 - 50.0/km2••

•••ProjeclJon: UTM Zone 6, NAO 27 for Alaska~

o

b

'"ro..,.~

+ 70' 20'

~•

"..•

l

~c~~,\~

(j~~ MAGUIRE ISLANDS ~C~. i.$~ CHAlJ..£NOE lSLAND DUCHESS ... ~

V IS~ ~r,i~ NaR"'OTAR ~~vV ~ ISLAND ~y

• Ii', .~. ",to-C~MARY"CH'• ..17 ISLAND. } ~

• "" .. ~l'•. " ..

" ."

STOCKTONISLANDS

~• •.""". ".

70' 10' +

MIKKELSEN BAY

8r~ 0

~v !¢-S-",~ 70' 20' +-

~~ POLE ISLAND

O't~«

~'v

~

nOVAR~~'ISLAND .•

"

McCLURE ISLANDS

JEANETTE..".." ISLAND

''''--.,

'.)

KARLUKISLAND

70' 20'

,.

tvN

~...-.,. -='-=--'~ ~.

~. ~ 'C.G ,· . t ~~ == c- ~ ~.. ~~ ....--.-,.• ~.;, ,t:~ ._--:-:;-0' l!""~~ ..> , ,"," ... '--.

.~

• 1~

"~.I~::;

•

bo

r~ ~~v '<t

~",<I/ 70' 20~t\" POLE ISLAND

0<1:-l>

*-%

1000.01 - 2500.0/km2

500.01 - 1000.0/km2

200.01 - 500.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km 2

0.01 - 50.0/km2

~

KARLUKISLAND

"

Kilometers

••

•••Projection: UTM Zona 6, NAO 27 ror Alaska

o 2 4

==

JEANETTEISLAND

McCLURE ISLANDS

~..---.....-. '..~

~

bM

~~

g~~

+ 70' 20'

NARWHALISLAND

~••

70'30' +

,

NO NAMEISLAND

o

~~

is

.)

••srePANSSON SOl1N.D

CROSS

70' 3~' ~~UN'ARGO ISLAND

..,'7'-,

•

,,

MIDWAYREINDEER ISLANDS

ISLANDIgo

'"'<t

T1GVARIA~' ~ISLAND . - 0

~11

_."._.~_ ~"~__~~" A..:>,])1 ; ~~m . MIKKELSEN BAy__ lFigure 16. Summary of density for long-tailed ducks by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between gWest Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 1-24 August 2000. -

LONG-TAILED DUCK 2000 - STEFANSSON SOUND(West Dock to Pole Island)

G ISLAND

UN'

!l:

..... .- ..................... ~ ..... -- -.-.'--- - -

Figure 25. Summary of density for loons by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001.

LOONS 2001EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)

'":is~

BrownlowPoll'lt

2

Kilometers

o

FLAXMAN ISLAND

200.01 - 1000.0/km2

50,01 - 200.0/km 2

20.01 - 50.0/km 2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2••

•••Projection: UTM Zone 6, NAD 27 for Alaska~

NORTHSTARISLAND

~............,."

Co~

#'f~~

....G~:AR'( SACHS

SV ISLAND _.< • 0

§' 0

.<o}~ ""'!. '_~• '. • 'V" ~~

~~- .

glb'<t~

+70' 20'

~,

<>oo

~Co~

~f.,,#:i:-6~ MAGUIRE ISLANDS

,,~ CHALlENQEt..'V'" ISLAND ALASKA DUCHESSG~'" lSLANO I!lLANO

•

~

....,

BELVEDERE ISLAtID

•

STOCKTONISLANDS

•

-~----"""'. . ,

•

MIKKELSEN BAY•

bo

r~ 0

i:V ~i:"'~ 70' 20' +.

~~ POLE ISLAND

()";-

~"~~

~

•nGVAR~K A'''AND~)

JeANETTEISLAND

McCLURE ISLANDS

~

'---.. ..... ......\, KARLUKj ISLAND

70' 20'

....,

....,

J

Number of seabirds ".

a 8 ,; 8 III l'i lli ~

00

0 0 0 0 0 0

7"""" -I 71Z3101c:

7124101 Z 7/24101C

7=' ~7='

712Ml1 iii 7J2fW'

7aTI01

~7al101

712810' 2- 712Ml'

7f1!!101 ~ 7""'"

713Ml1 "V 713Ml'0

7131101 5' 7131J01..811,.,,1 l) 811101

811101 CII 81210':I'

813101III

81310'<

""'"0'

"..."<....,1

~ ....,1

a!818101 < 818/0,

'"8/710'.:::!- 8/7101

8IBIO' 8IBIO'

819101 81910'

8110101 8110101

8111101 8111/01

J

f

f

1t·

J

J

t

J

J

f

J

,

J

,,

•

I

III l'i lli I;0 0

•

~-Im;uz~G)00z-"V0coeniii'":Ico...0lD

~:I

~"V05'.e

Numbor 01 Soabln1a

g 8 0 0J I

8g

~ li'" :;

o

Num"-r of SNblrda

§ ~ 8 w w ~

8 8 g 8

7"""" :E7124101 m

CII

7='-Im

7J2fW';UZ

7rofJ1 ~7/2810'

G)0

·712W01 0.. • " Z713Ml1 > ~

CJl -~ i CII

7/31101 § "-l '<a • ""'1013

~Gl ~"'81210'

if III:Ico.

81310'..0

"..." i=...." - a818101

C0

8/7101n5

818/01

""""811001

8111101

CII-Im

~CIICIIoZCIIoc:zc

~acon,..l)

~eniii'":I.B

~

olli~III8,;Numbe-r of 5eablrds

1la-------

I

•8111101

811101

""'""..."

818/01

818101

8/7101

818/01

8110101

813101

8IllI01

7""'"

7/31101

712810'

713Ml'

712Ml'

7/24101

7='

7""""

7mIDi

l>£

~~~ ~0""".;:!'>"02.<;1::a.m-. -),0::>;o-r:::

~~. ~

~~'-"s.m1~.... .,),00613!ii ll>~::>

""Q.",0

~~(I)::>r::: .,

~a~g.';:5-~~~~~!!t.,Or:::

~~"''0;'5.S~s:"'CD),otT

J5~r::: CD'~ ...

~*Q.::>..... Q...........),oll>r:::'8~g~~""","'0;-~3.,

tTCD

~~.g>'<

~Q.

~

roo?: 'JM.oJ.la/VAJ vas /.loJnval1

~ - - - __ -... . ~II!!!!!IIloo~~ _

SPY ISLANDLEAVln ISLAND

SfAfpSON .lAGOON' ,,

..,,

,~, ,, ,

'"is~

,

OJ'"'"'§,~

, "/ ~" ;;:A~PRUDHOEB~ l

'---._-----_... _.

WEST DOCK

b

'"g,""~ MIDWAY+ 70' 30"""0'" ISLANDS

ISLAND

Kilometers

024=

200.01 - 1000.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

20.01 - 50.0/km2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2,•

•••ProJecuon: VTM Zone 6, NAD 27 for Alaska~

~. LONG ISLAND

• ~ EGG ISLAND,.''''~,,

LONO ISLAND

bo1'»

""~

"O~'ii"S-I?~

"i'""IScom. (q""O~ISLAND Q

SERTONCIMIsLAND

BOOFISHISLAND

,.~

b

'"1'»

""~

,

PINOOK ISLAND

,-,, "~' ", ', ,

"

GULLS 2001WESTERN LAGOON(Spy Island to West Dock)

w

'"

...................... -. .......... -.----.

200.01 - 1000.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km 2

20.01 - 50.0/km 2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2••

•••~

g~

700 30' +

}NO NAME~LANO

boo<Xl...~

•

CROSS

70' 30' +~'LANO

, .' '\••

gg,...~Q ISLAND

LAND

GULLS 2001· STEFANSSON SOUND(West Dock to Pole Island)


ISLAI'm

• ~ ARGO ISLAND

• •.. ,

•

•I

g:o""• I~• ;"

go"

bo

r~ l'-~v ...

l<1/ 70' 20~~~ POLE ISLAND

0'<-f(,4< -~')~

nGVAR~K ~"LANO~}

Kilometers

)KARLUKISLAND

~

ProjectiOn: UTM Zone 6, NAD 27 for Alaska

024=

•

McCLURE ISLANDS

JEANETTEISLAND. ~. """"'--..""

' .+ 70'20'b

'"~~

NARWHALISLAND

·0•

,

•

sr.eP4NSSON SOliN})

,

,

,

•

~.~

L- f\ 1"'0- ~';\ '11 t\ c1i..:?AT:IIf"mf,)' f-")1 'ill VlF- 1 c:. C141' v,>~\~_~IK[(ELSEN_11:t1'~lFigure 29. Summary of density for gulls by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system between gWest Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001. .....

w-->

- -- _. -- ----- .... ------------

Figure 30. Summary of density for gulls by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska. 23 July-11 August 2001.

GULLS 2001EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)

BrownlowPoInt•

42

Kilometers

o

200.01 - 1000.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

20.01 - 50.0/km2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2••

•••Projection: UTM Zona 6, NAD 27 for Alaska~

~

'"•

c,v"~:~~NORm STAR L~

ISLAND ~-v

~ "",-C MARY SACHS XMAN ISLAND..., ~ -;" ''''"0 FeA _.. • ., ~ 0

•.. +l'~~•• VJ ~

~- + 70'.'0'

gfa.".~

+ 70' 20'

\@~Cl

•

<>,.

#,c,v"

,:-'"~Gv" MAGUIRE ISLANDS

4.~~ CHAL1.ENOE ISLAND DUCHESS#Y. ISLANDC; --=------. . -,.'

•

•••

•

~

..,••

STOCKTONISLANDS

••

70' 10' +

•

_~ BELVEDERE IStAND

-:--"""-• J

MIKKELSEN BAY

aa

~c,v" ~

~",# 70' 20'+:,\" POLE ISLAND

O'Q;-

l'~""

~

nGVARI~K ~IS"NO~

)

KARLUKIsLAND

•

McCLURE ISLANDS

JEANETTEe>"\ ISLAND

•. -,"

•

70' 20'

,o

w00

_..... .-. ....... - ... - ...... -------_.......-.

0.35

-

W\0

Figure 31. Areal density of terns for 3 aerial surveys by region between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001.On 23 July 2001, two mainland transects in the eastern lagoon and all tundra transects were not flown because of fog.

0.30

0.25

N 020E .""1::OJ.cE:J

Z 0.15

0.10

0.05

0.00

1

<> 23-Jul-01 I

I------------,,---cf),..--------------- D8-Aug-01 1-----1

f), 11-Aug-01

<>

'.- 0

<>

o<> 0f),

Terns Terns Terns Terns


'"'""'§,§.

2';;:;;;~~.-'"2-

_ ... .-.~.-. .......... .-..-. ... .-. ... .-. ....................

S.lAfPSON 14GOON

~"'§,~

fr,I "i;

"-'"9,

.t::5'"~

,,..,....,

PRUDHOE BAY,.

,

b

'"g,...~

MIDWAY+ 70° 30'REINOEER ISLANDSISLAND

Kilometers

024

"'"

19 fi . ._. .. _.__ /.:. __""_

••

• 200.01 - 1000.0/km2

• 50.01 - 200.0/km2

• 20.01 - 50.0/km 2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2

Projection: UTM Zone 6, NAD 27 for Alaska

~

*

\

_ LoNa ISLAND

EOG ISLAND

•

"'\

LONG ISLAND

bog,...~

•

"o~C:S 'I?t:l"1.J.

"?~ ISOOrn.E (q~O:sISLAND

BODRSHISLANO

BERTONClNlISLAND

'-.....~

•

gg,...~

PINGOI( IsLAND

LEAVITT ISLAND

(.

~

SPY ISLAND

ARCTIC TERNS 2001WESTERN LAGOON(Spy Island to West Dock)

c!3

.... -. .. -. .......... -. ... -.-.-. ... -. ......

Figure 33, Summary of density for Arctic terns by 30·s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenWest Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July·11 August 2001.

'"is-

-~')

•

MIKKELSEN BAY

,~ I:-:::-v '<t

:::-",'1/ 70' 20~r\'\I POLE ISLANO

O't~<>,

~~

is

200.01 - 1000.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

20.01 - 50.0/km2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2

'\'-

nGVAR1~K A.."LANO~ J

•

o 2 4

Kilometers

)KARLUKIStAND

••••Projection: UTM Zona 6, NAO 27 for Alaska

McCLURE ISLANDS

JEANETTEISLAND

~

'--.,. "'\ .....

~

•

o'"~~

+ 70' 20'o'"I:-'<t~

NARWHALISLAND

~

700 30' +

0,

'""'§,§.go

I v' ::;:y~r "• .c.!" I Ii;ttf'.'»tib' ~cL~

•

NO NAMEISLAND,

'j

~'<t

Sl2?PANSSON SOllJ\2)

CROSS

70' 30' +~LANO

~ . .ARGO ISLAND

"")

~

,

Io'"g,'<t~

ARCTIC TERNS 2001· STEFANSSON SOUND(West Dock to Pole Island).

mlUI'''1-\1

REINDEER ISLANDSISLAND

Q ISLAND

,LAND

:\-\-~,=

-l:>-

.~~~~~~~~~~~~~-----

Figure 34. Summary of density for Arctic terns by 30·s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001.

ARCTIC TERNS 2001EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)

'"~~

BrownlowPoint

Kilometers

o 2 4=

200.01 - 1000.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

20.01 - 50.0/km2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2••

•••ProJecllon: UTM Zone 6, NAO 27 for Alaska

(,'{,

i~'"s<il

..d'MARY SAC"" LAXMAN "LANDSt· ISLAND F

~ b

#~..~

NORTHSTAR"LAND

..-r-........",.,

b(')

0CD

~..,.~

+70' 20'

<@)

~(,~~;l';

6~ MAGUIRE ISLANDSi.~~ CHALLENGE ISLAND DUCHESS~V ISLAND

<J ~-,

~

...,

BELVEDERE I!lLANO

••

STOCKTONISLANDS

70' 10' +

-~--.."""'". ,

M1.KKELSEN BAY

bo

,'{, 0

~V ~

l~' 70'20'-t-t\.~ POLE ISLAND

0<1;~'I,

~«;

f'

nGVARI~K A"LAN'~ )

'--.. ' ......

)KARLUKISLAND

McCLURE ISLANDS

JEANETTE~ ISLAND

70' 20'

.L'0

i!3

.... ----.---.-_---- .- -- - -WESTERN LAGOON (Spy Island to West Dock)

g §;; a;~ ~ ~§ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ S

~ ~

.Common Elder,

o Elder SpecIes

8Klng8der

-100

1000

..

."

"'"

"'"

700

~-8 ."iii

o "'".8Ii .,.z

STEFANSSON SOUND (West Dock to Pole Island)1000

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ § § ~ ~ i ! ~

~"'§.§.f{>"~<it~

~tv

~Figure 35. Total number of elders on- and off-transect during aerial surveys In the barrier Island-lagoon systems between Spy Island andBrownlow Point, Alaska, 23 JUly-11 August 2001. Surveys were flown on 23 July, 8 August and 11 August 2001.

o

100

200

300

900

900

700

~-8 600iii

o "'".8Ii '00z

.I>....,

............... .- .............. -------- -- - -

9.0 I I

8.0 ° I023-JUI-01 I,--------------------------------D8-Aug-01

A 11-Aug-01

t

Figure 36. Areal density of eiders for 3 aerial surveys by region between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001.On 23 July 2001, two mainland transects in the eastern lagoon and all tundra transects wera not flown because of fog.

o

7.0

6.0

"'E 5.0.><lil~

Ql'0iIi 4.0

3.0·'

2.0

1.0

0.0

¢'

~

Eiders

WESTERN LAGOON

"

~

Eiders

STEFANSSON SOUND

A

Eiders

EASTERN LAGOON

\

o

Eiders

TUNDRA

~'§,3i\?"~;;s,~.-N

:5-

....... ..-..-.-.- ...... -----------

SPY ISLANDlEAViTT tsLANO

EIDERS 2001 gWESTERN LAGOON ~

(Spy Island to West Dock) ~

'"'"'"-

. ....,

•

,

._ 7-,••

PRUDHOE BAY,.

WEST DOCK

b

'"o'".,.~

MIDWAY+ 70030'REINDEER ISLANDS

ISLAND

Kilometers

024=

"

~'§,3-2'

',1 ~"~

ciW I; ~L=--.J.{I ~-

••

• 200.01 - 1000.0/km2

• 50.01 - 200.0/km2

• 20.01 - 50.0/km2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2

Projecl1on: UTM Zone 6, NAO 21 for Alaska~

• '\ LONG ISLAND

EOG I!lLAND

'"""\

LONG I!lLAND

bo

~~

"0-1/."''S'/?l:lU

'l?J,lt,scom, z.tJ,lOnISLAND u

aODFtSH"WID

BERTONClNlISLAND

•' -----~

•

PINGOI( ISLANO

•

SIMPSON -41CO

ON

~

oj>.V>

............. _- ................. _----------

'"""""-

-~

•

oo

,~ l'..'!;-" ""

~<,~ 70020~:\'" POLE ISLAND

0"1;-

~'",:""

200,01 - 1000,0/km2

50,01 - 200,0/km2

20,01 - 50,0/km 2

10,01 - 20,0/km2

0,01 - 10,0/km2

0 • 'bJ

'""~ r~:l.• ~

""!

KARLUKISLAND

"

o

Kilometers

••••ProJedlon: VTM Zone 6, NAD 27 for Alaska

o 2 4

=

o )

0,

McCLURE ISLANDS

~

• JEANETTE

...ISLAND

.~.

o ---....o '.

oM

~~

+ 70' 20'oM

~~

NARWHALISLAND

Off.)

70'30' +

•

NO NAMEISLAND

:}o

o

oo&,

""~

S11?....ANSSON SOUND

CROSS

70' 30' +~LANO

oo ..,

o 0

,

•• ~ ARGO ISLANOo

o

IoMo00

""~G ISLAND

LAND

EIDERS 2001· STEFANSSON SOUND(West Dock to Pole Island)


ISLAND

.;):"'\-~, 00"

r .,J>,

~,~., '

, @;J,~

, 'i/O, A~·i!'U 1D'U ® ,,'0'20'

81} ~9'(1" l

'tJ~rf[} d 9:

"'"0\

- ................... --...--... ................ --..... ~ -

'"C>C>~

BrownlowPoln!•

42

Kilometers

o

FLAXMAN ISLAND

200.01 - 1000.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

20.01 - 50.0/km2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2•

••••ProJoctlon: UTM Zona 6, NAD 27 for Alaska

(,~~ISLANDS A'l!

DUCHESS L;,~'ISLAm) NORTH STAR ~Y

ISLAND ~~

• • It..\J MARY SACHS...0,;--....,,'. "LAND _

'......., "'. 0-, +~ ""!- • --~:;:'.. . '.. . .~--

b

'"0CD

~...~

+ 700 20'

<®,

•

•

~-,.'••

l

•

<}(,~

t--#~

lj~ MAGUIRE,,% CHALLENGE ISLAm)

.- ~

.(,~

••

~

"•

STOCKTONISLANDS

••

EIDERS 2001EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)

•

70' 10' +

•

...~ BELVEDERE ISLAND....~.............. ,

bo

,~ 0

~V ~

~....'l! 70' 20'+~~ POLE ISLAND

()</;-

l·*,"i

Figure 39. Summary ofdensity for eiders by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001.

~

KARLUKISLAND

nQVAR~K ~"LANO~ )

• MIKKELSEN BAY

. )•

McCLURE ISLANDS

JEANETTEISLAND

~...---........ "70' 20'

o

.j:>.-.l

3001---------------------

B Surf Scoter

=

300

EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)350

• Scaler Species250t--------{-----l-------

a

50

48


100

WESTERN LAGOON (Spy Island to West Dock)350 ,----------------------------,

~u

"'0]~Z

250

j200'0] -150

~z

Figure 40. Total number ofscaters on- and off-transect during aerial sUNeys in the barrierisland-lagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11 August2001. SUNeys were flown on 23 july, 8 August and 11 August 2001.

IIII

••••••••It

•••••

..... ----------- -- -- ~

3.0 I i

2.5 [

023-JUI-01 II 08-Aug-01

Ot.11-Aug-01 -----1

2.0

I 0

N

E-'"~ 1.5 I .,-0u(J)

1.0 ·1 !:J:

0.5·/ I

-l>\0

.I ~0.0 , i B

Figure 41. Areal density of seaters for 3 aerial sUlVeys by region between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11 August2001. On 23 July 2001, two mainland transects in the eastern lagoon and all tundra transects were not flown because of fog.

Scoters

WESTERN LAGOON

Scoters

STEFANSSON SOUND

Scoters

EASTERN LAGOON

""'""'§,§.%'"~

Sl,~:--

'"~....

_ ............ .-.-IIIIlMIIIIlM _

'"C>C>-

~C><§,:i~C>

.,I ;;:

"Si,~.-

..,~

,

PRUDHOE BAY"

b'"g,...~


Kilometers

o 2 4

•

STUMP ISLAND

• 200.01 - 1000.0/km2

• 50.01 - 200.0/km2

• 20.01 - 50.0/km2

• 10.01 - 20.0/km2

• 0.01 - 10.0/km2

Projec!ion: UTM Zono 6, NAO 27 ror Alaska

EGG ISLAND

~

LONG ISLAND

~'.\'~•

•

LONG ISLAND

bo:'n...~

"0""'l:<S-'!?"l"u

7;>4''<s-COTTLE ~.q4'b~ISLAND u

80DFISHISLAND

BERTONC1N1ISLAND

•••

. --..............~...~•

g:'n...~

PINGel< ISLAND

.\.....~.

• •

. ..• • '!fAfPSO'.L1r.-.

I - ..IN'. .

~.

SPY ISLANDlEAVlTI ISLAND

SCOTERS 2001WESTERN LAGOON(Spy Island to West Dock)

VIo

.--.-.- ............... --------

'"2~

BrownlowPoint

42

Kilometers

o

FLAXMAN ISLAND

200.01 - 1000.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

20.01 - 50.0/km2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2••

•••ProJecllon: UTM Zone 6, NAO 27 for Alaska

b

~~

,

~'§:c,'9

'§:,,~s~

d'~~ MARY SACHS;4.? ISLAND

~~

co

"

•

NORTHSTARISLAND

~, ---..,"

b(')

~~

+ 70' 20'

<i&l,

~-,

•

~c,~

~~"6~ MAGUIRE ISLANDS

'4.~~ CHALlENOE ISLAND DUCHESS~y ISLAND

c,~

•

~

"

,

BELVEDERE ISLAND

STOCKTONISLANDS

SCOTERS 2001EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)

70' 10' +

-~--- ..........

MIKKELSEN BAY

bo

r'9 ''§:V ~

'§:,,~ 70' 20'+f\-v; POLE ISLAND

0'<4'

~~

~

nGVAR~K A"LA"'~ )

McCLURE ISLANDS

=-- 'ZJ;[.;;;6D ® 6 '\ '" offfill. \ ... .J \\ ~} -.ef./n cf!J~~~Figure 43. Summary of density for scoters by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenPole Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 Jufy-11 August 2001.

JEANETTE

~ISLAI'm,--.

' ....

70' 20') KARLUK

ISLAND

,

VI-

_ ...I*t, .... .- ..... _ ..-..v ... _ ..- _. _ _ _ ..."..'"'"~ ~.,.;.

WESTERN LAGOON (Spy Island to West Dock)1«OOr----------------------,

EASTERN LAGOON (Pole Island to Brownlow Point)"00"--------------------_

200

o

t{i;" .~~.

~ I ~ I I I ~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ § ~ § ~ ~ ~o I I

1200+1----------------------

2 10001-1---------------------

! I

1::11

J! III~ '00 "")"""1z ~

1200 ~ I QLesser Snow Goose ISTundra Swan

-GreaterlMllte-frorned Goose 1------RlDarkGoose

CI canada Goose

-Brant Goose

~ I ~ ~ I I .~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ 1000

"..1BOO

e 600,1------------

iZ 'ooj-I----------------1

STEFANSSON SOUND (West Dock to Pole Islandl TUNDRA (Brownlow Point to Shaviovik River)

~'§,~~"~<i:g,",,;.-

I

I

I

~.....,

1200

o

200

"00

~ ~ § ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ § ~ ~ ~ § ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~,.. .... .... ,.. r- """ .... .... ,.. G!l Ci5 05

! 1000

!i 800

1; 600

!~ '00

.+-----------------------------11200

200

~ I ~ ~ I I ~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ § § ~ ~ § ~

"00

2 1000

!..j'oo1; 600

!~Z '00

U>N

Figure 44. Total number ofgeese and swans observed both on- and off-transect during aerial surveys in the barrier island-lagoon systemsbetween Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001. Surveys were flown on 23 July, 8August and 11 August 2001.

tvC

:':2

-~ ........ ------~ _-...-. ~ - -.-

Figure 45. Areal density ofgeese and swans for 3 aerial surveys by region between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July-11August 2001. On 23 July 2001, two mainland transects in the eastern lagoon and all tundra transects were not flown because of fog.

9

B

7

6N

E"'"-~ 5ro;:

(J)

o/l

~ 4Q)Q)

(9

3

2

1

o

VIW

.

0. <> 23-Jul-01

A,

DB-Aug-01

A 11-Aug-01

A

,

"<> 0<>0

<>

Geese & Swans Geese & Swans Geese & Swans Geese & Swans


OJ2<§,§.~"~s,c;.-2-

... ~ .......... --... ~ ~ -......... --..... " ...--

PINGOK ISLAND

Projection: UTM Zone 6, NAD 27 for Alaska

to2<§,3i\?

J~;<;s,"" <:.-'"g...

.."

,

PRUDHOE BAY,.

....,..,

b'"o00...~


Kilometers

024

••

• 200.01 - 1000.0/km2

• 50.01 - 200.0/km 2

• 20.01 - 50.0/km2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2

\ LON. ISLAN.

'""'"\

~

LONG ISLAND

goOl...~

"o~~S.!?".,.l.l

"!?tv1$COTTlE YtvO

hISLAND Q

BODfISHISLANO

BERTONClNlISLAND

---~

b

'"&,...~

S.fMPSON LAGOON

~

LEAVITT ISLANDSPY ISLANO

GEESE &SWANS 2001WESTERN LAGOON(Spy Island to West Dock)

v.-I'>-

..'-:.

200.01 - 1000.0/km2

50.01 - 200.0/km2

20.01 - 50.0/km 2

10.01 - 20.0/km2

0.01 - 10.0/km2••

•••~

g~~

70'30' +

j NONAMEISLAND'.

Ib

'"oco.,.~

GEESE & SWANS 2001 ~

STEFANSSON SOUNI?..fY't~st Dock to Pole Island)REINDEER ISLANDS 700 30. + ~~~

ISLAND ~

~ ARGO ISLAND t "\

G ISlAND

<AND

'"C>

2

bo

r~ ~i:" .,.i:"'~ 70020~

~~ POLE ISLAND

0'"f9~" -~')~

~

T1GVARI~K ;-w."<ANO~

Kilometers

)KARLUKISLAND

Projection: UTM Zona 6, NAD 27 for Alaska

o 2 4=

'---.,'.

McCLURE ISLANDS

JEANETTE~ ISLAND

b

'"~.,.~

+ 70' 20'

NARWHALISLAND

~

STEPANSSON SOl/N.n

,,

Figure 47. Summary of density for geese and swans by 30-s time period segments in the barrier island-lagoon system betweenWest Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001.

;)-{~~,oc,

~'"<§,§.i¢

l -. t ~~"".,\~ ~r¥' ti®~ (1!"tF" 0r~.· -J.~i~,. MIKKELSEN BAY II'"~.-

1Il1Il

Beaufort Sea Wateifowl. 2001

Table 3. Total number of bird sightings and individuals seen on- and off-transect for all aerial survey transects(total length = 1986.4 km) in the barrier island-lagoon system, offshore, and on tundra between Spy Island andBrownlow Point, Alaska, 23 July - 11 August 2001.

Number Percent Number Percent Percent ofSpecies of of of of Classi:liedCode Species Name Sightings Sightings Individuals Individuals for Group

PALO Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) 146 7.9 212 0.6 70.7R1LO Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellato) 59 3,2 80 0,2 26.7YBLO Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) 8 0.4 8 0,0 2_7LOSP Loon Species (Gavia spp.) !' 7 0.4 8 0.0

Loons 220 11.9 308 0,9

POJA Pomarine Jaeger (Stercoran'us pomarinus) I 0,1 2 0,0 100.0Jaegers 1 0,1 2 0,0

GLGU Glaucous Gull (Laros hyperboreus) 347 18,7 856 2,5 94.6SAGU Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) 3 0,2 49 0,1 5.4

Gulls 350 18.9 905 2,6

ARTE Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) 21 1.1 34 0.1COMU Common Murre (Uria aalge) I 0.1 I 0.0BLGU Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) I 0.1 I 0.0

SEABIRDS (Jaegers, Gulls, and Tems) 374 20.1 942 2.7

COEI Common (pacific) Eider (Somateria mollissima v-nignon) 190 10.3 2240 6.4 99.5KIEI King Eider (Somateria spectabilis) 1 0.1 II 0.0 0.5EISP Eider Species (Somateria spp.) 6 0.3 104 0.3

Eiders 197 10.6 2355 6.7

SUSC Surf Seater (Melanitta perspicillata) 71 3.8 698 2.0 99.6BLSC Black Seater (Me lanitta nigra) I 0.1 I 0,0 0.1SCOT Sooter Species (jI-felanitta spp.) 2 0.1 2 0.0 0.3

Seaters 74 4.0 701 2.0

NOPI Northern Pintail (Anas acuta ) 2 0.1 24 0.1

~OLDS Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 857 46.3 26878 77.0RBME Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) I 0.1 I 0,0GRSC Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) I 0.1 20 0.1

lSCAUP Scaup Species (Aythya spp.) 3 0.2 10 0.0DKSP Duck Species 22 1.2 201 0.6

Ducks 1157 62.5 30190 86.5

~BRAN Black Brant (Branta bernicla) 21 1.1 1129 3.2 33.6CAGO Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 17 0.9 461 1.3 13.7GWGO Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albi/rons) 31 1.7 1230 3.5 36.6LSGO Lesser Snow Goose (Chen cae11llescens cae11llescens) 8 0.4 520 1.5 15.5

~TUSW Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus ) 7 0.4 19 0.1 0.6DAGO Dark Goose 2 0.1 100 0.3

Geese & Swans 84 4.5 3359 9.6

\ WATERFOWL (Ducks, Geese & Swans) 1241 67.0 33549 96.1

PHSP Phalarope Species (Phalaropus spp.) 3 0.2 81 0.2SMSH Small Shorebird 5 0.3 II 0.0

~MESH Medium Shorebird 2 0.1 5 0.0

SHOREBIRDS 10 0.5 97 0.3

SNOW Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) I 0.1 I 0,0

~SNBU Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) I 0.1 I 0.0RLHA Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) I 0.1 I 0.0BISP Bird Species 4 0.2 8 0.0

ALL BIRDS 1852 100 34907 100

~.'60

I


Table 4. Total number of bird sightings and individuals seen on- and off-transect for aerial survey transects (totallength = 847.2 km) in the barrier island-lagoon system and offshore between Spy Island and West Dock, Alaska, 23July-11 August 2001.

Number Percent Number Percent Percent ofSpecies WESTERN LAGOON of of of of ClassifiedCode Species Name Sightings Sightmgs Individuals Individuals for Group

I PALO Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifico) 93 9.1 129 0.8 62.6KILO Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellota) 51 5.0 71 0.4 34.5YBLO Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) 6 0.6 6 0.0 2.9

I LOSP Loon Species (Gavia spp.) 7 0.7 8 0.0Loons 157 15.3 214 1.3

GLGU Glaucous Gull (Laros hyperboreus) 208 20.3 559 3.4 93.2

t SAGU Sabinels Gull (Xema sabini) 2 0.2 41 0.2 6.8Gulls 210 20.4 600 3.6

AR1E Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea ) 5 0.5 6 0.0

1 SEABIRDS (Jaegers, Gulls, and Terns) 215 20.93 606 3.7

COE! Conunon (pacific) Eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrwn) 30 2.9 219 1.3 100.0EISP Eider Species (Somaleria spp.) 2 0.2 45 0.3

fEiders 32 3.1 264 1.6

SUSC Surf Scoter (Me/anitta perspicillata) 65 6.3 683 4.2 100.0SCOT Scoter Species (Melonitla spp.) 2 0.2 2 0.0

I Seoters 67 6.5 685 4.2

NOPI Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) 1 0.1 4 0.0OLDS Long-tailed Duck (C1angula hyemaIis) 479 46.6 12207 74.2

I GRSC Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) I 0.1 20 0.1SCAUP Scaup Species (Aythya spp.) I 0.1 2 0.0DKSP Duck Species 14 1.4 147 0.9

Ducks 595 57.8 13329 81.0

I BRAN Black Brant (Branta bemicla) 21 2.0 1129 6.9 49.5GWGO Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) 25 2.4 1009 6.1 44.3CAGO Canada Goose (Branla canadensis) 6 0.6 140 0.9 6.1, TUSW Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus ) I 0.1 2 0.0 0.1DAGO Dark Goose I 0.1 20 0.1

Geese & Swans 53 5.2 2280 13.9

I WATERFOWL (Ducks, Geese & Swans) 648 63.0 15609 94.9

MESH Medium Shorebird I 0.1 2SMSH Small Shorebird I 0.1 I 0.0

t SHOREBIRDS 2 0.1 3 0.0

RLHA Rough-legged Hawk (Buleo lagopus) 1 0.1 1 0.0RAFTORS 1 0.1 1 0.0

1 BISP Bird Species 4 0.4 8 0.0ALL BIRDS 1027 100 16441 100

t,, 61

I

t

1

Beallforl Sea Waterfowl. 2001

Table 5 Total number of bird sightings and individuals seen on- and off-lransect for aerial survey transects (totallength = 202.9 km) in the banier island-lagoon system between West Dock and Pole Island, Alaska, 23 July-11August 2001.

Number Percent Number Percent Percent ofSpecies STEFANSSONSOUND of of of of ClassifiedCode Species Name Sightings Sightings Individuals Individuals for Group

PALO Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) 6 3.9 II 0.6 78.6RTLO Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellala) 2 1.3 2 0.1 14.3YBLO Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) I 0.6 I 0.1 7.1

Loons 9 5.8 14 0.8

GLGU Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperborells) 27 17.4 46 2.6 100.0Gulls 27 17.4 46 2.6

ARTE Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) 11 7.1 18 1.0BLGU Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) 1 0.6 I 0.1

SEABIRDS (Jaegers, Gulls, and Terns) 39 25.2 65 3.7

COEI Common (pacific) Eider (Somaleria mollissima v-nigrum: 52 33.5 251 14.1 100.0Eiders 52 33.5 251 14.1

OLDS Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 52 33.5 1370 77.2DKSP Duck Species I 0.6 4 0.2

Ducks 105 67.7 1625 91.6

LSGO Lesser Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) 1 0.6 30 1.7 100.0Geese & Swans 1 0.6 30 1.7

WATERFOWL (Ducks, Geese & Swans) 106 68.4 1655 93.3

PHSP Phalarope Species (Phalaropus spp.) I 0.6 40 2.3 100.0SHOREBIRDS 1 0.6 40 2.3

ALL BIRDS 155 100 1774 100

62

Bemiforl Sea Walerfowl, 2001

Table 6. Total number of bird sightings and individuals seen on- and off-transect for aerial survey transects (totallength = 813.8 km) in the barrier island-lagoon system and offshore between Pole Island and Brownlow Point,Alaska, 23 July-11 August 2001.

Number Percent Number Percent Percent ofSpecies EASTERNLAGOON of of of of ClassifiedCode Species Name Sightings Sightings Individuals Individuals for Group

( PALO Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) 30 5.8 44 0.3 88.0,KILO Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellala) 5 1.0 5 0.0 10.0YBLO Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia admnsiJ) I 0.2 I 0.0 2.0

Loons 36 7.0 50 0

GLGU Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) 109 21.2 248 1.7 96.9

\SAGU Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) I 0.2 8 0.1 3.1

Gulls 110 21.4 256 1.8

ARTE Arctic Tern (Slerna paradisaea) 5 1.0 10 0.1

tCOMU Common Murre (Uria aaIge) I 0.2 I 0.0

SEABIRDS (Jaegers, Gulls, and Terns) 116 22.5 267 1.8

CaE! Common (pacific) Eider (Soma/eria mollissima v-nigrurn 108 21.0 1770 12.1 99.4

{ KIEI King Eider (Somaleria spectabilis) I 0.2 II 0.1 0.6EISP Eider Species (Somaleria spp.) 3 0.6 54 0.4

Eiders 4 0.8 65 0.4

1SUSC Surf Scoter (Melanilta perspicillala) 6 1.2 15 0.1 93.8BLSC Black Scoter (Melanilta nigra) I 0.2 I 0.0 6.3

Seoters 7 1.4 16 0.1

1 OLDS Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemaIis) 321 62.3 13249 90.9SCAUP Scaup Species (Aylhya spp.) I 0.2 6 0.0NOPI Northern Pintail (Anas acula) I 0.2 20 0.1

tRBME Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serraJor) I 0.2 I 0.0DKSP Duck Species 7 1.4 50 0.3

Ducks 342 66.4 13407 92.0

~CAGO Canada Goose (Branla canadensis) 5 1.0 210 1.4 24.8GWGO Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser aIbifroni) 4 0.8 141 1.0 16.7LSGO Lesser Snow Goose (Chen caero/escens caerulescens) 7 1.4 490 3.4 57.9TUSW Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) 2 0.4 5 0.0 0.6

t DAGO Dark Goose I 0.2 80 0.5Geese & Swans 18 3.5 846 5.8

tWATERFOWL (Ducks, Geese & Swans) 360 70 14253 98

SMSH Small Shorebird I 0.2 I 0.0MESH Medium Shorebird I 0.2 3 0.0, SHOREBIRDS 2 0.4 4 0.0

SNOW Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) I IALL BIRDS 515 100 14575 100,

•t 63

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Aerial Surveys of Molting Long-tailed Ducks and Other I ...

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