Population delineation and wintering ecology of Surf Scoters have been studied in detail through much of their range. A conspicuous gap exists for Southeast Alaska, which is near the northern end of their winter distribution.
Connectivity among annual cycle stages, rates of site fidelity, and the geographic scale of dispersal are largely unknown for Pacific Barrow’s Goldeneye (BAGO). This precludes managers and researchers from identifying demographically discrete units for population management, and for understanding the scale of inference from field studies. Further, habitats and specific sites that may be particularly important for BAGO are difficult to identify, as this species is not well covered by surveys for most of its annual cycle and range.
The Centre for Wildlife Ecology has several studies underway that address conservation issues affecting sea ducks along the Pacific coast. The issues, species, and populations being studied are shared concerns of the Centre for Wildlife Ecology, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and agency and academic collaborators throughout North America.
Sea duck Bibliography as compiled by Dan Esler
Waterfowl breeding conditions within the survey area depend largely on the timing of spring
phenology. A very mild spring breakup occurred in Interior Alaska, due to very low winter snow
fall resulting in lower than normal water levels across the Interior. Spring breakup, while
initially delayed, occurred normally throughout the majority of Coastal Alaska.
The North American Bird Banding Program is jointly administered by the United States Department of the Interior and the Canadian Wildlife Service . Their respective banding offices have similar functions and policies and use the same bands, reporting forms and data formats. Joint coordination of the program dates back to 1923.
Population demography models are valuable tools in detecting population trends and identifying crucial components in the life history of a species. They are also useful in determining critical research needs to estimate needed parameters. A matrix-based p opulation model was expanded for Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) originally developed by Goudie et al. (1994, Trans. North Am. Wildl. Nat. Resour. Conf. 59:27- 49.).
This study was conducted to investigate nutritional aspects of reproduction in female Buffleheads (Bucephala albeola) and Barrow's Goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica) breeding in central British Columbia in 1993 - 95. Mean egg laying interval (Ò SE) for Buffleheads was 48.36 Ò 2.35 hr, which was similar to that of Barrow's Goldeneyes that laid, on average, every 45.32 Ò 1.40 hr.
Ornis Scand. 2:17-26. 21:218-229 Brooks, A. 1903. Notes on the birds of the Cariboo district, B.C. Auk 20:277-284.