Breeding ecology of surfbirds (Aphriza virgata) at Torquoise Lake, Alaska, 1997-1998 (with observations of nesting wandering tattlers, Heteroscelus incanus, and annotated notes on birds and mammals) Progress Report
Gill RE, Tomkovich PS, Dementiev MN. 1999. Breeding ecology of surfbirds (Aphriza virgata) at Torquoise Lake, Alaska, 1997-1998 (with observations of nesting wandering tattlers, Heteroscelus incanus, and annotated notes on birds and mammals) Progress Report. US Geoloigal Survey, Alaska biological Science Center. Anchorage, AK
(adapted from authors abstract). Surfbirds were studied in their montane breeding grounds in west-cetntral Alaska during two consecutive (1997-1998) but markedly different seasons. A pool of 42 individually marked adults, including 15 equipped with radio-transmitters, was followed daily from arrival during the first week of May until departure, around mid-July. Nesting birds exhibited strong site and mate fidelity, but the degree and function of terrritoriality during the breeding cycle remains unclear. Within preferred habitats, birds nested in densities of about 3.0 pairs/km2. Nests were constructed between 900 and 1100 m elevation on sparsely vegetated ground associated with lateral moraines. Most non-incubating members of pairs flew great distances to forage, usually along the lake shore, but some birds foraged over a specific portion of the north slope above Torquoise Lake. Shortly after broods hatched adults moved them to higher elevations into habitats that appeared to be rich in insect prey. Departure of adult females from the area appeared to be related to date and not brood age; males generally remained with chicks until shortly after fledging.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Gill, R; Tomkovich, P; Dementiev, M
- Date of Issue
- 1999-04
- Publisher
- US Geoloigal Survey, Alaska biological Science Center
- Units
- LACL , SWAN
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Aphriza virgata, Birds, Birds (Aves), Heteroscelus incanus, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve AK, Mammals, Montane Birds, Shorebirds, surfbirds, Tattlers, Turquoise Lake, wandering tattlers