Monitoring the Abundance and Distribution of Bald Eagles in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska

Cutting K and Miller SD . Monitoring the Abundance and Distribution of Bald Eagles in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska. 1987. National Park Service

These surveys consist of 2 flights: the first to locate occupied nests (occupancy surveys) and the second to document reproductive success (productivity surveys). Occupancy surveys flown in mid-May; productivity surveys flown in late July. Bald Eagle surveys along the Copper River have been performed by park wildlife biologists since 1984. As of 2005, with the formation of the Central Alaskan Inventory & Monitoring network (CAKN), bald eagle productivity and nesting success was identified as a vital sign. The Copper River in WRST contains a high density of nesting Bald Eagles in interior Alaska; accordingly, the CAKN technical committee identified Bald Eagles as a focal fauna species to monitor in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (WRST). Bald Eagles in WRST are a high profile species that are dependent upon many resources along the Copper River and are ecologically interesting because they nest at the northern edge of the species range. Bald Eagles are top-trophic level predators and they often respond quickly to changes in their environment by changing their breeding activities. Further, Bald Eagles nesting along the Copper River in WRST may face increasing disturbance due to forestry activities and increased human visitation. Currently, these surveys are supported as part of CAKN but are performed by the park wildlife biologist.

Type
Project
Authors
Cutting, Kyle; Miller, Scott
Publisher
National Park Service
Units
CAKN , WRST
Keywords
Copper River, Density, environmental contaminants, Monitoring, Nesting Success, nesting territory occupancy, population productivity
Subjects
Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Birds

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