Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve Raptor Nest Inventory Status Report 1985-1988

Garber, Christopher

In order to fulfill management and preservation requirements, summer raptor surveys were conducted in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve from 1985 to 1988. The goal of these surveys was to inventory breeding raptors. Survey objectives were to locate breeding peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and identify the presence, distribution and habitat selection of other birds of prey in the Park and Preserve. In 1988, all historical raptor nesting observations were entered into a computer database using dBase III+ (Ashton Tate). The database structure is similar to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service's raptor observation and nest card database system for Alaska. The database facilitates storage, retrieval and analysis of raptor nesting information. The surveys and analysis have shown that a substantial population of breeding golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) exists within the Park and Preserve. This is an area which was previously though to contain low nesting populations of golden eagles. There are no records of breeding peregrine falcons in the Park of Preserve. However, there are several unverified nest records as well as sightings of peregrine falcons during the breeding season. Very little is known about the distribution and abundance of the remaining 15 species of raptors that have been recorded in the Park and Preserve. Although a significant amount of information has been learned about cliff-nesting raptors, there is a continuing lack of basic information on the presence, distribution and abundance of raptors occurring within this vast area. Nothing is known of the wintering grounds for any of the raptors breeding in this area.