Integrated Bird Monitoring in Harriman Fiord, Prince William Sound, Alaska
Andres BA and Poe AJ. 2001. Integrated Bird Monitoring in Harriman Fiord, Prince William Sound, Alaska. US Forest Service Chugach National Forest Glacier Ranger District. Girdwood, Alaska
Marine waters of Harriman Fiord and northern Barry Arm in Prince William Sound, Alaska, are known to support moderate to high densities of breeding and summering waterbirds. Among the numerous species reported from Harriman Fiord, recent surveys have documented substantial use by breeding Kittlitz's murrelets (Brachyramphus brevirostris), breeding black oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani), and summering scoters (Melanitta spp.) all of which are species of concern in Alaska. The impressive scenery and calm waters of Harriman Fiord make it a popular destination for a variety of recreational users. Recreational pressure in eastern Prince William Sound will likely increase with the completion of the road to Whittier and conflicts between wildlife and recreational users will likely intensify. Terrestrial habitats found in the fiord probably support a diverse array of breeding landbirds. Monitoring efforts for landbirds in coastal habitats of southcentral Alaska need to be expanded to adequately track populations in the region. Because of the importance of Harriman Fiord to waterbirds, the potential for increased recreational use, and the interest in developing integrated bird monitoring programs, we initiated a multiple species, multiple habitat, bird monitoring program for Harriman Fiord and northern Barry Arm.