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At least 1,603 records · Page 89Linked to original sources
USGS1999

Within- and between-year dispersal of American Avocets among multiple western Great Basin wetlands

Connectivity of discrete habitat patches may be described in terms of the movements of individual organisms among such patches. To examine connectivity of widely dispersed alkali lake systems, we recorded post-breeding and subsequent breeding locations of color-banded American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana) in the western U.S. Great Basin, from 1995-1997. Among individuals observed during the post-breeding/premigratory season, over half of the 188 breeding adults were observed at lakes other than their breeding locations, whereas 70% of 125 post-fledged young were observed only at their natal lake systems. Of 46 breeding adults observed in consecutive years, only eight (17%) dispersed between different lake systems. Only 8% of chicks were observed after their first year, and only 1.3% returned to the natal area in subsequent breeding seasons. Adult and recently fledged birds from the southernmost breeding site were regularly observed in post-breeding aggregations at lakes several hundred kilometers to the north, suggesting seasonal differences in habitat quality at the lake systems studied. These results indicate the importance of maintaining habitat for post-breeding movements.

The Wilson Bulletin↗
USGS1987

Winter movements of American black ducks in relation to natural and impounded wetlands in New Jersey

Radio telemetry was used to follow the movements and habitat use of female American Black ducks (Anas rubripes) trapped at Brigantine Division. Edwin B. Forsythe NWR (BNW) during three field seasons (1983-1896). Use of the BNWR impoundments was strongly associated with open vs. closed hunting seasons and with presence or absence of ice cover. Black ducks primarily used the impoundments for daytime roost sites and fed in saltmarsh areas at night during the hunting season. Following the hunting season use generally dispersed to saltmarsh and inland freshwater habitats. Freeze-up of the impoundments resulted in dispersal of black ducks to saltmarsh, inland freshwater, or areas to the south of New Jersey. We conclude that the BNWR impoundments only partially meet the habitat requirements of wintering black ducks. Access to saltmarsh habitats for feeding, and to inland freshwater habitats during periods of hard freeze, may be critical. The utility of the BNWR impoundments to black ducks, needs to be considered in conjunction with the availability of these other important habitats.

Book chapter↗