1. The Quest for Recovery Continues - Yukon Delta NWR – February 15, 2011 1 Spectacled Eiders on Yukon Delta NWR Melissa Gabrielson Wildlife Biologist Yukon Delta NWR February 15, 2011

2. A Threatened Species  Listed as threatened in 1993 Breeding pair numbers declined by 96% 2 The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011

3. A Threatened Species  Factors affecting Spectacled Eider population Lead poisoning Predation Human activity The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 3

4. A Threatened Species  Conservation measures Lead shot banned Hunting and egging prohibited  Research efforts The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 4

5. Meet the Spectacled Eider  Long-lived  High adult survival  Small clutch size  Delayed sexual maturity  Extensive parental care The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 5

6. Meet the Spectacled Eider  Adapted to marine and freshwater environments Salt glands  Adapted to extreme temperatures Decrease daily maintenance costs Use energy reserves The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 6

7. Where Can You Find Eiders? The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 7 Figure from Petersen et al. 1999. At-sea distribution of spectacled eiders: A 120 year-old mystery resolved. Auk 116: 1009-1020

8. They Winter Where? The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 8 Figure from Peterson, M. R. and D. C. Douglas. 2004. Winter ecology of spectacled eiders: Environmental characteristics and population change. The Condor 106: 79-94

9. They Winter Where?  Found in open water between ice packs Benefits ○ Decrease energy costs ○ Reduce effect of storms Obstacles ○ Restricted feeding ○ Extreme weather The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 9

10. Finding a Place to Call Home  Selecting nest site Small islands Peninsulas Pond shorelines  Constructing nest The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 10

11. Eggs  Oval Shape  Light olive green color  Total eggs 1-11  Lay one egg every 24 hr  Incubation lasts 24 days 11 The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011

12. Ducklings  Fully covered with down  Capable of walking, swimming, and feeding  Move to marine habitat  Do not return for 2-3 years 12 The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011

13. Who Would Want to Eat an Eider?  Arctic fox, red fox, gulls, and jaegers The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 13

14. Where Does the Research Happen?  Kigigak Island The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 14 Bering Sea

15. Past and Present Research  Monitor spectacled eider population Adult female annual survival Nest success Duckling survival Recruitment  Search plots 15 The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011

16.  Initial visit Identify marked females Mark nests Number and age eggs  Subsequent visits Identify marked females Nest status Egg status I Found One!! The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 16

17. Got Ya!  Females trapped Mist nests Bow-net traps  Banding U.S. Fish & Wildlife metal band Tarsal Band Nasal Disc The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 17

18. What Have We Found?? The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 18 Tables taken from: Fischer, J. B., R. A. Stehn, and G. Walters. 2010. Nest population size and potential production of geese and spectacled eiders on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2009. Unpubl. Rep., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK.

19. Take Home Message  Population is increasing  More to learn  On the road to recovery??? The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 19

20. Thank–You The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 20

21. Additional Slides  The following slides were not included in the slide show  They contain more details on some of the methods that we use on Kigigak Island The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR – February 15, 2011 21

22. Finding Spectacled Eiders  Search designated plots The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR - February 15, 2011 22

23. Aging Eggs  Floating Technique The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR – February 15, 2011 23

24. Aging Eggs The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR – February 15, 2011 24  Candling Technique

25. Trapping Techniques  Mist net The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR – February 15, 2011 25

26. Trapping Techniques  Bow-trap The Quest for Recovery - Yukon Delta NWR – February 15, 2011 26