white phosphorus contamination and potential treat-
mitters. All eagle transmitters are expected to last
ability at Eagle River Flats, Alaska (C.H. Racine and
17 (standard) to 24 months (satellite). Tracking
data indicated that mallards and teal averaged
D. Cate, Ed.). CRREL Contract Report to U.S. Army,
6.8 days (range 117 days) on the Flats. Average
Alaska, Directorate of Public Works, FY94 Final
daily turnover for waterfowl was about 5%.
Report, p. 277288.
Waterfowl mortality during the spring migration
The objective of the 1994 aerial waterbird survey
period was about 12%. Mallards and green-
was similar to that of previous aerial surveys of
winged teal tended to concentrate in areas C, C/D,
ERF, initiated in 1988: to monitor waterbird abun-
and D. Waterfowl spent more time in areas B and
dance and distribution on ERF during spring, sum-
D, and off the Flats after hazing. Bald eagles spent
mer, and fall. A total of 43 aerial surveys was con-
an average of 2.9 days on the Flats. Most of the
ducted from April through October 1994. Flights
telemetry contacts with eagles were in the wood-
were made generally twice per week during spring
ed area bordering ERF. Eagles fitted with satellite
and fall and once per week during summer.
transmitters are currently near Kodiak Island and
Cordova, Alaska. No eagle mortality was docu-
Eldridge, W .D. (1997) Waterbird utilization of
mented; however, a mallard transmitter was
Eagle River Flats and Upper Cook Inlet: April
found in an eagle nest on ERF. Dowitchers spent
October 1996. In Interagency expanded site investiga-
an average of 6.8 days on the Flats and mainly
tion: Evaluation of white phosphorus contamination
foraged in highly contaminated areas without
and potential treatability at Eagle River Flats, Alaska
(C.M. Collins and D. Cate, Ed.). CRREL Contract
any mortality.
Report to U.S. Army, Alaska, Directorate of Public
It is recommended that telemetry data be inte-
Works, FY96 Final Report, p. 718.
grated into the Integrated Risk Assessment
We conducted 34 aerial surveys of Eagle River
Model; that future remediation actions be
Flats (ERF) during spring, summer, and fall of 1996
assessed with telemetry studies; that research
as part of ongoing waterfowl mortality studies
efforts on shorebirds be minimized; and that
sponsored by the U.S. Army. Generally spring was
monitoring of those bald eagles breeding on ERF
be continued.
late in 1996, so ERF received less use by ducks and
swans than in previous years. Use by geese was
Eldridge, W.D. (1994) Waterbird utilization of
similar to other years. The summer was very dry in
Eagle River Flats: AprilOctober 1993. In Inter-
1996, but some permanent ponds retained water
agency expanded site investigation: Evaluation of
and several broods of ducks and geese were
white phosphorus contamination and potential treat-
observed. Fall tides flooded most of ERE in late Aug-
ability at Eagle River Flats, Alaska (C.H. Racine and
ust. The fall was generally mild, which allowed
D. Cate, Ed.). CRREL Contract Report to U.S.
waterfowl to move through the region at a leisurely
Army Garrison, Alaska, Directorate of Public
pace and there were no large buildups in waterfowl
Works, FY93 Final Report, p. 191204.
populations. Numbers of swans on ERF in fall were
The Anchorage area experienced a mild April
lower in 1996 than in previous years. Numbers of
and May 1993, and considerable habitat was open
ducks and geese were higher than in previous years,
to waterbirds when they began arriving in mid-
possibly because of the decreased human activity
April. As a result, birds did not concentrate on
and hazing in 1996. Swans used Areas A and B the
ERF, and numbers were less than in 1992. Addi-
most during fall. Geese used Coastal East and West
tionally, improved hazing techniques discour-
the most, and ducks were more evenly distributed in
aged waterbird use in 1993. Alaska experienced a
fall, utilizing Coastal West and Area B slightly more
mild fall in 1993, with the result that migration
than the other areas.
through Cook Inlet occurred without big influxes
of birds caused by early or dramatic freezing else-
Eldridge, W.D., and D.G. Robertson (1996) Water-
where in the state. After a short cold spell in middle
bird utilization of Eagle River Flats and Upper
to late October, temperatures moderated, allowing
Cook Inlet: AprilOctober 1995. In Interagency
ducks to remain in upper Cook Inlet until mid-
expanded site investigation: Evaluation of white phos-
November, almost 3 weeks later than normal.
phorus contamination and potential treatability at Eagle
River Flats, Alaska (C.H. Racine and D. Cate, Ed.).
Eldridge, W.D. (1995) Waterbird utilization of
CRREL Contract Report to U.S. Army, Alaska,
Eagle River Flats: AprilOctober 1994. In Inter-
Directorate of Public Works, FY95 Final Report, p.
agency expanded site investigation: Evaluation of
131156.
43
to contents
to index
Previous Page
