Observational Data of Migratory Birds during Spring and Fall Migration and their use of Habitats in the Yakutat Foreland of Alaska in 1980

Table providing species names and the taxonomic classification of all birds and mammals observed as part of this data release. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table.

Digital scans of the original (raw) field data for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sea Watch Program surveys on the Yakutat Forelands, Alaska, 1980. Presented as a PDF documents. Field data sheet was based on data form and codes for the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) Sea Watch Program. This data set contains observations of all migrant birds passing an observation point on the Yakutat Forelands in spring and fall 1980. This observation point was on the beach (1.9 km S of Canon Beach Road via. Beach Road) and the focus was on birds either flying along the beach or flying past over water. In addition we report on birds on the water and marine mammals. We report species (or species group), the direction of flight or movement, behavior, the number of individuals, and age and sex whenever possible. Data for each observation also includes weather conditions, sea state, and observing conditions. Observations were made using a spotting scope from a tent blind and only conducted when weather conditions were conducive for observations. Each observation period was for 15 minutes beginning at the top of the hour during daylight hours for most days between 5 April and 12 May 1980 and between 6 August and 14 October 1980. This data form and codes were developed in 1976 and used for the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) Sea Watch Program [Migratory Sea Bird Watch (F038 (NODC Accession 0014158)]. This is a migration study with included land-based study sites throughout coastal Alaska.

Digital scans of the original summary field data forms for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sea watch surveys zdjacent to the Yakutat Forelands, Alaska, 1980. Each data form represents a single species detected on specific dates in April through October. Presented as a PDF format (documents). No attributes are described for this entity.

Digital scans of the original field data, maps, and notes for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aerial surveys on the Yakutat Forelands, Alaska, 1980. Presented as PDF documents. These raw data contain observations of all migrant birds observed during aerial surveys on the Yakutat Forelands in spring, summer, and fall of 1980. During these surveys we determined the number and species (or species group) of water birds using the major estuarine and riverine systems between Situk and Doame River. Aerial surveys were conducted about every five days in spring and seven days in fall, weather and availability of plane permitting. The first flight was on 3 April and survey lines were established at that time. Eight surveys were conducted in spring (3 April – 10 May), two in summer (19 June, 11 July), and 11 in fall (6 Aug – 14 Oct). We reported on the presence of all birds, plus plumages (breeding and non-breeding) and any evidence of nesting for all segments of the survey. All observations were made from small aircraft (USFWS Turbo Beaver or Piper Supercub) flown at 30 m above the ground or water at 130 km/hr. This file contains a map of the survey tracks and subareas, the survey data, and summery sheets of common species. These data provide the first systematic surveys of migrating birds through spring and fall migration in the Yakutat Forelands, an important area for water birds migrating to and from Alaska.

Digital scans of the original aerial bird survey maps. All surveys were flown the same route in spring, summer, and fall; although some segments in some surveys could not be flown due to weather. Presented as a PDF format (documents). No attributes are described for this entity.

Digital scans of the original aerial bird survey notes. The document title including "distance' summarizes the shoreline distances and the total area surveyed at each location during aerial surveys. The document title including "summary' describes the purpose of the survey and the total birds per species observed at each location during each aerial survey. Presented as a PDF format (documents). Year of data collection: 1980. No attributes are described for this entity.

Digital scans of original observations of all migrant birds in ground-plots on the Yakutat Forelands in spring and fall 1980. Plots were established in all habitats available by road, foot, or off-road vehicle from the town of Yakutat on the Yakutat Forelands. Seven ground-plots were established 4-8 April 1980. In addition two study plots were added specifically to monitor passerine movement and one plot consisting of numerous fresh water lakes and wetlands that could be observed from the road. Plots were surveyed at 7-day intervals in spring from 4 April to 12 May, then in fall, from 7 August to 13 October 1980. Presence of all birds, plus plumages (breeding and non-breeding) and any evidence of nesting (including young, flightless chicks) was recorded for each plot. These data provide the first systematic surveys of migrating birds through spring and fall migration in the Yakutat Forelands, an important area for water birds migrating to and from Alaska. Presented as a PDF format (documents). Year of data collection: 1980.

Digital scans of original habitat classification data for ground plots surveyed on the Yakutat Forelands. Data forms describe plot name, location, general description, vegetation classification based on Viereck and Dyrness (1979), avian habitat based on Kessel (1979), and notes on plant community types. Plot locations are the same as those listed in entity 'Migration Ground Plots (BIRD LIST RAW DATA)'. Presented as a PDF file. No attributes are described for this entity.

Digital scans of original habitat use by birds data for ground plots surveyed on the Yakutat Forelands. Data forms include date, general weather conditions, location within the plot, bird species observed, group size and sex of bird(s) observed, and general activity of the bird(s). Plot locations are the same as those listed in entity 'Migration Ground Plots (BIRD LIST RAW DATA)'. Presented as a PDF file. No attributes are described for this entity.

Digital scans of original summary data forms on daily species observations on the Yakutat Forelands in spring, summer, and fall 1980. The checklist includes all birds and mammals seen each day and indicates if the species was observed during a sea watch or ground plot survey. The daily checklist is part of the long-term record that can be used to compare arrival and departure times of species on the Yakutat Forelands to study sites throughout Alaska and adds to the long-term data sets on the presence or absence of species and the first appearance of species when expanding their range. Presented as a PDF file. No attributes are described for this entity.

Digital scans of the original daily journal accounts for species observed on the Yakutat Forelands in spring, summer, and fall of 1980. The daily journal includes the weather conditions and general activities of the crew and notes of interest for birds found on the Yakutat Forelands. The daily journal accounts provide a history of the field camp and explain when data were collected and the daily activities. Presented as a PDF file. No attributes are described for this entity.

Digital scans of color infrared photos of the Yakutat Forelands study area. Image information including (top from left to right): date (7-26-79 on all images), CN (unknown but on all images), BLM, 36, Yakatat, and image identification number. Presented as a PDF file. No attributes are described for this entity.

Digital scans of habitat classification keys and maps for vegetation interpretation of color infrared photographs. Presented as a PDF file.