Data Supporting Studies of Waterbird and Arctic Lake Ecosystems within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, 1974-1992

Objectives of each field season, regardless of camp location included: 1) complete daily weather records, 2) maintain an avian phenology chart, 3) census large and small birds, 4) map nests and record success, 5) record caribou movements, 6) sample wetlands for aquatic macroinvertebrates, 7) establish a small mammal trapline, 8) observe activity and feeding habits of molting geese, 9) map vegetation trend plots for ground truth, 10) record fox observations and den sites. Field methods were only recorded for studies in 1977, although the same methodology was likely followed in consecutive years because the data collected was consistent across some years and locations. Methods for 1977 through 1989 were as follows: 1) weather data records were kept of minimum and maximum daily temperatures with the use of a Taylor min-max thermometer and wind direction and sky condition were noted. 2) daily observations of birds, including numbers of some species were recorded. 3) large birds were surveyed weekly beginning on 20 June and continuing through 1 August. On 20 June and 27 June the survey was completed on sections 17, 20, and 29 (7.77 sq km), while the remainder of the surveys included all 6 sections (15.54 sq km). Counts of large birds were made by two observers, each responsible for a mile wide area, first walking south on sections 16, 21 and 28 and returning north on the same sections, then walking south on sections 17, 20, and 29 and returning north. 4) small bird surveys included seven transects (220 yards by 880 yards). Small birds were surveyed weekly from 21 June through 2 August. Two observers, each responsible for 110 yards, walked once through each transect. 5) no specific nest searches were conducted but nests found during bird surveys or other activities were located on maps and marked with grade stakes. Species, clutch size, and subsequent success were noted on all marked nests. 6) caribou herd size, adult to calf ratios and direction of movement were recorded on prepared data sheets. 7) wetland types I-V and VII (Bergman et al. 1977) were selected for invertebrate sampling. Wetlands I-IV and VII were located on or adjacent to the study area, while West Long Lake was chosen for wetland V. Four ice wedge pools north and east of camp were selected for additional invertebrate sampling. Sampling techniques were in accordance with Howard (1974) and Abraham (1975). A 15.2 cm by 15.2 cm Ekman dredge was used to sample benthic organisms at two locations in shoreward and vegetated zones. A 7.6 cm by 30.5 cm sweep net was used to sample organisms in the water column. Sweeps 3 meters in length were made in shoreward and vegetated zones. Ekman samples were washed in the sweep net to remove silt and facilitate sorting and counting. Water temperature and specific conductance were recorded with the use of a Yellowsprings conductivity meter and pH was determined with a Hach Chemical Company pH kit. Invertebrates were removed from sampled material, counted and preserved in 10% formalin. 8) a 750 meter small mammal trapline was located just north of the campsite. Each end of the line was marked with conduit approximately 30 cm high. Fifteen stations with 3 traps per station were located 50 m apart along the line. Traps were baited with a mixture of peanut butter and bacon grease. The trapline was run for 7 days, yielding a total of 315 trap nights. 9) Fox observations were recorded daily. 10) three vegetation plots (700 ft by 700 ft) were mapped at a scale of 1 in=100 ft. Major zones were outlined and dominant and subordinate plants were recorded or collected (if unknown). 11) a limited number of plants were collected from the NE Teshekpuk Lake study area. Several dozen specimen samples from NPR-A in 1977 are stored at the Museum of the North Herbarium.