The Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus) is a critically endangered species (Bird Life International 2011) with a population estimated at 661-678 individuals (but only 210-228 breeding pairs, Clark et al. 2016). Although it principally breeds in Russia and has not officially been documented breeding in Alaska, observations of Spoon-billed Sandpipers have been recorded in Alaska during the breeding season (Kessel and Gibson 1978), and a recently developed habitat suitability model indicated that suitable nesting habitat occurs in Alaska’s Chukchi Sea region (RSBP 2012). However, no systematic survey of potential breeding habitat had been conducted in this region during the spring and summer when this species would be present. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to document the occurrence, habitat use, breeding status, and distribution of Spoon-billed Sandpipers in areas deemed suitable for breeding in northwest Alaska based on a habitat model developed using data from the Chukchi Sea region, Russia. Secondarily, we documented the distribution of all other avian species in the area by noting information on occupancy and breeding status at survey locations. This dataset provides information from 25 plots (with 2-14 point counts per plot) surveyed near Kotzebue, Alaska in 2018 including information pertaining to shorebird observations during 10-minute point counts, observations of shorebird nests encountered while on a given plot, and occurrence data for all avian species observed while on a given plot. Much of these data were published in Saalfeld et al. 2020. In search of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea and other avian taxa in northwestern Alaska. Wader Study 127:219-227.
These data do not represent all locations where specific avian species may be present, as surveys only occurred in discrete survey plots. Additionally, individual birds may have went undetected within survey plots, as detectability was likely less than 100%, and is a function of many variables, including differences in species, habitat, time-of-year, weather conditions, survey effort, and individual surveyor. The data providers have invested considerable effort in QA/QC, but it is possible that undetected errors remain. It is strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data to evaluate data set limitations, restrictions or intended use. The originators of this dataset shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein.
Potential users of these data should first contact the data authors listed below to discuss intended use and how these data may or may not be applicable, as potential biases may occur within the data depending on the intended use.
see Saalfeld, S. T. and R. B. Lanctot. 2018. Survey Protocol for Spoon-billed Sandpiper Surveys near Kotzebue, 2018. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Anchorage, AK for specific methodology.
