The primary objective of this project was to monitor the growth of shorebird chicks by recapturing them from hatch to fledgling in relation to food abundance and weather conditions. In 2014 and 2015, we attempted to estimate the impacts of trophic mismatch by experimentally creating late hatched broods by refrigerating eggs to delay hatch. Transmitters were then attached to adults and chicks to follow and recapture chick in order to estimate growth rates and survival (see annual protocol documents for further information).
Information for the Utqiagvik chick monitoring study were obtained concurrently with information obtained for the Utqiagvik shorebird project and information on chicks and nests included in these files is also contained within the Utqiagvik shorebird project archive (file://ifw7ro-file.fws.doi.net/datamgt/mbm/mbmsh_009_Utqiagvik_shorebird_project). If there are discrepancies between the files please use the information contained within the Utqiagvik shorebird project files. Additional information on chick growth was also obtained in 2013 by Kirsten Grond and is included in the Utqiagvik_chick_shorebird_banding file in the Utqiagvik shorebird project archive.
Much of the information from this study was published in Saalfeld et al. 2019. Phenological mismatch in Arctic-breeding birds–Impacts of snow melt and unpredictable weather conditions on food availability and chick growth. Ecology and Evolution 9-6693-6707.
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, as potential biases may occur within the data depending on the intended use. For example, fox control was conducted within the area for a number of years, potentially reducing predation pressure in some years. Additionally, one plot (brw6) was located within the boundaries of a landfill fence, potentially biasing metrics within this plot as compared to the population. Therefore, potential users should contact the data authors to discuss intended use and how these data may or may not be applicable.
