This file contains information on shorebird nests found during this study including date and time found, location, status, association with banded adults, estimated incubation dates, monitoring information, nest fate, manipulations, and habitat associations.
In this file, incubation periods for each species were estimated based on data from 1) known-age nests (i.e., found during lay and which hatched) from Utiqiavik, 2) Weiser et al. 2018. Life-history tradeoffs revealed by seasonal declines in reproductive traits of Arctic-breeding shorebirds. Journal of Avian Biology. DOI: 10.111/jav.01531, and 3) the Birds of the World (Rodewald and Schulenberg, eds. 20200. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY). All float estimates were updated in 2019 due to an error found in the float parameters; incubation values were updated in 2021 (i.e., reph from 20 to 19; sesa from 20 to 19; and wesa from 21 to 20) due to additional data from known-age nests; therefore, data obtained and analyses performed before these dates will have different values.
Incubation periods: American Golden-Plover = 26, Baird’s Sandpiper = 21; Buff-breasted Sandpiper = 23; Dunlin = 21; Long-billed Dowitcher = 21; Little Stint = 21; Pectoral Sandpiper = 22; Red Phalarope = 19; Red-necked Phalarope = 20; Ruddy Turnstone = 22; Semipalmated Sandpiper = 19; Western Sandpiper = 20; White-rumped Sandpiper = 21.
All egg flotation parameters (see float_tool.xlsx) were taken from Liebezeit et al. 2007. Assessing the development of shorebird eggs using the flotation method: species-specific and generalized regression models. Condor 109:32-47. For species not included in this paper (i.e., Baird’s Sandpiper and White-rumped Sanpdiper) we used the parameters developed for Dunlin.
A portion of these data are available on the NSF Arctic Data Center (https://doi.org/10.18739/A23R0PT35).
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. Limited data was collected in 2020 as a result of reduced field effort due to Covid-19. Therefore, potential users should contact the data authors to discuss intended use and how these data may or may not be applicable.
General field methods are available in the ASDN_protocol_2014.pdf file, as well as annual protocol documents that detail specific annual methodologies.