This file contains information on seasonal snow cover and water availability on long-term shorebird monitoring plots including date and time, location, and relative cover of snow, water, and land.
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.