| Understanding the geographical extent and timing of wildlife movements enables resource managers to meet the habitat needs of target species. waterfowl movements are derived primarily from mark-recovery banding data which typically provide few data points for individuals, and therefore limits estimating migration paths, stopover sites and timing of movements. Here, we use archival light-level geolocators to build a more complete understanding of the geography and timing of migratory movements for canvasback (Aythya valisineria) in the pacific flyway. During 2015-2016, 79 geolocators were attached on canvasback using two methods (leg-band and nasal-saddle mounts) during spring migration near Reno, NV. Eleven geolocator-fitted canvasback, but only five geolocators (all leg-band mounts) were recovered by hunters with four yielding data. Three of the four (2 males and 1 female) migrated to breeding sites in southern Canada (Alberta and Saskatchewan), while one male migrated to Alaska. During spring migration, canvasbacks stopped 4.25 times for 15.9 days, on average. During fall migration , canvasback, on average, made 6 stops, lasting 19 days, on average, heading to winter in California. This study demonstrates the value of geolocators for assessing year-round movements for waterfowl populations and complements standard band-recovery approaches, to conserve habitats appropriately for the migratory species.
This paper is a work-in-progress. |