Apparent Trends in Abundance and Distribution of Nearshore Species in Barrow, Alaska(May-July of 2016-2018) |
Short-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris) in their element amid a roiling Chukchi Sea
Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska
July 22, 2017
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Sample Effort
Over the course of my time in Barrow I was fortunate enough to spend about 150 hours sea watching from various fixed stations along the coast. Some sites, such as the "bluffs" near the airport and gravel pit were elevated, allowing for more distant visibility. Others were set along Point Barrow which allowed for closer study of flocks passing overhead or nearby. Detection probability undoubtedly varies across species and even within species on a given night and given station. I have chosen not to delve into this aspect of my data (doing so would be difficult given my lack of access to at-sea data to compare to my own). However, I will give a brief description of each of my frequented observation sites.
As for standardizing effort, my only real criteria for 2017 and 2018 was a minimum 40 minutes per count period. While I didn't formally follow this rule in 2016, I have chosen to only include data from checklists spanning at least 40 minutes. One of the most exciting and frustrating aspects of sea watching for me is the unpredictability of what will be seen. Long periods of nearly (or literally) no birds are often punctuated by a few minutes of activity and excitement. By requiring minimum count periods, I felt this helped to force me to search despite lackluster appearances.
Most of my data was collected between the hours of 20:00 and 02:00 after I had completed my daily tasks with the USFWS shorebird demography study. Certain species (particularly alcids) may be more active during this time. I have not been able to find any conclusive evidence of strong diel movements of zooplankton during the Arctic summer, so those species foraging on zooplankton may not be as heavily influenced by time of day. Weather conditions certainly play a role in detection, and those conditions that are best for observation are not always conducive to high species detectability.
Finally, its worth noting that my own personal ability and confidence in identifying pelagic species (particularly alcids) changed dramatically from 2016 to 2017/2018 as I gained more experience sea watching. This observer bias undoubtedly skews the detection probabilities across years somewhat.
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Sea watching around Barrow can lead to an interesting list of animals besides birds, both with and without sea ice present, such as this Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) seen in mid July of 2017. Other mammals seen include Common Ringed Seals (Phoca hispida), Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) and a cetaceans such as Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus), and Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Utqiagvik (Barrow) coast, North Slope, Ak
Jun 14, 2016
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The following are the sites I frequently conducted sea watches from during my time in Barrow. Certain conditions made some sites more convenient at different times and because my interest was seeing species, I did not make an effort to equally distribute my time among all stations.
Point Barrow (Including Plover Point)
The northernmost point-of-land in the United States, Point Barrow is an interesting geographic feature that serves as a good place to observe more "pelagic" species. Unfortunately, sampling at this location is fairly sparse due to the logistics of getting to the point and safety concerns involved.
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View of the Arctic Ocean looking northward from Point Barrow, the northernmost point-of-land in the United States. While frequented by Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus), this geographic feature allows for some interesting sea watching opportunities, especially later in the summer when the sea ice has moved out to sea.
Point Barrow, North Slope, AK
Jul. 27, 2018
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A nice substitute for the point itself, the end of Stevenson Road (and the associated dumpster) sits facing Elson Lagoon and the Beaufort Sea to the East. In the evening the light illuminates those birds flying in the lagoon and the geography makes close fly-bys common, especially helpful for separating alcid species. Unfortunately, the lack of elevation means that sight distance is more limited than some of the other sites. One of the most frequented sites later in the season (after the sea ice moves out in early July).
Barrow- USFWS Shorebird Crew Deck (2017 only)
During the 2017 field season the USFWS shorebird crew stayed in a house immediately on the beach with a spacious deck which allowed for convenient sea watching any night as long as the fog wasn't restrictive. while lacking elevation (limited sight distance), this convenience allowed for many hours of watching.
Barrow- West end of Ogrook St Overlook
Situated on the old "sod houses" of prehistoric Barrow, this bluff gives observers some elevation from which to scan. One draw back is the end of the overlook is several hundred meters from the parking area. Not a bad walk, but in blustery conditions it is difficult to maintain a steady scope. The added elevation allows one to potentially see further than at the sea-level stations.
Barrow- Airport Overlook
Consisting of the bluffs across from the airport, this site allows one to simply drive up and scan the ocean, combining the benefits of added elevation with the convenience of being able to use a vehicle as a windbreak. This is the most frequented site across all three years and is sampled from both with and without sea ice.
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View of the sea from the bluffs adjacent to the airport. To the left (south) are the water tanks in the gravel pit, another good sea watching spot.
Utqiagvik, North Slope, AK
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Just south of the airport and Ogrook St overlooks is the gravel pit and associated large metal water(?) tanks. One can use the metal tanks as a windbreak during blustery conditions, making it easier to scan. Potential sight distance is increased with the added elevation. Unfortunately, this site is also frequented by other residents of Barrow looking for a secluded area, so sea watching is seldom peaceful at this spot.
Species Accounts
Brant (Branta bernicla)
Regularly detected, often in flocks, from May through July. Large post breeding flocks often form as individuals begin their molt migration. Virtually all of the nigricans ("Black") subspecies, but "Gray-bellied" subspecies has been reported from the tundra surrounding Barrow. Without good close views separating these taxa would likely be near impossible while sea watching.
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Occasionally seen flying past or loafing on the coast, mostly between mid June through mid July. This species of diving-duck is much more readily encountered on deeper lakes/pools on the tundra surrounding Barrow rather than at sea.
Steller's Eider (Polysticta stelleri)
Encountered most frequently in mid May and late July at the beginning and end of the breeding season respectively. This species is the least often encountered while sea watching, though its compact size and white upperpart pattern means that males may be difficult to pick out of large, fast moving mixed Eider flocks. The dark chocolatey brown females with their thin white speculum borders on the other hand are fairly distinctive compared to the other female eiders. It is worth sifting through all eider flocks encountered at sea for this species.
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Though regular on the tundra surrounding Barrow, the Steller's Eider (Polysticta stelleri) is much less readily detected on the ocean surrounding Barrow
Utqiagvik (Barrow)- New landfill Road, North Slope, AK
Jun 27, 2017
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Uncommonly seen along the coast in mid May, and more regularly seen during post-breeding flights in late July. The large size and mostly white upperparts of the male of this species can make it difficult to separate from Common Eider (likewise for the mostly pale brown females of both species). May be overlooked in May due to the large numbers of Common Eiders that are moving. Often mixed in with large flocks of King Eiders in July. This species spends the winter within polynyas (pockets of open water) among the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean.
King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)
Flocks of predominantly King Eiders are encountered regularly in mid May, but mid to late July is when large (100-1000 bird) flocks move westward across the point. July flocks often contain a smattering of other eider species (especially Spectacled). Even Tufted Puffins have been observed within large King Eider flocks in July. The sight of these large sea ducks moving across the horizon like smoke over the Arctic Ocean is quite the sight to behold.
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
This species breeds primarily on the gravel islands to the south and east of Point Barrow and is most readily encountered while sea watching in May and early June. At this time large flocks (100-1000) Common Eiders move northward on the Chukchi coast side of the Barrow area. These flocks are usually 90-100% Common rarely with many individuals of the other Eider species mixed in. Often the trickiest species to tick when attempting a world Eider "slam" in Barrow, this species is only rarely encountered on the tundra, so sea watching is essentially a must for those wishing to sea this species in Barrow.
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Rarely detected, usually in association with strong winds or stormy weather. In my three summers in Barrow I've managed one sighting per year, all either individual birds or a duo, but never expected on a given sea watching session.
Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
The most abundant Scoter species, Surf Scoter is present in low numbers off of the Barrow coast, usually in small flocks and rarely mixed in with other sea duck species. The prominent white patterning of the male's plumage makes them readily separable from other sea duck species. Females and subadult males may go overlooked.
White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca)
The other "expected" Scoter species in the Barrow area, usually seen as an individual or as a duo. Readily identified by the prominent white secondaries in both males and female, it seems unlikely that this species is much overlooked. All of the individuals identifiable to subspecies have belonged to the nominate North American subspecies deglandi (no Asian stejnegeri identified).
Black Scoter (Melanitta Americana)
The rarest of the Scoter species in Barrow, this species was detected only once while sea watching in Barrow in mid July. While rare in the summer, this species is reported with some regularity in October. While the two-toned wings of this species are fairly distinctive, it is possible the more cryptic females are overlooked.
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The two-toned wings and prominent orange patch on the upper mandible of this male Black Scoter (Melanita Americana) make it readily separable from other Scoter species on the Barrow coast
Cakeeater Road, North Slope, AK
Jun. 2, 2018
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Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Consistently seen in flocks ranging from 2-1000 individuals throughout the season. Often less abundant in mid May (depending on the extent of the sea ice) and building throughout the season until large post breeding flocks become a common sight over the ocean in mid to late July. Flocks of this species often contain a handful of other species of sea ducks (Scoters) or alcids (Thick-billed Murres).
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Male Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis), the most regularly observed sea duck on the coast and tundra surrounding Barrow
Utqiagvik (Barrow) coast, North Slope, Ak
Jun. 18, 2017
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Usually not detected until late June or early July at which point they are reliable in small numbers (often flocks of less than 15-20) over the ocean. This species is much more reliable at sea than on the tundra. While Common Merganser is occasionally reported, Red-breasted is the expected merganser species for the Barrow area.
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata)
Regularly detected from early June through late July, separating distant individuals of this species from Pacific Loon can be challenging (and the source of many "loon sp" checklist entries). The concolor grayish upperparts of Red-throated (compared to the prominent white on the upperparts of Pacific Loons) can aid in identifying this species. Fortunately all loons encountered in the Barrow during the time frame described will be in sharp alternate plumage.
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Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata)
North end of Stevenson St, North Slope, AK
July 11, 2017
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Commonly seen off the Barrow coast from late May to late July, usually first seen slightly earlier (late May) than Red-throated. Can be difficult to separate from Red-throated if views are distant. Often the most readily encountered loon species on the tundra surrounding Barrow. While Arctic Loon has been reported in the past, this is a very rare occurrence.
Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii)
One of the "target" species of many birders visiting Barrow, this species is rarely encountered on the tundra, and is vastly more likely to be seen during a sea watch, usually from early June through late July. This species' large size, sharp alternate plumage, and the lack of Common Loons in Barrow make this ID fairly straightforward. However, distant views can make differentiating this species from Pacific (both of which show extensive white patterning on the upperparts) difficult, especially if overall size cannot be judged. The best chances of seeing this species loafing on the water seem to be on the Elson Lagoon side (east) of Point Barrow from the old Naval airstrip to Point Barrow.
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)
Irregularly detected from late June through late July usually singly or in small groups (5-7). At times difficult to separate from the similarly shaped Loons, but white secondaries and leading edge of the wing is distinctive and diagnostic. This species was always seen at sea, and never on the tundra, often during windy weather and storms.
Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)
Most often seen from late June through late July, the abundance of this species varied widely between the three years of sampling. In 2016 it was regular in low numbers from mid July onward. The species was virtually absent in 2017. 2018 saw a large influx of the species early on (late June) and sustained high numbers (and even rafts of the species along Plover Point) in mid to late July. Detection of this species is often coupled with periods of intense winds and storms. It seems the relative abundance of Fulmars and Shearwaters around Barrow is regulated by the availability of food further south. The appearance of large numbers of these two species in the Barrow area seems to coincide well with die-offs and apparent food-shortages further south in the Bering and southern Chukchi seas. Most Fulmars present were in heavy molt and appeared to be AHY birds. Necropsies of salvaged birds revealed largely empty stomachs and virtually no body fat (suggesting starvation as the cause of death).
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Small portion of a raft of Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis)
Plover Point, North Slope, AK
Jul. 27, 2018
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This remarkable species, which breeds in New Zealand during the North American "winter" and spends the North American "summer" in the waters off Alaska was not detected in 2016. However, it was fairly abundant in 2017 and 2018. A large storm system from the south in late July 2017 allowed for the observation of several thousand Short-tailed Shearwaters passing by the coast of Barrow over the course of 8 hours. Depending on the conditions, this species can be difficult to separate from dark-morph Northern Fulmars. Like the fulmars, large numbers of this species off the coast of Barrow seem somewhat indicative of poor conditions further south. It is however worth noting reports of several thousand shearwaters associating with a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) pod. It is possible that this species and the fulmar are regular in large numbers off the Barrow coast but at distances not visible from shore. Even if this is the case, then the presence of these species in nearshore waters seems noteworthy. Often associated with high winds and storms, these conditions may encourage oceanic conditions good for upwelling and feeding for these species. A necropsy of a salvaged HY Short-tailed Shearwater revealed virtually no fat and limited squid remains in the stomach, suggesting starvation was the cause of death.
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Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) flying near the shore on Elson Lagoon
Point Barrow- North end of Stevenson Rd, North Slope, AK
July 23, 2018
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Perhaps the most surprising species observed during all of my sea watches in the Barrow area. During a period of strong ENE winds (perhaps creating a zone of upwelling) a total of 7 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were observed dancing over the water at the seaside edge of the shore ice heading northward on June 30, 2018. This coincided with observations of this species as far north as Gambell (St. Paul Island) and an unusually large number of Fork-tailed in the vicinity of the Kenai Peninsula. Once again a lack of food seems to have driven this tubenose species into atypical areas. This species has been recorded as far north as the vicinity of Point Hope and Point Lay, so it may be more abundant in the Chukchi Sea than observer coverage suggests.
Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus)
One of the most amusing sights (at least for me) is that of a cormorant sitting atop a chunk of sea ice. Encountered annually all three years but only once or twice each year, usually from late May through late June (with one mid July record). None of those that I have observed have really been separable from Red-faced Cormorant while in the field (though I've never seen a cormorant with red on the face) usually due to distance or lighting. However, given these species' ranges and the respective precedent of records for each species it seems reasonable to assume they were Pelagic Cormorants. Overall structure can be used (depending on distance) to rule out Double-crested Cormorant.
Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)
A common breeder on the tundra surrounding Barrow, this species is encountered more rarely from shore than its larger counterpart. numbers are largest in late May when newly arriving breeders congregate (depending on how open the tundra is). A spike in abundance in late June and late July seems to coincide with post breeding females and then males/immatures congregating before heading out to sea.
Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius)
Breeding abundance of this species on the tundra fluctuates from year to year, but the pattern observed at-sea seems to be similar to that of the Red-necked Phalarope described above (but usually with larger numbers overall). Often seen moving along the coast in late May as birds arrive from further south. In late June/early July post-breeding females begin to congregate in flocks off the coast. Eventually post-breeding males and HY birds join these flocks in mid to late July. During windy and stormy weather several thousand Red Phalarope have been observed off of Point Barrow and Plover Point.
Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus)
The relative abundance of this species (particularly as a breeder on the tundra surrounding Barrow) is associated with the relative abundance of lemmings in a given year. However, even in poor lemming years (when this species is rather scarce on the tundra) a fair number can often be observed at sea. Distant Jaegers can be difficult to separate in the field, especially if their tell-tale signs are not clearly viewed. The burlier build and more powerful flight of this species can help to separate it from Parasitic. Seen throughout the period from late May to Late July, this species increases in abundance at-sea in mid July. Both light and dark morphs occur, though the majority of those detected are light morphs.
Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus)
The most abundant breeding Jaeger on the tundra surrounding Barrow, this species is also often seen during sea watches throughout the season. The slimmer build and more gull-like flight style can help to differentiate this species from Pomarine Jaeger should the distinctive tail be invisible to the observer. Both light and dark morphs occur at almost equal proportions with slightly more light morphs than dark morphs.
Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus)
While this species does not breed on the tundra surrounding Barrow, large flocks (10-250) can often be seen feeding within recently drained boggy spots on the tundra, as well as in large flocks on the ocean. Mostly detected from late June through late July, it isn't always seen, but when it is detected it is often the most abundant Jaeger species. The sharply contrasting black cap and white neck, along with the tern-like flight and slight build make it readily separable from the other two Jaeger species in Barrow. Only light morphs have ever been detected here.
Dovekie (Alle alle)
A duo of this species was observed from the North end of Stevenson St on the Elson Lagoon side on July 18, 2016. This species has been recorded infrequently by at-sea boat surveys off the coast of Barrow, but is certainly not an expected species here. The closest breeding population on St. Lawrence Island seems to have been declining, so the chances of seeing this species in Barrow is probably slight.
Common Murre (Uria aalge)
This species is often reported by visiting birders, but separation from Thick-billed Murre in the field, especially over a large distance seems tricky. While I have observed a handful of Common Murres in Barrow all three summers I've been working here (all in mid to late July), the vast majority of the Murres off the coast of Barrow are Thick-billed (as many as 98%). The best place to get close views of Murre flocks has been the North end of Stevenson St on the Elson Lagoon side. Here it is possible to photograph flocks as they move past and from photos determine whether any Common Murres are present.
Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia)
Representing as many as 98-99% of the Murres present off the coast of Barrow, this species is often seen singly or in flocks (usually 10-50). As mentioned above, the best place to get close views of these flocks is the Elson Lagoon (east) side at the North end of Stevenson St. This species can also occasionally be found within flocks of Long-tailed Ducks and Eiders. While some are usually detected as early as mid June, early July is typically the best time to search for this species (after the majority of the sea ice has left the coast).
Black Guillemot (Cepphus grille)
A charismatic species that has bred on Point Barrow and to the southeast on Cooper Island (the subject of several decades of monitoring by Dr. George Divoky) but which seems to be declining in recent years. The birds around Barrow belong to the mandtii subspecies which spend their entire lives north of the Arctic Circle (unlike those of the arcticus subspecies familiar to East Coast birders). Black Guillemots are usually the earliest alcid detected around Barrow, reliable from mid May through late July.
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One of a pair of Black Guillemots (Cepphus grille) that attempted to breed under a cement slab at the North end of Stevenson St in the summer of 2016. This species continues to breed on Cooper Island to the southeast of Point Barrow, but has declined in recent decades.
Jul. 14, 2016
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One of the rarer alcids found off of the coast of Barrow, this species is typically not seen until late June and can be separated from the similar Crested Auklet (especially at a large distance) by the whitish underparts. Often in flocks (5-20) occasionally with Crested Auklets mixed in. Sometimes found within flocks of Thick-billed Murres. Numbers tend to vary from year to year, some years seemingly the most abundant non-Murre alcid present, while others have seen fairly equal proportions of Parakeet-to-Crested Auklet numbers.
Crested Auklet (Aethia cristatella)
Abundance varies from year to year, but this species seems to have become regular in the northeast Chukchi Sea to Point Barrow over the past decade (perhaps longer). Smaller and more compact than the Murres, this species' concolor underparts make differentiation from the similarly sized Parakeet Auklets fairly straightforward. Usually observed from late June through late July, often singly or in small groups (1-10 sometimes as many as 30). Occasionally seen mixed in with flocks of other alcids (Parakeet Auklets or Thick-billed Murres), or as single-species flocks.
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Poor but diagnostic photo of a Crested Auklet (Aethia cristatella) as it buzzed by the north end of Stevenson St dumpster
Point Barrow- North end of Stevenson St, North Slope, Ak
Jul. 11, 2017
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The most reliably detected Puffin species off the coast of Barrow, this species has also been reported prospecting for sites within the Cooper Island colony of Black Guillemots (I am unaware of breeding records). Seen as early as late June onward to late July, this species is usually detected singly or in small groups (2-3). Sometimes it is seen mixed within flocks of other species (usually sea ducks or Thick-billed Murres. Depending on lighting or distance it can be difficult to see the bright multi-colored bill, but the rounded football shape and buzzy flapping style can help to separate this species from a Murre.
Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata)
Only detected during 2016 from mid through late July at the North end of Stevenson St. Usually seen singly or in small groups (5), occasionally mixed in with flocks of Eiders. Distinctive golden "mullet" and white face with orange bill make this species unmistakable, though lighting and distance can make discerning these marks difficult. As far as I know this species is not reliably detected off of Cooper Island to the southeast of Point Barrow, though it was the most abundant Puffin species detected in 2016 (about a dozen individuals compared to only a single detected Horned Puffin).
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)
Variable numbers of this species can be detected off the coast as early as mid to late May, becoming more consistently regular by late June/early July. Most of the individuals observed are adults (60-70%), but a fair percentage are immature (1st and 2nd cycle) birds. Large congregations (several hundred) are possible during windy and stormy weather (especially along the point). Usually flocks are monotypic, but will occasionally include Sabine's Gulls.
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini)
A regular breeder around Freshwater Lake to the south of Barrow (where it shows some propensity to nest near Arctic Tern colonies), this species can be seen in variable numbers on the ocean as early as late May, but usually isn't reliably observed on sea watches until late June. During windy and stormy weather large concentrations (several hundred) can be seen foraging off of Point Barrow and Plover Point, as well as passing by the coast. Usually seen singly or in small flocks, sometimes associating with Black-legged Kittiwakes and/or Arctic Terns.
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
Mostly immature individuals are often found loafing amongst large groups of Glaucous Gulls (or singly). Both "American" and "Vega" type Herring Gulls have been recorded off the coast of Barrow, further complicating the "white-headed gull" complex that one might encounter. Occasionally seen in mid May, this species usually isn't observed with regularity until later in the summer (late June).
Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)
Typically immature individuals observed, but a smattering of adults have been recorded as well. Some confusion between this species and "Vega" Herring Gull is possible. Typically not observed until early July. While all of those detected have been putative "Thayer's" Gulls, it is worth checking for "Iceland" types.
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Initially identified as a "Vega" Herring Gull (Larus argentatus vegae) the structure and build points more towards an adult an adult aspect Iceland (Thayer's) Gull (Larus glaucoides thayeri)
Utqiagvik (Barrow) coast, North Slope, Ak
Jul. 1, 2018
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"Safest" to identify this species when in adult aspect or in older immatures. Identification of 1st cycle Slaty-backed vs. "Vega" Herring vs. Thayer's can be complicated. Adults have been seen between mid June through mid July on the coast feeding with other "white-headed" gulls (mostly Glaucous). This Siberian species is regular annually in the Barrow area, usually seen at the landfill or associating with groups of Glaucous Gulls loafing on various ponds. While lighting can make some Glaucous Gulls appear rather dark-backed, the inky upperparts of the Slaty-backed is diagnostic. Some care should be taken to eliminate Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) which is unrecorded but possible in Barrow.
Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens)
Regular in small numbers, especially in July on the coast. Mostly immatures identified, usually feeding or loafing amongst congregations of Glaucous Gulls. This species is much more abundant further south, and numbers seem to fluctuate from year to year.
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Regularly breeding in the vicinity of Freshwater Lake to the south of Barrow, this species is also readily detected on the ocean beginning around early to mid June. Seen singly or in loose flocks (5-20) they can be especially abundant during windy or stormy weather, at which time concentrations of several hundred have been observed off of Point Barrow and Plover Point. Occasionally seen in association with Black-legged Kittiwakes and/or Sabine's Gulls.
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