So how about a summary of my work at Prudhoe Bay this past week? :D

It was a joint project between USFWS, USGS, and Wildlife Conservation Society. We implanted 17 GPS/GSM transmitters in common eiders, Pacific loons, and red-throated loons. In addition, when weather interfered with boating to nearby islands, I assisted with efforts to apply neck collar trackers on Cackling geese. We completed the work in less than 6 days. The high resolution data will supplement other information from remote nest cameras and guide further studies on population interconnectivity, feeding habits, population stability, and migration paths.
#avian #bird #wildlife #research #eiders #loons #geese #veterinary #conservation

We were up all night last night and made it to bed about 07:00. Crew caught 3 COEI and just missed the final fourth one! XD Here’s some photos of myself, Lindsay, and one of our eiders. Lindsay is a post-doc from University of Alaska Fairbanks and has been helping in the field with captures and assisting me with anesthesia and monitoring. Only one bird left to tag and the weather is beautiful so hopefully we wrap it up today!
#avian #wildlife #research #eiders #arctic

I’m at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. We have 4 transmitters left to deploy in common eider, after deploying 8 in red-throated and Pacific loons and 7 in eiders. Sea ice and fog have hampered capture efforts all day but cleared up tonight. Gonna be a long night but I’m optimistic that we’ll complete all the surgeries.
#wildlife #avian #bird #research #arctic #loons #eiders #tracking