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(Prepared under Interagency Agreement No. 1445-IA09-95-0239)

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ,

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

2355 Kachemak Bay Drive, Suite 101

Homer, Alaska 99603-8021

by

June 2000

FINAL REPORT

(USGS Study USGSIBRIXCRcI999-0002)

(OCS Study MM~OOll)j

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for e chenging world

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David G~ Roseneau, Mary F. Chance, Peter F. Chance,

and G. Vernon Byrd .

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MONITORING SEABIRD POPULATIONS IN AREAS OF OIL AND

GAS DEVELOPMENT ON THE ALASKAN CONTINENTAL SHELF:

CAPE LISBURNE AND CAPE THOMPSON SEABIRD STUDIES, 1995-1997

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This study was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division

to addressinformation needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

and the Minerals Management Seryjce
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DISCLAIMER

This research was conducted through an Interagency Agreement between t er.S. Geological

Survey (Biological Resources Division) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Se ice (Alaska Maritime

National Wildlife Refuge). This report was reviewed and approved for pu .Iidation by the BRD.

Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views an pplicies of the BRD or

MMS, nor d6es mention of trade names or commercial prodlicts constitute enllorsement or

recommendation for use. '

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Minerals M<\nagement Service

Alaska OCS,Region

949 East 36th Ave., 3rd Floor

Anchorage, Alaska 99508

Telephone: (907)271-6625

Telephone: (206)220-4600

REPORT AVAILABll.JTY j

USGS\BRD;Western Regional Office :: Alaska Maritime Nat 0~a1 Wildlife Refuge

909 First Avenue, Suite 800 ." 2355 Kachemak Ba Dr., Suite 10I

Seattle, Washington 98104 Horner, Alaska 996' 3~M21 II

Telephone: (907)23 -6546

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SUGGESTED CITATION:;

Roseneau, D.G., M.F. Chance, P.F. Ch~nc~', P.F., and G.V. Byrd. 200 .1lMonitoring seabird

populations:in areas of oil and gas development on the Alaskan continent Ishelf: Cape Lisburne

arid Cape T~ompson seabird studies, 1995-1997. Final report by the AI ki:Maritime National

Wildlife Refuge, Homer, Alaska to the U.S. Geological Survey Biologic I F;.esources Division,

Western Regional Office, Seattle, Washr,ngton (USGS Study USGSIB /GR-1999-0002 and

OCS Studyi99-001I). 147 pp. I. !I

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: PROJECT FUNDING AND CO()RDINATIONI '

This research: was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resou c~s Division to address

information n;eeds identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the inerals Management

Service (Alas,ka OCS Region). I

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MONITORING SEABIRD POPULATIONS IN AREAS OF OIL AND

GAS DEVELOPMENT ON THE ALASKAN CONTINENTAL SHELF:

CAPE LISBURNE AND CAPE THOMPSON SEABIRD STUDIES, 1995-1997

FINAL REPORT

(USGS Study USGSIBRD/CR-1999-0002)

(OCS Study MMS 99-0011)

EUSGS

science tor a changing world

by

David G. Roseneau, Mary F. Chance, Peter F. Chance,

and G. Vernon Byrd

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

2355 Kachemak Bay Drive, Suite 101

Homer, Alaska 99603-8021

(Prepared under Interagency Agreement No. 1445-IA09-95-0239)

This study was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division

to address information needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

and the Minerals Management Service

June 2000

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Monitoring Seabird Populations in Areas of Oil

and Gas Development on the Alaskan Continental Shelf:

Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson Seabird Studies, 1995-1997

. Final Report

(USGS Study USGS/BRD/CR-1999·0002)

(OCS Study MMS 99-0011)

Abstract: Black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) and common and thick-billed murres (Uria

aalge and U. lomvia) were first studied at Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson in the eastern

Chukchi Sea in 1959-1961 and 1976, respectively. Cape Lisburne was last visited in 1993, and

Cape Thompson in 1991. We collected data on murres and kittiwakes at both locations in 1995,

and conducted additional work at the Cape Lisburne colony in 1996-1997.

Cape Lisburne - At Cape Lisburne, we found evidence that kittiwake and murre populations had

increased since the mid-1970's, and that murre numbers had doubled since the mid-1980's.

Kittiwake nesting schedules only varied by about 5 days in 1987, 1992-1993, 1995, and 1997, but

less precise information suggested nesting occurred several days later in the late 1970's. Although

kittiwakes failed to lay eggs at Cape Lisburne in 1996, productivity averaged about 0.45 chicks per

nest start in 1995 and 1997. Kittiwakes also experienced near-complete breeding failures at Cape

Lisburne in 1976 and 1984, and they only produced about 0.3 eggs or chicks per nest or less in

1985 and 1992. However, this relatively high incidence of poor reproductive performance in 5

(31 %) of the 16 study years was apparently not sufficient to prevent the population from increasing

over the 1977-1997 interval. Breeding failures and annual differences in timing of nesting events

and productivity were probably related to annual variations in ice cover, ice breakup, weather

events, and prey availability. Data from the late 1970's and early 1980's suggested that 1995 and

1997 kittiwake chick growth rates were about average, and the fact that these rates did not differ

suggested that prey availability was similar during these years. Murres nested about 5 days later in

1996, compared to 1995 and 1997, and productivity was high in 1995 (0.85-0.88 fledglings per

egg) suggesting that environmental conditions and food supplies were near-optimal for these

diving birds. Significantly fewer murre chicks were produced in 1996-1997 (0.53-0.68 fledglings

per egg); however, in both years, productivity was still higher than average 1976-1997 Pribilof

Islands values (0.51-0.54 fledglings per egg). Prey taken by rnurres and kittiwakes varied over

the years, and these annual differences are still poorly understood; however, they are probably due

in part to annual variations in environmental conditions, including extent and breakup of ice cover,

water temperatures and salinities, and development of Alaska Coastal Water.

Cape Thompson - At Cape Thompson, evidence suggested that kittiwakes increased during

1976-1990; however, evidence for the increase was not convincing because the positive trend was

driven solely by the 1990 data and the 1995 count was made in a year of near-complete

reproductive failure. Some evidence also suggested that murres declined at Cape Thompson

during 1976-1988; however, 1990 and 1995 data suggested that numbers rebounded to near midand late 1970's levels by 1995. Kittiwakes nested on about the same schedule most years, but

1976-1977 first hatching dates were up to 2 weeks laterthan in 1995. In 1976 and 1995,

kittiwakes experienced reproductive failures at Cape Thompson and productivity was less than

0.0 I fledglings per nest. As at Cape Lisburne, breeding failures and annual differences in timing

of nesting events were probably related to annual variations in ice cover, ice breakup, weather

events, and prey availability. In 1995, murres nested about I week later than the Cape Lisburne

birds, but productivity was high and nearly identical to the 1995 Cape Lisburne values (0.88-0.91

fledglings per egg vs 0.85-0.88 fledglings per egg). Also as at Cape Lisburne, prey taken by

murres and kittiwakes varied over the years and these differences probably resulted from annual

variations in environmental conditions.
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Although the 1995-1997 results have been summarized in this report, and some of them have been

pooled and compared with information from earlier studies (e.g" popUlation counts), we are still in

the time consuming process of achieving our ultimate in-house goal of locating, compiling, and

verifying all pre-1995 Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson data, and incorporating them into

master data bases. We are also still in the process of obtaining pre-I 995 ice cover and water

temperature information from various types of satellite imagery and weather records from U,So Air

Force archives for inclusion in the data bases, More comprehensive analyses and discussions will

be included in future reports after missing information becomes available and data sets have been

finalized.

Key Words: Black-legged kittiwake, Cape Lisburne, Cape Thompson, common murre,

population monitoring, Rissa tridactyla, thick-billed murre, Uria aalge, Uria lomvia,

Suggested Citation: Roseneau, D.G., M.E Chance, P.F. Chance, and G.V. Byrd. 2000.

Monitoring seabird populations in areas of oil and gas development on the Alaskan continental

shelf: Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson seabird studies, 1995-1997. Final rept by the Alaska

Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Homer, Alaska to the U.S. Geological Survey Biological

Resources Division, Western Regional Office, Seattle, Washington (USGS Study

USGSIBRD/CR-1999-0002 and OCS Study 99-0011). 147 pp.

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Table of Contents

List of Tables IV

List of Figures VI

List of Appendices :................................................. IX

INTRODUCTION I

STUDY AREAS .

Cape Lisburne ,................................ I

Cape Thompson . ... ... .. .. ....... ... ... ............... ..... ..... .... .. ... .... .... ..... ............. . .. 2

The Eastern Chukchi Sea Environment 2

METHODS 4

Population Counts 4

Nesting Chronology :............................ 5

Productivity 6

Chick Growth Rates and Sea-going Weights 7

Food Habits 8

Water Temperatures , :.. ... ....... .. .. ....... . 8

CAPE LISBURNE: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 9

Population Counts 9

Nesting.Chronology : ,...... 10

Productivity II

Chick Growth Rates and Sea-going Weights : 13

. Food Habits 13

Water Temperatures : , .... ....... ..... .. ... .. . .. . .... .... ... .. ..... .. .. .. ... .. 16

CAPE THOMPSON: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 16

Population Counts. 16

Nesting Chronology 18

~~~~u~~~~is ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: \

Water Temperatures 20

CONCLUSIONS 21

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 22

LITERATURE CITED ,................................. 23

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List of Tables

Table I. Average counts of black-legged kittiwakes and kittiwake nests on 10 census plots at

Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1977-1997 '.............................. 27

Table 2. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on land plots LP 1-8 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska

during 1987-1997 '" '" 29

Table 3. Average counts of murres on census plots CP II, 12, 25, 26, 30, 32, 65, 66, 70,

and 72 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1976-1997 30

Table 4. Counts of murres on land plots LP 1-7 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1987-

1997 . 32

Table 5. Black-legged kittiwake hatching dates at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1987-

1997 33

Table 6a. Hatching and sea-going dates of thick-billed murre chicks at Cape Lisburne,

Alaska, 1995-1997 34

Table 6b. Hatching and sea-going dates of common murre chicks at Cape Lisburne, Alaska,

1995-1997 ., 34

Table 7. Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska,

1995-1997 35

Table 8. Estimated productivity of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during

1976-1997 36

.Table 9. Reproductive performance of murres at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1995-

1997 38

Table 10. Growth rates of black-legged kittiwake chicks during the linear phase of growth

at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in 1995 and 1997 39

Table II. Weights of sea-going murre chicks at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1995-1997.. 40

Table 12. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BUG) adults collected during II July -

22 August 1995 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska . ... ... ... .... .. ... . .... 41

Table 13. Prey species found in the stomachs of.thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BUG) adults collected during 5 July -

12 August 1996 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska 43

Table 14. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BUG) adults collected on 30 June and

5 July 1997 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska '" '" 45

Table 15. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKl) adults collected on 22 July and

3 August i 987 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska :................................. 47

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Table 16. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLIG) adults collected on 22 and 24 July

1992 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska 49

Table 17. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLIG) adults collected on 28 July 1993

at Cape Lisburne, Alaska ,............................... 51

Table 18. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLIG) chicks salvaged during 4-26

August 1995 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska 53

Table 19. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) chicks salvaged during 15-27

August 1996 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska 55

Table 20. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) chicks salvaged during 20 July -

29 August 1997 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska '.......... 56

Table 21a. Prey species delivered to thick-billed murre (TBMU) chicks at Cape Lisburne,

Alaska in 1995-1997 57

Table 21 b. Prey species delivered to common murre (COMU) chicks at Cape Lisburne,

Alaska in 1995-1997 ,.............................. 57

Table 22. Daily mean sea-surface temperatures measured by hand-held thermometers during

23-28 July at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1987c l997 58

Table 23. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes at Colony 4, Cape Thompson, Alaska during

1960-1995 59

Table 24. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on LGS plots 5L, 5M, and 5Q at Cape

Thompson, Alaska during 1979-1995 61

Table 25. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on LGS plots 5G, 5L, 5M, 5N, 5P, and 5Q at

Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1979-1995 ,.......................................... 62

Table 26. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on BSF plots 3-IA, 3-2B, 3-2C, 4-1A, 4-IB,

4-2C, 4-3D, 4-4E, 5-IA, 5-1B, 5-1C, 5-lD, 5-2E, 5-2F, 5-2G, 5-3H, and 5-7L

. at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1988-1995 ·63

Table 27. Average counts of black-legged kittiwakes on 6 LGS plots and 14 BSF plots at

Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1979-1995 ,.................................. 64

Table 28. Average counts of murres at Colony 4, Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1960-

1995 65

Table 29. Counts of murres on LGS plots 5L, 5M, and 5Q at Cape Thompson, Alaska

during 1960-1995 67

Table 30. Counts of murres on LGS plots 5G, 5L, 5M, 5N, 50, 5P, and 5Q at Cape

Thompson, Alaska during 1960-1995 ......... .. ....................................... 68

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Table 31. Counts of murres on BSFplots 3-IA, 3-2B, 3-2C, 4-IA, 4-1B, 4-2C, 4-30,

4-4E, 5-IA, 5-IB, 5-IC. 5-10, 5-2E, 5-2F, 5-2G, 5-3H, and 5-7L at Cape

Thompson, Alaska during 1988-1995 69

Table 32. Average counts of murres on 7 LGS plots and 17 BSF plots at Cape Thompson,

Alaska during 1960-1995 ............ .. ....... ......... ....................... .. ......... 70

Table 33. Black-legged kittiwake hatching dates at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1959-

1995 71

Table 34. Murre hatching and sea-going dates at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1959-

1995 '" 72

Table 35. Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Thompson, Alaska

during 1959-1995 73

Table 36. Reproductive performance of murres at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1959-

1995 74

table 37. Reproductive performance of murres at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1988-

1995 : : 75

Table 38. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLIG) adults collected during 13 July -

20 August 1995 at Cape Thompson, Alaska 76

Table 39. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLIG) adults collected during 6 July -

27 August 1988 at Cape Thompson, Alaska , :...... 78

Table 40. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLIG) adults collected during 10 July -

27 August 1990 at Cape Thompson, Alaska :. 80

Table 41. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLIG) adults collected during 5 July -

19 August 1991 at Cape Thompson, Alaska 81

List of Figures.

Figure 1. Locations of the Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson study' areas in the eastern

Chukchi Sea, Alaska 83

Figure 2. The Cape Lisburne study area showing the 76 census plots used for boat-based

population counts and the locations of First, Tiny, Kittiwake, and Grizzly Bear

beaches; Arch and Dave's rocks; the Cape Lisburne U.S. Air Force (USAF) Long

Range Radar Site (LRRS) lands and runway; and the Alaska Maritime National

Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR) boundary 84

Figure 3. The Cape Thompson study area showing the locations of Colonies 1-5, the Chariot

landing strip, and the Ikijaktusak Creek camp site 85

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Figure 10. Productivity (fledglings per egg) of common and thick-billed murres at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska during 1995-1997 '............................................... 92

Figure II. Sea-going weights (g) of common and thick-billed murre chicks at Cape Lisburne,

Alaska during 1995-1997 ... ,.............................................................. 93

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Figure 6.

Figure 7.

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Figure 13.

Figure 14.

Figure IS.

Figure 16.

Figure 17.

Figure 18.

Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on census plots II, 12,25,2630,32,65,66,

70, and 72 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1977-1997 86

Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on (a) north-facing census plots 65, 66, 70, 72,

and (b) west-facing census plots II, 12,25,26,30,32,65,6670, and 72 at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska during 1977-1997 ; ' 87

Counts of (a) black-legged kittiwakes and (b) black-legged kittiwake nests on

north-facing land plots LP 1-8 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1987-1997 ....... 88

Counts of murres on census plots II, 12,25,26,30,32,65,66,70, and 72 at

Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1976-1997 89

Counts of murres on land plots LP 1-7 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1987-

1997 '" 90

Estimated productivity of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during

1976-1997 9\

Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 35 thickbilled (TBMU), 13 common murre (COMU), and 31 black-legged kittiwake

(BUG) adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 11 July - 22 August

1995 94

Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 18 thickbilled (TBMU) and 7 black-legged kittiwake (BUG) adults collected at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska during 5 July - 12 August 1996 95

Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 18 thickbilled (TBMU) and 8 common murre (COMU) adults collected at Cape Lisburne,

Alaska on 4 July 1997 .' 96

Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of II thickbilled (TBMU), 5 common murre (COMU), and 13 black-legged kittiwake (BLKl)

adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska on 22 July and 3 August 1987 97

Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 13 thickbilled (TBMU), 7 common murre (COMU), and 8 black-legged kittiwake (BLKl)

adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska on 22 and 24 July 1992 98

Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 4 thickbilled (TBMU), 3 common murre (COMU), and 10 black-legged kittiwake (BLKl)

adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska on 28 July 1993 99

Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 19 thickbilled (TBMU),2 common murre (COMU). and 4 black-legged kittiwake (BLKl)

chicks salvaged at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 4-26 August 1995 100

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Figure 19. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 23 thickbilled (TBMU) and 5 common murre (COMU) chicks salvaged at Cape Lisburne,

Alaska during 15-27 August 1996 101

Figure 20. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 9 thickbilled (TBMU) and 5 black-legged kittiwake (BLIG) chicks salvaged at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska during 20 July - 29 August 1997 102

Figure 21. Prey species delivered to thick-billed (TBMU) and common murre (COMU) chicks

at Lisburne, Alaska in 1995-1997 103

Figure 22. Daily nearshore water temperatures at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 6 July - 21

August 1997 104

Figure 23. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes at Colony 4, Cape Thompson, Alaska during

1960-1995 105

Figure 24. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on LOS plots 5L, 5M, and 5Q at Cape

Thompson, Alaska during 1979-1995 106

Figure 25. Average counts of murres at Colony 4, Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1960-

1995 107

Figure 26. Counts of murres on LOS plots 5L, 5M, and 5Q at Cape Thompson, Alaska

during 1960-1995 108

Figure 27. Counts of murres on LOS plots 50, 5L, 5M, 5N, 50, 5P, and 5Q at Cape

Thompson, Alaska during 1960-1995 109

Figure 28. Productivity of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1976-

1995 110

Figure 29. Productivity of common and thick-billed murres at Cape Thompson, Alaska

during 1988-1995 .. .. ... .. ... .. ... ...... .. .. .. .. .. ... ... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ... ... .. ... .. ... III

Figure 30. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 7 thickbilled (TBMU), 10 common murre (COMU), and 10 black-legged kittiwake adults

collected at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 13 July - 20 August 1995 112

Figure 31. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 32 thickbilled (TBMU), 11 common murre (COMU), and 14 black-legged kittiwake adults

collected at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 6 July - 27 August 1988 113

Figure 32. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 9 thickbilled (TBMU), 6 common murre (COMU), and 13 black-legged kittiwake adults

collected at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 13 July - 27 August 1990 114

Figure 33. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 11 thickbilled (TBMU), 2 common murre (COMU), and 3 black-legged kittiwake adults

collected at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 5 July -19 August 1991 lIS

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List of Appendices

Average counts of black-legged kittiwakes and kittiwake nests on 18 of the 76

census plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1977-1997 116

Counts of black-legged kittiwakes and kittiwake nests on land plots LP 9-14 at

Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1992-1997 I19

Average counts of rnurres on 14 of the 76 census plots at Cape Lisburne,

Alaska during 1976-1997 120

Average counts of rnurres on census plots CP II, 12, 25, 26, 30, 32, 65; 66,

70,72,73, and 74 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1976-1997 123

Counts of murres on land plots LP 9-14 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1992-

1997 125

Hatching chronology of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska

during 1987-1997 .. ..... ..... .... .... ... .. ....... .. ... ... ... ..... ... ... .. ... .. ..... .. .. 126

Hatching and sea-going dates and sea-going ages of thick-billed murre chicks at

Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1995-1997 128

Hatching chronology ofthick-billed murres at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1995-

1997 '" 130

Hatching and sea-going dates and sea-going ages of common murre chicks at

.Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1995-1997 131

Hatching chronology of common murres at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1995-

1997 133

Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska,

. 1995 134

Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska,

1996 135

Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape,Lisburne, Alaska,

1997 136

Reproductive success at 205 black-legged kittiwake nests checked on 9 August

1995 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska 137

Reproductive success at 195 black-legged kittiwake nests checked on 11 August

1996 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska 138

Reproductive success at 173 black-legged kittiwake nests checked on 8 August

1997 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska ,............................... 139 .

Reproductive performance of thick-billed murres at Cape Lisburne, Alaska

during 1995-1997 " 140

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I Appendix 19.

I Appendix 20.

I Appendix 21.

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Reproductive perfonnilnce of common .murres at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during

1995-1997 142

Sea-surface temperatures during 23-28 July at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1987-

1997 144

Reproductive perfonnance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Thompson,

Alaska in 1995 : 146

Hatching chronology ofmurres at Cape Thompson, Alaska in 1995 147

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INTRODUCTION

The eastern Chukchi Sea supports 2 large seabird colonies at Cape Thompson and Cape Lisburne.

These breeding concentrations are dominated by common and thick-billed murres (Uria aalge and U.

10mvia) and black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), 3 species that can help identify changes in

marine environments. Because several potentially disruptive activities, including harbor and

causeway construction and extraction of on- and off-shore natural resources (e.g., oil, gas, gravel,

rock, coal, other minerals), were proposed in the region during the late 1950's - early 1990's, longterm records have accrued on nesting populations of these species at these important northwestern

Alaska breeding colonies.

Seabirds were first studied in the eastern Chukchi Sea in 1959-1961, as part of a regional

environmental assessment for Project Chariot, aU.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) proposal

to use nuclear energy to create a harbor in the lower Ogoturuk Creek valley, just south of the Cape

Thompson breeding complex (Sw,artz 1966, 1967). Additional studies that included the Cape

Thompson and Cape Lisburne nesting colonies were conducted under the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration Outer Continental Shelf Environmental Assessment Program (NOAAOCSEAP) during 1976-1983 (Springer and Roseneau 1977, 1978; Springer et al. 1979, 1984;

Murphy et al. 1980; Roseneau et al. 1985; Springer et al. 1985a, 1985b, 1985c, 1985d).

Subsequent to these research projects, the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR)

funded smaller scale monitoring efforts at Cape Lisburne in 1984-1986 under its seabird monitoring

program (Byrd 1986a). During 1987-1993, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) periodically

supported additional studies at these eastern Chukchi colonies to update information on seabirds and

assess effects of proposed off-shore oil and gas exploration and development in the region (Fadely et

al. 1989, Springer and Roseneau 1989, Roseneau et al. 1992, Sharp 1993, Denlinger et al. 1994,

Nishimoto and Mendenhall 1994).

In 1995, we began a new round of Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson seabird colony studies

funded by the U.S. Geological Survey - Biological Resources Division (USGS-BRD). These fullseason investigations, conducted at Cape Lisburne in 1995-1997 and Cape Thompson in 1995, were

designed to collect new information on murre and kittiwake numbers, productivity, nesting

chronology, and diets that could be used in conjunction with historical data to monitor long-term

population trends, and help identify and measure impacts from off-shore and coastal resource

development on the eastern Chukchi seabirds and their marine ecosystems.

The 1995-1997 results have ,summarized in this report, and some of them have been pooled and

compared with information from earlier studies (e.g., population counts). However, we are still in

the time consuming process of achieving our ultimate in-house goal of locating, compiling, and

verifying all pre-1995 Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson data, and incorporating them into master

data bases. We are also still in the process of obtaining pre-1995 ice cover and water temperature

information from various types ofsatellite imagery and weather records from U.S. Air Force

(USAF) archives for inclusion in the data bases. More comprehensive analyses and discussions will

be included in future reports after missing information becomes available and data sets have been

finalized.

STUDY AREAS

Cape Lisburne

The Cape Lisburne seabird colony is located at about 680 52' N, 1660 05' W,62 km northeast of

Point Hope (Fig. 1). Local physical and climatic conditions have been described in previous reports

(e.g., Springer et al. 1977, 1978, 1979, 1985b; Roseneau et al. 1992; Denlinger et al. 1994).
,

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Nesting habitat consists of about 7 km of precipitous, near-continuous 15-200 m-high sedimentary,

limestone and shale sea-cliffs that begin about I km south of Kay Creek and end 1.6 km west of the

Cape Lisburne USAF Long Range Radar Site (LRRS) runway (Fig. 2; the USAF LRRS,

established in the late 1950's, is still active). The most recent estimates, based on early 1992 data,

suggest that the Cape Lisburne breeding population contained about 290,000-300,000 birds,

including 260,000 murres (about 70-75% thick-bills and 25-30% commons), 20,000-30,000 black-

, legged kittiwakes, and a few thousand pelagic cormorants (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), glaucous

gulls (Larus hyperboreus), black guillemots (Cepphus grylle), parakeet auklets (Cyclorrhynchus '

psittacula), and horned and tufted puffins (Fratercula comiculata and F. cirrhata) (Denlinger et al.

1994; D.G. Roseneau, unpub!. data). Subsistence hunters from Point Hope traditionally gather

murre eggs at several places in the western and northern sectors of the colony during late June - early

July (e.g., D.G. Roseneau, A.M. Springer, and A.L. Sowls, unpub\.data). -

Cape Thompson

The Cape Thompson study area is situated at about 680 08' N, 1660 21' W, 45 km southeast of

Point Hope (Fig. I). Local physical and climatic conditions have been described in previous reports

and publications (e.g., Swartz 1966; Springer and Roseneau 1977, 1978; Springer et al. 1979;

Murphy et al. 1980; Fadely et al. 1989). Five large, separate headlands provide nesting habitat for

cliff- and crevice-nesting seabirds breeding at the Thompson complex (Colonies 1-5, Fig. 3). The

_precipitous sedimentary limestone and shale cliffs range from about 9 to 200 m high. Colonies 2

and 5 contain most of the habitat and support about 80% of the birds. .In 1960, an estimated

421,000 birds, including 393,000 murres (about 60% thick-bills and 40% commons), 26,000 blacklegged kittiwakes, and 2,300 pelagic cormorants, glaucous gUlls, black guillemots, pigeon

guillemots (c. columba), and homed and tufted puffins, nested on these 5 eastern Chukchi Sea

headlands (Swartz 1966). More recent information obtained in the 1TIid-1970's - early 1980's

indicated that populations of most species were similar to 1960 levels; however, murres (about 70-

75% thick-bills and 25-30% commons) had apparently declined by about 50% (e.g., Springer and

Roseneau 1977, 1978; Springer et al. 1979; Murphy et at. 1980; Springer et al. 1985c; Fadely

1989). Subsistence hunters from Kivalina and Point Hope traditionally harvest murre eggs at

several places in colonies 2-5 during late June - early July (e.g., Swartz 1966; L.G. Swartz, unpub!.

field notes; Springer and Roseneau 1977; D.G. Roseneau and A.M. Springer, unpub\. data).

The Eastern Chukchi Sea Environment

The Chukchi Sea is a shallow body of water overlying the broad continental shelf between

northwestern Alaska and northeastern Siberia. Average depth is only about 50 m (Naidu and

Gardner 1988, Weingartner and Proshutinsky 1998), and tides along the eastern side average less

than 30 cm (Johnson 1988). Sea ice consisting of annually forming 1-3 m-thick first-year ice and

thicker (up to 6 m), less saline multiyear ice that advances southward during winter covers most of

the surface for aboUt 8 months each year (Springer and Roseneau 1977, Lewbel 1984, Johnson

1988). Freeze-up usually begins in October, is well underway by early November, and open water

becomes severely restricted by January-February. However, a combination of northward flowing

currents and strong surface winds keeps a large dynamic lead system open between Bering Strait and

the Point Barrow area all winter (Barry et al. 1977, Springer and Roseneau 1977, Roseneau and

Herter 1984). This lead system, sometimes called the Chukchi Polynya, serves as an important

spring migration route for large numbers of marine birds and mammals (Woodby and Divoky 1982,

Stringer 1982, Lewbel 1984, Roseneau and Herter 1984). Relatively large polynyas also persist just

south and west of Cape Lisburne and opposite Cape Thompson (Barry et al. 1977, Springer and

Roseneau 1977). In most years, ice cover begins breaking up about mid-June and the region south

of Point Lay becomes ice-free by mid-July; however, the dissipation and dissolution of the ice are

dependent on currents, winds, and air temperatures, and can vary by as much as 6 weeks. In some

years, extensive bands and patches of broken, melting shorefast ice persist along the Thompson and

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Lisburne coasts well into late July, but in other years, waters south of Point Lay may be completely

free of ice by mid-June (Springer and Roseneau 1977, 1978; Springer et al. 1979, 1984).

Timing of breakup and the dissipation and dissolution of the ice cover are important factors affecting

prey availability for seabirds,breeding at the Lisburne and Thompson colonies, particularly surface

feeding kittiwakes. During spring, large dense schools of Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) feed on

zooplankton and invertebrates at the water-ice interface. When breakup occurs, these fish become

accessible to kittiwakes and other seabirds foraging over the clear open leads and pools between the

shifting pans and floes. In cool years, when large amounts of broken ice persist into late July, this

abundant prey resource remains readily available to kittiwakes well into the early chick-rearing

period. Conversely, in warm years when ice cover is gone by mid-June, kittiwakes lose access to

this important energy source at about the same time they normally begin to lay eggs, because the cod

rapidly leave the warming sutface layers for cooler environments well below the plunging depths of

the birds., Arctic cod are also less accessible to surface-feeding kittiwakes in years when shorefast

ice persists in large, extensive, unbroken sheets that finally break loose from the land enmasse and

are then quickly transported beyond the foraging range of the birds by northward flowing currents

and strong easterly and southerly winds. In these years, foraging areas are first severely limited by

the lingering near-solid ice cover, and then the cod move to deeper, inaccessible depths soon after

the ice-sheets move offshore.

In addition to being ice-covered for most of the year, the Chukchi Sea is strongly influenced by

Pacific Ocean waters (Springer et al. 1984, Weingartner and Proshutinsky 1998). Strong barotropic

currents originating in the northern Bering Sea flow northward through Bering Strait year-around

(Coachman et al. 1975, Coachman and Aagaard 1981, Weingartner et al. 1998). These currents

reach velocities of up to 150 cm·s·l and transport averages about 1 x 106 to 2 x 106 m3·s·l . During

summer, waters flowing into the Chukchi Sea through Bering Strait are composed of 3 distinct water

masses: Bering Shelf Water; colder more saline Anadyr Water from the deep Anadyr basin; and

warmer less saline Alaska Coastal Water, a combination of Bering Sea parent water diluted by

melting sea ice and fresh water input primarily from the Yukon River drainage that develops annually

over the shallow northeastern Bering Sea shelf during late spring - early summer. As Alaska Coastal

Water forms, it is rapidly heated by insolation (Coachman et al. 1975), and as it flows northward

through Bering Strait, temperatures along the eastern side of the strait increase by up to 100 C

shortly after ice dissipation (Bloom 1964, Ingraham 1981).

North of Bering Strait, cold, nutrient-rich high-salinity Anadyr and Bering Shelf waters mix and

flow northwestward and northward through the Hope and Herald valleys into the western Chukchi

basin, and some Bering Shelf Water, mixed with warm lower salinity nutrient-poor Alaska Coastal

Water, also flows northward through a depression toward the Herald Shoal vicinity. However,

most of the warm Alaska Coastal Water is transported eastward toward Cape Thompson and Point

Hope, and then northward and eastward along the eastern Chukchi Sea coast by the relatively swift

Alaska Coastal Current.

Alaska Coastal Water begins to reach the Cape Thompson and Cape Lisburne vicinities by about

mid-July, and it can be found as far north as Icy Cape by late July or early August (Fleming and

Heggarty 1966, Hufford 1973, Coachman et al. 1975, Springer et al. 1984; annual development and

northward transport of this water mass can be easily tracked using infrared and false-color satellite

imagery). In relatively light ice-years, this warm, low-salinity plume of water often rounds Point

Barrow and enters the Beaufort Sea by late August, but during years when thick multiyear ice

persists south of Barrow and Wainwright well into August, it tends to dissipate in the Icy Cape -

Wainwright region.

Although Alaska Coastal Water is inherently nutrient-poor, its seasonal development and arrival

along the eastern shores of the Chukchi Sea strongly influence the diversity and richness of food

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webs that the Cape Thompson and Cape Lisburne seabird colonies rely on (Springer et al. 1984).

During spring and early summer, the eastern Chukchi is dominated by an Arctic benthic and

demersal food web consisting primarily of Arctic cod, sculpin (primarily Myoxocephalus spp.), and

flatfish (primarily Pleuronectidae). However, by about mid-summer, a rich boreal pelagic food web

supporting Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) and capelin (Mal/otus vil/osus) begins to

develop as the warm northward flowing plumes of Alaska Coastal Water carry a variety of

zooplankton endemic to the Bering Sea into the region, particularly large numbers of copepods

(primarily Eucalanus, Calanus, and Acartia spp.) and euphausiids (primarily ThysanoesSa spp.).

As Alaska Coastal Water begins to transport rich developing zooplankton stocks past the Thompson

and Lisburne vicinities in mid-summer, physical changes are dramatic. Nearshore water

temperatures often increase by as much as 10° C and salinity declines by several parts per thousand

within only a few days time. This combination of rapidly warming nearshore environments and

abundant zooplankton stocks appears to strongly influence the availability ofsand lance, one of the

primary forage fish that rnurres, kittiwakes, and other fish-eating seabirds depend on during the

nesting season. .

In most years, large dense schools of 0+ to 1+ age class sand lance begin to appear in the Lisburne

and Thompson nearshore surface waters at about the same time kittiwake eggs begin to hatch at the

colonies in mid-July. However, if seasonal development of Alaska Coastal Water is poor and

nearshore environments remain cold, strong inshore and along-shore runs of these fish either fail to

materialize or are delayed, and surface-feeding kittiwakes have difficult times provisioning and

fledging chicks. Conversely, in years when Alaska Coastal Water development is strong and

nearshore temperatures rise sufficiently, sand lance are usually abundant in surface waters during

mid-July - mid-August and kittiwake productivity improves markedly. Some evidence suggests that -

nearshore environments can also become too warm to support strong coastal runs of sand lance near

the eastern Chukchi Sea seabird colonies. In 1984, when sea-surface temperatures were at record

highs, sand lance were scarce at Cape Lisburne and kittiwakes failed reproductively (D.G.

Roseneau, A.M. Springer, and G.V. Byrd, unpub!. data).

METHODS

We conducted field work at Cape Lisburne during 24 June - 3 September 1995,25 June - I

September 1996, and 23 June - 4 September 1997, and at Cape Thompson during 2 July - 20

August 1995. Data were collected by teams of 2-3 experienced observers based at the USAF LRRS

facility (Cape Lisburne, Fig. 2) and a temporary field camp located near the mouth ofIkijaktusak

Creek (Cape Thompson, Fig. 3 and Fadely et aL 1989). Methods for monitoring populations and

productivity were based on standard AMNWR protocols for ledge-nesting species and were

comparable to those used during earlier studies (see AMNWR 2000).

Population Counts

Murres and kittiwakes were counted on previously established sets of boat- and land-based

monitoring plots used to assess changes in population numbers at the nesting colonies. Cape

Lisburne data were collected from 14 large plots first counted from boats in 1976 (CP II, 12,25,

26, 30, 32, 65, 66, 70, 72, and 73-76; see Springer and Roseneau 1977, Roseneau et al. 1992) and

2 smaller land-based plot sets created in 1987 and 1992, respectively (LP 1-8 and LP 9-14; see

Roseneau et al. 1992, Denlinger et al. 1994). Cape Thompson data were obtained from 18 boatbased Colony 4 plots (C4 Plots 4A-4R, which include the entire colony) and 6 Colony 5 land-based

plots first counted in 1960 (LGS Plots 5G, 5L, 5M, 5N, 5P, and 5Q; see Swartz 1966, L.G.

Swartz, unpub\. data), and 14 plots set up at Colonies 3-5 in 1988 (BSF Plots 3-IA, 3-2B, 3-2C,4-

lA, 4-1B, 4-2C, 4-30, 4-4E, 5-IA, 5-1B, 5-1C, 5-2F, 5-2G, and 5-7L; see Fadely et al. 1989).

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Boat-based counts (Lisburne CP plots, Thompson plots 4A-4R) were made on calm days from

drifting inflatable rafts with the aid of 7 J( 42 binoculars and hand-held tally meters. Distances

between observers and birds varied from about 50 to 200 m. Although distances varied depending

on the height and configuration of the cliff-faces, they were kept as consistent as possible among

counts, including those made during earlier studies. Kittiwakes and their nests were counted by I's

by single observers. In almost every case, murres Were estimated by 10's by 2 people counting

plots simultaneously. The only exceptions to this procedure occurred on a few sections of Lisburne

plots CP 30 and 32, where densely packed birds were estimated by 50's and occasionally by 100's.

During the counts, I census team member recorded plot scores without revealing his or her own

, counts to the other observer and compared them to see if they were within 10% of each other (i.e.,

within 5% of their average). If they were not, plots were recounted until scores fell within this range

(initial counts rarely failed to meet the percentage rule; however, most plots were counted 2-3 times

regardless of first counts meeting the criterion-several similar scores lent confidence to the data).

Land-based counts (Lisburne plots LP 1-14, Thompson LOS and BsF plots) were made by I or 2

people from previously established beach or cliff-top observation posts with the aid of 7 x 42

binoculars and hand-held tally meters (see Fadely et al. 1989 for examples of observation sites).

Distances between birds and observers varied from about 20 to 100 m and were kept as consistent as

possible among counts, including those made during previous studies. Kittiwakes and their nests

were counted by I 's, and murres were counted by I's (Lisburne plots LP 1-14, Thompson BSF

plots), and I's and 10's (Thompson LOS plots). When only I observer collected data, 1-2

additional counts were often made to check accuracy.

All counts were made during the part of the nesting season when murre and kittiwake attendance are

the most stable. Murre and kittiwake census periods were defined as the intervals between peak

laying and first sea-going of chicks (e.g., see Hatch and Hatch 1989, Byrd 1989), and peak laying

and first fledging of chicks, respectively. Times of day for counting birds were based on

information from earlier studies; all data were collected during 1200-2100 hrs Alaska Daylight Time

(ADT). Plot boundaries were located using photographs in AMNWR fileS (e.g., see Fadely et al.

,1989 and Roseneau et al. 1992 for examples of plot photographs).

Data were analyzed by first calculating average daily scores for each plot in the respective monitoring

plot sets by averaging individual observer counts, and then averaging observers' scores, if more

than I person 'counted plots. Results were summed to obtain respective I-day totals for the plot sets,

and the averages of these daily totals were used as the annual plot-set values, if plot sets were

counted more than once per year. Final plot-set scores were pooled with corresponding data from

earlier studies, and linear regressions were run to test for trends at the 0.1 significance level (0.1 was

used to increase the power of the tests and reduce Type n error; the 0.9 confidence interval was

adequate for our purposes). Average annual increases/decreases were based on the slopes of the

regression lines and percentages derived from this information were rounded to the nearest half

percent (e.g., slope = +64.9 birds per year or about +4.5% per year).

Nesting Chronology

Kittiwakes: Information on kittiwake nesting chronology was obtained from the same data sets used

to ,measure productivity (see Productivity below). To compare Cape Lisburne data with information

from earlier Studies, we located, reviewed, and reanalyzed the 1987, 1992, and 1993 data sets, and

calculated total numbers, percentages, and cumulative percentages of eggs hatched during 4- to 10-

day intervals (dates when data were collected determined interval lengths). We also compiled first

'hatching dates, estimated peak hatching dates from the 66% hatch interval, and calculated median

hatching dates from chick hatching ranges. To compare data from Cape Thompson with information

from previous years, we reviewed reports and publications to determine what types of data were

available. Based on the review, we compiled first and median hatching dates, and whenever

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possible, identified iniervals during which about 66% of the eggs had hatched. Peak hatching dates

were estimated by subtracting 2-3 days from the last dates in these intervals. '

Murres: Murre nesting chronology information was derived from the same sets of data used to

measure productivity (see Productivity below): For common and thiCk-billed murres at Cape

Thompson, and thick-billed murres at Cape Lisburne, we treated productivity plots as sample units,

calculated median hatching dates for each plot, and then averaged the respective plot set dates to

obtain final values for comparing timing of breeding among years. For Cape Lisburne common

murres, nest sites were treated as sample units instead of plots, and mean hatching dates were used

as annual indices, because all of the plots combined only contained 22-25 sites that could be used to

calculate this variable (i.e., several plots only had 2-3 nest sites each, too few to treat plots as sample

units).

To calculate hatching dates, we assumed chicks that were at least 15 days old before disappearing

from nest sites survived and went to sea. Dates nest sites changed status from eggs to chicks (the

hatching dates) were defined as the midpoints between the nearest pre- and post-event observation

dates. Nest sites with data gaps of more than 7 days between observation dates or without sufficient

information to satisfy the 15-day age criteria were excluded from the analyses. Also, if laying dates

were known and the range of possible laying dates was smaller than the range of possible hatching

dates, hatching dates were estimated by adding 32 days to laying dates (e.g., see Byrd 1986b,

Roseneau et al. 1995).

We also calculated chick sea-going dates and ages at Cape Lisburne (the Cape Thompson field

season was too short to obtain data on these variables). To compute sea-going dates, we assumed

chicks that were at least 15 days old before they disappeared from nest sites, or that were 14 days

old on last observation dates, survived and went to sea. Age calculations were restricted to sites

with 15 day-old or older chicks. Sea-going dates were defined as the midpoints between the last day

chicks were present and the first day they were absent, and sea-going ages were defined as the

differences between chick hatching and sea-going dates.

Productivity

Kittiwakes: At Cape Lisburne, kittiwake productivity data were collected by checking 217 nests 9-

10 times 7 July - 25 August 1995, 195 nests 3 times during 11 July - II August 1996, and 190

nests 8 times during 4 July - 28 August 1997 (only 3 checks were made in 1996 because birds failed

to lay eggs). Nests were mapped and numbered in notebooks, and contents checked by having I

person hold a moon-style, chromed meta:! hub cap attached to an extendible fiberglass pole above the

nests while a second person looked at the h\lb cap surface with binoculars or the naked eye for

reflected images of eggs and chicks (hub caps are superior to glass mirrors because they are

unbreakable and the curved surfaces provide wider fields of view). We also checked 479 kittiwake

nests at Cape Thompson 9-10 times during II July - 19 August 1995. Nests were mapped and

numbered on photographs, and contents checked via binoculars from nearby vantage points.

Data were analyzed by totaling numbers of nests (A), nests with 1 or more eggs (B), eggs (C), nests

with I or more chicks (D), chicks (E), nests with I or more chicks fledged (P), and chicks fledged

(G) for each plot and all plots combined, and then calculating laying success (BIA), clutch size

(CIB), nesting succe~s (DIB), hatching success (E/C), chick success (GIE), egg success (G/C),

fledging success (FID), reproductive success (FIB), fledglings per nest start (G/A), and overall

productivity (F/A) for each plot and all plots combined. To compare Lisburne data with information

from earlier studies, we also calculated eggs or chicks per nest attempt (nest start) and successful

nest (nests containing at least I egg), and estimated production per nest and per successful nest

(maximum estimates based on the presence of live, healthy-appearing chicks) for visit dates nearest

to 8 August, the last date data were obtained during several pre-1995 studies (dates used for the

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1995-1997 calculations were 9, II, and 8 August, respectively). Spearman's Rank Correlation

tests were used to check for correlations between variables.

Murres: Murre productivity data were collected from a series of plots set up for this purpose. At

Cape Lisburne, information on common and thick-billed murres was obtained from 5-7 and 10-13

plots, respectively. Thick-billed murre plots contained 9-37 nest sites each (total sites = 294 in

1995,247 in 199, and 264 in 1997), and common murre plots supported 1-24 nest sites each (total

sites = 44 in 1995, 33 in 1996, and 35 in 1997). Cape Thompson data were collected from 9

common murre and 14 thick-billed murre plots containing 3-57 and 16-72 nest sites each (total

common and thick-billed sites = 294 and 639 in 1995, respectively).

The productivity plots were checked with 7 x 42 binoculars and 15-60 power spotting scopes from

land-based observation posts as often as possible, weather permitting (usually every 2-4 days at

Cape Lisburne and 3-5 days at Cape Thompson). Viewing distances varied from about 25 to 100 m,

and observers were assigned to specific plots for the duration of the field season. Nest sites, defined

as sites with eggs, were mapped in field notebooks or on photographs, and data were recorded using

previously established codes. Plot checks included searching for eggs, chicks, and adults in

incubation and brooding postures, and counting adults. Observations began shortly before egglaying stopped and ended at about the time chicks started leaving the cliffs to go to sea (Cape

Thompson), or after sea-going was almost complete (Cape Lisburne).

Postures of incubating and brooding adults were used to supplement direct observations of eggs and

chicks (e.g., see Byrd 1989; Roseneau et al. 1995,1996). Incubating birds sit forward with backs

humped, tails held down, and wings slightly lowered with uncrossed wing-tips. Brooding

individuals extend 1 wing and lower it to mantle (shelter) chicks after nestlings are about 1-3 days

old. Birds observed in incubation postures on 3 consecutive occasions were assumed to have eggs,

and individuals seen wing-mantling once were assumed to be brooding chicks.

During the analyses, we assumed that chicks reaching an age of at least 15 days old before they

disappeared from nest sites survived and went to sea (see Hunt et at. 1981; Byrd 1986b, 1989;

Roseneau et at. 1995), unless we had specific information indicating they died before leaving nesting

ledges (e.g., from storms, avian predators, falling rocks). Chick ages were derived from hatching

date calculations and direct observations of chicks. Nest sites where chick ages were uncertain were

excluded from the analyses. Plots were treated as sample units, and the average fledglings per egg

value was used as the primary variable for comparing productivity among years. Differences among

years were checked with Pearson Chi-square tests.

Chick Growth Rates and Sea-going Weights

Kittiwakes: Information on growth rates of kittiwake chicks was not obtained at Cape Thompson

because most pairs failed to produce nestlings and nest sites belonging to successful pairs were not

accessible in 1995. However, we were able to collect these data at Cape Lisburne in 1995 and 1997

(no nestlings were produced there in 1996). Nests containing chicks that could be reached from a

24-foot-long aluminum ladder were mapped and numbered, and nestlings assigned identifying

codes. Chicks were placed in small nylon bags and weighed (nearest whole g) 3-6 times during late

July - late August at 3-10 day intervals. Data were analyzed by calculating average daily weight

gains using information from the linear section of the growth curve (hatching to 350 g) and simple

linear regressions (slope of regression = g/day), and then averaging the chick values to obtain final

indices for comparing growth rates among years.

Murres: Information on murre chick growth rates were not obtained at the Lisburne and Thompson

colonies because disturbing birds to weigh and measure nestlings would have caused egg loss and

high levels of chick mortality. However, we were able to collect data on sea-going weights of

common and thick-billed nestlings at Cape Lisburne each year. Chicks were captured and weighed

7
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(nearest whole g) when they jumped from nesting ledges and ran across First and Kittiwake beaches

to reach the sea. Nestlings were released at the edge of the water immediately after processing to

minimize stress and predation by glaucous gulls and Arctic foxes (A/apex /agapus). Weights were

also obtained from several fresh, stiIl-warm, intact chicks killed and cached by Arctic foxes in 1996,

and from nestlings that died at sea and washed ashore shortly after leaving nesting ledges in 1995

and 1997 (most deaths resulted from internal injuries, including badly bruised and ruptured livers,

that occurred when jumping chicks struck rocks below nesting ledges). Average chick weights were

used as indices for comparing sea-going weights among years. Differences among years were

checked with ANOVA and LSD Multiple Comparisons tests.

Food Habits

To obtain food habits information, we collected murres and kittiwakes with 12 gauge shotguns at

Cape Lisburne during II July - 22 August 1995,5-11 July 1996, and 30 June - 4 July 1997 (poor

weather prevented collecting birds after mid-July in 1996-1997) for stomach content analysis. Most

birds were shot about 0.8 - 1.6 km offshore of the USAF LRRS facility and the Igrarok Hills as

they returned from feeding areas in Ledyard Bay east and northeast of the colony. The remainder

were obtained as they foraged within about 3.2 km of the coast between the Igrarok HiIls and the

LRRS runway. Stomachs from adults and nestlings killed by falling rocks and murre chicks that

died at sea and washed ashore or were killed and cached by Arctic foxes were also salvaged for

analysis.

We also collected murres and kittiwakes at Cape Thompson during 6 July - 20 August 1995 to

obtain dietary data. These birds were shot within about 1.0 km of the coast as they returned to

Colonies 2-4 from offshore feeding areas.

Most of the stomachs were removed from the birds and preserved in 70% ethanol for later analysis;

some birds were also frozen whole at the USAF LRRS facility. Stomach contents were analyzed by

A.M. Springer, FALCO, Fairbanks. Prey items were identified with the aid of preserved reference

material and taxonomic keys. Fish were identified from otoliths or a combination of otoliths and

preopercular bones (sculpins, Cottidae). Otoliths were also used to age fish and help calculate wet

weights. Weights were estimated using standard regression equations relating otolith lengths to fish

lengths and fish lengths to wet weights (e.g., see Springer et aI. 1984, 1986). Invertebrates were

identified from hard parts (e.g., jaws, uropoda, rostra, eyes); weights were estimated by using

average values from whole specimens, including those obtained during previous northern Bering

and eastern Chukchi sea seabird studies (e.g., Springer et a/. 1984, 1986). Data were analyzed by

calculating percentages by number and weight of identifiable items in several basic prey categories,

including capelin, cod (Gadidae, primarily Arctic cod), sand lance, sculpin (Cottidae, primarily

Myaxacepha/us spp.), flatfish (Pleuronectidae, probably primarily Liapsetta spp.), other fish, and

invertebrates. More detailed analyses will be conducted for future reports, after 1977-1986 Cape

Lisburne and 1976-1982 Cape Thompson data have been located, verified, and compiled in tables

and spreadsheets.

We also obtained some information on prey items delivered to murre chicks at the Cape Lisburne

colony. Data were obtained opportunistically during productivity plot work and by standing below

the cliffs and waiting for foraging adults to return to their nest ledges. Fish were visually identified

to species or family groups (e.g. Gadidae) on the basis of body color and body and fin shapes (e.g.,

caudal, anal, adipose fins) with the aid of binoculars and field guides. Body color and shape were

also used to identify and classify invertebrates (e.g., shrimp).

Water Temperatures

In 1995, we collected water temperature data at Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson by lowering

hand-held thermometers into surface waters « I m) from inflatable rafts drifting near shore, or

8
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submerging them in buckets of water dipped from the surf near the USAF LRRS facility and

Ikijaktusak Creek camp. Similar methods were used to obtain additional information at Cape

Lisburne during 1996-1997 (these methods were also used during earlier studies).

In 1997, we also anchored an Onset Optic StowAway Temp data logger about 2-3 m above the

bottom in 15 m of water 1.6 km offshore of the Selin Creek mouth, just east of the Cape Lisburne

USAF LRRS facility. The data logger recorded water temperatures every 12 minutes during 6 July -

21 August. Data were downloaded into a computer, and hourly means were calculated and averaged

for every 24 hr block of time in the data collection period. .

To compare 1995-1997 Cape Lisburne hand-held temperature data with information from the 1987,

1992, and 1993 studies, we located, reviewed, and reanalyzed these earlier data sets to identify a

common block of time that could be compared among years (23-28 July). Cape Thompson handheld temperature data were archived for later analysis, because historical data were not readily

available. These data will be compiled and included in a future report .

CAPE LISBURNE: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Population Counts

Kittiwakes: We compiled all available information on boat-based counts of kittiwakes and kittiwake

. nests at Cape Lisburne (Appendix I) and selected 10 census plots with the best long-term records for

trend analysis (Table I). When these data were pooled and tested, increases were found in both

parameters over the 20-year 1977-1997 interval (Fig 4; linear regression, P < 0.05 in both cases).

Boat-based count data were also divided into northern and western colony components and tested

separately. These analyses revealed that the significant increases in birds and nests were limited to

the census plots on the western side ofthe colony (Fig. 5; linear regression, P < 0.01 in both cases).

We also tabulated all land-based counts of birds and nests on land plots LP 1-8 and tested them for

trends (Table 2). ReSUlts from this north-facing plot set were.similar to the results from the boatbased counts on the northern side of the colony: trends were not present and numbers of birds and

nests remained relatively stable during the 1987-1997 interval (Fig. 6; also see Fig 5a). Data

collected on a second set of land plots (LP 9-14) were archived for later analysis (see Appendix 2).

This plot set was established in 1992 as a backup LP 1-8 in case this primary plot set was damaged

by rock falls. Numbers of birds and nests on LP9-14 have generally tracked 1992-1997 LP 1-8

counts. . .

The fact that birds and nests only increased along the western side of the colony suggested that

something was limiting population growth on the north-facing nesting cliffs. The most likely

contributing factors appeared to be differences in availability of nesting habitat and local

environmental conditions. Kittiwake nesting habitat is less abundant on the northern side of the

colony, particularly east of Grizzly Bear Beach in census plots CP 65-76, and most birds nest along

the western side in census plots CP I-51 (Fig. 2). The north-facing cliffs also tend to experience the

most extreme summer weather conditions. During July-August, they are commonly subjected to

strong, cold 50-60 kt northerly winds carrying driving rain and spray, and dense, cold, moist banks

of advective fog that form when light southerly breezes carry warm air across the adjoining hill and

ridge-tops. They are also prone to violent, swirling 50-100+ kt downdrafts and microbursts during

periods of moderately strong 20-40 kt southerly winds. Wind speeds of only 20-25 kts at the USAF

LRRS radorne about 485 rn above the cliffs typically generate 50-60+ kt downdrafts that strike the

beaches and water at their bases, and 40kt winds can cause extreme events--e.g., in one case, a

violent microburst swept over 100 murres, kittiwakes, and their chicks off a section of cliff and

drove them straight down onto First Beach with more than enough force to kill them instantly.

9
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These more adverse local weather conditions coupled with differences in availability of nesting

habitat may help explain why kittiwakes have not increased on the northern side of the colony.

Murres: We compiled all available information on boat-based counts of murres at Cape Lisburne

(Appendices 3 and 4) and selected 10 census plots with the best long-term records for analysis (see

Table 3). When data were pooled and tested, positive trends were found over the 1976-1984 and

1984-1997 intervals (Fig. 7; linear regression, P = 0.04 and 0.2, respectively), and the rate of

increase was highest after 1984 (about 6.0% per year vs 1.5% per year during 1976-1984).

We also tabulated all land-based counts of murres on land plots LP 1-7 and tested them for trends

(see Table 4). Results from this plot set were similar to results from boat-based counts: numbers

increased significantly at a rate of about 7.5% per year over the 1987-1997 interval (Fig. 8; linear

regression, P < 0.01). Data collected on another set of land plots (LP 9-14) were reserved for later

. analysis (see Appendix 5). This plot set was established in 1992 to backup LP 1-7 in case this

primary plot set was damaged by rock falls. Murre numbers have remained relatively stable on LP

9-14 since 1992.

The positive trends found on the boat- and land-based population monitoring plots were similar and

suggested that murre numbers doubled at the Cape Lisburne colony since the mid-1980's. The

increases in numbers and average rates of increase on the plot sets since the mid-1980's (6.3% and

-7.0% per year, respectively; see above) also suggested that productivity and recruitment were

relatively high and winter mortality of adults and chicks relatively low during the mid-I 980's - late

1990's. .

~esting Chronology

Kittiwakes: In 1995, kittiwake eggs began to hatch at Cape Lisburne on 17 July, 68% hatched by

31 July, another 28% hatched by 4 August, and hatching was essentially complete by 9 August

(99%, Appendix 6). Based on this information, peak and median dates were about 27-28 July and

26 July, respectively (Table 5). Data were not obtained in 1996 because of a colony-wide

reproductive failure; birds only laid 2 eggs on the study plots and both of them failed to hatch (see

Productivity below). In 1997, timing of nesting was similar to 1995: eggs began hatching on 17

July, 63% hatched by 29 July, another 25% hatched by I August, and hatching was nearly over by

8 August (95%, Appendix 6). This information suggested that peak and median dates were about

26-27 July and 25 July, respectively (Table 5).

Based on cumulative percentages of eggs hatched, timing of nesting was relatively consistent in

1987, 1992-1993, 1995, and 1997. Peak and median hatching dates only varied by about 5 days

among years (peak range =17-22 July, median range =25-29 July; Table 5). Less precise

information from 1977-1978 suggested that nesting may have occurred several days later in these

years (most eggs probably hatched during about 2-15 August; see Springer et al. 1979). Kittiwake

nesting chronology will be discussed in greater detail after the 1977-1986 observations have been

compiled and added to the 1987-1997 data base.

Thick-billed Murres: In 1995-1997, thick-billed murre median hatChing dates were 27 July (SD 2.4

days, range 22 days), 3 August (SD 2.2 days, range 22 days), and 28 July (SD 3.0 days, range 25

days, respectively (Table 6a, Appendices 7-8). The same chronological pattern was apparent when.

sea-going data were analyzed: respective median chick sea-going dates were 21 August (SD 2.0

days, minimum range 14 days), 25 August (SD 1.7 days, minimum range 22 days), and 20 August

(SD 1.2 days, range 26 days).

These results suggested that thick-billed murres nested at about the same time in 1995 and 1997, and

5-6 days later in 1996. We suspect that the later 1996 chick hatching and sea-going dates were

related to annual differences in environmental conditions and food supplies in the vicinity of Cape

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Lisburne during the 2-month-Iong early May - late June prelaying period (murres typically begin

frequenting the Cape Lisburne area in late April or early May, about 7-8 weeks before laying eggs;

M. Husband, pers. comm.-also see Swartz 1966). Relationships between environmental factors

and timing of thick-billed murre nesting events will be discussed in greater detail after historical data

have been compiled and analyzed in conjunction with weather records and information on i~e

conditions and water temperatures retrieved from satellite imagery. Detailed data on the timing of

thick-billed murre nesting events were not obtained at Cape Lisburne prior to 1995.

Common Murres: Common murre nesting chronology results followed the same general pattern

found in the thick-billed murre data over the 3-year interval. Median chick hatching and sea-going

dates were 31 July (SD 6.2 days, range 24 days) and 24 August, 5 August (SD 5.3 days, range 25

days) and 29 August, and 30 July (3.6 days, range 16 days) and 21 August in 1995, 1996, and

1997, respectively (Table 6b,Appendices 9 and 10). -

These results suggested that common murres nested at about the same time in 1995 and 1997, and 4-

6 days later in 1996. They also suggested that these birds nested about 3-5, 2-4, and 1-2 days later

than thick-billed murres in 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively. Again we suspect, as with thickbilled murres, that the later 1996 hatching and sea-going dates were related to annual differences in

environmental conditions and food supplies near Cape Lisburne during the early May - late June

prelaying period. Detailed data on timing of common murre nesting events were not obtained at

Cape Lisburne prior to 1995.

During several previous Cape Lisburne studies, general observations suggested that common murres

nested a few days later than thick-billed murres (D.G. Roseneau, pers. obs.); however, informaiion

on timing of nesting was insufficient to document this apparent difference between species. Given

the consistent differences in nesting dates between common and thick-billed murres in 1995-1997,

and the fact that common murres are a more southern species better adapted to warmer environments

(e.g., see Tuck 196\), we suspect that slightly later common murre nesting schedules are the generalrule, not the exception, at the eastern Chukchi Sea colonies.

Productivity

Kittiwakes: In 1995, kittiwake clutch size, hatching success, and fledglings per nest start were 1.71

eggs per nest (SD 0.12), 0.66 chicks per egg (SD 0.11), and 0.47 chicks per nest (SD 0.16),

respectively (Table 7, Appendix II). The fol1owing year was marked by a near-complete

reproductive failure that began early in the nesting cycle. Most breeding activities stopped during the

nest-building stage; only 2 pairs finally laid single eggs on the study plots, and both eggs failed to

hatch (Table 7, Appendix 12). In 1997, breeding success rebounded and was similar to 1995:

clutch size, hatching success, and fledglings per nest start were 1.25 eggs per nest (SD 0.11), 0.68

chicks per egg (SD 0.12), and 0.42 chicks per nest (SD 0.10), respectively (Table 7, Appendix 13).

The 9 August. 1995 and 8 August 1997 productivity values of 0.9 and 0.6 eggs or chicks per nest

attempt that were calculated for comparison with the 1976-1993 data fel1 slightly above and below

the long-term average, respectively (average value 0.8 eggs or chicks per nest attempt, n = 16 years;

see Table 8, Fig. 9, and Appendices 14-16). In contrast, the II August 1996 figure of <'0.1 eggs

or chicks per nest attempt was similar to the lowest previously reported values (0.1 and < 0.1 eggs

or chicks per nest attempt in 1976 and 1984, respectively-the only other occasions when nearcomplete reproductive failures occurred at the colony).

The number of eggs or chicks per nest was positively correlated with the number of eggs or chicks

per successful nest (Spearman's Rank Correlation, n = 16, P < 0.01; Table 8 and Fig. 9). This

suggested that in years when overall reproductive success rates were low, pairs also tended to have

smal1er broods.

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Based on the long-term productivity estimates, kittiwakes only produced about 0.3 eggs or chicks

per nest attempt or less in 5 (31 %) of the 16 study years (1976, 1984-1985, 1992, and 1996; see

Table 8 and Fig. 9). However, this relatively high incidence of poor reproductive performance was

apparently not sufficient to prevent the population from increasing over the 1977-1997 interval (see

Population Counts above and Fig. 9). The fact that the poor reproductive success incidents were

spread out through time (i.e., in 1976, 1984-1985, 1992, and 1996) almost certainly helped

ameliorate the potential effects ofseveral years of poor productivity on overall population growth. .

The near-complete reproductive failure in 1996 resulted from birds failing to lay eggs, the first time

this phenomenon has been observed at Cape Lisburne since studies began in 1976 (D.G. Roseneau,

A.L. Sowls, and A.M. Springer, unpubl. data). We suspect that the inability to produce eggs was

related to unusual ice conditions that persisted in Ledyard Bay throughout the late May - late June

prebreeding and early egg-laying periods. In most years, shorefast ice breaks up in Ledyard Bay

before laying begins, allowing access to rich stocks of Arctic cod. However, in 1996, shorefast ice

remained nearly intact until the first week of July, when it finally broke loose enmasse in several

large sheets that were quickly transported northward by strong southerly winds. The presence of

near solid ice cover well beyond the time kittiwakes normally begin to lay eggs (late June) almost

certainly limited access to important early season food supplies that would have improved body

condition and provided energy for forming eggs. The near-complete absence of subcutaneous and

mesenteric fat in 7 adult kittiwakes collected on 11 July 1996, a few days after Ledyard Bay became

ice-free, supported the hypothesis that persistent, near-solid ice cover restricted access to food

during the critical prebreeding and early egg-laying periods.

Reproductive failures in 1976 and 1984, and low productivity in 1985 and 1992 were almost

certainly associated with food supply and weather events that occurred after eggs were laid. For

example, in 1992, a near-absence ofsand lance during the late incubation and chick-rearing periods,

and near-freezing temperatures in early August followed by persistent snow falls after 10 August

resulted in steady losses of eggs and chicks (D.G. Roseneau and A.L. SowIs, unpubl. data).

Relationships among environmental factors (e.g., ice cover, timing of shorefast ice breakup, air and

water temperatures), food supplies (e.g., presence or absence ofsand lance during critical nesting

periods), and kittiwake productivity will be discussed in greater detail after historical data have been

compiled and analyzed in conjunction with weather records and information on ice conditions and

water temperatures retrieved from satellite imagery.

Murres: Productivity of thick-billed and common murres was high at Cape Lisburne in 1995 (0.88

and 0.85 fledglings per egg, respectively; Table 9, Fig. 10, Appendices 17 and 18). In 1996-1997,

productivity of both species was significantly lower (Pearson Chi-square, P < 0.03 in both cases);

however, in both ofthese years, it was still higher than the average 1976-1997 Pribilof Islands

values (thick-billed murres 0.62 and 0.53 fledglings per egg in 1996 and 1997, respectively,

compared to an average of 0.51 fledglings per egg, n =18, range =0.15-.072, SD =0.13; and

common murres 0.68 and 0.63 fledglings per egg in 1996 and 1997, respectively, compared to an

average of 0.54 fledglings per egg, n =15, range =0.30-0.69, SD =0.12-,AMNWR unpubl.

data). Common murre productivity was also well within the range of values reported for this species

at Bluff in 1987-1990 (0.51-0.73 fledglings per egg; only a few pairs of thick-billed murres nest at

this Norton Sound colony-see Murphy 1993).

The similar declines in common and thick-billed murre productivity after 1995, and similarities in

productivity within species and years, suggested that these species responded to annual differences

in local environmental conditions and food supplies in similar ways over the 3-year study interval.

Detailed information on murre productivity was not collected at Cape Lisburne prior to 1995;

however, the steady, on-going increase in population numbers that began in the mid-1980's (see

Figs. 7 and 8) suggested that reproductive success, survivorship of chicks, and recruitment were

well above average at this important eastern Chukchi Sea colony throughout most of the 1980'sand

1990's.

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Chick Growth Rates and Sea-going Weights

Kittiwakes: In 1995, growth rates of kittiwake chicks weighed during the linear phase of growth

averaged 16.8 g per day (SD 5.3, n = 9; see Table 10). Data were not Obtained in 1996 because of a

colony-wide reproductive failure (birds only laid 2 eggs on the study plots and neither hatched; see

Productivity above). In 1997, growth rates were similar to 1995 values, averaging 18.0 g per day

(SD 3.5, n = 8; see Table 10).

Data obtained on kittiwake chick growth rates in 1977-1981, when average daily weight gains

ranged from 14.3 to 19.7 g per day annually, suggested that the 1995 and 1997 rates were average

and maximum values, respectively (see Springer et al. 1985c). The difference between the 1995 and

1997 values suggested that prey availability was higher during the 1997 chick-rearing period than in

1995.

Murres: Sea-going weights of common and thick-billed murre chicks declined over the 3-year study

period. In 1995-1997, thick-billed nestlings averaged 226 g (SD 28, n = 40),207 g (SD 24, n =

58), and 193 g (SD 31, n =10), and common murre chicks averaged 236 g (SD 23, n = 17),220 g

(SD 19, n =12), and 180 g (SD 10, n =5), respectively (Fig. II, Table II). These among-years

differences were significant for both species (ANOVA; common murres P < 0.01 and thick-billed

murres P < 0.02 in all cases), and weights became significantly lower each year (LSD Multiple

Comparisons; common murresP < 0.04 and thick-billed murres P < 0.09 in all cases).

In 1997, the average weights of thick-billed and common chicks that went to sea were about 15%

and 24% lower than they were in 1995, respectively. These low sea-going weights suggested that

the nestlings left the colony with relatively poor lipid reserves, and as a result, chick mortality may

have been relatively high during the first few days at sea, compared to 1995-1996. If this scenario is

correct, the 1997 cohorts may not contribute many birds to the Cape Lisburne murre population in

upcoming years (any marked reductions in recruitment resulting from increased mortality of the 1997

common and thick-billed chick cohorts may be detectable dUring 2000-2004, when surviving birds

are 3-7 years old).

In contrast to chick sea-going weights, sea-going ages of nestlings were remarkably similar during

1995-1997, only varying by about 1 and 3 days for thick-billed and common chicks, respectively

(Appendices 7 and 9). This information, coupled with the steady annual declines in the sea-going

chick weights of both species over the 3-year interval, suggested that common and thick-billed

murres responded to changing environmental conditions and food supplies in similar ways (just as

productivity information did-see above). These results also suggested that prey availability

declined markedly during the chick-rearing period over the 3-year study period.

Food Habits

Kittiwakes: (Adults) - In 1995-1996, food habits data were obtained from 34 and 9 adult

kittiwakes collected during II July - 22 August and 5 July - 12 August, respectively (Tables 12-14;

only 1 bird was obtained in 1997, because this species was difficult to collect on 30 June and 4 July,

and inclement weather and sea conditions prevented making subsequent sampling trips). Thirtythree (91%) of the 1995 birds and 7 (78%) ofthe 1996 individuals contained prey.

Although invertebrates were the most numerous prey items found in the 1995-1996 stomach samples

(77% and 80%, respectively), almost all of the biomass consisted of fish (94% and 95% by weight,

respectively; Tables 12-14, Figs. 12-13). Cod clearly dominated the diets by weight both years

(71 % and 95% in 1995 and 1996, respectively); however, the 1995 samples also contained relatively

high percentages of sculpin (primarily fourhorn sculpin, Myoxocephalus quadricomis; 16% by

weight, see Fig. 12). The single stomach obtained in 1997 only contained I unidentified cod; these

data were not graphed because of sample size (see Table 14 and Fig. 14).

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Invertebrates were scarce in the 1987 and 1992-1993 stomach samples (0%, 15%, and 0% by

number, respectively; Tables 15-17, Figs. 15-17). In all of these years, almost all of the biomass

consisted offish (100%, > 99%, and 100% by weight in 1987, 1992, and 1993 respectively),just

as it did in 1995-1996; however, cod only dominated the diets by weight in 1992 (99%). In the

other 2 years, the stomachs contained relatively large proportions of both sand lance and cod (sand

lance 49% and 35%, and cod 39% and 45% by weight in 1987 and 1993, respectively; see Figs. 15

and 17).

Kittiwakes: (Chicks) - In 1995 and 1996, food habits data were obtained from 5 and 6 kittiwake

chicks salvaged during 4-26 August and 20 July - 29 August, respectively (Tables 18-19; data were

not obtained in 1996 because of a colony-wide reproductive failure-see Productivity above). Four

(80%) of the 1995 chicks and 5 (83%) of the 1997 nestlings contained prey.

In. 1995, prey items consisted of sand lance, sculpin, and invertebrates (hyperiidean amphipods and

euphausiids). Almost all of the biomass consisted offish (95%), and sand lance and sculpin

accounted for 68% and 27% of the weight, respectively; Table 18, Fig. 18). Nineteen ninety-seven

prey remains consisted solely of fish, including cod, sand lance, and sculpin; prey weights could not

be calculated for these fish because the otoliths were too eroded to age (see Table 19 and Fig. 19).

Thick-billed Murres: (Adults) - In 1995-1997, food habits data were obtained from 35, 19, and 20

adult thick-billed murres collected during II July - 22 August,S July - 12 August, and 4 July,

respectively (Tables 12-14). All (100%) ofthe 1995 birds, 18 (95%) of the 1996 individuals, and

18 (90%) of the 1997 specimens contained prey.

Although invertebrates were the most numerous prey items found in the 1995-1997 stomach samples

(62%,78% and 48%, respectively), almost all of the biomass consisted of fish (94%, 93%, and

91% by weight, respectively; Tables 12-14, Figs. 12-14). Cod were the primary prey item by

weight in all 3 years (70%, 68%, and 45%, respectively); however, relatively high percentages of

sculpin (primarily fourhom sculpin) were also present in the 1996-1997 samples (23% and 31 % by

weight, respectively; see Figs. 13-14).

Invertebrates were not present in the 1987 and 1993 stomach samples; however, they dominated the

1992 samples by number (95%; Tables 15-17, Figs. 15-17). In all of these years, almost all of the

biomass consisted of fish (100%, 82%, and 100% by weight in 1987, 1992, and 1993

respectively), just as it did in 1995-1996. In 1987, sand lance replaced cod as the primary prey item

. by weight (63% vs only 6% for cod); however, percentages of cod were relatively high in both 1992

and 1993 (46% and 51 % by weight, respectively) and similar to the 1997 amount (45% by weight,

see Fig. 14). The 1987 and 1992-1993 stomach samples also contained relatively large proportions

of sculpin (22%, 36%, and 42% by weight, respectively) in amounts similar to those present in the

1996-1997 samples (23% and 31% by weight, respectively; see Figs. 13-14).

Thick-billed Murres: (Chicks) - In 1995-1997, food habits data were obtained from 22, 27, and

31 thick-billed murre chicks salvaged during 4-26 August, 15-27 August, and 20 July - 29 August,

respectively (Tables 18-20). Nineteen (86%) of the 1995 chicks, 23 (85%) of the 1996 nestlings,

and 9 (29%) of the 1997 specimens contained prey.

All of the prey items found in the 1995-1997 stomach samples consisted offish (Tables 18-20, Figs.

18-20). Based on weight, cod (primarily Arctic cod) were clearly the primary prey fed to thickbilled chicks in 1995-1996 (86% and 80%, respectively). In 1997, prey weights could not be

calculated because fish otoliths were too eroded to age; however, based on average weights of cod

and sculpin fed to thick-billed murre chicks in 1995-1996 (16.9 g, n=41, and 5.4 g, n=II,

respectively), sculpin probably played a larger role in the 1997 chick diets than cod (Le., the 31

sculpin and 6 cod reported in Fig. 20 would have weighed about 167 g and 101 g, respectively).

Thick-billed chicks were also fed a relatively high percentage ofsculpin in 1995 (10% by weight;

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second only to cod- see Fig. 18), and in 1996, they received a relatively substantial amount of sand

lance (17% by weight; again, second only to cod-see Fig. 19).

In 1995-1997, some information was also obtained on prey delivered to thick-billed murre chicks by

adults (Table 21 a, Fig. 21). Thirty-three, 40, and II items were identified in 1995, 1996, and

1997, respectively., Sand lance were the most numerous prey brought to nestlings in 1995 (64%)

and 1996 (75%); however, in 1997, when the sample size was relatively small (n = II), Arctic cod

outnumbered sand lance (55% vs 36%, respectively; see Fig. 21).

Common Murres: (Adults) - In 1995 and 1997, food habits data were obtained from 14 and 8

adult common murres collected during II July - 22 August and 4 July, respectively (Tables 12-14:

data were not obtained in 1996, because common murres were difficult to see in the mixed flocks

that flew by during the collecting trips). Thirteen (93%) of the 1995 birds and all (100%) of the

1997 individuals contained prey.

Although invertebrates were the most numerous prey items found in the 1995 and 1997 stomach

samples (84% and 78%, respectively), almost all of the biomass consisted of fish (94% and 96% by

weight, respectively; Tables 12-14, Figs. 12 and 14). Cod clearly dominated the diets by weight

both years (73% and 80%, respectively); however, the 1995 and 1997 samples also contained

relatively large amounts of sculpin and sand lance (18% and 12% by weight, respectively; see Figs.

12 and 14).

Invertebrates were not present in the 1987, 1992; and 1993 stomach samples, and all of the biomass

consisted of fish (Tables 15-17, Figs. 15-17). Cod were the primary prey item by weight in all 3

years (51%, 97%, and 69%, respectively); however, the 1987 and 1993 stomach samples also

contained relatively large proportions of sand lance (30% and 20% by weight, respectively; see Figs.

15 and 17). A relatively high percentage of capelin was also present in the 1987 samples (II % by

weight; the largest amount of these important forage fish found in the murre and kittiwake diets

during 1987-1997, see Figs. 12-17).

Common Murres: (Chicks) - In 1995-1997, food habits data were obtained from 3,6, and 6

common murre chicks salvaged during 4-26 August, 15-27 August, and 20 July - 29 August,

respectively (Tables 18-20). Two (66%) of the 1995 chicks, 5 (83%) of the 1996 nestlings, and 2

(33%) of the 1997 specimens contained prey.

All of the prey items found in the 1995-1997 stomach samples consisted offish (Tables 18-20, Figs.

18-19). Nineteen ninety-seven data were not graphed because the samples only contained 2

unidentified fish. In 1995 and 1996, only 4 and 7 fish were present in the samples respectively, and

in both cases, prey consisted of cod and sand lance. In both years, cod outweighed sand lance (89%

and 73% vs 11 % and 27%, respectively; see Figs. 18 and 19).

In 1995-1997, some information was also obtained on prey delivered to common murre chicks by

adults (Table 21b, Fig. 21). Sixty-six, 38, and 6 items were identified in 1995, 1996, and 1997,

respectively. Sand lance were the most numerous prey brought to the nestlings in 1995 (70%) and

1996 (55%); however, in 1997, when the sample size was relatively small (n = 6), Arctic cod were

as numerous as sand lance (50% in both cases; see Fig. 21).

Cape Lisburne kittiwake and murre food habits will be discussed in greater detail after data from

1977-1986 have been compiled, verified, and compared with 1987·1997 information. During this

more comprehensive analysis, 1977-1997 data will be plotted as a series of bar graphs illustrating

both general prey categories (e.g., fish, invertebrates) and individual species, and compared among

years. Data will also be divided into appropriate prey categories and early, mid-, and late season

time blocks, and compared among years (e.g., see Fig. 5 in Springer et al. 1984). Results from this

more detailed analysis will also be compared with historical information on kittiwake and murre

15
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breeding parameters (e.g., timing of nesting events, clutch size, hatching and fledging success),

environmental conditions (e.g., last ice dates and water temperatures, including those retrieved from

satellite imagery; air temperatures retrieved from weather records), and observations of feeding-flight

directions (e,g., see Springer and Rosimyau 1977, 1978; Springer etal. 1979, Hatch eta/. 2000).

Making these types of comparisons using the full suite of information that will be compiled for the

21-year study interval will increase chances of identifying relationships between food supplies,

environmental factors, and reproductive success ofthe birds.

Water Temperatures

Sea-surface temperature data collected with hand-held thermometers at Cape Lisburne in 1987,

1992, and 1993 Were compiled and reviewed in context with 1995-1997 information, and a common

block of time was identified that could be compared among years (23-28 July; Table 22, Appendix

19). Dates encompassed by the common block of time corresponded to the beginning of the

kittiwake and murre chick-rearing periods in 1987-1997 and 1995-1997, respectively (see Nesting

Chronology above). Temperatures were the highest in 1993 (100 C) and the lowest in 1995 (5.80

C), and 1996 was the median year.

In 1997, an Onset Optic StowAway Temp data logger was tested at Cape Lisburne. The test was

successful: the submerged unit maintained its position about 12-13 m below the surface 1.6 km

offshore despite 50-60 kt winds and high seas, and provided a continuous record of water

temperatures during 6 July - 21 August (Fig. 22). These data indicated that temperatures averaged

about 6.5° C (range 5.0-7.5° C, SD 0.8° C) unti123 July, then rose rapidly and averaged 8.6° C

(range 8.4-8.7° C, SD 0.1° C) during 23-28 July, then dropped sharply to 6.6° C on 29 July

before steadily increasing to 9.8° C by 5 August, and then averaged 10.1° C (range 9.5-10.7° C,

SD 0.3° C) during 5-21 August. The data logger records confirmed that information collected with

hand-held thermometers in the surf zone during 23-28 July 1997 were representative of nearshore

temperatures during that time (average =8.5° C vs 8.6° C from the data logger unit, see Table 22

and Fig. 22).

Based on the results of the 1997 data logger test, these devices will be used to collect water

temperature information at the Cape Lisburne colony during all future studies lasting more than 2

weeks. Employing these devices during short field trips is not practical because of the limited

amount of time available to successfully deploy and recover them (i.e., favorable sea conditions are

needed for deployment and recovery; in all likelihood, arriVing field teams will have to wait several

days before deploying the device, and then take the chance that there will be an opportunity to

recover it shortly before they leave the study area).

Sea-surface temperature data collected at Cape Lisburne during 1976-1986 will be compiled and

analyzed in conjunction with 1987-1997 information in a future report. This more comprehensive

multiyear analysis will also include data on sea-surface temperatures obtained from satellite imagery,

and results will be compared with murre and kittiwake nesting chronology, productivity, and food

-habits data to determine if relationships exist among these variables.

CAPE THOMPSON: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Population Counts

Kittiwakes: We compiled all 'available boat-based Colony 4 kittiwake counts and tested them for

trends (Table 23, Fig. 23). The high 1960 count of 6,264 birds was not included in the analysis

because of the 16 year data gap between count records. When 1976-1995 data were pooled

analyzed, no trend was apparent over the 20-year interval. However, we noticed a pattern in the

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counts that suggested birds increased during 1976-1990, and when we tested these data separately. a

positive trend was evident over the IS-year period (Fig 23; linear regression, P = 0.04).

We also tabulated land-based counts on several combinations of LOS and BSF plots at Colonies 3-5

(Tables 24-27). In 3 cases, only 3-4 years of information was available; as a result, we archived

these data for future analysis (Tables 24-26). When the data set containing 5 years of information

from LOS plots 5L, 5M, and 5Q was tested, no trend was apparent over the 17-year interval (Table

24, Fig. 24). Although counts on these plots did not show an overall increase, they suggested that

numbers were higher in 1990-1991 than in 1979, 1988, and 1995. Patterns were similar on the plot

sets containing 3-4 years of information: the 1979,1988, and 1995 counts were relatively low, and

bird numbers were highest during the early 1990's ( see Tables 25-27). .

The 1976 and 1995 Colony 4 kittiwake counts were lower than all other scores obtained on this

nesting area (Table 23, Fig. 23). Both of these counts were made in years when kittiwakes

experienced near-complete reproductive failures, and as a result, they may have been artificially low

because of erratic attendance (see Productivity below). Because the counts may have under

estimated bird numbers, and because the positive trend detected in the 1976-1990 data set was driven

solely by inclusion ofthe unusually high 1990 score (5,566 individuals, 32% more than the next

highest count) in the analysis, we were not convinced that kittiwakes increased at Colony 4 over the

1976-1990 interval. However, we also noted that the 1995 land-based counts may have been

artificially low because of erratic attendance, and an average score of only ISO birds (the average of

, the 1990-1991 counts, only 42 birds more than the 1995 score of 108 individuals) on LOS plots 5L,

5M, and 5Q would have resulted in a positive trend on this plot set. Additional counts will have to

be made at Cape Thompson when kittiwake productivity is average or better to help determine the

true status of this species at this eastern Chukchi Sea nesting location.

Murres: We compiled all available boat·based counts of murres at Colony 4 and tested the 1976-

1995 scores for trends (Table 28, Fig. 25; the 1960-1961 counts of 8,562 and 6,305 birds were not

included in the analysis because of the IS year data gap in count records). No trend was apparent

over the 20-year period. However, we noticed a pattern in the counts that suggested birds decreased

during 1976-1988, and when we tested these data separately, a negative trend was evident over the

13-year interval (Fig 25; linear regression, P < 0.01).

We also tabulated land-based counts on several combinations of LOS and BSF plots at Colonies 3-5

(Tables 29-32, Figs. 26-27). In 2 cases, only 3-4 years of information was available; as a result we

archived these data for future analysis (BSF plots, Table 31 and 32). We ,also did not test the

information listed in a third case (LOS plots, Table 32), because the data were essentially the same

as those used in another an Table 30, Fig. 27; data reported in Table 30 are complete counts of

the plot set made on the same day, whereas Table 32 data include all counts made on the plots

regardless of the "same day" 'rule-Table 30 data are the preferred data set). When the LOS ,plot sets

containing 5-6 years of information were pooled and tested, no trends were found over the 17-year

1979-1995 period (Tables 29-30, Figs. 26-27; 1960 data were not included in these analyses

because of the 16 year data gap between count records).

The negative trend found on the Colony 4 population monitoring plot set suggested that murre

numbers declined at Cape Thompson during 1976-1988. However, counts made on this set of plots

in 1990 and 1995 also suggested that numbers may have rebounded to near mid- and late 1970's

levels by 1995 (i.e., over the 7-year period after 1988; see Fig. 25). Additional field work

scheduled for about 2001-2002 will help determine ifthe 1990 and 1995 Colony 4 counts actually

reflect the initial stages of an increasing trend in the Cape Thompson murre population.

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Nesting Chronology

Kittiwakes: Precise data on kittiwake hatching dates were not obtained at Cape Thompson in 1995,

because hatching success was low (only' 0.25 chicks per egg, Appendix 20). The first chick was

observed on 21 July, and about 66% of the eggs hatched by 5 August (Table 33). Based on this

information, hatching probably peaked about 2-3 August (i.e., when it was estimated to be about

50% complete), about 6 days behind the 1995 Cape Lisburne schedule (see above).

Based on historical information, the 1995 first hatching date (21 July) was 19 and 8 days earlierthan

the 1976-1977 dates (9 August and 29 July, respectively), and about average, compared to the 1959-

1961,1978-1979,1982,1988, and 1990-1991 dates (mean date 20 July, n = 9 years, range 17-25

July, SD 2.5 days; see Table 33). Hatch-interval and peak hatching information was only available

from 1978-1979 and 1988. These data indicated that the 1995 and 1978-1979 nesting schedules

varied by only a few days. They also suggested that hatching occurred over somewhat shorter

intervals oftime in 1978 and 1988, compared to 1979 and 1995 (66% of the eggs hatched in 9 and

10 days in 1978 and 1988, respectively, compared to 14, and 15 days in 1979 and 1995,

respectively), and that it peaked several days earlier, compared to the other 3 years (on 25-26 July vs

31 July - I August, 29-30 July, and 2-3 August in 1978, 1979, and 1995, respectively; see Table

33).

Nesting chronology data from 1976-1995 suggested that kittiwakes nested at about the same time at

Cape Thompson in most years.' Late nesting in 1976-1977, as indicated by late first hatching dates

(9 August and 29 July, respectively; Table 33) may have been related to heavy ice cover during the

prebreeding and egg-laying periods that reduced access to local food supplies during these critical

intervals; ice persisted throughout the Cape Thompson region well into the third and fourth weeks of

July in 1977 and 1976, respectively (e.g., see Springer et al. 1984). Potential relationships between

timing of kittiwake nesting events and environmental conditions will be explored in greater detail

after remaining historical data have been located and reviewed, and analyzed in conjunction with icecover information retrieved from satellite imagery.

Murres: In 1995, common and thick-billed murre eggs started hatching at Cape Thompson on 25

July (Table 34). Based on cumulative percentages, hatching was about 70% complete by 7 August,

and essentially over by 15 August for both species (99%-100%; see Appendix 21). Median

common and thick-billed hatching dates were 6 and 5 August, respectively, and respective first seagoing dates were <19 August and 18 August (Table 34).

Based on 1959-1991 data, 1995 was a relatively early nesting year for murres breeding at Cape

Thompson (first hatch 25 July in 1995, 1959-1991 range 21 July - 11 August; see Table 34). In 6

(50%) of the 12 study years, hatching began about 30 July (1960, 1961, 1977, 1988, 1991, and

1995; n = 9, range 25 July - I August, SD 2.8 days). During the other 6 breeding seasons, eggs

started to hatch 6-12 days later in 3 (25%) cases (1959,1976, and 1982; mean 9 August, n =4,

range 5-11 August, SD 2.9 days), and 7-9 days earlier on 3 (25%) occasions (1978,1979, and

1990; mean 22 July, n = 3, range 21-23 July, SD 1.0 days). Variations in hatching dates over the

years may have reflected differences in June-July ice cover. Potential relationships between timing

of murre nesting events and environmental conditions will be explored in greater detail after weather

records have been reviewed and ice cover information retrieved from satellite imagery.

In 1995, median hatching and first sea-going dates indicated that common murres nested slightly

later than thick-billed murres; this pattern was also apparent in the 1960-1961 first hatching and seagoing dates (see Table 34). These data supported 1995-1997 Cape Lisburne findings (see above).

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Productivity'

Kittiwakes: Kittiwakes experienced a near-complete reproductive failure at Cape Thompson in 1995

(Table 35, Appendix 20). Pairs only laid eggs in 98 (21 %) of the 479 study nests, and only 39

(37%) of the 105 eggs hatched. Only 3 (8%) of the 39 chicks were still alive on 19 August, when

nests were last checked, and assuming they survived, productivity was less than 0.01 fledglings per

nest (Table 35).

During 1976-1979, 1982, 1988, and 1990-1991, productivity varied from zero (1976) to 1.15

fledglings per nest (1982; Table 35, Fig 28). During 4 of these years, when data were also collected

at Cape Lisburne (1976-1979), productivity followed the same basic pattern at both colonies (i.e.,

from zero or near zero in 1976, to moderate levels in 1977-1978, and then to the highest overall

values in 1979; see Tables 8 and 35, and Figs. 9 and 28). The increase in productivity during the

iate 1970's appeared to be correlated with earlier dissipation of ice, increases in availability of fish,

positive trends in the lengths ofseveral important forage fish species (Arctic cod, capelin, sand

lance), and increases in overall availability of sand lance during the chick-rearing periods (e.g., see

Springer et al. 1984).

In 1995, when kittiwakes experienced a near-complete reproductive failure at Cape Thompson,

productivity averaged about 0.47 fledglings per nest at Cape Lisburne (see Table 7 and Appendix

11). These data and the fact that ice cover dissipated several days earlier at Cape Thompson

suggested that there were differences in prey availability between the colonies. Marked differences

in laying, hatching, and chick success at the colonies also indicated that prey were scarce in Cape

Thompson surface waters during the 1995 prelaying, incubation, and chick-rearing periods (laying,

hatching, and chick success were only 0.19, 0.25, and 0.03 at Cape Thompson vs 0.84, 0.66, and

0.49 at Cape Lisburne, respectively; see Appendices 11 and 20).

Linkages between kittiwake productivity, prey availability, and environmental conditions are

complex, and as yet poorly understood. Relationships among these parameters will be identified and

described in greater detail after the remainder of the Cape Thompson and Cape Lisburne kittiwake

data have been compiled and analyzed in conjunction with weather records and information on ice

cover and water temperatures retrieved from satellite imagery (see Cape Lisburne above).

Murres: In contrast to kittiwakes, productivity of thick-billed and common murres was high at Cape

Thompson in 1995: 0.88 and 0.91 fledglings per egg, respectively (Table 36). These results were

nearly identical to the high 1995 Cape Lisburne values (0.88 and 0.85 fledglings per egg for thickbills and commons, respectively; see Table 9 and Fig. 10).

Prior to 1995, detailed data on murre productivity were only collected at Cape Thompson in 1988,

1990, and 1991. During these earlier years, common murres produced 0.60, 0.86, and 0.37

fledglings per egg, and thick-billed murres 0.61,0.76, and 0.51 fledglings per egg, respectively

(Table 37, Fig. 29), Based on this information and 1995 data, success rates for both species were

high in both 1990 and 1995. These data were encouraging because, barring unusual mortality

events, the combination of the large 1990 and 1995 chick cohorts should start to bolster population

numbers by about 2000, when birds from these age classes begin to enter the breeding population as

5- to 7-year-old individuals.

Food Habits

Kitti~akes: (Adults) - In 1995, food habits data were obtained from 14 adult kittiwakes collected

during 13 July - 20 August (Table 38). Ten (81 %) of the birds contained prey.

Invertebrates were not present in the 1995 stomach samples (Table 38, Fig. 30). All (100%) of the

prey items consisted of fish, and cod clearly dominated the diets by weight (96%).

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Invertebrates were scarce in the 1988 stomach samples (4% by number) and absent from the 1991

samples; however, they were the most numerous prey items found in the 1990 stomachs (52%; see

Tables 39-4I, Figs. 3 I-33). In all of these years, almost all of the prey items consisted of fish

«99%, 91 %, and 100%, in 1988, 1990, and 1991, respectively), and cod clearly dominated the

diets by weight (80%,91%, and 60% in 1988, 1990, and 1991, respectively), just as in 1995.

However, the 1988 samples also contained relatively high percentages of other fish, primarily

Pacific herring (Culpea harengus pallasi, 19% by weight; see Fig. 31), and the 1991 samples

contained substantial amounts of sculpin (35% by weight; see Fig. 33).

Thick-billed Murres: (Adults) - In 1995, food habits data were obtained from 10 adult thick-billed

murres collected during 13 July - 20 August (Table 38). Seven (70%) of the specimens contained

prey.

Invertebrates were not present in the 1995 stomach samples (Table 38, Fig. 30). All (100%) of the

prey items consisted of fish, and cod clearly dominated the diets by weight (87%).

Small numbers of invertebrates were present in the 1988, 1990, and 1991 stomach samples (2%,

7%, and 7%, respectively; Tables 39-41, Figs. 31-33). However, almost all of the prey items

consisted of fish (<99% in each case), and cod dominated the diets by weight in all 3 years (97% in

1988 and 1990, and 52% in 1991),just as in 1995. The 1991 samples also contained large amounts

of sculpin (45% by weight, see Fig. 33). Based on these results, thick-billed murre diets were

similar to kittiwake diets in 1988, 1990-1991, and 1995 (see above).

Common Murres: (Adults) - In 1995, food habits data were obtained from 17 adult common

murres collected during 13 July - 20 August (Table 38). Ten (59%) of the individuals contained

prey.

Invertebrates were not present in the 1995 stomach samples (Table 38, Fig. 30). All (100%) of the

prey items consisted of fish, and cod clearly dominated the diets by weight (83%); however, the

samples also contained relatively large proportions ofsculpin (13% by weight).

Invertebrates were also not present in the 1987, 1992, and 1993 stomach samples (Tables 39-41,

Figs. 31-33). In all of these years, all (100%) of the prey items consisted of fish, and cod clearly

dominated the diets by weight (98%, 95%, and 100%, in 1988, 1990, and 1991, respectively), just

as in 1995.

Cape Thompson kittiwake and murre food habits will be discusse~ in greater detail after 1976-1979

and 1982 data have been compiled, verified, and compared with the 1988-1995 information (data

will be analyzed in the same manner as the 1977-1997 Cape Lisbume information and comparisons

will be made with the same basic suite of variables--e.g., timing of nesting events, clutch size,

hatching and fledging success, last ice dates and water temperatures, observations of feeding-flight

directions-see above).

Water TemperatiJres

Water temperature data collected at Cape Thompson during 1976-1991 will be compiled and

analyzed in conjunction with the 1995 information in a future report. This more comprehensive

multiyear analysis will also include data on sea-surface temperatures retrieved from satellite imagery,

and results will be compared with murre and kittiwake nesting chronology, productivity, and food

habits information to help determine if relationships exist among these variables.

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CONCLUSIONS

1. Black-legged kittiwakes and kittiwake nests increased at Cape Lisburne over the 20-year study

interval: however, the increases were limited to the western side ofthe colony suggesting that a

combination of habitat availability and local environment conditions (wind, fog, spray) may be

locally influencing population growth at this northern nesting location.

2. Black-legged kittiwakes may have also increased at Cape Thompson during 1976-1990;

however, evidence for the increase was not convincing because the positive trend was driven

solely by the 1990 data and the 1995 count was made in a year of near-complete reproductive

failure. Additional counts will have to be made at Cape Thompson when kittiwake productivity

is average or better to help determine the true status of this species at this eastern Chukchi Sea

colony.

3. Positive trends found on the Cape Lisburne boat- and land-based population monitoring plots

indicated that the murre population. doubled at this breeding colony since the mid-1980's.

These increases also suggested that productivity and recruitment were relatively high and winter

mortality of adults and chicks relatively low att~is nesting location during the mid-1980's - late

-1990's.

4. A negative trend found at Colony 4 at Cape Thompson suggested that murre numbers declined

at this breeding location during 1976-1988. However, counts niade at Colony 4 in 1990 and

1995 also suggested that numbers rebounded to near mid- and late 1970's levels by 1995.

Additional field work will be required to help determine if the 1990 and 1995 counts actually

reflect the initial stages of an increasing trend in the Cape Thompson murre population. .

5. Black-legged kittiwake peak and median hatching dates only varied by about 5 days at Cape

Lisburne in 1987, 1992-1993, 1995, and 1997, but less precise 1977-1978 information

suggested that nesting occurred several days later in these years. Data from 1976-1995 also

suggested that kittiwakes nested at Cape Thompson on about the same schedule most years,

with the exception of 1976-1977, when first hatching dates were up to 2 weeks later than in

1995. Late nesting by Lisburne and Thompson kittiwakes was probably related to spring and

early summer ice conditions that reduced access to food supplies during the prelaying and early

egg-laying periods.

6. In 1996, Cape Lisburne murres nested about 5 days later than in 1995 and 1997, and in

1995, they also nested about 1 week later than murres at Cape Thompson. These differences in

timing were probably related to differences in environmental conditions (e.g., ice cover) and

food supplies during the prelaying period.

7. Murre nesting chronology data from both Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson suggest that, as a

general rule, common murres probably nest slightly later than thick-billed murres at these

eastern Chukchi Sea colonies.

8. Black-legged kittiwakes experienced a near-complete breeding failure at Cape Thompson 1995,

and failed to lay eggs at Cape Lisburne in 1996. In contrast, productivity averaged about 0.45

chicks per nest start at Cape Lisburne in 1995 and 1997. Near-complete reproductive failures

also occurred at Cape Lisburne in 1976 and 1984, and at Cape Thompson in 1976. Breeding

failures and annual differences in productivity at these northern nesting locations are probably

related to annual variations in ice cover, ice breakup, weather eVents, and prey availability.

21
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9. Black-legged kittiwakes only produced about 0.3 eggs or chicks per nest or less in 5 (31 %) of

the 16 study years at Cape Lisburne. However, this relatively high incidence of poor

reproductive performance did not prevent the population from increasing over the'1977-1997

interval because these incidents were spread out through time.

10. Productivity of murres was high at Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson in 1995, suggesting that

environmental conditions and food supplies were near-optimal for these diving birds at both

colonies.

II. The similar declines in common and thick-billed murre productivity at Cape Lisburne after

1995, and similarities in productivity within species and years, suggested that these species

responded to annual differences in environmental conditions and food supplies in similar ways

over the 3-year study interval.

12. Data obtained at Cape Lisburne in 1977-1981 suggested that the 1995 and 1997 kittiwake chick

, growth rates were about average, and the fact that these rates did not differ suggested that prey

availability was similar during these years.

13. During 1995-1997, sea-going weights ofthick-billed and common murre chicks declined by

about 15% and 24%, respectively, 'at Cape Lisburne. As a result, chick mortality may have

been higher during the first few days at sea in 1997 than in 1995-1996.

14. At Cape Lisburne, consistency in the 1995-1997 common and thick-billed murre chick seagoing ages coupled with steady annual declines in sea-going weights of both species during the

same time suggested that these birds responded to changes in environmental conditions and

food supplies in similar ways. The pattern in chick sea-going ages and weights also

suggested that chick-rearing period prey availability declined markedly over the 3-year interval.

15. Prey taken by murres and kittiwakes have varied over the years at both eastern Chukchi Sea

colonies. These annual differences are still poorly understood; however, they are probably due

in part to annual variations in environmental conditions, including extent and breakup of ice

cover, water temperatures and salinity's, and development of Alaska Coastal Water.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank Joel Cooper, Jessica Wachtel, and Terry Carten for collecting data at Cape

Thompson in 1995. Their dedication to the project and willingness to put in long hours hiking to

study plots helped make this project component a success. Special thanks also go to Wilfred Lane of

Kotzebue for generously allowing us to use his property at the old Project Chariot site near the

,mouth of Ogoturuk Creek for staging camp supplies, and to Bertha Long of Point Hope for kindly

giving us permission to cross her allotment lands to make observations at Colony 4. We also thank

Jim Rude, Northwestern Aviation, for transporting personnel and supplies between Kotzebue and

the Chanot airstrip, and Leslie Kerr, Refuge Manager of the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, for

providing logistical assistance in Kotzebue and letting us to use the Refuge bunkhouse and

warehouse.

Special thanks also go to Don Thomas of the USAF 611th LSSILGA squadron for helping us obtain

permission to stay at the Cape Lisburne Long Range Radar Site in 1995, and to Sgt. Don Hughes

(611 LSSILGA), and Nick Hilton (ARS Facilities Manager, 611th ASUSILGA) for their help in

arranging for similar permission in 1996-1997. Personnel from PMCIFRONTEC, the USAF site

contractor, welcomed us tathe facilities, and helped us overcome several logistical and mechanical

problems. We would particularly like to acknowledge Scott and Todd Pillars, Myron Husband, Jay

Fisk, Clinton Goss, and Kevin Heatherly for their cheerful, able assistance over the years. Mort

22
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Schierhorn and Ron Campbell, SKW Eskimos Inc., transported our 4-wheel ATV's to the site freeof-charge in 1995. Ron and his crew also helped maintain the ATV'S, and they provided valuable

assistance in monitoring blasting events at the USAF quarry site in 1995. lim Sheridan, USFWS

Division of Law Enforcement, loaned us a 4-wheel ATV in 1995, when we could not find a second

support vehicle for the project. Lyman Thorsteinson, USGS-BRO, WeStern Regional Office,

served as our contract officer. Lyman helped us obtain most of the monetary support for the 1995-

1997 studies, and his continual interest and assistance over the years are greatly appreciated. The

1995-1997 studies were funded by the USGS-BRO. Additional support was provided by

AMNWR.

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Byrd, G.Y. 1989. Seabirds in the Pribiloflslands, Alaska: Trends and monitoring methods. M.S.

thesis, Univ. ofIdaho, Moscow, lD.

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ecology of offshore fish-feeding alcids (murres and puffins) in the North Pacific. Pp. 176-186

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Denlinger, L.M., D.G. Roseneau, AL. SowIs, and A Springer. 1994. Murre and kittiwake

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seabirds at Cape Lisburne and Little Diomede, Alaska, 1992. Minerals Mgmt. Serv., OCS

Study MMS 93-0060. '

23
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I:
,.

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I

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I,.

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I

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I

l',I:

I

i;

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'il

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.d

I

,'.

I

li1

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ii,:

I

Fadley, B.S., J.F. Piatt, S.A. Hatch, and D.G. Roseneau. 1989. Populations, productivity, and

feeding habits of seabirds at Cape Thompson, Alaska. Minerals Mgmt. Serv., OCS Study

MMS 89-0014. '

Fleming, R.H. and D. Heggarty. 1966. Oceanography of the southeastern Chukchi Sea. Pp. 697-

754 in N.J. Wilimovsky and J.N. Wolfe (eds.). Environment of the Cape Thompson region,

Alaska. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Oak Ridge, TN.'

Hatch, S.A and M.A Hatch. 1989. Attendance patterns of common and thick-billed mUITes at

breeding sites: Implications for monitoring. J. Wildl. Manage. 53:483-493.

Hatch, S.A., P.M. Meyers, D.M. Mulcahy, and D.e. Douglas. 2000. Seasonal movements and

pelagic habitat use of mUITS and puffins determined by satellite telemetry. The Condor 102: 145-

154.

Hufford, G.!. 1973. Warm water advection in the southern Beaufort Sea, August-September 1971.·

J. Geophys. Res. 78: 2702-2707.

Hunt, G.L., Z. Eppley, B. Burgeson, and R. Squibb. 1981. Reproductive ecology, food, and

foraging areas of seabirds nesting on the Pribilof Islands, 1975"1979. Pp. 1-258 in Environ.

Assess. Alaska Contino Shelf, Final Repts. Prine. Invest., Vol. 12. NOAA Enviro'n. Res. Lab,

Boulder, CO.

Ingraham, W.J., Jr. 1981. Shelf environment. Pp. 455-469 in D.W. Hood and J.A. Calder

(eds.). The eastern Bering Sea shelf: oceanography and resources, Vol. 1. Office of Marine

Pollution Assessment NOAA, U.S. Dept. Commer., Washington, DC. .

Johnson, W.R. 1988. Physical Oceanography. Pp. 29-38 in M.J. Hameedi and AS. Naidu

(eds.), The environment and resources of the southeastern Chukchi Sea (a review of scientific

literature). U.S. Dept. Commer. NOAA OCSEAP Special Rept. NA-86-ABH-0013 (Res. Unit

690), Minerals Mgmt. Serv., Anchorage AK.

Lewbel, G.S. 1984. Environmental hazards to petroleum industry development. Pp. 31-46 in

Truett, J.e. (ed.). The Barrow Arch environment and possible consequences of planned oil

and gas de.velopment. Nat. Oceanic Atrnos. Admin. and Minerals Mgmt. Serv., Anchorage,

AK.

Murphy, E.e. 1993. Population status of mUITes and kittiwakes at Bluff, Alaska in 1990. Chap.

4, pp. 60-93 in Monitoring of population and productivity of seabirds at Cape Peirce, Bluff,

and Cape Thompson, Alaska, 1990. V. Mendenhall (ed.). Final Rept., U.S. Fish Wildl.

Serv., Migratory Bird Manage. Marine and Coastal Bird Proj., Anchorage, AK. 236 pp.

Murphy, E.C., M.I. Springer, D.G. Roseneau, and AM. Springer, 1980. Monitoring population

numbers .and productivity of colonial seabirds. U.S. Dept. Commer" NOAA OCSEAP, Annu.

Rept., Vol. I, pp. 142-272.

Naidu and Gardner, 1988. Marine Geology. Pp. 11-27 in M.J. Hameedi and A.S. Naidu (eds.),

The environment and resources of the southeastern Chukchi Sea (a review of scientific

literature). U.S. Dept. Commer. NOAA OCSEAP Special Rept. NA-86-ABH-0013 (Res. Unit

690), Minerals Mgmt. Serv., Anchorage, AK.

24
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I

Nishimoto, M. and V.M. Mendenhall. 1994. Cape Thompson. Chap. 6, pp. 94-109 in

Mendenhall, V.M. (ed). Monitoring of populations and productivity of seabirds at St. Matthew

Island, Bluff, Little Diomede Island, and Cape Thompson, Alaska, 1991. Minerals Mgmt.

Serv., OCS Study MMS 93-0067.

Roseneau, D.G. and D.R..Herter. 1984. Marine and coastal birds.' Pp. 81-115in Truett, J.e.

(ed.). The Barrow Arch.environment and possible consequences of planned oil and gas

development. Nat. Oceanic Atmos. Admin. and Minerals Mgmt. Serv., Anchorage, AK.

Roseneau, D.G., A.B. Kettle, and G.V. Byrd. 1995. Common murre restoration monitoring in the

Barren Islands, Alaska, 1993. Unpubl. final rept. by the AlaskaMaritime National Wildlife

Refuge, Homer, Alaska for the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, Anchorage, Alaska

(Restoration Project 93049).

Roseneau, D.G., A.B. Kettle, and G.V. Byrd. 1996. Common murre restoration monitoring in the

Barren Islands, Alaska, 1994. Unpubl. final rept. by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife

Refuge, Homer, Alaska for the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. Anchorage, Alaska

(Restoration Project 94039).

Roseneau, D.G., A.L. SowIs, and A.M. Springer. 1992. Murre and kittiwake censuses and effects

of blasting and aircraft activities on seabirds at Cape Lisburne, Alaska - 1987. Final rept. by

FALCO, Fairbanks, Alaska for the U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Alaska Maritime Natl. Wildl.

Refuge, Hbmer, AK.

Roseneau, D.G., A.M. Springer, E.e. Murphy, and M.L Springer. 1985. Population and trophics

studies of seabirds in the northern Bering and eastern Chukchi seas, 1981. U.S. Dept.

Commer., NOAA OCSEAP, Final Rept., Vol. 30, pp. I-58.

Sharp, B.E. 1993. Populations and productivity of seabirds at Cape Thompson in 1990. Pp.94-

139 in Mendenhall, V.M. (ed.). Monitoring of populations and productivity ofseabirds at Cape

Peirce, Bluff, and Cape Thompson, Alaska, 1990. Minerals Mgmt. Serv., OCS Study MMS

92-0047.

Springer, A.M. and D.G. Roseneau. 1977. A comparative sea-cliff bird inventory of the Cape

Thompson vicinity, Alaska. U.S. Dept. Commer., NOAA OCSEAP, Annu. Rept., Vol. 5, pp.

206-262.

Springer, A.M. and D.G. Roseneau. 1978.. Ecological studies of colonial seabirds at Cape

Thompson and Cape Lisburne, Alaska. U.S. Dept. Commer., NOAA OCSEAP, Annu. Rept.,

Vol. 2, pp. 839-960.

Springer, A.M. and D.G. Roseneau. 1989. Food habits of murres and kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne,'

Alaska during late July-early August 1987. Unpubl. rept. by FALCO, Fairbanks, Alaska for

the U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Alaska Maritime Natl. Wildl. Refuge, Homer, AK.

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Cape Thompson and Cape Lisburne, Alaska. U.S. Dept. Commer., NOAA OCSEAP, Annu.

Rept., Vol. 2, pp. 517-574. •

Springer, A.M., D.G. Roseneau, E.e. Murphy, and M.L Springer. 1984. Environmental controls

of marine food webs: food habits of seabirds in the eastern Chukchi Sea. Can. 1. Fish. Aquat.

Sci. 41: 1202-1215.

25
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Springer, AM., E.C. Murphy, B.A Cooper, V, Byrd, and D.G. Roseneau. 1985a. Food habits

of seabirds at Bluff and Cape Lisburne. Unpub!. rept. to the U.S. Fish Wild!. Serv, Alaska

Maritime Nat!. Wild!. Refuge, Homer, AK.

Springer, A.M., E,C. Murphy, D:G. Roseneau, and M.1. Springer. 1985b. Population status,

reproductive ecology and trophic relationships ofseabirds in northwestern Alaska, U.S, Dept.

Commer., NOAA OCSEAP, Final Rept., Vo!. 30, pp. 127-242.

Springer, A.M., D,G. Roseneau, E.C. Murphy, and M.1. Springer. 1985c. Population and

trophies studies of seabirds in the northern Bering and eastern Chukchi seas, 1982, U,S, Dept.

Commer., NOAA OCSEAP, Final Rept.,'Vo!. 30, pp. 56-126. .

Springer, A.M., D.G. Roseneau, B.A. Cooper, S. Cooper, P.D, Martin, AD, McGuire, E.C.

Murphy, and G. van Vliet. 1985d. Population and trophies studies of seabirds in the northern

Bering and eastern Chukchi seas, 1983, U.S. Dept. Commer., NOAA OCSEAP, Final Rept.,

Vo!. 30, pp. 243-305.

Springer, A.M., D.G. Roseneau, D.S. Lloyd, c.P. McRoy, and E.C. Murphy, 1986, Seabird

responses to fluctuating prey availability in the eastern Bering Sea. Marine Eco!. Prog. Ser. 32:

1-12.

Stringer, WJ.1982. Width and persistence of the Chukchi polynya. Rept. by the Geophysical

Inst., Univ. Alaska-Fairbanks to U.S. Dept. Commer., NOANOCSEAP, Juneau, AK.

Swartz, G. 1966. Sea-cliff birds. pp. 611-678 in N.J. Wilimovsky and J.N. Wolfe (eds,),

Environment of the Cape Thompson region, Alaska. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Oak

Ridge, TN.

Swartz, G, 1967. Distribution and movements of seabirds in the Bering and Chukchi seas. Pacific

Sci. 21: 332-347.

Tuck, L.M. 1961. The murres: Their distribution, populations and biology-a study of the genus

Uria. Canadian Wild!. Monograph Series No. 1. 260 pp.

Weingartner, TJ. and T. Proshutinsky. 1998. Modeling the circulation of the Chukchi Sea shelf.

Final Rept., OCS Study MMS 98-0017, Coastal Marine Inst., Oniv. of Alaska-Fairbanks,

Fairbanks, AK.

Weingartner, T.J., DJ, Cavalieri, K. Aagaard, and Y. Sasaki. 1998. Circulation, dense water

formation, and outflow on the northeast Chukchi Sea shelf. J. Geophys. Res. 103: 7647-7661.

Woodby, D.A. and G.J. Divoky. 1982. Spring migration of eiders and other waterbirds at Point

Barrow, Alaska. Arctic 35: 403-410.

26
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Table I. Average counts of black-legged kittiwakes and kittiwake nests on 10 census plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1977-1997 (birds

and nests were counted by I's; counts were made from boats unless noted otherwise below).

Year

Census Plol 1977" 1978 b 1979 ' 1981d 1983< 1985 f 1986 g 1987 h 1992i 19951 1996k 19971 Till SDn Cy (%)"

11 1'14 p 202 260 259 387 409 494 304 132 43.5

(112) q (157) (259) (237) (210) (195) (60) (30.8)

12 75 179 207 128 395 422 457 266 155 58.2

(73) (160) (309) (309) (2~1) (226) (106) (46.7)

25 54 45 77 58 93 107 110 78 26 33.9

(48) (40) (63) (54) (72) (55) (13) (22.8)

26 265 246 322 230 321 325 368 297 50 16.9

(235) (222) (217) (299) (246) (244) (33) (13.5)

30 126 139 216 201 158 197 206 178 36 20.2

(126) (124) (173) (139) (131) (139) (20) (14.5.)

32 33 43 22 173 286 375 272 172 143 831

(0) (38) (156) (218) (238) (130) (107) (82.0)

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Western 667 854 1,104 1,049 1,640 1,835 1,907 1,294 495 38.3

Subtotal (594) (741) (1,177) (1,256) (1,178) (989) (300) (30.3)

65 247 340 371 310 460' 456 612 338 ' 332 342 397 347 67 19.3

(247) (336) (272) (266) (322) (233) (272) (248) (260) (260) (12) (4.7)

66 50 47 51 43 50 61 83 44' 45 29 77 48 14 30.0

(50) (37) (40) (45) (39) (58) (46) . (30) (28) (39) (10) (24.8)

70 296 302 352 116 324 u 419 273 262 v 370 332 406 301 94 31.3

(291) (172) (113) (252) (174) (245) (336) (270) (236) (249) (84) (339)

72 274 189 204 128 210 240 585 140 w 240 217 217 204 52 25.7

(259) (183) ( 118) (144) (364) (117) (183) (184) ( 162) (181) (51 ) (282)

- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Northern 867 878 978 597 1,044 1,176 1,553 784 987 920 1,097 989 244 24.7

Subtotal (847) (728) (543) (707) (899) (643) (837) (732) (686) (736) (Ill) (15. I)

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

TOlal· 1,534 1,451 2,148 1,833 2,627 .2,755 3,004 2,193 616 28.1

(1,441) (1,284) (2,014) (1,988) (1,864) (1,718) (334) ( 19.5)

a Census Plots 70 and 72 were counted on II August 1977; Census Plots II and 12 were counted on 12 August; Census Plol 30 was counted on 13 August; Census

Plots 65 and 66 were counted on 16 August; nnd Census Plots 25, 26, <lnd 32 were counted Ull 27 August. Data arc from Springer and Roscncau (1978), Springer c/ al.

(1979), and Springer elal. (unpubl. dala).

27
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Table I (Continued).

_.,

_.- -,,-~ ,_. --~

b All counts were made during late July and early August 1978. Data are from Springer e/ at. (1979).

c All counts were made on 19 July 1979. Data are from Springer el al. (unpub\. data) and Byrd (1986).

d Census Plots 11, 12,25,26,30, and 32 were counted on 25 July and 2 August 1981; and Census Plots 65, 66, 70,'and 72 were counted on 25 July. Data are from

Roseneau e/ at. (1985) and Springer el at. (unpub\. data).

e Census Plots II, 12,25,26,30, and 32 were counted from a boat on 21 July 1983; Census Plots 66 and 72 were counted from a boat on 11 August; and Census Plots

65 and 70 were counted from the beach on II August. Data are from Springer el al. (1985d), Springer el al., unpub\. data; and Byrd (1986).\

f All counts were made from the beach during late July and early August 1985. Data are from Springer el al. (unpub\. data) and Byrd (1986).

g All counts were made by from the beach during 28-31 July 1986. Data are from Springer e/ at. (unpub\. data) and Byrd (1986).

h The counts were made on 4 August 1987. Data are from Roseneau el at. (1992) and D.O. Roseneau and AL. Sowls (unpub\. data).

i Census Plots 1\, 12,25, and 26 were counted on 25 July 1992; Census Plots 30 and 32 were counted on 27 July; and Census Plots 65.66,70, and 72 were counted on

31 July and 6 August Data are from Denlinger el al. (1994).

j The count. was made on 9 August 1995; data are from this study.

k The count was made on 18 August 1996; data are from this study.

t The count was made on 10 August 1997; data are from this study.

m X = mean.

n SD; standard deviation.

o CV; coefficient of variation [standard deviation (SD) divided by the mean and multiplied by 100].

P Numbers not enclosed by parentheses are numbers of birds.

q Numbers in parentheses are numbers of nests.

r In 1983 a boat-based count of Census Plot 65 made within 30 minutes of the land-based count of 460 birds totaled only 250 individuals (Springer el al.. unpub\. data).

s Average of two counts of Census Plot 65 in 1992: (31 July 1245 hrs) AL. Sowls; 358; D.O. Roseneau; 348; mean; 353; (6 August 1348 hrs) A.L Sowls; 324;

D.G. Roseneau ; 321; mean ; 323.

t Average oftwo counts of Census Plot 66 in 1992: (31 July 1350 hrs) A.L Sowls; 44; D.O. Roseneau ; 47; mean; 46; (6 August 1438 hrs) A.L Sowls ; 44; D.O.

Roseneau; 40; mean; 42.

u Byrd (1986) reported a total of 316 birds on Census Plot 70 in 1983, but the mean of two counts from the beach on II August 1983 (338 birds and 310 birds,

respectively) is 324 individuals (Springer el al., unpub\. data). Also, a boat-based count of Census Plot 70 made within 45 minutes of the land'based count of 324 birds

totaled only 200 individuals (Springer el·al" unpub\. data).

v Average of two counts of Census Plot 70 in 1992: (31 July 1415 hrs) A.L Sowls; 239; D.O. Roseneau; 244; mean; 242; (6 August 1455 hrs) A.L Sowls; 268;

D.O. Roseneau; 294; mean; 281.

w Average of two counts of Census Plot 72 in 1992: (31 July 1500 hrs) A.L Sowls ; 135; D.O. Roseneau ; 130; mean; 133; (6 August 1545 hrs) A.L Sowls'; 142;

D.G. Roseneau; 149; mean; 146.

28
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Table 2, Counts ofblack"legged kittiwakes and kittiwake nests on land plots 1-8 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1987"1997 (birds

and nests were counted by 1's; counts were made from land).

1987" 1992b 1993c t995d t996d I997d

Date Birds (Nests) Date Birds (Nests) Date Birds (Nests) Date Birds (Nests) Date Birds (Nests) Date Birds (Nests)

t8 Jul 458 (361) 17 Jul 36t (334) 2t Jut 427 (383) 24 Jut 390 (397) 7Jut 260 (290) t t Jut 539

t Aug 556 (370) 20 Jut 312 (33t) 26 Jut 411 (393) 27 Jut 519 9 Jul 310 12 Jut 425 (394)

23 Jut 331 28 Ju\ 510 28 Jul 484 tOlul 4t4 21 Jut 53t

28 Jul 358 t Aug 508 29 Jul 538 20 Jut 522' 24 Jut 494

30 Jul 366 2 Aug 454 30 Jut 491 3t Jut 449 30 Jut 5t5

3 Aug 391 5 Aug 480 10 Aug 631 2 Aug 551

8 Aug 569 t3 Aug 440

10 Aug 532 19 Aug 458

XC 507 (366) 403 (333) 462 (388) 475 (397) 43 t (290) 509 (394)

SDf . 69 (6) 95 (2) 46 (7) 46 136 46

Ilg 2 (2) 8 (2) 5 (2) 8 (J) 6 iI) 6 (I)

"Data are from Denlinger et al. (1994) and D.G Roseneau and A.L. Sowts (unpub\. data).

b Data are from Dentinger et at. (1994).

C Data are from A.L. Sowts (unpub\. data).

d Data arc from this study.

e X = mean.

f SD = standard deviation.

gil = sample size (number of counts).

29
mmmm•IIIIIIIIIIIIII
"'_'?=-'~~,'-, -,,,--,,..,-~, ~-~--"~",-~",-,,,""-""-'--~, -"""-"""-=~-"~"'-'~-"""-~-

Table 3, Average counts of murres on census plots CP II, 12,25,26,30,32,65,66,70, and 72 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1976-1997

(counts were made from boats unless noted otherwise below; birds were counted by 100's in 1976 and by lO's in all other years).

Year

Census Plot 1976" 1977b 1979' 1981d 1983e 1984f 1987g 1992h 1995; 1996i 1997k ' Xl SO"' CV ('¥o)"

II 750 928 910 1,072 1,170 1,115 1,765 1,335 1,640 1,620 1,850 1,287 378 29.4

12 1,300 1,545 1,480 1,776 1,500 2,175 2,960 2,055 3,203 3,075 4,640 2,337 1,027 43.9

25 825 1,085 790 928 755 780 1,228 860 1,120 1,020 1,220 965 178 18.4

26 600 1,225 1,140 1,033 925 1,113 1,135 929 1,620 1,245 1,485 1,132 276 24.4

30 4,250 3,585 4,065 3,588 3,140 4,180 5,645 5,142 7,670 6,530 7,568 5,033 1,614 32,1

32 2,200 1,738 2,005 1,716 1,910 1,865 2,875 5,124 6,035 5,685 8,223 3,580 2,278 63.6

65° 1,275 2,010 1,915 2,208 2,232P 2,130 2,575 2,264Q 2,800 3,060 2,410 2,262 472 20.9

66 1,250 1,335 1,568 1,450 1,820 1,325 2,260 2,098r 2,865 2,170 2,660 1,891 560 29.6

70S 900 1,205 1,290 1,135 1,953 1,240 1,805 1,53 Jl 2,140 2,223 2,295 1,611 492 30,5

72 750 845 960 642 985 690 1,180 774" 1,320 1,138 '. 1,065 941 220 23.4

- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Total 14,100 15,501 16,123 15,548 16,390 16,613 23,428 22,112 30,413 27,766 33,416 21,037 6,837 32.5

" The counts were made on 25-28 August 1976 after the census period and were probably too low. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1978), Springer el al.

(1979), and Murphy el al. (1980). ,

b, The counts were made on 21-26 July 1977. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1978), Springer el ai, (1979), and Murphy el al. (1980).

C The counts were made on 15 August 1979. Data are from Murphy el al. (1980). " ,

d The counts were made on 25 July and 2 August 1981. Data are from Roseneau el al. (1985).

e The counts were made on 21 July, and 6, II, and 19 August 1983 (additional counts made on 27-28 August were not included in these calculations because they were

made outside the census period). Data are from Springer el al. (1985),

f The counts were made on 4 August 1984. Data are from Byrd (1986); and A.M. Springer and G.V. Byrd, unpubl. data.

g The counts were made on 4 August 1987. Data arc from Roseneau el al. (1992) and D.G. Roseneau and A.L. Sowls (unpubl. data).

h The counts of Census Plots II, 12, 25, and 26 were made on 25 July 1992; Census Plots 30 and 32 were counted on 27 July; and Census Plots 65, 66, 70, and 72

were counted on 31 July and 6 August. Data are from Denlinger el al. (1994). .

; The counts were made on 9 August 1995. Data are from this study.

j The counts were made on 28 July 1996. Data are from this study.

k The counts were made on 31 July 1997. Data arc from this study.

I .r == mean.

m SD = standard deviation.

n CV = !.:ocfficicnt of variation Istandard deviation (SD) divided hy the mean and mulliplicd hy.IOO}.

30
mmmm•I•IIIIIIIIII•I
cc,_"",_~.,_ ,_=~"_' _, ,_,,,_

,_ __ _=___ ,_._.. ,_,,._,,

Table 3 (Continued).

o Census Plot 65 was counted from the beach in 1983 and 1984 and from boats in all other years.

P The raw mean of 2,236 for Census Plot 65 in 1983, reported by Springer et al. (1985d) on page 296 of OCSEAP Vol. 30, Final Report of Principal Investigators, is

an error; the correct number is 2,232.

q Average of two counts for Census Plot 65 in 1992: (31 July 1245 hrs) AL Sowls = 2,375; D.G. Roseneau = 2,395; mean = 2,385; (6 August 1348 hrs) AL

Sowls = 2,163; D.G. Roseneau = 2,120; mean = 2,142. ' r Average of two counts for Census Plot 66 in 1992: (31 July 1350 hrs) A.L Sowls =1,895; D.G. Roseneau =1,795; mean = 1,845; (6 August 1438 hrs) A.L

Sowls =2,360; D.G. Roseneau =2,340; mean =2,350.

S Census Plot 70 was counted from the beach in 1983 and from boats in all other years. t Average of two counts for Census Plot 70 in 1992: (31 July 1415 hrs) A.L Sowls =1,583; D.G. Roseneau =1,610; mean = 1,597; (6 August 1455 hrs) A.L

Sowls = 1,410; D.G. Roseneau =1,520; mean = 1,465. U Average of two counts for Census Plot 72 in 1992: (31 July 1500 hrs) AL Sowls =890; D.G. Roseneau =875; mean =883; (6 August 1545 hrs) AL Snwls = 640; D.G. Roseneau =690; mean = 665. '

31
I

mBIIeDIIII••IIIIIII
-

, "-"~'-"-"-""--" -,-,,-,-,--,_.,,--,-,,--, ,_.,,-,--"---,

Table 4, Counts of murres on land plots LP 1-7 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1987-1997 (counts were made from land;

birds were counted by I's).

1987a 1992b 1993' 1995d I996d

Date Birds Date Birds Date Birds Date Birds Date Birds

14 Jul 1,399 17 Jul 2,091 21 Jul 2,102 17 Jul 2,260 10 Jul 2,589

16 Jul 1,408 20 Jul 2,401 26 Jul 1,915 19 Jul 2,747 14 Jul 1,954

18 Ju1 1,488 25 Jul 1,540 28 Jul 2,965 24 Jul 2,675 20 Jul 2,483

21 Jul 1,278 28 Jul 2,147 1 Aug 2,468 27 Jul 2,424 27 Jul 2,498

28 Jul 1,723 30 Jul 2,094 2 Aug 2,028 28 Ju1 2,557 31 Jul 2,168

30 Jul 2,205 3 Aug 1,922 29 Jul 2,658 1 Aug 1,930

I Aug 2,025 4 Aug 1,927 30 Jul 2,926 8 Aug 2,834

4 Aug 1,868 8 Aug 1,997 5 Aug 2,786 10 Aug 3,243

10 Aug 2,725 13 Aug 2,826

1997d

Date Birds

II Jul 3,103

12 Jul 2,801

17 Jul 2,826

21'Jul 3,439

22 Jul 2,641

24 Jul 3,268

25 Jul 2,219

30 Jul 2,747

2 Aug 2,441

5 Aug 3,966

x e

SOl

(n)g

1,674

334

(S)

2,094

330

(9)

2,296

428

(5)

2,651

208

(9)

2,462

446

is)

2,945

512

(/0)

a Data are from Denlinger et al. (1994) and D.G Roseneau and A.L. Sowls (unpub!. data).

b Data are from Denlinger et al. (1994).

C Data are from A.L. Sowls (unpub!. data),

d Data are from this study.

e x=mean.,

f SO = standard deviation.

g n = sample size (number of counts).

32
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Table 5. Black-legged kittiwake hatching dates at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1987-1997.

Yearl

First Hatching Date 66% Hatc h Interval' Estimated Peak Hatching Date' Median Hatching Date

1987 22 Jul 22-31 Jul NO' 29 Jul'

1992 -20 Jul 20 Jul- 1 Aug ND 28 lui

1993 NO (by about 28 lui) NO 29 Jul'

1995 17 Jul 17-31 Jul -27-28 Jul 26 Jul'

1996 (no eggs hatched)'

1997 17 Jul 17-30 Jul -26-27 Jul 25 lui'

Mean Date: 19 Jul'

'Data are from: 1987 and 1992-1993, A.L. Sowls and D.G. Roseneau, unpub\. Data; 1995-1997, this study.

2 The interval during which about 66% of the eggs hatched.

J Dale when about 50% of the eggs were estimated to have hatched (estimates were based on the 66% hatch intcrval).

• NO = no data.

, These median dates were calculated using chick hatching ranges of more than 7 days. The hatching ranges for thcse

years were: 1987,10 days; 1993,.11 days; 1995, 10 days; and 1997,8 days.

'In 1996, only 2 eggs were laid on the study plots, and both failed to hatch.

, Based on Julian dates for both leap and non-leap years.

33
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Table 6a. Hatching and sea-going dates of thick-billed murre chicks at Cape Lisburne, Alaska,

1995·1997:

Year First Hatch Date Median Hatch Date First Sea-going Date Median Sea-going Date

b 1995 19 Jul 27 Jul (SD = 2.4 days) 14 Aug 21 Aug (SD = 2.0 days)

1996 .22 Jul 3 Aug (SD = 2.2 days) 11 Aug 25 Aug (SD = 1.7 days)

1997 18 Jul 28 Jul (SD = 3.0 days) 8 Aug 20 Aug (SD = 1.2 days)

, All calculations were made using Julian dates that took leap years into account (1996 was a leap year). Data arc

from Appendices 6 and 7; plots were used as sample units.

b SD = standard deviation.

Table 6b. Hatching and sea-going dates of common murre chicks at Cape Lisburne, Alaska,

1995-1997."

Year First Hatch Date Median Hatch Date First Sea-going Date Median Sea-going Date

b 1995 23 Jul 31 Jul (SD =6.2 days) 16Aug 24Au~

1996 27 Jul 5 Aug (SD =5.3 days) 21 Aug 29 Aug

1997 23 Jul 30 Jul (SD =3.6 days) 14Aug 21 Aug

, All calculations were made using Julian dates that took leap years into account (1996 was a leap year). Data are

from Appendices 8 and 9; nest sites Were used as sample units. '

b SD = standard deviation.

34
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Table 7. Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska.

1995-1997. 1 .

Parameter 1995 1996 1997

Laying Success2 0.84 am 0.63

Clutch Size' 1.71 1.00 1:25

Nesting Success4 0.74 0.00 0.72

Hatching Success' 0.66 0.00 0.68

Chick Success' 0.49 0.00 0.81

Egg Success7 ~. 0.33 0.00 0.56

Fledging Success' 0.73 0.00 0.94

Reproductive Success9 0.54 0.00 0.67

Fledglings per Nest StartlO 0.47 0.00 0.42

Overall Productivity" 0.46 0.00 0.41

Total Eggs 309 2 157

Total Plots (n) (8) (8) (8)

1 Data are from Appendices 10, 11; and 12 (results using plots as sample units; i.e., "All Plots" column).

2 Number of nests with 1 or more eggs divided by number of nests.

, Number of eggs divided by number of nests with I or more eggs.

4 Number of nests with 1 or more chicks divided by number of nests with lor more eggs.

, Number of chicks divided by number of eggs.

, Number of chicks fledged divided by number of chicks.

7 Number of chicks fledged divided by number of eggs.

8 Number of nests with 1 or more chicks fledged divided by number of nests with I or more chicks.

9 Number of nests with 1 or more chicks fledged divided by number of nests with I or more eggs.

10 Number of chicks fledged divided by number of nests.

11 Number of neslS with 1 or more chicks fledged divided by number of nests.

35
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Table 8. Estimated productivity of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during

1976-1997 (1976-1993 estimates were typically based on data collected during the first 2

weeks of August before hatching Was complete; the average date that information was last

obtained in those years was 8 August-to compare 1995-1997 data with information from

1976-1993, 1995-1997 estimates were calculated from observations made as near to that date

as possible-9, .11, and 8 August, respectively; see Appendices 14-16)."

Year Eggs or Chicks Nest Attempt-! Eggs or Chicks Successful Nest-I

1976 0.1 1.0

1977 0.6 I. 1.

1978 0.8 1.2

1979 1.8 1.8

1980 1.5 1.6

1981 1.3 1.7

1983 1.6 1.7

1984 < 0.1 1.3

1985 0.2 1.1

1986 0.9 1.4

1987 1.2 1.4

1992 0.3b LOb

(0.2) (1.1)

1993 0.7c 1.1 c

(0.7) (1.0)

1995 0.9d 1.2d

(0.7) (1.2)

1996 <O.l e 1.0e

(0.0) (0.0)

1997 0.6f I.I f

(0.5) (1.1 )

Mean 0.8 1.3

a Data for 1976-1987 are from Table 5 in Byrd (1986); data for 1987 are from Table 8 in Roseneau et al.

(1992); data for 1992 are from Denlinger etal. (1994); data for 1993 are from A.L. Sowls (unpubl. data);

and data for 1995-1997 are from this study. Productivity is expressed as eggs or chicks per successful nest

(a complete nest structure containing an egg or chick, or both, when it was examined), and eggs or chicks

per nesting attempt (a nest structure to which nesting material was added during the breeding season, which

may have never contained eggs, or which may have lost eggs or chicks before the nest was examined).

36
mmmIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
I' -----------------------_

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Table 8 (Continued).

b Two 1992 data points are shown for each category. Numbers listed first (0.3 and 1.0) are total numbers nf

eggs/chicks found in nests checked on 8 August 1992. These data are comparable to data reported from

previous years. Numbers listed in parentheses (0.2 and 1.1) indicate estimated actual production of chicks

based on the number of live, healthy-appearing chicks present in the nests checked on 8 August 1992 (i.e ..

in this case. eggs remaining in the nests were not included in the calculations because most were unlikely

to hatch).

c Two 1993 data points are shown for each category. Numbers listed first (0.7 and 1.1) are total numbers of

eggs/chicks found in nests checked on 3 August 1993. These data are comparable to data reported from

previous years. Numbers listed in parentheses(0.7 and 1.0) indicate estimated actual production of chicks

based on the number of live, healthy-appearing chicks present in the nests checked on 3 August 1993 (i.e ..

in this case, eggs remaininK in the nests were not included in the calculations because most were unlikely

to hatch). .

d. Two 1995 data points are shown for each category. Numbers listed first (0.9 and 1.2) are total numbers of

eggs/chicks found in nests checked on 9 August 1995..These data are comparable to data reported from

previous years. Numbers listed in parentheses (0.7 and 1.2) indicate estimated actual production of chicks

based on the number of live, healthy-appearing chicks present in the nests checked on 9 August 1995.

e Two 1996 data points areshown for each category. Numbers listed first «0.1 and 1.0) are total numbers

of eggs/chicks found in nests checked on II Augus1'1996. These data are comparable to data reponed from

previous years. Numbers listed in parentheses (0.0 and 0.0) indicate estimated actual production of chicks.

Only two eggs that were unlikely to hatch were present in two nests on 11 AuguSt 1996; all other nests

were still empty and falling into disrepair. In late August, a few fledglings were finally observed on First

and Kittiwake beaches and in other parts of the colony; however, total numbers were too small «20 birds)

to indicate anything other than a near-complete, colony-wide breeding failure.

f Two 1997 data points are shown for each category. Numbers listed first (0.6 and 1.1) are total numbers of

eggs/chicks found in nests checked on 8 August 1997. These data are comparable to data reported from

previous years. Numbers listed in parentheses (0.5 and 1.1) indicate estimated actual production of chicks

based on ,the number of live, healthy-appearing chicks present in the nests checked on 8 August 1997,

,.

37
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Table 9. Reproductive performance of murres at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1995-1997.'

1995 1996 1997

Parameter COMU' TBMUJ COMU TBMU COMU TBMU

Hatching Success' 0,95 0,91 0,75 0,59 0,75 0,73

Fledging Success' 0,93 0,93 0,82 0,90 0.91 0,87

Reproductive Success6 D.88 0.85 0.62 0.53 0.68 0.63

Total Eggs 44 294 33 247 35 264

Total Plots (n) (2) (13) (2) (12) (2) (10)

I Data are from Appendices 16 and 17 (results using plots as sample units),

, COMU = common murre.

3 TBMU = thick-billed murre.

• Chicks per egg.

, fleglings per chick hatched,

6 fledglings per egg.

38
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Table 10. Growth rates of black-legged kittiwake chicks during the linear phase of growth at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska in 1995 and 1997 (no chicks were produced at the colony in 1996).

Chick 1995 Siopea

Number 31 Jul 4 Aug 9 Aug 15 Aug 20 Aug 25 Aug (grams/day)

21 105b 218 340 375c 476 26.0

22 48 115 200 264 .270 432 11.5

23 40 86 150 255 402 14.3

33 138 224 285 404 16.2

34 105 185 290 374 400 487 20.6

35A 45 118 195 16.6

35B 82 136 230 219 297 377 9.9

36 50 115 244 261 337 13.6

38 80 140 280 394 22.5

Mean 16.8

Standard Deviation 5.3

Chick 1997 Slope

Number 29 Ju1 30 Jul 1 Aug 8 Aug 18 Aug 28 Aug (grams/day)

10 56 121 221 397 16.1

17 45 72 177 377 472 14.8

19 60 93 261 442 22.8

23 58 160 387 14.6

33a 112 172 318 432 20.6

33b 81 141 234 402 14.9

34 126 168 347 494 22.7

35 46 166 372 482 17.1

Mean 18.0

Standard Deviation 3.5

a Slope of simple linear regression; only weights of 350 g or less (the linear phase of growth) were used to calculate

slopes.

b Weight in grams.

c Italicized weights (over 350 g) were excluded from calculations.

39
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Table 11. Weights ofsea-going murre chicks at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1995-1997."

Common Murres Thick-billed Murres

Parameter 1995b 19960 1997d 1995b 19960 1997<

Mean Weight 236 220 180 226 207 193

Standard Deviation 23 19 10 28 24 31

Minimum Weight· 196 186 168 156 148 152

Maximum Weight 280 240 188 290 255 234

Sample Size In) (/7) (/2) (5) (40) (58) (10)

" Weight in grams at the time chicks jumped from nesting ledges. .

b Chicks were captured and weighed as they jumped from nesting ledges during 20-26 August 1995; some chicks

that had jumped and died shortly afterward were also collected and weighed during the same time period.

C Chicks were captured and weighed as they jumped from nesting ledges during 20-28 August 1996; some chicks

that had jumped and died shortly afterward were also collected and weighed during 16-26 August.

d No live common murre chicks were captured in 1997; chicks that had jumped and died shortly afterward were

collected and weighed during 17-23 August.

< Thick-billed murre chicks were captured and weighed as they jumped from nesting ledges during 18-22 August

1997.

40
mm•••IIIIIIIIIIIIII

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Table 12 (Continued).

TBMU CaMU BUG

n .% n % II %

B. Numbers of Individuals (continued)

Mysid (Neomysis rayii) 227 26 0 0 0 0

Gammaridean amphipod (Gammaridea) I <I 0 0 I <I

Hyperiidean amphipod (Paralhemislo libellula) 36 4 I <I 370 13

Euphausiid (Thysanoessa spp,) 271 31 202 81 1,787 64

Pandalid shrimp (Pandalus spp,) I <I 0 0 I <I

Hippolytid shrimp (Eualus spp.) I <I 0 0 I <I

Unidentified shrimp 2f <I 0 0 0 0

Unidentified crab (Decapoda) 0 0 0 0 I <I

Unidentified crustacean 8g I 6h 2 0 0

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• , ••••••• p ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

........................

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total measurable items 1,791 100 269 100 1,455 100

Total measurable fish 1,681 94 252 94 1,370 94

Total measurable invertebrates 110 6 17 6 85 6

Capelin (Mallolus vil/osus) 9 <I 0 0 6 <I

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 1,171 65 192 72 1,027 71

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 58 3 5 2 6 <I

Unidentified cod (Gadidae)a 33 2 0 0 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammadyles hexaplerus) 144 8 5 2 76 5

yay sculpin (Couidae)b,c 27 2 6 2 226 16

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae)d 192 II 44 16 0 0

yay flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 42 2 <I <I 29 2

Unidentified fish 5 <I <I <I 0 0

Mussel (Mylilus spp.) 0 0 0 0 oe 0

Polychaete (Nereis spp.) 0 0 0 0 2 <I

Mysid (Neomysis rayii) 82 5 0 0 0 0

Gammaridean amphipod (Gammaridea) <I <I 0 0 <I <I

Hyperiidean amphipod (Paralhem/slo libellula) 2 <I 1 <I 32 2

Euphausiid (Thysanoessa spp.) 20 1 16 6 31 2

Pandalid shrimp (Pandalus spp,) 1 <I 0 0 5 <I

Hippolytid shrimp (Eualus spp.) 5 <I 0 0 10 <I

Unidentified shrimp Of 0 0 0 0 0

Unidentified crab (Decapoda) 0 O' 0 0 5 <I

Unidentified crustacean og 0 Oh 0 0 0

a The unidentified cod were either Pacific tomcod (Microgadus proximus) or polar cod (Arclogadus glacialis)---definitely

not Arctic cod, saffron cod, or Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus).

b yay =young-of-the-year.

c Most (if not all) of the yay sculpin were fourhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricomis).

d Most of these sculpin were fourhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricomis); a few may have been Icelus spp.

e Unweighable trace representing at least one individual present in one BLKI stomach.

f Unweighable trace representing at least two individuals present in two TBMU stomachs.

g Unweighable trace representing at least eight individu'als present in eight TBMU stomachs.

h Unweighable trace representing at least six individuals present in six COMU stomachs.

42
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Table 13. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU) and black-legged

kittiwake (BLKl) adults collected during 5 July - 12 August 1996 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Values in

parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs examined, and values not in parentheses

show percent frequency, numbers, and weight among stomachs containing identifiable prey items.

TBMU COMua BUG

II % II % /I %

Number of stomachs examined 19 (100) 0 0 9 (100)

Number of empty stomachs 1 (5) 0 0 2 (22)

..............., ........., ....................,...., ................., ..........................................., ...............

Number of stomachs containing prey 18 (95) 0 0 7 (78)

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) 17 94 0 0 6 86

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey) 11 61 0 0 3 43

.... , ................................................................, ........................, ................................. , ..............

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saidn) 8 44 0 0 I 14

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 5 28 0 0 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 4 57

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 3 17 0 0 1 14

Unidentified sculpin (Couidae) 13 72 0 0 0 0

Longhead dab (Limandn proboscidea) 2 11 0 0 0 0

Unidentified squid (Cephalopoda) I 6 0 0 0 0

Polychaete (Nereis spp.) 0 0 0 0 I 14

Mysid INeomysis rayii) 7 39 0 0 I 14

Gamrnaridean amphipod (Gammaridea) 1 6 0 0 0 0

Hyperiidean amphipod IParathemisto libel/ula) I 6 0 0 0 0

Euphausiid IThysanoessa spp.) 2 11 0 0 0 0

Pandalid shrimp IPandalus spp.) 2 II 0 0 0 0

Crangonid shrimp (Sclerocrangon spp.! 4 22 0 0 I 14

Unidentified crustacean 1 6 0 0 0 0

................................................................................................................................. ...........

B. Numbers of Individuals

Total countable prey items 349 100 0 0 43 100

Total countable fish 77 22 0 0 II 26

Total countable invertebrates 272 78 0 0 32 74

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saidn) 26 7 0 0 4 9

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 11 3 0 0 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 6 14

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 5 I 0 0 1 2

Unidentified sculpin (Couidae) 33 9 0 0 0 0

Longhead dab lLimandn proboscidea) 2 1 0 0 0 0

Unidentified squid (Cephalopoda) I <I 0 0 0 0

Polychaete (Nereis spp.) 0 0 0 0 1 2

Mysid (Neomysis rayii) 130 37 0 0 30 70

Gamrnaridean amphipod (Gammaridea) 1 <1 0 0 0 0

Hyperiidean amphipod (ParathemislO.libeliula) . I <1 0 0 0 0

Euphausiid IThysanoessa spp.) 129 37 0 0 0 0

Pandalid shrimp IPando/us spp.) 2 1 0 0 0 0

Crangonid shrimp (Sclerocrangon spp.) 7 2 0 0 I 2

Unidentified crustacean Ib <I 0 0 0 0

............................................................................................. ................................................. ...........

43
mm•••III•IIIIII•II

.'
I

I

I

I

I

'il

.j:

I

I

I·

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

,;

I

'!

I

•

Table 13 (Continued).

TBMU COMua BUG

n % n % n %

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total measurable items 1,167 100 0 0 296 100

Total measurable fish 1,086 93 0 0 281 95

Total measurable invertebrates 81 7 0 0 15 5

Arctic cod IBoreogadus saidn) 701 60 0 0 84 28

Saffron cod IEieginus gracilis) 89 8 0 0 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 196 66

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) II I 0 0 I <I

Unidentified sculpin (CoUidae) 274 23. 0 0 0 0

Longhead dab (Limanda proboscidea) 10 J 0 0 0 0

Unidentified squid (Cephalopoda) 3 <I 0 0 0 ,0

Polychaete (Hereis spp.) 0 0 0 0 I <1

'Mysid (Heomysis rayii) 47 4 0 0 II 4

Gammaridean amphipod (Gammaridea) <I <1 0 0 0 0

Hyperiidean amphipod (Parathemisto libellula) <I <I 0 0 0 0

Euphausiid (Thysanoessa spp.) 6 I 0 0 0 0

Pandalid shrimp (Pandnius spp.) , I <I 0 0 0 0

Crangonid shrimp (Sclerocrangon spp.) 23 2 0 0 3 I

Unidentified crustacean Ob 0 '0 0 0 0

a No adult common mumes (COMU) were collected at Cape Lisburne in 1996.

b Unweighable trace representing at least one individual present in one TBMU stomach.

44
mIIII•111I1111, 1111

I:
I

I Table 14. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected on 30 June and 4 July 1997 at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska. All of the murres were obtained on 4 July. Values in parentheses show frequency

I among total number of stomachs examined, and values not in parentheses show percent frequency,

numbers, and weight among stomachs containing identifiable prey items.

I TBMU COMU BUG

It % 1/ % 1/ %

I Number ofstomachs ex.amined 20 (100) 8 (100) I ( 100)

Number of empty stomachs 2 (10) 0 (0) 0 (0)

;1 ........................................................ , ....................... , ................ ............................................... ............. , ..

I Number of stomachs containing prey 18 (90) 8 (100) I (100)

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) 17 94 7 88 I 100

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey) 12 67 7 88 0 0

I .......................................... , ........................................................ .....................................................

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Capelin IMaliorus 'villosus) I 6 2 25 0 0

I Pacific herring IClupea IuJrengus pallasi) 0 0 I 13 0 0

Arctic cod IBoreogadus saida) 4 22 5 63 0 0

Saffron cod IEleginus gracilis) 2 II 2 25 0 0

Walleye pollock ITheragra cluJlcogramma) 0 0 I 13 0 0

I Unidentifed cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 I 100

Sand la~ce IAmmodytes hexapterus) 2 11 2 25 0 0 ,. Sculpin (Couidae) a 14 78 0 0 0 0 , Aatfish (Pleuronectidae) I 6 I 13 0 0

I Unidentified fish 2 II 3 38 0 0

Polychaete INereis spp.) 1 6 0 0 0 0

I Amphipod IOrchomene spp.) I 6 0 0 0 0

Pandalid shrimp IPandalus spp.) 1 6 0 0 0 0

Hippolytid shrimp lLebbeus groenlandicus) 4 22 0 0 0 0

. Hippolytid shrimp IHepracarpus moserl) I 6 0 0 0 0

I Unidentified shrimp I 6 0 0 0 0

Euphausiid IThysanoessa spp.) 0 0 1 13 0 0

Mysid INeomysis rayii) 5 28 2 25 0 0

Unidentified crustacean 4 22 4 50 0 0

I ...•....... , ......•... , ...••........................••......•......•.. , ........-....•................ , ..... , .•.................. ..................

B. Numbers of Individuals

Total countable prey items 122 100 264 100 I 100

I Total countable fish 63 52 57 22 I 100

Total countable invertebrates 59 48 207 78 0 0 ,

Capelin IMaliorus villosus) I I 3 I 0 0

I Pacific herring IClupea IuJrengus pallasi) 0 0 I <1 0 0

Arctic cod IBoreogadussaUia) 12 10 19 7 0 0

Saffron cod IEleginus gracilis) 2 2 3 I 0 0

I Walleye pollock ITheragra cluJlcogramma) 0 0 I <1 0 0

Unidentifed cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 I 100

Sand lance IAmmodytes hexaprerus) 22 18 25 9 0 0

Sculpin (CoUidae) a 21 17 0 0 0 0

I Flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 3 2 I <1 0 0

Unidentified fish 2 2 4 2 0 0

Polychaete INereis spp.) <1 0 0 0 0

I Amphipod IOrchomene spp.) <1 0 0 0 0

45

I
mmI

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
..

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

•

I

•

•

'.

'I

I

I

I

Table 14 (Continued).

TBMU COMU BLiG

n % n % 1/ %

B. Numbers of Individuals (continued)

Pandalid shrimp (Pandalus spp.) 6 5 0 0 0 0

Hippolytid shrimp(Lebbeus groenlandieus) 5 4 0 0 0 0

Hippolytid shrimp (Heptaearpus moseri) 3 2 0 0 0 0

Unidentified shrimp I <1 I <I 0 0

Euphausiid (Thysanoessa spp.) 0 0 160 61 0 0

Mysid'(Neomysis rayii) 38 31 42 16 0 0

Unidentified crustacean 4 3 4 2 0 0

......................... , ......................................................................................................., .......... , ...........

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total measurable items 215 100 412 100 50 100

Total measurable fish 195 91 394 96 50 100

Total measurable invertebrates 20 9 18 4 0 0

Capelin (MaliolUs villosus) 4 2 8 2 0 0

Pacific herring (elupea harengus pallasi) 0 0 1 <I 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 88 41 301 73 0 0

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 9 4 22 5 0 0

Walleye pollock (Theragra ehaleogramma) 0 0 7 2 0 0

Unidentifed cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 50 100

Sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 25 12 51 12 0 0

Sculpin (Cottidae) a 67 31 0 0 0 0

flatfish (Pleuronectidae) I <I <I <I 0 0

Unidentified fish I <I <I <I .0 0

Polychaete (Nereis spp.) <I <1 0 0 0 0

Arnphipod (Orehomene spp.) <I <I 0 0 0 0

Pandalid shrimp (Pandalus spp.) 4 2 0 0 0 0

Hippolytid shrimp (Lebbeus groenlandieus) 4 2 0 0 0 0

Hippolytid shrimp (Heptacarpus moseri) 4 2 0 0 0 ·0

Unidentified shrimp Ob 0 0 0 0 0

Euphausiid (Thysanoessa spp.) 0 0 10 2 0 0

MySid (Neomysis rayii) 8 4 8 2 0 0

Unidentified crustacean Ob 0 0 0 0 0

a Most of these sculpin were fourhom sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricomis); a few may have been leelus spp.

b Unweighable trace representing at least one individual present in four TBMU stomachs.

46
m

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

Ii

I

I

I

I

I
wB. Numbers oflndividuals

Total countable prey items 395 100 78 100 80 100

Total countable fish 391 99 78 100 80 100

Total countable invertebrates 4 I 0 0 0 0

Capelin (MalloWs villosus) 14 4 5 6 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 2 <I 10 13 6 8

Saffron cod (Elegillus gracilis) 0 0 12 IS I I

Unidentified prickleback (Stichaeidae) 0 0 I I 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 100 25 22 28 23 29

YOY sculpin (Couidae)a 183 46 26 33 48 60

Unidentified sculpin (Couidae) 7 2 0 0 0 0

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 85 22 2 3 0 0

Unidentified fish 0 0 0 0 2 3

Unidentified euphausiid (Euphausiacea) I <I 0 0 0 0

Unidentified shrimp 3 <1 0 0 0 0

..................................................................................................................................... .. .........

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total measurable items 595 100 310 tOO 208 100

Total measurable fish 593 >99 310 100 208 100

Total measurable invertebrates 2 <1 0 0 0 0

Capelin (MalloWS villosus) 7 I 35 II 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 34 6 76 25 81 39

Saffron cod (Elegillus gracilis) 0 0 82 27 I <I

47

...........................................................................................................................................................

TBMU COMU BLKl

n % 11 % 11 %'

Number of stomachs examined II (100) '5 (100) 13 (100)

Number of empty stomachs 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)

.•...•...•............•....•...•...•...•....•.........•...•....•...••...•...•...............•..••........•. ,......•...••..............• .................

Number of stomachs containing prey II (100) 5 (100) 13 (100)

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) II 100 5 100 12 100

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey) 4 36 0 0 0 0

.................................................. ...................................................................................... ................

, A. Frequency of Occurrence

Capelin (Mallotus villosus) 2 18 2 40 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 2 18 2 40 2 17

Saffron cod (Elegillus gracilis) 0 0 4 80 I 8

Unidentified prickleback (Stichaeidae) 0 0, I 20 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodyres hexaprerus) 7 64 4 80 5 42

YOY sculpin (CoUidae)a 4 36 2 40 3 25

Unidentified sculpin (Couidae) 3 27 0 0 0 0

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 2 18 I 20 0 0

Unidentified fish 0 0 0 0 2 17

Unidentified euphausiid (Euphausiacea) I 9 0 0 0 0

Unidentified shrimp 3 27 0 0 0 O'

,Table 15, Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected on 22 July and 3 August 1987 at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska. Values in parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs examined.

and values not in parentheses show percent frequency. numbers, and weight among stomachs

containing identifiable prey items.

'.

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IIIIIIIIIII
TBMU COMU

w.

I

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I

Table 15 (Continued).

/I % n % /I

BLKI

o/c

I

I

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

'.

I

'I

:1

I

•

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g) (continued)

Unidentified prickleback (Stichaeidae)

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus)

YOY sculpin (Couidae)'

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae)

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae)

Unidentified fish

Unidentified euphausiid (Euphausiacea)

Unidentified shrimp

a YOY = young-of-the-year.

o

376

92

41

43

o

I

I

48

o

63

15

7

7

o

<1

<1

8 3 0 0

93 30 102 49

13 4 24 12

0 0 0 0

3 <1 0 0

0 0 <1 <I

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0
.

.

.

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I

Table 16. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected on 22 and 24 July 1992 at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska. Values in parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs examined,

and values not in parentheses show percent frequency, numbers, and weight among stomachs

containing identifiable prey items.

TBMU COMU BUG

It % It % It %"

Number of stomachs examined 19 (100) 10 (100) 10 (100)

Number of empty stomachs 6 (32) 3 (30) 2 (20) ........................................................................................................................................................." .......

Number of stomachs containing prey 13 (68) 7 (70) 8 (80)

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) 8 62 6 86 8 100

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey) 6 46 I 14 2 25 ... , ............................................................................. , .............................................. , .......... " ..... , ....

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 4 31 4 57 5 63

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) a a 2 29 a a

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 1 8 a a a a

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) a a I 14 a a

Unidentified fish 3 23 1 14 3 38

Unidentified polychaete (Polychaeta) a a a a I 13

Unidentified euphausiid (Euphausiacea) 6 46 I 14 1 13

Unidentified crab (Decapoda) a a a a I 13 ..................................................................................................................................................................

B. Numbers of Individuals

Total countable prey items 272 100 47 100 20 100

Total countable fish 13 5 47 100 17 85

Total countable invertebrates 259 95 a a 3 15

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 6 2 35 74 14 70

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) a a 2 4 a a

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 4 I a a a a

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) a a 9 19 0 0

Unidentified fish 3b I lC 2 3b 15

Unidentified polychaete (Polychaeta) a 0 a a I 5

Unidentified euphausiid (Euphausiacea) 259d 95 a 0 Ie 5

Unidentified crab (Decapoda) a 0 a a I 5 ............................................................................., ...... , .............................................................................

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g),

Total measurable items 110 100 464 100 405 100

Total measurable fish 91 83 464 100 403 100

Total measurable invertebrates 19 17 Oc a 2 <1

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 51 46 452 97 403 100

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 7 2 a 0

Unidentified sculpin (Conidae) 40 36 a a 0 0

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) a 0 5 1 0 0

Unidentified fish Ob 0 Oc a ob a

49
IIIIIIIIIII

I,

I'

I,IIIIII
TBMU

I

I

I

Table 16 (Continued).

II %

COMU

II %

•

II

BUG

%

I

I

C. Estimated We't Weight (g) (continued)

Unidentified polychaete (Polychaeta)

Unidentified euphausiid (Euphausiacea)

UnidentifIed crab (Decapoda)

o

19

o

o

17

o

o

oc

o

o

o

o

oc

1

1

o

<I

<I

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,,-

,

6

o

a YOY; young-of-the-year.-

b _Unweighable traces representing at least three individuals present in three TBMU and three BLK! stomachs.

C Unweighable traces representing at least two individuals present in one COMU and one BLK! stomach.

d The remains of 254 euphausiids were found in one TBMU stomach, and unweighable traces representing a total of at

least five more euphausiids were present in five other TBMU stomachs.

50
.

'

,

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I,

I' I

I-II

I' IIIIIII
·w

I

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Table 17, Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected on 28 July \993 at Cape Lisburne,

Alaska. Values in parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs examined, and values

not in parentheses show percent frequency, numbers, and weight, among stomachs containing

identifiable prey items.

TBMU COMU BLK!

II % II % /I %'

Number of stomachs examined 4 (100) 3 (100) 10 ( 100)

Number of empty stomachs 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)

..................................................................................................................................................................

Number of stomachs containing prey 4 (100) 3 (100) 10 ( 100)

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) 4 100 3 100 10 100

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey) 0 0 I 33 0 0

......................................................................................................., ..........................................................

A, Frequency of Occurrence

Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) 0 0 I 33 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 2 50 3 100 4 40

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) I 25 I 33 I 10

YOY cod (Gadidae)" I 25 2 67 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae)b 0 0 I 33 0 0

Prickleback (Lumpenus spp.) 1 25 0 0 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 2 67 5 50

YOY sculpin (CoUidae) 2 50 2 67 3 30

Unidentified sculpin (CoUidae) 2 50 0 0 0 0

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) I 25 2 67 0 0

Unidentified flatfish (Pleuronectidae) I 25 1 33 I 10

Unidentified fish 1 25 I 33 2 20

Hippolytid shrimp (Eualus spp.) 0 0 33 0 0

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • , • • • • • • • • • • • • i • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • , • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • .

B. Numbers ofIndividuals

Total countable prey items 87 100 66 100 75 100

Total countable fish 87 100 65 98 75 100

Total countable invertebrates 0 0 I 2 0 0

Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) 0 0 I 2 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 8 9 18 27 32 43

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 1 1 2 3 2 3

YOY cod (Gadidae)" 9 10 2 3 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae)b 0 0 1 2 0 0

Prickleback (Lumpenus spp.) I 1 0 0 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 5 8 26 35

YOY sculpin (Cottidae) 13 IS 17 26 II IS

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 38 44 0 0 0 0

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) IS 17 15 23 0 0

Unidentified flatfish (Pleuronectidae) I I b 0 2 3

Unidentified fish I I 4 6 2c 3

Hippolytid shrimp (Eua/us spp.) 0 0 Id 2 0 0

..•....•....•....• , .....•........................................................... " ... , ........................................ " ....., ....... " ...•......

5\
•IIIIIIIIII

I'

I;IIIIII
e.

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

'.

I

•

-I

I

I

Table 17 (Continued).

TBMU COMU BLK!

n % n % /I %

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total "measurable items 432 100 339 100 1,168 100

Total measurable fish 432 100 339 100 1.168 100

Total measurable invertebrates 0 0 oct 0 0 0

Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) 0 0 2 I 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 207 48 226 67 461 39

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 5 1 1 <1 I <I

YOY cod (Gadidae)a 9 2 3 1 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae)b 0 0 5 I 0 0

Prickleback (Lumpenus spp.) 3 1 0 0 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 68 20 683 58

YOY sculpin (Couidae) 7 2 9 3 16 I

Unidentified sculpin (Couidae) 174 40 0 0 0 0

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 8 2 8 2 0 0

Unidentified flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 15 3 0 0 7 I

Unidentified fish 5 1 20 6 Oc 0

Hippolytid shrimp (Eualus spp.) 0 0 oct 0 0 0

a YOY =young-of-the-year.

b The unidentified cod wete either Pacific tomcod (Microgadus proximus) or polar cod (Arcrogadus glaciaiis)-<1efinitely

not Arctic cod, saffron cod, or Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus).

c Unweighable trace representing at least two individuals present in two BLKI stomachs.

d Unweighable trace representing at least one individual present in one COMU stomach.

52
••IIIIIIII•••' IIIIII
eM

I

I

I

I

I,

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

'.'.

I

I

10

Table 18. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) chicks salvaged during 4-26 August 1995 at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska. Values in parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs examined,

and values not in parentheses show percent frequency, numbers, and weight, among stomachs

containing identifiable prey items.

TBMU COMU BLKlI

II % II % /I %'

Number ofstomachs examined 22 (100) 3 (100) 5 (100)

Number of empty stomachs 3 (14) 1 (33) I (20)

..........................................................................................................................................................

Number of stomachs containing prey 19. (86) 2 (67) 4 (80)

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) 19 100 2 100 4 100

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey) 0 0 0 0 I 25

........................................................................................................................................................

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Arctic end (Boreogadus saida) 13 68 I 50 0 0

Unidentified end (Gadidae)2 1 5 0 0 0 0

Unidentified prickleback (Stichaeidae) . 1 5 0 0 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 4 21 2 100 3 75

YOY sculpin (Cottidaej3,4 0 0 0 0 I 25

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae)5 7 37 0 0 0 0

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) I 5 0 0 0 0

.Unidentified fish I 5 0 0 0 0

Hyperiidean amphipnd (Parathemisto libelluta) 0 0 0 0 I 25

Euphausiid (Thysalloessa spp.) 0 0 0 0 I 25

..................................................................................................................................................................

B. Numbers of Individuals

Total countable prey items 43 100 4 100 27 100

Total countable fish 43 100 4 100 21 78

Total countable invertebrates 0 0 0 0 6 22

Arctic end (Boreogadus saida) 25 58 2 50 0 0

Unidentified end (Gadidae)2 I 2 0 0 0 0

Unidentified prickleback (Stichaeidae) 2 5 0 0 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 4 9 2 50 6 22

YOY sculpin (Cottidae)3,4 0 0 0 0 15 56

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae)5 9 21 0 0 0 0

YOY flatfish (Pleuronectidae) I 2 0 0 0 0

Unidentified fish I 2 0 0 0 0

Hyperiidean amphipnd (Parathemisto libelluta) 0 0 0 0 3 II

Euphausiid (Thysalloessa spp.) 0 0 0 0 3 I I

.........................................................................................................................•........................................

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total measurable items 548 100 37 100 21 100

Total measurable fish 548 100 37 100 21 100

Total measurable invertebrates 0 0 0 0 <I <5

Arctic end (Boreogadus saida) 453 83 33 89 0 0

Unidentified end (Gadidae)2 5 I 0 0 0 0

Unidentified prickleback (Stichaeidae) 16 3 0 0 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 14 3 4 11 15 71

53
I

.IIIII••••••

.'••••II
.'u

I

I

I

Table 18 (Continued).

TBMU COMU BLKlI

I II % II % II %

The five BLIG samples consisted of two stomachs from chicks that were found dead and regurgitations from three live

chicks. One salvaged stomach was empty and the other contained three Pacific sand lance that weighed a total of 3 g.

2 The unidentified cod were either Pacific tomcod (Microgadus proximus) or polar cod (Arctogadus glacialis)-dcfinitely

not Arctic cod. saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis). or Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus).

) YOY = young·of-the-year.

4 Most. if not all, YOY sculpin were fourhom sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricornis).

5 Most of the sculpin were fourhom sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricornis), but a few may have been Ice/us spp.

I

I

m

m

o

I

,I

I

I

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g) (continued)

YOY sculpin (Cottidae)3.4

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae)5

YOY lIatfish (Pleuronectidae) .

Unidentified fish

Hyperiidean amphipod (Parathemisto libellula)

Euphausiid (Thysalloessa spp.)

o

55

<I

5

o

o

o

to

<\

1

o

o

0 0 6 29

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 <I <5

0 0 <\ <5

54
•

IIIII

I,II

I' II

Ii

I!IIIIII
.'u

Table 19. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU) and common murre

(COMU) chicks salvaged during 15-27 August 1996 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska. Values in parentheses

show frequency among total number of stomachs examined, and values not in parentheses show

percent frequency, numbers, and weight among stomachs containing identifiable prey items.

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 8 35 0 0 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 4 t7 2 40 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodyres hexaprerus) ]\ 48 4 80 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 2 9 0 0 0 0

Unidentified fish 3 13 0 0 0 0

............ ; ........... , .. , ..............................................................................................! .......................................

B. Numbers of Individuals

Total countable prey items 33 100 7 100 0 0

Total countable fish 33 100 7 100 0 0

Total countable invertebrates 0 0 0 0 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 8 24 0 0 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 5 15 . 2 29 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodyres hexaprerus) 15 45 5 71 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 2 6 0 0 0 0

Unidentified fish 3 9 0 0 0 0 .•.....•....••.....•.....••....••...•••.......••.....••....••....•••....••....•••...•..••••....•.......•. ,...••.....•.....•.......•......•.. ...............

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total measurable items 252 100 45 100 0 0

Total measurable fish 252 100 45 100 0 0

Total measurable invertebrates 0 0 0 0 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 152 60 0 0 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 50 20 33 73 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexaprerus) 44 17 12 27 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 4 2 0 0 0 0

Unidentified fish 2 I 0 0 0 0

TBMU

o

o

o

o

o

%

BLIGI

o

o

o

o

o

% /I

COMU

6 (100)

1 (17)

5 (83)

5 100

o 0

n % n

27 (100)

4 (15)

23 (85)

23 100

o 0

55

I No black-legged kittiwake (BLIG) chicks were salvaged at Cape Lisburne in 1996.

Number of stomachs examined

Number of empty stomachs

Number of stomachs containing prey

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey)

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey)

I

I

I

I

I

D

m

m

D

I

D

•

•

'I

I

:.

I

I

I
I' IIIIIIIII

I,

I,IIIIIII
_..w

I

I

.Ii

I

I

I

m

m

I

u

'I

I

I

D

I

Table 20. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake chicks salvaged during 20 July - 29 August 1997 at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska. Values in parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs examined.

and values not in parentheses show percent frequency, numbers, and weight among stomachs

containing identifiable prey items.

TBMU COMU BUG

n % n % II 0/0'

Number of stomachs examined 31 (100) 6 (100) 6 100

Number of empty stomachs 22 (71) 4 (67) I 17

..................................................................................................................................................................

Number of stomachs containing prey 9 (29) 2 (33) 5 (83)

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) 8 89 2 100 5 100

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey) 0 0 0 0 0 0

..................................................................................................................................................................

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 2 22 0 0 2 40

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 0 0 0 0 I 20

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 2 22 0 0 I 20

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 0 0 2 40

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) I 11 0 0 0 0

Flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 1 II 0 0 0 0

Unidentified fish 4 44 2 100 0 0

................................................................................................................................................

B. Numbers of Individuals

Total countable prey items 47 100 2 100 11 0

Total countable fish 47 100 2 100 II 0

Total countable invertebrates 0 0 0 0 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 4 9 0 0 3 27

Saffron cod (Elegillus gracilis) 2 4 0 0 I 9

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 I 9

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 0 0 4 36

Unidentified sculpin (CoUidae) 31 66 0 0 2 18

. Flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 3 6 0 0 0 0

Unidentified fish 7 15 2 100 0 0 ............................................................................................................................................ .....................

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)1

Total measurable items 3 100 0 0 0 0

Total measurable fish 3 100 0 0 0 0

Total measurable invertebrates 0 0 0 0 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Saffron cod (Elegillus gracilis) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 2 100 0 0 0 0

Unidentified fish 0 0 0 0 0 0

I With the exception of three flatfish otoliths found in one TBMU chick stomach, otoliths were too eroded to age fish,

and as a result, it was impossible to use regression equations to estimate fish weights (otoliths were eroded because

almost all of the chicks remained alive for 2-3 days at sea or on the beaches before. they died and were salvaged).

56
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
_..=

','

57

Table 21b. Prey species delivered to common murre (COMU) chicks at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in

1995-1997.

Table 21a. Prey species delivered to thick-billed murre (TBMU) chicks at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in

1995-1997.

1995 1996 1997

n % n % n %

Number of identifiable prey items 33 100 40 100 11 100

Number of fish 30 91 40 100 II 100'

Number of invertebrates 3 9 0 0 0 0

1997

o 0

o 0

3 50

o 0

o 0

3 50

o 0

6 100

6 100

o 0

n %

Number oflndividuals

Capelin (Mallo/us villosus) 0 0 3 8

Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) 1 2 I 5

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 9 14 9 24

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 0 0 2 5

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 2 5

Pacific sand lance (Ammody/es hexapterus) 46 70 21 55

Unidentified prickleback (Stichaeidae) 10 15 0 0

1995 1996

n % n %

Number of identifiable prey items 66 100 38 100

Number of fish 66 100 38 100

Number of invertebrates 0 0 0 0

Number of Individuals

Capelin (Mallotus vil/osus) 0 0 2 5 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 4 12 5 13 6 55

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 1 3 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 21 64 30 75 4 36

Arctic shanny (Stichaeus puncta/us) 0 0 2 5 I 9

Unidentified prickleback (Stichaeidae) 4 12 0 0 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) I 3 0 0 0 0

Unidentified shrimp 3 9 0 0 0 0

I

I

.,

I

I

I

I

m

I

D

I

I

•

•

'il

:1

:1

'I

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II1I1

I' 111

. 1111111111
'""

_11-

I

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I

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,

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m

I

'I

D

I.'

,

I

I.

I

1:1

,:

'.~ III 1:- 1

!I

:.

I

I

Table 22. Daily mean sea-surface lemperatures measured by hand-held thermometers during 23-

28 July atCape Lisburne, Alaska, 1987-1997 (data are from Appendix 18). .

Year

Date 1987 1992 1993 1995 1996 1997

23 Jul 8.0' NO 8.9' 5.0" 8.0' 8.4'

24 Jul NO 5.1 ' NO 5.5' 8.0' 8.1 '

25 Jul NO 7.0' 11.7' 6.5' 7.3' 8.5'

26 Jul 9.0' NO 7.8' 6.5' 7.3' 8.7'

27 Jul 9.0' 6.5' 11.1 ' 5.5' 7.5' 8.3'

28 Jul NO 6.3' 10.6' 5.5' 7.1 ' 8.9'

Mean 8.7' 6.2' 10.0' 5.8' 7.5' 8.5'

Standard Deviation 0.6' 0.8' 1.6' 0.6' 0.4' 0.3'

Minimum Daily Temperature 8.0' 5.1 ' 7.8' 5.0' 7.1 ' 8.1 '

Maximum Daily Temperature 9.0' 7.0' 11.7' 6.5' 8.0' 8.9'

Sampl~ Size (n)t (3) (4) (5) (6) (6) (6)

I Number of days sea-surface temperature measurements were taken.

58
•I1111

I' 111111111111
- - .. .. .&iii .~ Iiiii _ .. ... == iiiiiEI !!!!!I !!!!!!!I !!!!!!!!I I!!!!!!I'!!!!!!I~'" _ _. _

Table 23, Counts of black-legged kittiwakes at Colony 4, Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1960-1995 (counts were made

from boats; most birds were counted by 1's).

Year

1976b ---- - -

1978d 19821 I 990h 1960' 1977' 1979' 1988" 1995;

- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Pial Cnt I' Cnt I Cnl I Cnl 1 Cnl I Cnl I Cnl I Cnl 1 Cot 2 Cnl I x s()i CV (%)'

4A 472 121 249 156 285 219 516 492 118 292 161 55

4B 614 80 284 368 325 414 397 396 237 346 145 42

4A+4B 430 430

4C 750 266 289 383 326m 405 125 449 742 164 390 213 55

4D 76 15 22 0" 56 14 71 85 42 33 77

4E 1,128 265 479 366 512 559 750 799 607 276 45

4D+4E 404 299 352 74 21

4F 79 175 170 245 195 315 .154 190 74 39

4G 155 380 375 406 440 734 236 389 183 47

4F+4G 894" 421 1,049 788 327 42

4H 224 107 284 177 144 134 130 270 291 112 187 73 39

41 506 146 102 324 345 395 285 508 437 213 326 141 43

4J 328 96 101 116 134 76 153 131 81 135· 77 57

4K 292 87 105 185 166 122 224 186 135 167 64 38

4L 410 69 198 185 233 146 324 284 152 222 104 47

4J+4K+

4L+40 293 293

4M 170 50 125 116 123 65 165 129 72 113 42 37

4N 298 75 174 176 219 140 292 316 146 204 83 41

40 16 II 28 50 48 25 90 116 24 45 36 80

4P 86 27 80 89 109 83 173 132 76 95 41 43

4Q 0 0 4 9 10 17 60 41 16 17 20 118

4R 0 0 2 2 0 6 7 2 2 2 3 150

4M+4N+

4P+4R 238 238

-- -- -- TOlal 6,264 1,649 2,461 3,290 3,178 3,805 3,061 5,503 5,628 2,237

(mean = 5,566)

a The eounl was made on 15 July. Dala arc from Fadely ef al. (1989) and L.G. Swartz's originallicld notes.

I ~. , 59
'.

..

~l .'.

.,

,!;

,.

, !-.

,.,.

-IIIII

IIIIIIII

IiIIIII
- - - - - ... ::..~

- - Iiiil iiiii

- .. - ==' ~- I!I!I!! - I!!!I!!I

-'

Table 23 (Continued).

b The count was made on 9 August. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1977), Fadely et al. (1989), and A.M. Springer's and D.G. Roseneau's

original field data summary sheets.

c The count was made on 18-19 August. Data arc from Springer and Roseneau et al. (1978), Fadely el al. (1989), and D.G. Roseneau's original

field notebook [numbers reported here differ slightly from those reported in Fadely et al. (1989) because of differences in rounding methods].

d The count was made on 14 August. Data are from Springer el al. (1979); Fadely et al. (1989); A.M. Springer's and D.G. Roseneau's original

field notes; and E.C. Murphy's original field data summary sheets.

e The count was made on 10 July. Data are from Fadely el al. (1989); and A.M. Springer's, D.G. Roseneau's, M.l. Johnson's, and E.C. Murphy's

original field notes and E.C. Murphy's data summary sheet.

I' The count was made on 5 August. Data arc from Springer el al. (1985), Fadely el al. '(1989), and E.C. Murphy's original field data summary

sheets [numbers reported here differ slightly from those reported in Fadely el al. (1989) because of differences in rounding methods].

g The count was made on 10 August. Data are from Fadely et al. (1989).

h The counts weremade on 25 July and 3 August. Data are from Sharp (1993) and B. Sharp (unpubl. data) [numbers reported here differ slightly

from those reported in Sharp (1993) because of differences in rounding methods].

i The count was made on 28 July. Data are from this study.

j SD =standard deviation.

k CV =coefficient of variation [standard deviation (SD) divided by the mean and multiplied by 100].

I Cnt = Count.

m The entire face of census plot 4C collapsed into the sea sometime during September 1978 - June 1979; the 326 birds that were counted on the

plot were perched on a few remaining nest ledges and on the rubble pile at the base the fresh cliff-face-a few partial nests were present, but

recolonization of the plot was just beginning.

n Almost all of census plot 4D collapsed into the sea sometime during September 1978 - June 1979; no birds were perching on the remains of the

plot at the time of the count.

a L.G. Swartz stated that this plot contained more than 894 birds on his data summary sheet.

60
IIIIII

I,IIIII

I'

I

IIIIII
I

I

>,

I

Ii

I

!i

I

I

I

o,

"

o

i

I

.!I

I

II ,I'

:1

•

I

I

"

I

"

I

I

"I

',:1."

.,!

Table 24. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on LGS plots 5L, 5M, and 5Q at Cape Thompson,

Alaska during 1979-1995 (counts were made from land; birds were counted by l's).

1979" 1988b 1990' 1991d 1995'

Date Birds Date Birds Date Birds Date Birds Date Birds

5 Aug 109 17 Jul 126 21 Jul 154 26 Jul 139 15 Jul 90

25 Jul 117 28 Jul 158 28 Jul 118 22 Jul 58

27 Aug 119 31 Jul 143 24 lui 106

1 Aug 118 2 Aug 155 26 lui 151

., 4 Aug 110 4 Aug 167 29 Jul 93

5 Aug 118 31 Jul 108

8 Aug 135 I Aug 87

2 Aug 111

4 Aug 135

9 Aug 76

11. Aug 120

12 Aug 102

14 Aug 116

IS Aug 164

-f .r 109 120 156 144 108

SDg 8 3 18 28

(n)h (1) (7) (2) (5) (14)

" Data for 1979 are from Murphy et al. (1980); also see Fadely et al. (1989).

b Datafor 1988 are from Fadely etal. (1989). .

, Data for 1990 are from Sharp (1993).

d Data for 1991 are from Nishimoto and Mendenhall (1994).

e Data for 1995 are from this study.

f .i:= mean. ,

g SO =standard deviation.

h n =sample size (number of counts).

61
IIIII

I' II

I'

I'

I' III

I:

I:

Ii

IiI
Table 25, Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on LGS plots 5G, 5L, 5M, 5N, 5P, and 5Q at Cape

Thompson, Alaska during 1979-1995 (counts were made from land; birds were counted by 1's),

62

" Data for 1979 are from Murphy er ai, (1980); also see Fadely er ai, (1989),

b Data for 1990 are from Sharp (1993),

C Data for 1991 are from Nishimoto and Mendenhall (1994),

d Data for 1995 are from this study,

J: .r = mean.

f SO = standard deviation,

g tl =sample size (number of counts),

364

49

(7)

Date Birds

15 lui ' 304

24 lui 347

29 luI 358

I Aug 304

4 Aug 406

II Aug 405

14 Aug 424

(/)

433

433

1991'

Date Birds

31 luI

496

5

(2)

492

499

1990b

Date Birds

21 luI

28 luI

(/)

366

366

1979"

Date Birds

5 Aug

m,

I

I

I

:'

I

I

I

I

o

I

g

I

I

I

I

I

,;

I

,

I

I
IIIIII

IiIIIIIIIIII

I,

I:
Table 26. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on BSF land plots 3-IA, 3-2B, 3-2C, 4-IA, 4-IB,

4-2C, 4-3D, 4-4£, 5-IA, 5-IB, 5-IC, 5-iD, 5-2£, 5-2F, 5-2G, 5-3H, and 5-7L at Cape

Thompson, Alaska during 1988-1995 (counts were made from land; birds were counted by 1's).

1988" 1991 b

Date Birds Date Birds

17 Jul 941 2 Aug 1,068

25 Jul . 922 4 Aug 1,198

1 Aug 843

5 Aug 861

8 Aug 922

63

" Data for 1988 are from Fadely et al. (1989).

b Data for 1991 are from Nishimoto and Mendenhall (1994).

, Data for 1995 are from this study.

d .:F = mean.

e SD = standard deviation.

f n = sample size (number of counts).

1995'

Date Birds

715

179

(7)

221ul 431

26 Jul 902

31 Jul 735

2 Aug 745

9 Aug 636

12 Aug 601

. 15 Aug 953

•

1,133

92

(2)

898

43

(5)

.r d

SDe

(n)f

I

,

I

I

I,

ii,

,

I

"

I

I

"

I

:IF

i

;1

D

I

'1

o

o

o

o

o

I

o

o
I.

IIIIIIIIIIII

iI

IIII

I:I

Ii

,.

IIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIDII
- - - - .. _ ....... - - - ~-_ iiiiiiTable 28. Average counts ofmurres at Colony 4, Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1960-1995 (counts were made from boats; birds were

counted by I's and lO's).

Year

1960' 1961 b 1976' 1977d 1979' 1982r 1988g 1990" 1995'

- -- -- -- -- Plot Cnt I' Cnt I Cnt I Cnt I Cnt 1 Cnt2 Cnt 1 Cnt 2 Cnt 1 . Cnt I Cnt 2 Cnt I Cnt 2 x soi Cy (%)k

4A 133 73 138 158 123 182 110 110 64 82 82 68 60 108 38 35

4B 639 527 265 548 585 572 245 180 310 109 182 285 330 392 181 46

4C 835 369 910 975 225 278 375 490 195 315 315 365 260 511 306 60

4D+E 1,562 1,402 1,045 1,120 986 973 765 805 685 564 780 895 625 1,001 317 32

4F+G 2,156 1,656 1,248 1,323 757 1,282 1,180 805 810 840 841 1,073 1,040 1,234 434 35

4H 348 351 375 347 370 • 317 385 170 247 331 330 450 375 336 50 15

41 58 45 40 95 48 75 65 85 60 53 45 15 22 56 22 39

4J 425 199 804 560 435 627 490 490 545 407 739 780 595 535 168 31

4K 206 (206)m 135 125 160 102 95 110 60 69 124 47 115 127 51 40

4L 171 165 125 420 295 282 405 245 215 312 251 227 295 250 92 37

4M 836 485 569 488 301 492 390 335 307 163 360 495 355 459 170 37

4N 281 184 327 324 335 362 395 195 230 277 292 655 450 314 103 33

40 I 20 108 98 101 105 90 75 70 100 80 110 98 75 39 52

4P 614 499 490 658 485 692 660 375 255 402 553 750 560 528 124 23

4Q 172 155 260 165 70 218 240 275 245 258 367 260 240 217 59 27

4R 124 92 57 220 190 290 240 235 165 252 304 350 200 188 81 43

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Total 8,562 6,305 6,896 7,624 5,466 6,849 6,130 4,980 4,463 4,534 5,645 6,825 5,620

(mean =6,158) (mean =5,555) (mean =5,090) (mean =6,223)

a Plots 4A-4! and 4L were counted on 15 July, plots 40-4P were counted on 17 July, and plots 4J, 4K, 4M, and 4N were counted on both 15 and 17 July-the plot

values listed here for 4J, 4K, 4M, and 4N arc the averages of the 15 and 17 July scores [numbers reported here differ slightly from those reported in Fadely ef al.

(1989) because of differences in rounding methods]. Data are from Fadely ef al. (1989) and L.G. Swartz's original field notes.

b The count was made on 22 July. Data are from Fadely ef al. (1989) and L.G. Swartz's original field notes and data summary sheets [numbers reported here differ

slightly from those reported in Fadely ef al. (1989) because of differences in rounding methods].

c The count was made on 9 August. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1977); Fadely ef al. (1989); and A.M. Springer's and D.G. Roseneau's original field data

summary sheets [numbers reported here differ slightly from those reported in Fadely ef al. (1989) because of differences in rounding methods].

d The count was made on 12 August 1977. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1978); Fadely ef al. (1989); and A.M. Springer's, D.G. Roseneau's, and E.C.

Murphy's original field data summary sheets [numbers reported here differ slightly from those reported in Fadely et al. (1989) hccausc of differences in rounding

methods].

65
IIII

."III•I•IIIIIII•
- - - _.- - -' - _I .. - - -

-

.. _. iiIii Iiiii -a:.

Table 28 (Continued).

e The counts were made on 7 and 14 August. Data are from Fadely et al. (1989); and A.M. Springer's, D.G. Roseneau's, M.L Johnson's, and E.C Murphy's original

field notebooks andEC Murphy's field data summary sheets [numbers reportcd here differ slightly from those reported in Fadely et al. (1989) because of differences

in rounding methods and because we did not use the data obtained during an incomplete count on II August; also, a typographical error in Fadely (1989) added 100

birds to the average of the two counts made on plot 41].

f The counts were made on 28 July and 3 August. Data arc from Springer et al. (1985c); Fadely et al. (1989); and E.C Murphy's original field data summary sheets

[numhers reported here differ from those reported in Fadely et al. (1989) because of differences in rounding methodsl.

g The count was made on 25 July and 3 August. Data are from Fadely et al. (1989).

h The counts were made on 25 July and 3 August. Data are from Sharp (1993) and B. Sharp (unpubl. data) [numbers reported here differ slightly froin those reported by

Sharp (1993) because of differences in rounding methods and because we only used the counts made by J. Evanieh; Evanich counted almost all of the plots twice on

both days, and in most cases, his scores were consistently within 10-15% of each other-in contrast, Sharp only counted about 65% of the plots per day and some of

his scores were 2-3 times higher than Evanieh's counts, suggesting that he may have been having problems locating plot boundaries.

I The counts were made on 28 July and 10 August. Data arc from this study.

j SO = standard deviation.

k CY = coefficient of variation [standard deviation (SO) divided by the mean and multiplied by lOa].

t Cnt = Count.

m Plot4K was not counted in 1961. We used the 1960 score of 206 birds for plot 4K to allow comparisons to be made among years.

66
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
-------------------

Table 29. Counts of murres on LGS plots 5L, 5M, and 5Q at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1960-1995 (counts were made from land; birds

were counted by 1's and 1D's).

1960·

Date Birds

1979b

Date Birds

1982'

Date Birds

1988d

Date Birds

1990'

Date Birds

1991 f

Date .Birds

1995g

Date Birds

I Aug

xh

SDi

(n»

5,312

5,312

(/)

7 Aug 2,092

2,092

(1)

3 Aug 2,224

2,224

(/)

17 Ju1

25 Ju1

27 Aug

1 Aug

4 Aug

5 Aug

8 Aug

11 Aug

15 Aug

2,554

1,988

2,597

2,323

1,997

2,242

2,590

2,250

2,731

2,364

270

(9)

21 Ju1

28 Jul

2,673

1,985

2,329

486

(2)

28 Ju1

31 Jul

2 Aug

4 Aug

1,912

1,959

2,214

2,481

2,142

262

(4)

15 Jul

22 Jul

24 Ju1

26 Jul

29 lui

31 Jul

1 Aug

2 Aug

4 Aug

9 Aug

11 Aug

12Aug

14 Aug

15 Aug

1,898

1,987

2,910

2,967

2,288

2,641

2,178

2,568

2,680

2,501

2,390

2,421

2,440

2,433

2,450

305

(/4)

• Data for 1960 are from Swartz (1966); also see Fadely el al. (1989).

b Data for 1979 are from Murphy el at. (1980); also see Fadely el al. (1989).

, Data for 1982 are from Springer el al. (1985); also see Fadely et al. (1989).

d Data for 1988 are from Fadely el al. (1989).

• Data for 1990 are from Sharp (1993).

f Data for 1991 are from Nishimoto and Mendenhall (1994).

g Data for 1995 are from this study.

h x::: mean.

i SD = standard deviation.

j Ii::: sample size (number of counts).

67
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
- -, - _,- - - - _,- _1- -

- - -, _1·", .. iiiiiil

Table 30. Counts of murres on LOS plots 50, 5L, 5M, 5N, 50, 5P, and 5Q at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1960-1995

(counts were made from land; birds were counted by 1's and lO's).

1960'

Date Birds

1979b

Date Birds

1982'

Date Birds

1990d

Dale Birds

1991 C

Date Birds

19951

Date Birds.

1 Aug

x g

SDh

(nji

19,879

19,879

(1)

7 Aug 7,102

7,102

(1)

3 Aug 8,557

8,557

(1)

. 21 Jul

28 Jul

8,524

7,252

7,888

899

(2)

31 Jul 7,302

7,302

(1)

15 Jul

24 Jul

29 Jul

I Aug

·4 Aug

II Aug

14Aug

6,777

9,477

7,605

7,288

8,885

8,920

8,620

8,225

1,000

(7)

• Data for 1960 are from Swartz (1966); also sec Fadely e/ al. (1989).

b Data for 1979 are from Murphy e/ al. (1980); also sec Fadely e/ al. (1989).

C Data for 1982 are from Springer e/ al. (1985); also see Fadely e/ al. (1989).

d Data for 1990 are from Sharp (1993).

C Data for 1991 arc from Nishimoto and Mendenhall (1994).

1 Data for 1995 arc from this study.

g x = mean.

h SO =standard deviation.

i n = sample size (number of counts).

68
IiIIIIIIIIIIII

.IIIIII
Table 31. Counts of murres on BSF plots 3-IA, 3-2B, 3-2C, 4-1A, 4-IB, 4-2C, 4-3D, 4-4E, 5-

lA, 5-IB, 5-IC, 5-1D, 5-2E, 5-2F, 5-2G, 5-3H, and 5-7L at Cape Thompson, Alaska during

1988-1995 (counts were made from land; birds were counted by l's).

69

, Data for 1988 are from Fadely e/ al. (1989).

b Data for 1991 are from Nishimoto and Mendenhall (1994).

, Data for 1995 are from this study.

d .:f = mean.

e SD = standard deviation.

f n = sample size (number of counts).

I

,I

I

I

I

I

"I

l

'.

I

I

I

•

I

I

••'.

I

I

•

1988'

Date Birds

17 lui 4,395

25 lui 4,270

I Aug 4,917

5 Aug 4,481

8 Aug 4,872

1t Aug 4,333

15 Aug 5,293

.r-4 4,652

SDe 381

(n/ (7)

Date

2 Aug

4 Aug

Birds

5,348

5,789

5,569

312

(2)

Date

22 lui

26 lui

31 lui

2 Aug

9 Aug

12 Aug

15 Aug

1995'

Birds

4,530

5,799

5,045

4,723

5,065

4.807

4.992

4,994

404

(7)
..

· ..

r

I

I:

I:

I~

;

111IIIIIIIIIII1I
-

I

I Table 32. Average counts of murres on 7 LGS and 17 BSF plots at Cape Thompson. Alaska during

1960-1995 (counts were made from land; birds were counted byl's and 10's on the LGS plots, and

,I by 1's on the BSF plots).

Ii:

Year

I LOS Plot 1960' 1979b 1982' I990d 1991' 1995f .Fg SDh Cy (%)i

50 4,267 1.835 1,991 1,638 1,693 2,014 2,240 1.005 44.9

I 5L 1.850 490 765 904 708 843 927 474 ·51.2

5M 1,700 702 835 555 566 728 848 431 50.8

5N 3.650 1,400 2,285 1,367 1,435 1,121 1,876 955 50.9

:1 50 3,050 835 826 832 993 935 1,245 887 71.2

i 5P 3,600 940 1,191 1,371 1,568 1,757 1,738 956 55.0

5Q 1,762 900 745 '812 893 880 999 379 37.9 i. Total 19.879 7,102 8,63si 7,479i 7,856i 8,27si 9,872 4,933 50.0

I Year

BSF Plot 1988k 1990 1991 1995 .f SD CY (%)i

,.1 3·IA 140 168 204 206 180 32 17.6

3-2B 477 491 587 403 490 76 15.4

3-2C 52 66 69 67 64 8 12.2

4-IA 292 272 296 248 277 22 7.9

I 4-IB 228 161 179 148 179 35 19.6

4-2C 381 335 538 657 478 148 30.9

4-3D 146 145 142 153 147 5 3.2 '. 4-4E 270 183 240 309 251 53 21.2

5-IA 32 116 39 36 56 40 72.2

5-IB 430 729 814 637 653 165 25.3

I 5-IC 25 59 27 29 35 16 46.0

5-lD 190 195 195 176 189 9 4.8

5-2E 331 293 272 297 298 24 8.2

5-2F 405 403 506 481 449 53 I 1.7

I 5-20 286 351 305 346 322 32 9.8

5-3H 245 302 236 . 304 272 36 13.4

5-7L 412 482 466 497 464 37 8.0

I Total 4,342 4,751 5,115 4,994 4,801 341 7.1

• bata for 1960 are from Swartz (1966); also see Fadely et al. (1989).

I b Data for 1979 are from Murphy et al. (1980); also see Fadely et al. (1989).

C Data for 1982 are from Springer et al. (1985); also see Fadely et al. (1989).

d Data for 1990 are from Sharp (1993).

I ' Data for 1991 are from Nishimoto and Mendenhall (1994).

f Data for 1995 are from this study.

g -'f = mean.

h SD = standard deviation.

:.

i Cy = coefficient of variation [standard deviation (SD) divided by the mean and multiplied by lOOJ.

j These totals differ from the totals shown in Table 29, because they use all of the counts made on the plots, not just the

complete counts made on one day.

•

k Data for 1988 are from Fadely et al. (1989).

70

•
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

. I
I

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•

•

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•

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I

Table 33. Black-legged kittiwake hatching dates at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1959-1995.

Year' First Hatching Date 66% Hatch Interval 2 Estimated Peak Hatching Date3 Median Hatching Date

1959 20 Jul N0 4 ND ND

1960 17 Jul ND NO ND

1961 22 Jul ND NO ND

1976 9 Aug NO ND NO

1977 29 Jul NO ND ND

1978 25 Jul 25 Jul - 3 Aug 31 Jul - 1 Aug ND

1979 18 Jul 18Jul-1 Aug 29-30 Jul NO

1982 21 Jul NO ND NO

1~88 19 Jul 19·28 Jul 25-26 Jul NO

1990 18 Jul ND NO 21 Jul

1991 19 Jul NO ND 25 Jul

1995 21 Jul 21 Jul - 5 Aug 2-3 Aug ND

Mean Oate: 23 Jul 5

, Data are from: 1959-1961, Swartz (1966); 1976-1979, Murphy et al. (1980); 1982, Springer et al. (l985c); 1988,

Fadely et at. (1989); 1990, Sharp (1993); 1991, Nishimoto (1994); 1995, this study.

2The interval during which about 66% of the eggs hatched.

3 Date when about 50% of the eggs were estimated to have hatched (estimates were based on the 66% hatch interval).

4 ND = no data.

5 Based on Julian dates for both leap and non-leap years.

71
IIIIIIIIIIIII

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I

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e

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Table 34. Murre hatching and sea-going dates at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1959-

1995.

Yearl Species First Hatch Date Median Hatch Date First Sea-going Date

1959 COMU' 11 Aug ND' ND

TBMv' II Aug ND 25 Aug

1960 COMU 1 Aug ND >26 Aug'

TBMU 30 Jul ND 18 Aug

1961 COMU -31 Jul ND >24 Aug'

TBMU . 27 Jul ND 19 Aug

1976 UNMU' 9 Aug ND -30 Aug

1977 UNMU 1 Aug ND ?3 Aug

1978 UNMU -23 Jul ND 13 Aug

1979 UNMU 22Jul ND 11 Aug

1982 UNMU 5 Aug ND ND

1988 UNMU 31 Jul 22Aug

1990 . UNMU 21 Jul 28 Jul 14 Aug

1991 UNMU 27 Jul 6 Aug II Aug

1995 COMU 25 Jul 6Aug <19 Aug"

. TBMU 25 Jul 5 Aug 18 Aug

I Data are from: 1959-1961, Swartz (1966); 1976-1979, Murphy et al. (1980); 1982, Springer et al.

(1983); 1988, Fadely etal. (1989); 1990, Sharp (1993); 1991, Nishimoto (1994); 1995, this study.

2 COMO = common murre.

, ND = no data.

, TBMU "thick-billed murre.

j Swartz (1966) reported that the first departure was observed on 26 August, but he also noted that

departures probably occurred before that date.

6 Swartz (1966) reported that the first departure was observed on 24 August, but he also noted that

departures probably occurred before that date.

, UNMU = unidentified murre species; daia on individual species were not available for 1976-199\ (we

are continuing to search for original notes that may provide specific information for these years.

8 No chicks had departed as of 19 August, but they were almost ready to go (it is likely that first

sea-going occurred only 1-2 days later-i.e., on 20 or 21 August).

72
1

I:IIIIIII1IIIIIIIII
•

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il

'.

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,.

•

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1

Table 35. Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Thompson, Alaska

during 1960-1995.

Total Nests Mean Hatching fledging Reproductive

Year' Nests wlEggs Clutch Success2 Success3 Success 4 ProductivityS

1960 ND 6 60 1.92 0.65 0.86 1.22 ND

1961 ND 29 1.88 0.41 0.60 0.72 ND

1976 200 ND 1.12 ND 0.00 0.00 0.00

1977 220 73 1.18 0.90 0.71 0.64 0.48

1978 236 ND ND ND ND ND 0.42

1979 381 357 1.58 0.94 0.82 ND 1.12

1982 ND ND 1.48 . ND ND ND 1.15

1988 70 ND 1.39 0.72 0.33 ND 0.31

1990 102 97 1.61 ND ND 1.10 1.00

1991 ND ND 1.44 ND ND 0.57 0.39

1995 479 98 1.07 0.36 0.08 ND < 0.01

, Data are from: 1960-1961. Swartz (1966); 1976-1979, Murphy et at. (1980); 1982, Springer et al. (1985c);

1988. Fad1ey et at. (1989); 1990, Sharp (1993); 1991, Nishimoto and Mendenhall (1994); 1995. this study.

2Chicks per egg.

3 fledglings per nest w/eggs.

4Fledglings per nest start.

Sfledglings per nest.

6 ND = no data,

73
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
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•

•

,

••

:.

'.

•

'.

:.

'I

Table 36. Reproductive performance of murres at Cape Thompson, Alaska in 1995.

1995

Parameter COMU' TBMU'

'Hatching Success] 0.93 0.91

Fledging Success4 0.98 0.96

Reproductive Success5 0.91 0.88

Total Eggs 229 552

Total Plots (n) (8) (14)

, COMU =common murre

2 TBMU =thick-billed.murre.

] Chicks per egg.

4 Fledglings per chicks hatched.

5 Fledglings per egg.

74
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
75

Table 37. Reproductive performance of murres at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1988-1995.

1Data are from: 1988, Fad1ey et al. (1989): 1990, Sharp (1993); 1991, Nishimoto and Mendenhall (1994):

1995, this study.

; Chicks per egg.

3 Fledglings per chick hatched.

4 Fledglings per egg.

5 ND = no data.

I

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•

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•

'.

•

•

'.

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•

•

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•

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I

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Year'

Common Murre

1988

1990

1991

1995

Thick-billed Murre

1988

1990

1991

1995

Total

Sites

25

22

119

229

84

168

211

552

Hatching

2 Success

0.80

ND5

0.96

0.93

0.79

ND

0.95

0.91

Fledging

Success 3

0.76

ND

0.39

0.98

0.77

ND

0.53

0.96

Reproductive

Success 4

0.60

0.86

0.37

0.91

0.61

0.76

0.51

0.88
, I

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Table 38. Prey species found iii the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMUl, common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKl) adults collected during 13 July - 20 August 1995 at Cape

Thompson, Alaska. Values in parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs

examined. and values not in parentheses show percent frequency, numbers, and weight among

stomachs containing identifiable prey items."

TBMU COMU BLKI

II % II % II '7(: ,

Number of stomachs examined 10 (100) 17 .(100) 14 (100)

Number of empty stomachs 3 (30) 7 (41) 4 (29) ................................................................................., ................ " ......; ..................................................", ...

Number of stomachs containing prey 7 (70) 10 (59) 10 (71 )

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) 7 100 10 100 10 100

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs cotitaining prey) I 14 0 0 0 0 ........................................................................., .......................................................................... .............

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) , 4 57 8 80 4 40

Saffron cod (Elegillus gracilis) I 14 2 20 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 1 10

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 I 10 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cotlidae) 2' 29 4 40 2 20

Unidentified flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 2 29 4 40 2 20

YOY unidentified fisha I 14 I 10 3 30

Pandalid shrimp (Parnlalus spp.) I 14 0 0 0 0 ., .•......•.....••.••••••••••••••.......•...•..............••••• , .... , .................. , ..... ,••...........•.•.•• " ... , ... , ... , .... , ....

B. Numbers of Individuals

Total countable prey items 101 100 69 100 20 100

Total countable fish 99 98 69 100 20 100

Total countable invertebrates 2 2 0 0 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 66 65 40 58 9 45

Saffron cod (Elegillus gracilis) 6 6 7 10 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 I 5

Pacific sand lance. (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 I I 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 5 5 7 10 4 20

Unidentified flatfish (Pleuronectidae) 21 21 13 19 3 15

YOY unidentified fisha Ib I Ib I 3" 15

Pandalid shrimp (Pandalus spp,) 2 2 0 0 0 0 .........................................................., ........., ..................................., ................................ ..... , .............. " ..

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total measurable items 208 100 859 100 145 100

Total measurable fish 206 99 859 100 145 100

Total measurable invertebrates '2 I 0 0 0 0

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 177 85 673 78 135 93

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 6 3 40 5 0 0

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 5 3

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 23 3 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 13 6 112 13 2 I

Unidentified flatfish (Pleuronectidae) II 5 II I 2 I

YOY unidentified fisha Ib <l Ib <I 2" I

76
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
1

1

1

Table 38 (Continued).

TBMU COMU BLKI

1

1

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g) (continued)

Pandalid shrimp (Patllialus spp.)

tI

2

% tI

o

%

o

/I

o o

·1

1

1

I

1

I

I

i I

I

I

I

I

I

•

a YOY = young-of-the-year.

b O.5-gram trace representing at least one individual found in one TBMU and one COMU stomach.

c O.5-gram traces representing at least one individual each found in three BLKI stomachs.

77
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Table 39. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), ·common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults coHec.ted during 6 July - 27 August 1988 at Cape

Thompson, Alaska. Values in parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs

examined, and values not in parentheses show percent frequency, numbers, and weight among

stomachs containing identifiable prey items.

TBMU COMU BLiG

n % n % II %

. Number of stomachs examined 47 (100) 13 (I(0) 18 ( 1(0)

Number of empty stomachs 15 (32) 2 (15 4 (22)

..................................................................................................................................................................

Number of stomachs containing prey 32 (68) II (85) 14 (78)

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) 32 100 II 100 14 100

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey) 3 9 0 0 I 7

...................................................................... ...........................................................................................

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Pacific herring (Clupea harenguspallasi) 0 0 0 0 5 36

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 25 78 9 82 9 64

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 4 13 I 9 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 4 13 I 9 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 3 9 1 9 0 0

Unidentified fish 3 9 2 18 1 7

Unidentified snail (Gastropoda) 0 0 0 0 I 7

Unidentified amphipod 2 6 0 0 0 0

Pandalid shrimp (Pandalus spp.) 1 3 0 0 0 0

Unidentified decapod 1 3 0 0 0 0

, ............................................................................................................................................. ...........

B. Numbers ofIndividuals

Total countable prey items 162 100 61 .100 29 100

Total countable fish 158 98 61 100 28 97

Total countable invertebrates 4 2 0 0 1 3

Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) 0 0 0 0 5 17

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 127 78 56 92 22 76

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 5 3 1 2 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 18 II 1 2 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cotlidae) 5 3 1 2 0 0

Unidentified fish 3 2 2 3 1 3

Unidentified snail (Gastropoda) 0 0 0 0 I" 3

Unidentified amphipod 2 I 0 0 0 0

Pandalid shrimp (Pandalus spp,) I I 0 0 0 0

Unidentified decapod la I 0 0 0 0

.................................................................................................................. ....................................

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total measurable items 4,504 100 1,591 100 653 100

Total measurable fish 4,503 100 1,591 100 653 100

Total measurable invertebrates 1 <I 0 0 0' 0

Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) 0 0 0 0 128 20

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 4,257 95 1,499 94 524 80

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 99 2 62 4 0 0

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 126 3 2 <1 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 16 <I 24 2 0 0

78
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
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Table 39 (Continued).

TBMU COMU BLKI

n % n % n %

C. ,Estimated Wet Weight (g) (continued)

Unidentified fish 5 <1 4 <I <I

Unidentified snail (Gastropoda) 0 0 0 0 0' 0

Unidentified amphipod <1 <I 0 0 0 0

Pandalid shrimp (Panda/us spp.) 1 <I 0 0 0 0

Unidentified decapod 0' 0 0 0 0 0

• Unweighable trace representing at least one individual found in one BLKI stomach.

79
,

.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

. III
I

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Table 40. Prey species found in the stomachs of. thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLIa) adults collected during 10 July - 27 August 1990 at Cape

Thompson, Alaska. Values in parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs

examined, and values not in parentheses show percent frequency, numbers, and weight among

stomachs containing identifiable prey items.

• TBMU COMU BLKI

II % II % II %'

Number of stomachs examined 18 (100) 8 (100) 18 (100)

Number of empty stomachs 9 (50) 2 (25) 5 (28) ..................................................................................................................................... .. .......-..

Number of stomachs containing prey 9 (50) 6 (75) 13 (72)

Frequency of fish (stomachs containing prey) 8 89 6 100 9 69

Frequency of invenebrates (stomachs containing prey) I 11 0 0 5 38 .............................................................., ...................................................................................................

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 3 33 5 83 6 46

Saffron cod (Elegillus gracilis) 5 55 2 33 2 15

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 I 8

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 I 17 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) 1 11 I 17 0 0

Unidentified fish 1 11 0 0 0 0

Unidentified polychaete (Polychaeta) 1 11 0 0 5 38 ..........................................................................................................................................................

B. Numbers of Individuals

Total countable prey items 59 100 44 100 100 100

Total countable fish. 55 93 44 100 48 48

Total countable invertebrates 4 7 0 0 52 52

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 34 58 33 75 41 41

Saffron cod (Elegillus gracilis) 8 14 5 II 6 6

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 I I

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 5 II 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Couidae) 12 20 I 2 0 0

Unidentified fish la 2 0 0 0 0

Unidentified polychaete (Polychaeta) 4 7 0 0 52 52 ..................................................................................................................................... .. .........

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

Total measurable items 490 100 694 100 557 100

Total measurable fish 486 99 694 100 505 91

Total measurable invertebrates 4 1 0 0 52 9

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 451 92 652 94 483 87

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 24 5 7 I 10 2

Unidentified cod (Gadidae) 0 0 0 0 12 2

Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 0 0 33 5 0 0

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae) II 2 2 <I 0 0

Unidentified fish 0' 0 0 0 0 0

Unidentified polychaete (Polychaeta) 4 1 0 0 52 9

a Unweighable trace representing at least one individual found in one TBMU stomach.

80
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Table 41. Prey species found in the stomachs of thick-billed murre (TBMU), common murre

(COMU), and black-legged kittiwake (BLlG) adults collected during 5 July - 19 August 1991 at Cape

Thompson, Alaska. Values in parentheses show frequency among total number of stomachs

examined, and values not in parentheses show percent frequency, numbers, and weight among

stomachs containing identifiable prey items.

TBMU

1

1

1

'1 n % n

COMU

%

BUG

II

C. Estimated Wet Weight (g)

.Total measurable items 264 100 192 100 119 100

Total measurable fish 264 lOa 192 100 119 100

Total measurable invertebrates ad a a a a a

Capelin IMal/olUs vil/osus) a a a a 6 5

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) 87 33 a a 21 18

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 51 19 192 100 50 42

Unidentified cod (Gadidae)a 7 3 a a a a

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae)b 119 45 a a 42 35

Unidentified fish Oc a a a a a

Unidentified crab (Decapoda) ad a a a a a

" Probably Arctic or saffron cod.

8l

A. Frequency of Occurrence

Capelin (Mal/olUs vil/osus) a a a a I 33

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) I II a a I 33

Saffron cod IEleginus gracilis) 2 22 2 100 I 33

• Unidentified cod (Gadidae)" I 11 a a a a

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae)b 4 44 a a I 33

Unidentified fish 2 22 a a a a

Unidentified crab,(Decapoda) I 11 a a a a

.................., ...............................................................................................................................................

B. Numbers oflndividuals

Total countable prey items 14 100 9 100 9 lOa

Total countable fish 13 93 9 100 9 lOa

Total countable invertebrates I 7 a • a a a

Capelin (Mal/olUs vil/osus) a a a a 2 22

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) . I 7 a a . 1 II

Saffron cod (Eleginus gracilis) 5 36 9 100 5 56

Unidentified cod (Gadidae)" 1 7 a a a a

Unidentified sculpin (Cottidae)b 4 29 a a I II

Unidentified fish 2c 14 a a a a

Unidentified crab (Decapoda) Id 7 a a a a

16 (100)

7 (44)

3 (100)

I (33)

3 (38)

3 lOa

a a

8 (100)

5 (63)

(67)

100

a

2

2

a

(56)

89

11

9

8

I

Number of stomachs containing prey

Frequency offish (stomachs containing prey)

Frequency of invertebrates (stomachs containing prey)

Number of stomachs examined

Number of empty st~machs

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

•

••

•

•

1

I

•
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
1

1

1

1

1

·1

1

1

:1

'I

·1

1

I

1

Table 41 (Continued).

b Most unidentifiable sculpin parIS were probably from Myoxocephalus spp.• probably fourhorn sculpin 1M.

quadricomis), the most common sculpin species found in the eastern Chukchi Sea.

C Unweighable traces representing at least two individuals present in two TBMU stomachs.

d Unweighable trace representing at least one individual present in one TBMU stomach.

82
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
83

Cape Krusenstern

Ledyard Bay

Chukchi Sea

Cape Lisburne U.S. Air Force

Long Range Radar Site

o

>

t

N

Area

of

Detail

Usburne

Peninsula

.;,

.., ...... "..

ALASKA

I I I

0 25 . 50

Ian

Point Hope "",.--_..

Cape Thompson

Study Area

Cape Lisburne

Study Area

Figure 1. Locations of the Cape Lisburne and Cape Thompson study areas in the eastern

Chukchi Sea, Alaska. .

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Figure 2. The Cape Lisburne study area showing the 76 census plots used for boat-based population

counts and the locations of First, Tiny, Kittiwake and Grizzly Bear beaches; Arch and Dave's rocks;

the Cape Lisburne U.S. Air Force (USAF) Long Range Radar Site (LRRS) lands and runway; and the

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR) - U.S. Air Force boundary.

84

t

N

km

I--~I

o I .

Kittiwake Beach

Dave's Rock

Grizzly Bear Beach Tiny Beach

I I Arch Rock

First Beach

.CP 53-?4 CP 65-73 I ~_I;\Jr---_1 I I CP 74-76 . AMNWRJUSAF Boundary

I / Runway

)/' .

CP 1-10

Cape Lisburne

Chukchi Sea

CP 27-47

•

•

•

I

•

•

•

••

•

I

•

•

•

'.

•

•

I

I

I
I

.

III

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
•

85

Colony 1--+

(Crowbill Point)

Colony2-~

(Artigotrat Cliff)

Chukchi Sea

Colony 3--+

(Agate Rock)

Colony 4 ")

(Cape Thompson)

Colony 5 ")

(Imnakpak Cliff)

t

N

Ian

1-+1-1

o 1 2

Figure 3. The Cape Thompson study area showing the locations of Colonies 1-5, the Chariot

site and landing strip, and the field camp site. .

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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Figure 4. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on census plots II, 12,25,26,30,32,65,66,70, and 72

at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1977-1997 (all counts were single counts without measures of

variability; average annual increases based on slopes of the lines and percentages rounded to nearest

half percent; data are from Table 1).

2.148

•

Census Plots 11, 12,25,26,30, 32, 65, 66, 70, & 72

• (Solid Line) =number of birds: r2=0.74 (H : Slope = 0, P < 0.05) . 0

o (Dashed Line) = number of nests: r2 = 0.85 (H : Slope = 0, P < 0.05) o

3.004.

2.755 • 2,627 •

86

2.014

1,833 0 0 _

- -..- - - - - - - - - - -'-988 0

1,451 .... - • - - - • - - - - - - • - - . 1.864

------------_.~-----_.-

1,441 1,284

1,534

Birds: Average annual increase between 1977 and 1997 - Slope = 64.9 birds/yr (or about 4.5%/yr)

Nests: Average annual increase between 1977 and 1997 - Slope =32.6 birds/yr (or about 2.5%/yr)

O-\--,----,-.---..--...,....--.,....-..,.--,--,----r--,.---,-,--....-...,...--,--,...---..---,-,--....-...,---I

76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98

Years

4,500

4,000

3,500

tI'l

Q)

til 3,000

.-

-- 2,500 :;2

....

0

... 2,000

Q)

.D

E 1,500 ='

Z

1,000

500

m

m

m

1m

m

:m

':m

m

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I

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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

IiII
2,500.----~------'-'~-~--'--~~~~---~~--~-~__,

2,500.---------------------------,

0-t---r----r-r--,.-...,----r--r---,,....-..--...,.--,--,-----,-..--.,.--,--,-----,-r--,.-...,--1

76 77 78 79 80 81 .82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 9192 93 94 95 96 97 98

Years

1,097

•

1,553

•

1,256

. _4--9_ -<:> _--- •••• -.-- 1,177 1,178

.--••--- •• 1.049 ..- .'- .----- .--

1,176

~8 l~· 9~ 867.· •

(b) Census Plots 11, 12,25,26,30, & 32 (Western Side of Colony)

• (Soli? Line) = number of birds: r2 = 0.84 (Ho: Slope = 0, P < 0.01)

1.907 <> (Dashed Line) = number of nests: r2 = 0.98 (Ho

: Slope = 0, P < 0.01) 1.835.

1,640

•

• <> 784.920

$ 878 . 899 • <> '-------~------------------~------------------------------------~----

847 728 • 597 707 <> 837 732 6~6 0 543 643

2,000

til

<1.l

..>::

0:1

1,500

:lG

'+-

0

....

<1.l 1,000 ,D

E

:::l

Z

500

2,000

500

(a) Census Plots 65, 66, 70, & 72 (Northern Side of Colony)

• (Solid Line) = number of birds: r2 < 0.03 (No significant correlation)

<> (Dashed Line) = number of nests: r2 < 0.0 I (No significant correlation)

Birds: Average annual increase between 1977 and 1997 - Slope = 55.3 birds/yr (or about8.5%/yr)

Nests: Average annual increase between 1977 and 1997 - Slope =31.5 birdslyr (or about5.5%/yr)

O+--,--r--,----,-r-,.-.--,--r_r----,-r-~....__,__,__r____,-r_~.,._...,

76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98

Years

Figure 5. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on (a) north-facing census plots 65, 66, 70, and 72, and

(b) west-facing census plots 11, 12,25,26, 30, and 32 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1977-1997

(all counts were single counts without measures of variability; average annual increases based on

slopes of the lines and percentages rounded to nearest half percent; data are fromTable I).

87

til

'£1 1,500

S2

'0

.... 2 1,000

E

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Z

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

u

U

E

I

I
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
88

800-r-------------------------__,

O--L.....,.....--r--..,----r--~-r_-r____,-___,-__r-___,_-_,_-__,_-..J

509

394

•

431

•

290

r475

397

•

462

388

]I:

-

403

92 93 94 95 96 97 98

92 93 94 95 96 97 98

•

333

Years

366

...

507

(a) Land Plots 1-8: Birds

r2 = 0,02 (No significant correlation)

(b) Land Plots 1-8: Nests

r 2 <0.01 (No significant correlation)

86 87 88 89 90 91

86 87 88 89 90 91

300

100

200

400

500

700

200

600

300

400

100

Years

Figure 6. Counts of (a) black-legged kittiwakes and (b) black-legged kittiwake nests on northfacing land plots LP 1-8 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during1987-1997 (most counts were multiple

counts with measures of variability; data are from Table 2).

O-'--r--..,----r--~-r_-r____,-___,-___r-___,_-_,_-__,_-.....,.......J

800-r---------------------~--__,

700

<J'l 600

<':l

.~ 500

--

S2

'0

]

a

;:l

z

•

,.

•

:m

•

•

•

•

m

•

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•

•

•

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,E

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,E

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IIIIII

.IIIIIIIIIIIII
89

40,000--r-'----------------'---------------,

Average annual increase between 1976 and 1984: Slope =233.5 birds/yr (or about 1.5%/yr)

Average annual increase between 1984 and 1997: Slope = 1,044.2 birds/yr (or about6.0%/yr)

5,000 +-_,_-r-,-___r_.___,-,.--~.,..___r___,__,_-r_,____r_.___,r__,.--~.,..___r___,__4

75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98

33,416

•

•

27,766

•

22,112

23,428

•

Census Plots 11, 12,25,26,30,32,65,66,70, & 72

Dashed line: r2 =0,69 (Ho: Slope =0, P =0.04)

Solid line: r2 =0.81 (Ho

: Slope =0, P =0.02)

15501 16.123 ., , .......

14,100 '''--.'--- 16,613 ---. 16390 • 15.548 ' 15,000

35,000

C/l

...

;:l

:::E 25,000

'0

,.D 20,000

E

;:l

z

10,000

Years

Figure 7, Counts of murres on census plots II, 12, 25,26, 30, 32, 65, 66, 70, and 72 at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska during 1976-1997 (all counts were single counts without measures of variability;

average annual increases based on slopes of the lines and percentages rounded to neared half percent;

data are from Table 3).

30,000

:1

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o

I

m

m
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Figure 8. Counts of murres on land plots LP 1-7 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1987-1997 (all

counts were multiple counts with measures of variability; average annual increase based on slope of

the line and percentage rounded to nearest half percent; data are from Table 4).

2.945

2.462

969594 97 98

__}--i 2•

296

2.094

91 92 93

Years

87 8988 90

90

1,674

Average annual increase between 1987 and 1997: Slope =116.7 birds/yr (or about 7.5%/yrl

2.651

Land Plots 1-7

r 2 = 0.91 (H : Slope = 0, P < 0.01) o .

4,000

3,500

3,000

<fl

....

.... 2,500 ;:l

.....

0 2,000 ....

.D

E 1,500

;:l

Z

1,000

500

0

86

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

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•

•

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o

o

o

o

o

o

·0
..

•••••••••••••••••

'•I
91

3.---------'----..,...-----'-------------,

Figure 9. Estimated productivity of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1976-

1997 (a successful nest was a nest that contained at least one egg or live chick; to compare 1995-1997

data with 1976-1993 information, 1995-1997 values were calculated from data collected on or as

close to 8 August as possible-see Table 8).

.'-~~. -..... 1.2

• •.••••••••••••• 1.0 ••.••.••••Q... 1.0

1.2"........ •••.(Y'"

'.

"" ..•.,....." ..../.,:;....",

0.3

Years

1.7

....... Number of Eggs/Chicks per Nest

-@- Number of Eggs/Chicks per Successful Nest

. 1.8

75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98

..><:

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u

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U

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n

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n

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D

D

D

o

D
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Figure II. Sea-going weights (g) of common and thick-billed murre chicks at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska during 1995-1997 (error bars show standard deviation; data are from

Table 11).

93

236

220

1995 1996 1997

Thick-billed Murres

••••••••••••••••••••••

226

207

1995 1996 1997

Common Murres

••••••••••••••••••••••

Murre Chick Sea-going Weights

400

350

300

.---.

on 250 '-"

....

..c 200 on .-<l)

ISO

100

50

0

m

'm

:m

'm

m

•

I.

•

•

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n
- -- --------------,------..

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I

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- ..

----- - - - - - - - - - - !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!

• Capelin Ili!i Cod EJ Sand lance o Sculpin miB Flatfish I2a Other fish D Invertebrates I

I Number (n '" 887) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Number (n '" 249) I

COMU (Adults)

I Number (n '" 2,815) I

BLKI (Adults)

1 «1%) .

44 (5%)

89 (10%)

49 (6%) 155 (17%)

208 (84%)

15 (6%)

5 (2%)

1(<1%) 19 (8%)

31 (1%)

2,164 (77%)

2«1%)

44 (2%)

21 (1%)

553 (20%)

226 (16%)

7 I . .... A4alw 29 (2%)

86 (6%)

6 «1%)

I Weight (n '" 1,455 g) I

BLKI (Adults)

1,033 (71%)

1 «1%)

1 «1 %)

17 (6%)

50 (18%)

I Weight (n '" 269 g) I

COMU (Adults)

5 (2%)

197 (73%)

219 (12%)

;;,....j W42 (2%)

7 «1 %)

111 (6%)

9 «I %)

I Weight (n =1,791 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

Figure 12. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 35 thick-billed murre (TBMU), 13 common

murre (COMU), and 31 black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during II July - 22 August 1995

(data are from Table 12).

94
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

!II
--~---------------- ·'

• Capelin I!i!i Cod &1 Sand lance o Sculpin mllI Flatfish Other fish D Invertebrates

I Number (n = 349) I

TBMU (Adults)

5(1%) 37(11%)

I Weight (n = 1,167 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 0) I

COMU (Adults)

No Data

I Weight (n = 0 g) I

COMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 43) I

BLKI (Adults) .

10 (19%)

I Weight (n = 296 g) I

BUG (Adults)

790(68%)

274 (23%)

10(1%)

82 (7%)

No Data

)«1 %)

15 (5%)

Figure 13. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 18 thick-billed murre (TBMU) and 7 blacklegged kittiwake (BLK!) adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 5 July 12 August 1996 (data are from Table 13).

95
IIIIIIIIIIIII•II

••II
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Capelin, I!i!I Cod E;J Sand lance D Sculpin miil Flatfish [i) Other fish o Invertebrates

I Number (n = 122) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 264) I

COMU (Adults)

I Number (n =0) I

BLKI (Adults)

21 (17%)

22(18%)

1 (1 %)

14 (12%)

207 (78%)

3 (I %)

5 (2%) 23 (9%)

1 «1%) 25 (9%)

Insufficient Data

I Weight (n = 215 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Weight (n = 412 g) I

COMU (Adults)

I Weight (n = 0 g) I

BLKI (Adults)

1(<1%)

1 «1%)

20 (9%)

330 (80%) 51 (12%)

1 «1%)

5 (1%)

18(4%)

8 (2%)

Insufficient Data

Figure 14. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 18thick-billed murre (TBMU) and 8 common

murre (COMU) adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska on 4 July 1997 (data are from Table 14).

96
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
== == ==. == == == == == == == == == == Ii!!! Ii!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!

• Capelin I!IIi Cod ILl Sand lance D Sculpin Flatfish r?a Other fish o Invertebrates

I Number (n '" 395) I

TBMU (Adults)

85 (22%)

4(t%)

14 (3%)

2 «1%)

I Weight (n '" 595 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Number (n '" 78) I

COMU (Adults)

26 (33%)

I Weight(n '" 310 g) I

COMU (Adults)

I Number (n '" 80) I

BLKI (Adults)

I Weight (n '" 208 g) I

BLKI (Adults)

133 (22%)

43 (7%)

2«1%) 7(t%) .

34 (6%)

158 (51%)

13 (4%)

3 (t%)

8 (3%)

35(11%)

102 (49%)

24 (t2%)

Figure IS. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of II thick-billed murre (TBMU), 5 common

murre (COMU), and 13 black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska on 22 July and 3 August 1987

(data are from Table IS).

97
,

,

IIIIIIIIII

.IIIIIIIII
------------------------

• Capelin IiI!I Cod E2I Sand lance o Sculpin IlOO Flatfish I2iI Other fish o Invertebrates

2 (4%)

I Number (n =272) I

TBMU (Adults)

3(1%) 6(2%)

4 (1%)

I Weight (n = 110 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 47) I

COMU (Adults)

1(2%)

I Weight (n =464 g) I

COMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 20) I

BLKI (Adults)

3 (15%)

I Weight (n = 405 g) I

BLKI (Adults)

403 (99%)

51 (46%)

19(17%)

5 (1%) 7 (2%) 2«1%) 1«1%)

Figure 16. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 13 thick-billed murre (TBMU), 7 common

murre (COMU), and 8 black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska on 22 and 24 July 1992 (data are

from Table 16).

98
J

"

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
- !!B !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Capelin IiI!I Cod ELI Sand lance o Sculpin IllllI Flatfish Other fish [J Invertebrates

I Number (n = 87) I

TBMU (Adults)

11 (15%)

2 (3%)

2 (3%)

I Number (n = 75) I

BLKI (Adults)

34 (45%)

15 (23%)

1 (2%)

I Number (n = 66) I

COMU (Adults)

17(26%)

16(18%)

2(2%) 18 (21%)

I Weight (n = 433 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Weight (n = 342 g) I

COMU (Adults)

I Weight (n = 1,168 g) I

BLKI (Adults)

181 (42%)

23 (5%)

8 (2%)

235 (69%)

68 (20%)

7(1%) 16(1%)

Figure 17. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 4 thick-billed murre (TBMU), 3 common

murre (COMU), and 10 black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska on 28 July 1993 (data are from

Table 17).

99
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
----- __ ==== .- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I!!!!

• Capelin I!III Cod ILl Sand lance D Sculpin Flatfish I?:a Other fish o Invertebrates

I Number (n = 43) I

TBMU (Chicks)

I Number (n = 4) I

COMU (Chicks)

I Number (n = 27) I

BLKI (Chicks)

26 (60%) .

9(21%)

I (2%)

3 (7%)

2 (50%)

2 (50%)

15 (56%)

6 (22%)

I .Weight (n = 548 g) I

TBMU (Chicks)

I Weight (n = 37 g) I

COMU (Chicks)

I Weight (n = 21 g) I

BLKI (Chicks)

458 (86%)

14 (3%)

55(10%)

2 «1%) 1 «1%)

15 (68%)

6 (27%)

1 (5%)

Figure 18. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 19 thick-billed murre (TBMU), 2 common

murre (COMU), and 4 black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) chicks collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 4-26 August 1995 (data

are from Table 18). .

100
.

,

I•I

'.IIIIII•IIIIIIII
.- - -~ _. - 1!!!!!!I1!!!!!!I1!!!!!!I1!!!!!!I1!!!!!!I1!!!!!!I !!!!!!l!!!!!!l!!!!!!l!!!!!!l!!!!!!l!!!!!!lI!!!!!!l!!!!!!l1!!!!!!l

• Capelin I!II Cod ILl Sand lance o Sculpin BOO Flatfish Other fish o Invertebrates

I Number (n '" 33) I

TBMU (Chicks)

I Number (n = 7) I

COMU (Chicks)

I Number (n =0) I

BLKI (Chicks)

13 (39%) 2(6%)

No Data

I Weight(n =-252 g) I

TBMU (Chicks)

I Weight (n '" 45 g) I

COMU (Chicks)

I Weight (n '" 0 g) I

BLKI (Chicks)

33 (73%)

12 (27%)

No Data

2(1%) 4(2%)

Figure 19. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 23 thick-billed murre (TBMU) and 5 common

murre (COMU) chicks collected at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 15-27 August 1996 (dala are from Table 19).

JOJ
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
----------------- ._.-

.. ..

• Capelin IiII Cod fSJ Sand lance o Sculpin lm Flatfish Other fish o Invertebrates

I Number (n = 47) I

TBMU (Chicks)

I Number (n = 2) I

COMU (Chicks)

I Number (n = II) I

BLKI (Chicks)

31 (66%)

7 (15%)

Insufficient Data 2(18%)

I Weight (n = 0 g) I

TBMU (Chicks)

Insufficient Data

I Weight (n = 0 g) I

COMU (Chicks)

•

Insufficient Data

I Weight (n = 0 g) I

BLKI (Chicks)

Insufficient Data

Figure 20. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 9 thick-billed murre (TBMU) and 5 blacklegged kittiwake chicks salvaged at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 20 July - 29 August 1997 (prey weights could not be calculated

because otoliths were too eroded to age; data are from Table 20).

102
..

.

.1

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
.

========================-------

• Capelin I§l Rainbow Smelt IZl Cod o Sand lance I!II!I Sculpin Prickleback o Invertebrates

I Number (n = 33) I

1995 TBMU Chicks

I Number-(n = 40) I

1996 TBMU Chicks

I Number (n = II) I

1997 TBMU Chicks

1(3%)

4 (12%)

4 (12%) 3 (9%)

30 (75%)

2 (5%)

2 (5%)

6 (55%)

4 (36%)

I Number (n = 66) I

1995 COMU Chicks

I Number (n = 38) I

1996 COMU Chicks

I Number (n = 6) I

1997 COMU Chicks

9 (14%) 1(2%)

to (15%)

13(34%)

21 (55%)

1 (3%) 3 (8%)

3 (50%)

3 (50%)

Figure 2I. Prey species delivered to thick-billed murre (TBMU) and common murre (COMU) chicks at Cape Lisburne, Alaska in 1995-

1997 (data are from Tables 21a and 2Ib).

103
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
====================--==---- -

--- -- -- --

14

13

12

,,-.,11

U

",10

Cl.l

9

Of)

Cl.l 8 Q

'-"

Cl.l 7 ....

;::l

.... 6

....

Cl.l 5

c..

e 4

Cl.l

f-< 3

2

I

0

Cape Lisburne Nearshore Water Temperatures (1997)

(Averages of hourly means calculated for each 24 hr period)

._~.~.-.•

(47 day average: 8.20 C; range =5.00 C - 10.70 C, SD = \.70 C)

~~3333333333333333333333333~MMM~MMMMMMMMMMM~MM~OOM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~==~======

~~~OO~O_NM~~~~OO~O-NM~~~~OO~o-««««««««««« __________ NNNNNNNNNNmm-Nm~~~~OO~o-~lm~~~~OO~O-N __________ rlrlrl

Date

Figure 22. Daily nearshore water temperatures at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 6 July - 21 August 1997. Data were recorded every 12

minutes by an Onset Optic StowAway Temp data logger anchored 2-3 m above the bottom in IS m of water 1.6 km offshore of the Selin

Creek mouth, about 3.5 km east-northeast of the eastern end of the Cape Lisburne seabird colony (SD = standard deviationl·

104
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
105

10,000,---------'------------------....,

. .

Average annual increase between 1976 and 1990: Slope =169.6 birds/yr (or about 7.0%/yr)

O-/-.,.....,...,......,....,-,...,....,.--,...-r-,......,-...,-,.......,.....,.......,..,...,.....,.......-,--...,....,--.-...,-"....,-,.......,.....,......,...........,.....,.......---j

58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96

Years

Figure 23. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes at Colony 4, Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1960-

1995 (all counts were single counts without measures of variability, except n = 2 in 1990; average

annual increase based on slope of the line and percentage rounded to nearest half percent; data are

from Table 23).

•

2,237

5,566

•

....... ........................; .

3.061

Colony 4

(Solid line 1976-1990) r2 '" 0.59 (H : Slope = O. p = 0.04) o

(Dotted line 1976-1995) r2 '" 0.10 (No significant correlation)

•

6.264

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

Vl

J;j

(1j

.~:::

Q

'0

...

Q)

.c

a

:::l

z

I

:1

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

:1

I

'.,

I
IIIII

. I

. IIIIIIIIIIIII
•

•

•

".

•

:.

•

•

"

'.i.

•

•

>!

•

•

'.

,I·

•

I

:1

,I

300

LGS Plots 5L, 5M, & 5Q

250- r 2 = 0.07 (No significant correlation)

'"

Cl)

..><::

Ol 200-

-- 150- 156 •

'0 144

...

Cl) ! 120 .0 • 108 E 100- 109

Z

50-

o I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96

Years

Figure 24. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes on LGS plots 5L, 5M, and 5Q at Cape Thompson,

Alaska during 1979-1995 (the 1979 count was a single count without any measure of variability;

however, in 1988, 1990, 1991, and 1995, n = 7, 2, 5, and 14, respectively-data are from Table

24).

106
.1

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
15,000--.-----------------------------,

Average annual decrease between 1976 and 1988: Slope = 236.9 birds/yr (or aboul3.5%/yr)

o I I I I I I I I T I I I I I I' I I I'

58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96

Figure 25. Average counts of murres at Colony 4, Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1960-1995 (some

counts were single counts without any measures of variability, but n =2 in 1979, 1982, 1990, and

1995; average annual decrease based on slope of the line and percentage rounded to nearest half

percent; data are from Table 28).

107

6,223 f

'. e..

4,463

5,555

6,158

7,624

. e ' .. - ~.".

e 6,896

6,305

Colony 4

Solid line: r 2 = 0.35 (No significant correlation)

Dotted line: r2= 0.88 (H o: Slope = 0, P < 0.01)

8,562

e

Years

Vl 10,000- ...

::l

'0

...

<l)

.D

E

::l ,Z 5,000-

•

•

'.

•

•

:m

m

:m

m

m

m

'm

m

'm

m

'm

m

m

m
·

'

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
•

:.

•

•

•

'.

•

:m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

m

2.142

o+r""T'""'I"'""T-,-.,....'T"""I'--,-r-r"T""T-r-.,....'T"""I'--,-r-r"T""T....,......".....,....,.---r'r""T"...........-r-".....,....,.--j

58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98

Years

Figure 26. Counts of murres on LOS plots 5L, 5M, and 5Q at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1960-

1995 (some counts were single counts without any measures of variability, but n = 9, 2, 4, and 14 in

1988,1990,1991, and 1995, respectively; data are from Table 29).

108

30,000...,..-----------------------------,

O+-,..,...,...-,,..,...,...-,-,-...,.......,-,.......,.......,-,.....,...,.....,....,-,-....,....,-,-....,....,.....,...-,-,.....,......,-r-r-...,-r-r-...,...-,-,-...,.......,--!

58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98

Figure 27. Counts of murres on LGS plots 5G, 5L, 5M, 5N, 50, 5P, and 5Q at Cape Thompson,

Alaska during 1960-1995 (some counts were single counts without any measures of variability, but n

=9, 2, 4, and 14 in 1988, 1990, 1991, and 1995, respectively; data are from Table 30).

109

8.225 8.557 7,888

--=----:...------1 _ 7,102 7,302

LGS Plots 5G, 5L, 5M, 5N, 50, 5P & 5Q

r2=0.05 (No significant correlation)

Years

5,000

25,000

<Il 20,000 ...

::l 19,879 - '0 15,000 ...

<l)

.0

E

::l

Z 10,000

•

•

'.

m

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

'.I.

•

•
J

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
110

Figure 28. Productivity of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 1976-1995

(data are from Table 35).

3

'" Fledglings per Nest ..>::

u

.e

U

--'"

OJ)

OJ)

(.l.J 2

Cl)

..>::

ro

.-....

.... 1.15

..... 1 1.00

0

'"...

Cl)

.D

E

z

0 . 0.00 <0.01

75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96

Years
IIIIIIIII

"

IIIIIII

. _.~. -.-..

III
150-,-.......;..-----------------------,

Figure 29. Productivity of common and thick-billed murres at Cape Thompson, Alaska

during 1988-1995 (data are from Table 37).

0.61

0.88

1988 1990 1991 1995

Thick-billed Murres

0.91

0.60

Fledglings per Egg

0+-...........:...:...:.1-

1988 1990 1991 1995

Common Murres

111

Oil

'0 50 Cl)

u::

OJ)

OJ)

Ll.l 100 ....Cl)

0-

'"

OJ)

c

:.•

i.•

:.

·1

"I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

'1

:1

I
.

..

•

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
---..-,. - ----.--------_.. - - .-

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Capelin IlIII Cod ELI Sand lance D Sculpin mlB Flatfish rza Other fish o Invertebrates

3 (15%)

3 (15%)

I Number (n = 20) I

BLKI (Adults)

4 (20%)

13 (t9%)

I Number (0= 69) I

COMU (Adults)

1 (1%)

7 (10%) .

47 (68%) 21 (21%)

I Number (n = 101) I

TBMU (Adults)

72 (71%)

I Weight (n = 210 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Weight (n = 860 g) I

COMU (Adults)

I Weight (n = 146 g) I

BLKI (Adults)

13 (6%)

II (5%)

1 «1 %)

2 (1 %)

713 (83%) "rV' 23 (3%)

112 (13%)

Figure 30. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 7 thick·billed murre (TBMU), 10 common

murre (COMU), and 10 black·legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 13 July - 20 August

1995 (data are from Table 38).

112
·,

,

IIIIIIIII

. IIIIIIIIII
B!!B!!B!! - B!!B!!B!! __ " !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -

!!!! !!!! !!!! !!!!!!I

• Capelin I!IIi Cod I'Ll Sand lance o Sculpin mllI Flatfi"sh !J:j Other fish o Invertebrates

I Number (n =162) I

TBMU (Adults)

18 (tt%)

5 (3%)

3 (2%)

4 (2%)

I Weight (n = 4,504 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Number (n =61) I

COMU (Adults)

1 (2%)

1 (2%)

2 (3%)

I Weight (n = 1,591 g) I

COMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 29) I

BLK! (Adults)

1 (4%)

I (4%)

I Weight (n = 653 g) I

BLK! (Adults)

126 (3%)

16 (<1%)

5 «I %)

2 «1%)

1,561 (98%)

2«1%)

24 (2%)

4 «1%)

524 (80%) 129(19%)

Figure 31. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 32 thick-billed murre (TBMU), 11 common

murre (COMU), and 14 black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 6 July - 27 August

1988 (data are from Table 39).

113
IIIIIII

,.

I

•

IIIIIIII

I

I

~I

ii

I

iI

'I

I
_. ------;J

.. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. II!!!! II!!!! II!!!! .. II!!!! II!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!!

• Capelin II Cod ILl Sand lance o Sculpin BOO Flatfish FIa Other fish o Invertebrates

I Number (n = 59) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 44) I

COMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 100) I

BLKI (Adults)

42 (71 %) 12 (20%)

1 (2%)

4(7%)

38 (86%)

5(11%)

I Weight (n = 490 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Weight (n = 694 g) I

COMU (Adults)

I Weight (n =557 g) I

BLKI (Adults)

Figure 32. Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of 9 thick-billed murre (TBMU), 6 common

murre (COMU), and 13 black-legged kittiwake (BLKI) adults collected at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 13 July - 27 August

1990 (data are from Table 40).

114
"1i

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!I!!!!IB!!!

• Capelin IiIII Cod ELl Sand lance 'D Sculpin ml!l Flatfish rzJ Other fish o Invertebrates

I Number (n = 14) I

TBMU (Adults)

3 (21 %)

I Weight (n = 264 g) I

TBMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 9) I

COMU (Adults)

I Weight (n = 192 g) I

COMU (Adults)

I Number (n = 9) I

BLKI (Adults)

2 (22%)

I Weight (n = 119 g) I

BLKI (Adults)

138 (52%)

119 (45%) 192 (100%)

42 (35%)

71 (60%)

6 (5%)

Figure 33, Number and estimated wet weight (g) of prey found in the stomachs of II thick-billed murre (TBMU), 2 common

murre (COMU), and 3 black-legged kittiwake (BLK!) adults collected at Cape Thompson, Alaska during 5 July - 19 August 1991

(data are from Table 41),

115
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

.II
,----- . c. _ - __ ,_ __,_._._ ,_

-------------------

Appendix I. Average counts of black-legged kitti.wakes and kittiwake nests on 18 of the 76 census plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1977-1997

(counts were made from boats, except as noted below; birds and nests were counted by \'s, and counts of nests are shown in parentheses).

Census Yeor

Plot Number 19770 1978b 1979c 1981 d 1983e 1985\ 1986g 1987h 1992i I995i 1996k 19971

11 114 192 Nom 202 260 ND ND ND 259 387 409 494

(112) (NO) (NO) (157) (NO) (NO) (NO) .(215) (NO) (259) (237) (210)

12 75 ND 'ND 179 207 ND ND ND 128 395 422 457

(73) (NO) (NO) (160) (NO) (NO) (NO) . (215) (NO) (309)0 (309) (281)

25 54 ND ND 45 77 NO ND ND 58 93 107 110

(48) (NO) (NO) (40) (NO) (NO) (NO) (78) (NO) (63) (54) (72)

26 265 305 ND 246 322 ND ND ND 230 321 325 368

(235) (NO) (NO) (222) (NO) (NO) (NO) (19) (NO) (217) (299) (246)

30 126 ND ND 139 216 ND ND ND 201 158 197 206

(126) (NO) (NO) (124) (NO) (NO) (NO) (152) (NO) (173) (139) (131)

32 ND NO ND 43 22 ND ND ND 173 286 375 272

(33) (ND) (NO) (38) (NO) (NO) (NO) (6) (NO) (156) . (218) (238)

65 247 340 371 ,310 4600 456 612 ND 338P 332 342 397

(247) (NO) (336) (272) (NO) (266) (322) (223) (NO) (272) (248) (260)

66 50 47 51 43 50 61 83 ND 44q 45 29 77

(50) (ND) (37) (40) (NO) (45) (39) (58) (NO) (46) (30) (28)

67 & 68r 323 376 319 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

(NO) (NO) (259) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO)

68 182 118 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND NO ND

(176) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (265) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO)

69 28 27 17 ND ND ND 57 ND ND ND NO ND

(NO) (NO) (16) (NO) (NO) (NO) (42) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO)

70 296 302 352 116 324' 419 273 ND 2621 370 332 406

(291) (NO) (172) (113) (NO) (252) (174) (245) (NO) (336) (270) (236)

71 177 342 308 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

(172) (NO) (261) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) - (NO)

72 274 189 204 128 210 240 585 ND 140U 240 217 217

(259) (NO) (183) . (118) (NO) (144) (364) (117) (NO) (183) (184) (162)

73 349 357 335 ND - 430 ND NO ND 334 353 305 438

(337) (NO) (338) (NO) (NO) (NO) (NO) (237) (NO) (310) (316) (336)

116
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
- - - - - -,- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Appendix I (Continued).

Census Year

PIOI 1977a 1978b 1979c 1981d 1983e 19851 198M 1987h 1992i 1995i 1996k 19971

74V ND ND ND NO NO NO 488w 471 x,y 390z,aa 500 448 550

(174) (ND) (ND) (ND) (ND) (ND) (325) (354)X,y (334)z,aa (444) (379) (421 )

75 0 NO NO NO NO NO 2 oab oab 0 0 0

(0) (ND) (ND) (ND) (ND) (ND) (I) (o)ab (o)ab (0) (0) (0)

76 0 NO NO NO NO NO 0 oac oac 0 0 0

(0) (ND) (ND) (ND) (ND) (ND) (0) (0)3C (0)3C (0) (0) (0)

a Census Plots 70, 72. and 73 were counted on II August 1977; Census Plots 11 and 12 were counted on 12 August; Census Plots 30 and 68 were counted on 13 August;

Census Plots 65, 66. 67-{j8. and 69 were counted on 16 August; and Census Plots 25. 26, 32. 74. 75. and 76 were counted on 27 August. Data are from Springer and

Roseneau (1978). Springer el aL (1979). and Springer et al. (unpub!. data).

b All counts were made during late July and early August. 1978 Data are from Springer el al. (1979) and Springer el al. (unpub!. data).

c All counts were made on 19 July 1979. Data are from Byrd (1986) and Springer el al. (unpub!. data). .

d Census Plots 11. 12.25.26.30. and 32 were counted on 25 July and 2 August 1981; and Census Plots 65, 66, 70. and 72 were counted on 25 July. Data are from Roseneau

et al. (1982) and Springer et al. (unpub!. data).

e Census Plots 11. 12.25.26.30. and 32 were counted from a boat on 21 July 1983; Census Plots 66.72, and 73 were counted from a boat on II August; and Census Plots 65

and 70 were counted from the beach on 11 August. Data are from Springer el al. (unpub!. data) and Byrd (1986).

1 All counts were made from the beach during late July-early Augusl 1985. Data are from By,,} (1986) and Springer el al. (unpub!. data).

g All counts were made from the beach during 28-31 July 1986. Data arc from Byrd (1986) and Springer el al. (unpub!. data).

h Census Plots 11. 12.25.26.30.32,65,66.70.72, and 73 'were counted from a boat on 4 August 1987; Census Plot 74 Was counted from the beach (the Land Plots 3-7

seclion) and a boat (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" section) during 12 July-4 August (the CP73/CP74 Nose boat counts were made on 26 July and 4 August); and Census Plots 75

and 76 were counted from the beach during 12 July-4 August. Data are from Roseneau et al. (1992) and D.G. Roseneau and A.L. Sowls (unpub!. data).

Census Plots II. 12.25, and 26 were counted from a boat On 25 July 1992; Census Plots 30 and 32 were counted from a boat on 27 July; Census Plots 65, 66, 70, and 72

were counted from a boat on 31 July and 6 August; and Census Plot 73 was counted from a boat on 6 August. Census Plot 74 was counted from the beach (the Land Plots 3-7

section) and a boat (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" section) during 17 July to August (the CP73/CP74 Nose boat count was made on 6 August); and Census Plots 75 and 76 were

counted from the beach during 17 July-to August. Data are from Denlinger el al. (1994).

All bird counts were made on 9 August 1995. Counts of nests on Census Plots II. 12.25,26,30, and 32 were made on 28 July; counts of nests on Census Plots 65, 66, 70,

72, 73. and 74 were made on 8 August. Data are from this study.

k All counts were made on 18 August 1996. Data are from this study.

I All counts were made on 10 August 1997. Data are from this study.

m ND =no data.

n In 1995 nests On some sections of Census Plot 12 were nol counted. To allow comparisons of total nest numbers, the 1996 count of 309 nests has heco included as a 1995

count. (Because little or no nest-building occurred in 1996, the actual number of nests on Census Plot 12 in 1995 should have been at least as large as the 1996 count.)

a In 1983 a boat-based count of Census Plot 65 made within 30 minutes of the land-based count of 460 birds totaled only 250 individuals (Springcr et lIl., unpuh!. dala).

117
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
- - - - - - - - - - - - _.- - - _.

- - -

Appendix I (Continued).

p Average of two counts of Census Plot 65 in 1992: (31 July 1245 hrs) AL Sowls = 358, D.G. Roseneau = 348, mean =353; (6 August 1348 hrs) AL Sowls = 324, D.G.

Roseneau = 321, mean = 323; overall mean = 338.

q Average of two counts of Census Plot 66 in 1992: (31 July 1350 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 44, D.G. Roseneau = 47, mean = 46; (6 August 1438 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 44, D.G.

Roseneau = 40, mean = 42; overall mean = 44.

r Ceosus Plots 67 and 68 were counted together in 1979 (Springer er al., unpub!. data) and are summed here to allow comparison among years.

s Byrd (1986) reported a total of 316 birds on Census Plot 70 in 1983, but the mean of the two counts made. from the beach on II August 1983 (338 and 310 birds) is 324

individuals (Springer er al., unpub!. data). Also, a boat-based count of Census Plot 70 made within 45 minutes of the land-based count of 324 birds totaled only 200 individuals

(Springer er al., unpub!. data).

Average of two counts of Census Plot 70 in 1992: (31 July 1415 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 239, D.G. Roseneau· = 244, mean = 242; (6 August 1455 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 268, D.G.

Roseneau = 294, mean = 281; overall mean = 262.

u Average of two counts of Census Plotn in 1992: (31 July 1500 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 135, D.G. Roseneau = 130, mean = 133; (6 August 1545 hrs) AL Sowls = 142, D.G.

Roseneau = 149, mean = 146; overall mean = 140.

v Census Plot 74 consists of Land Plots 3-7 and a hidden section lying just west of First Beach near the boundary between Census Plots 73 and 74 that can only be seen from

offshore (the "CP73/CP74 Nose"). Census Plot 74·was counted from a boat in 1976 and 1977, and from the beach in 1987 and 1992,with the exception to the "CP73/CP74

Nose" portion, which was counted from a boat in 1987 and 1992.

w In 1987, we noted that one section of Census Plot 74 (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" lying just west of First Beach near the boundary between Census Plots 73 and 74) could only be

seen from offshore. In 1987, we counted 200 kittiwakes and 0 nests on this portion of the plot and added these numbers to Byrd's (1986) beach-based counts of 488 birds and

325 nests, but here we do not include the 1987 "CP73/CP74 Nose" section count of 200 individuals and only report Byrd's beach-based score of 488 birds in 1986 to allow

direct comparison with 1987 and 1992 data:

x Census Plot 74 includes Land Plots 3-7, and counts of these plots were used to determine the average number of kiniwakes and kiniwake nests present in 1987. Based on these

data, the mean numbers of birds and nests present were 471 and 354, respectively.

y In 1987, we noted that one section of Census Plot 74 (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" lying just west of First Beach near the boundary between Census Plots 73 and 74) could only be

seen from offshore. In 1987,we counted 200 birds and 0 nests on this portion of the plot and added these numbers to our beach-based counts, but here we do not include the

1987 "CP73/CP74 Nose" section count of 200 individuals and only report our beach-based score of 471 birds in 1987 to allow direct comparison with 1986 and 1992 data.

z In 1987, we noted that one section ofCensus Plot 74 (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" lying just west of First Beach near the boundary between Census Plots 73 and 74) could only bc

seen from offshore. In 1992, we counted 37 birds and 0 nests on this portion of the plot, but here we do not include the 1992 "CP73/CP74 Nose" section count of 37

individuals and only report our beach-based score of 390 birds in 1992 to allow direct comparison with 1986 and 1987 data.

aa Census Plot 74 includes Land Plots 3-7, and counts of these plots were used to determine the average number of kiniwakes and kittiwake nests present in 1992. Based on these

data, the mean numbers of birds and nests present were 390 and 334, respectively.

ab Census Plot 75 consists of Land Plots 2 and 8, and counts of these plots were used to determine the average number of kiniwakes and kiniwake nests present in 1987 and 1992.

Based on these data, the mean numbers of birds and nests present in both years were 0 and 0, respectively.

ac Census Plot 76 consists of Land Plot I, and counts of these plots were used to determine the average number of kittiwakes and kiniwake nests present in 1987 and 1992. Based

on these data, the mean numbers of birds and nests present in both years were 0 and 0, respectively.

118
IIIIIIIIIIII

.1IIIIII
- - - - - - - - -

_.- - - -_.- - - -

Appendix 2. Counts of black-legged kittiwakes and kittiwake nests on land plots LP 9-14 at Cape Lisburne,

.Alaska during 1992-1997 (counts were made from land; birds were counted by I's).

1992" 1993b 1995c 1996c 1997c

Date Birds (Nests) Date Birds (Nests) Date Birds (Nests) Date Birds (Nests) Date Birds (Nests)

21 Jul 288 (340) 22 Jul 498 (373) 15 Jul 432 (385) 11 Jul 275 (265) 16 Jul 387 (306)

25 Jul 404 25 Jul 479 (390) 20 Jul 353 11 Aug 603 18 Jul 482

28 Jul 364 28 Jul 520 (379) 31 Jul 385 12 Aug 618 30 Jul 444

29 Jul 365 1 Aug 527 (391) 11 Aug 378 15 Aug 643

2 Aug 357 3 Aug 487

6 Aug 377 .

8 Aug 586

-

j'd 392 (340) 502 (383) 387 (385) 535 (265) 438 (306)

SDe 93 21 (9) 33 174 48

n f 7 (/) 5 (4) 4 (/) 4 (/) 3 (I)

" Data are from Denlinger el al. (1994).

b Data are from A.L. Sowls (unpubl. data).

C Data are from this study.

d x = mean.

e SO =standard deviation.

f n = sample'size (number of counts).

119
I

. I

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
- - - - _.- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Appendix 3. Average counts of murres on 14 of the 76 census plots at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1976-1997 (counts were made from

boats, except as noted below; birds were counted by 100's in 1976 and by 10's during 1977-1997, with the following exceptions-eensus plots

CP 74-75 and census plot CP 76 were counted by I's in 1986-1992 and 1986-1997, respectively).

Year

Census Plot 1976' 1977b 1978c 1979d 1980e 1981 f 1983g 1984h 1985i 1986i 1987k 19921 1995m 1996n 1997°

II 750 928 779 910 1,195 1,072 1,170 1,115 NDp ND 1,765 1,335 1,640 1,620 1,850

12 1,300 1,545 1,310 1,480 1,640 1,776 1,500 2,175 ND ND 2,960 2,055 3,203 3,075 4,640

25 825 1,085 1,015 790 ND 928 755 780 ND ND 1,228 860 1,120 1,020 1,220

26 600 1,225 1,275 1,140 ND 1,033 925 1,113 ND ND 1,135 929 1,620 1,245 1,485

30 4,250 3,585 3,150 4,065 ND 3,588 3,140 4,180 ND ND 5,645 5,142 7,670 6,530 7,568

32 2,200 1,738 1,995 2,005 ND 1,716 1,910 1,865 ND ND 2,875 5,124 6,035 5,685 8,223

65q 1,275 2,010 ND 1,915 2,160 2,208 2,332r 2,130 2,139 1,976 2,575 2,264s 2,800 3,060 2,410

66 1,250 1,335 ND 1,568 1,750 1,450 1,820 1,325 1,723 1,533 2,260 2,098t 2,865 2,170 2,660

70U 900 1,205 ND 1,290 1,580 1,135 1,953 1,240 2,014 1,466 1,805 1,531 v 2,140 2,223 2,295

72 750 845 ND 960 930 642 985 690 1,024 1,253 1,180 774w 1,320 1,138 1,065

73 950 1,035 'ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 645 615 970 705 580

74X 625 1,340 ND .ND ND ND ND ND ND 1,502Y 1,320z 1,593" 3,090 3,720 2,755

(1,967) (1,785) (2,157)

[2,066]

75·b ND 260 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 288 377'C 472.d 955 920 910

76ae ND "few" ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 53 58af 66·g 102 84 102

a The counts were made on 25-28 August 1976 after the census period and are probably too low. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1978), Springer el al. (1979),

b

and Murphy el al. (1980).

The counts were made on 21-26 July 1977. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1978), Springer el al. (1979), and Murphy el al. (1980),

c The counts were made on 3 August 1978. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1978), Springer elal. (1979), and Murphy elal. (1980). d The counts were made on 15 August 1979. Data are from Murphy el al. (1980).

e The counts were made on I and 3 August 1980. Data arc from Springer el al. (unpub!. data). f The counts were made on 25 July and 2 August 1981. Data are from Roseneau el al. (1982).

g The counts were made on 21 July 1983, and 6, II, and 19 August (additional counts made on 27-28 August arc not included in these calculations because they were

h

made afler the census period). Data are from Springer el al. (1985).

The counts were made from a boat and the beach on 4 August 1984. Data arc from A.M. Springer and G.V. Byrd (unpub!. data) and Byrd (1986).

120
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i

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Appendix 3 (Continued).

The counts were made from the beach on 30 July 1985. Data arc from A.M. Springer and G.V: Byrd (unpub\. data) and Byrd (1986).

J The counts were made from the beach on 30-31 July 1986. Data are from A.M. Springer and G.V. Byrd (unpub\. data) and Byrd (1986).

k Census Plots 11, 12,25,26,30,32,65,66,70,72, and 73 were counted from a boat on 4 August 1987; Census Plot 74 was counted from the beach (the Land Plots

3-7 section) and a boat (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" section) during 12 July-A August (the CP73/CP74 Nose boat counts were made on 26 July and 4 August); and

Census Plots 75 and 76 were counted from the beach during 12 July-4 August. Data are from Roseneau et al. (1992) and D.G. Roseneau and A.L. Sowls (unpub\.

data).

Census Plots 11, 12,25, and 26 were counted from a boat on 25 July 1992; Census Plots 30 and 32 were counted from a boat on 27 July; Census Plots 65, 66, 70,

and 72 were counted from a boat on 31 July and 6 August; and Census Plot 73 was counted from a boat on 6 August. Census Plot 74 was counted from the beach (the

Land Plots 3-7 section) and a boat (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" section) during 17 July 10 August (the CP73/CP74 Nose boat count was made on 6 August); and Census _

Plots 75 and 76 were counted from the beach during 17 July 10 August. Data arc from Denlinger et al. (1994).

m The counts were made on 9 August 1995. Data are from this study.

. n The counts were made on 28 July 1996. Data are from this study.

o The counts were made on 31 July 1997. Data are from this study_

P NO = no data.

q Census Plot 65 was counted from the beach in 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986, and from boats in all other years. In 1986, Byrd (1986) noted 330 murres that could only

be seen from offshore and added them to the 1984, 1985, and 1986 beach-based mean scores of 1,800,1,809, and 1,646, respectively, to allow comparisons with boatbased years.

r The raw mean of 2,236 for Census Plot 65 in 1983, reported by Springer et al. (1985) on page 296 of OCSEAP Vo\. 30, Final Reports of Principal Investigators, is

an error; the correct number is 2,232.

s Average of two counts of Census Plot 65 in 1992: (31 July 1245 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 2,375; D.G. Roseneau = 2,395; mean = 2,385; (6 August 1348 hrs) A.L. Sowls

= 2,163; D.G. Roseneau = 2,120; mean = 2,142.

Average of two counts'ofCensus Plot 66 in 1992: (31 July 1350 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 1,895; D.G. Roseneau = 1,795; mean = 1,845; (6 August 1438 hrs) A.L. Sowls

= 2,360; D_G. Roseneau = 2,340; mean = 2,350.

u Census Plot 70 was counted from the beach in 1983 and from boats in all other years.

v Average of two counts of Census Plot 70 in 1992: (31 July 1415 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 1,583; D.G. Roseneau = 1,610; mean = 1,597; (6 August 1455 hrs) A.L. Sowls

= 1,410; D.G. Roseneau = 1,520; mean = 1,465_

w Average of two counts of Census Plot 72 in 1992: (31 July 1500 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 890; D.G. Roseneau = 875; mean = 883; (6 August 1545 hrs) A.L. Sowls =

640; D.G. Roseneau = 690; mean = 665_

x Census Plot 74 consists of Land Plots 3-7 and a hidden section lying just west of First Beach near the boundary between Census Plots 73 and 74 that can only be seen

from offshore (the "CP73/CP74 Nose")_ Census Plot 74 was counted from a boat in 1976 and 1977, and from the beach in 1987 and 1992, with the exception to the

"CP73/CP74 Nose" portion, which was counted from a boat in 1987 and 1992.

y In 1987, we noied that one section of Census Plot 74 (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" lying just west of First Beach ncar the boundary between Census Plots 73 and 74) could

only he seen from offshore. In 1987, we counted 465 murres on this portion of the plot and added this number to Byrd's (1986) beach-based count of 1,502 birds for

comparative purposes (sum = 1,967), but here we first report Byrd's beach-based score of 1,502 individuals, then a second number in parentheses (1,967) derived by

. adding 465 birds (the 1987 mean count on the CP73/CP74 Nose) to the 1986 beach-based score of 1,502 individuals, and a third number in brackets [2,0661 derived

adding 564 birds (the 1992 mean count on the CP73/CP74 Nose) to the 1987 beach-based score of 1,502 individuals to allow more complete comparison with 1987

and 1992 data.

z In 1987, we noted that one section of Census Plot 74 (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" lying just west of First Beach near the boundary between Census Plots 73 and 74) could

only be seen from offshore. In 1987, we counted 465 murres on this portion of the plot and added this number to our beach-based count of 1.320 birds (sum =1,785),

but here we first report our beach-based score of 1.320 individuals and a second numher in parentheses (1,785) derived by adding 465 birds (the 1987 mean count on the

CP73/CP74 Nose) to the 1987 beach-based score of 1,320 individuals to allow more complete compari~on with 1986 and 1992 data. Also, this census plot consists of

121
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Appendix 3 (Continued)"

Land Plots 3-7 and the CP73/CP74 Nose, and counts of these plots were used to detennine the average number of murres present in 1987" Based on these data, the

mean number of birds present in 1987 was 1,320, and the 465 murres on the CP73/CP74 Nose that could only be seen Irom offshore were added to it (the 465 birds

resulted from two counts by two observers: 26 July 1850 hrs, AL Sowls =490,"0.0. Roseneau =510, mean =500; and 4 August 1550 hrs, AL Sowls =410,

D.G. Roseneau =450, mean =430).

aa In 1987, we noted that one section of Census Plot 74 (the "CP73/CP74 Nose" lying just west of First Beach near the boundary between Census Plots 73 and 74) could

only be seen from offshore" In 1992, our beach-based counts averaged 1,593 murres and our count of the hidden CP73/CP74 Nose averaged 564 additional birds. Here

we first report the beach-based score of 1,593 individuals and then the sum of beach-based and CP73/CP74 Nose counts in parentheses (2, 157) to allow more complete

comparison with 1986 and 1987 data. Also, this census plot consists of Land Plots 3-7 and the CP73/CP74 Nose, and counts of these plots were used to detennine

the average number of mUrres present in 1992. Based on these data, the mean number of birds present in J992 was 1,593, and the 564 murres on the CP73/CP74 Nose

that could only be seen from offshore were added to it (the 564 birds resulted from one count by two observers: 6 August 1300 hrs, A.L. Sowls = 587, 0"0. Roseneau

=540, mean =564).

ab Census Plot 75 was counted from a boat in 1977, 1995, and 1996; it was counted from the beach in 1986, 1987, and 1992.

ac Census Plot 75 consists of Land Plots 2 and 8, and counts of these plots were used to detennine the average "number of murres present in 1987. Based on these data,

the mean number of birds present in 1987 was 377. "

ad Census Plot 75 consists of Land Plots 2 and 8, and counts of these plots were used to detennine the average number of mUrres present iri 1992" Based on these data,

the mean number of birds present in 1992 was 472.

ae Census Plot 76 was counted from the beach in 1986, 1987, and 1992. In 1976, murres were not noted on this plot, and only a few individuals were seen on it in 1977

(A.M. Springer, pers. comm.)"

af Census Plot 76 consists of Land Plot 1, and counts of this plot were used to detennine the average number of murres present in 1987. Based on these data, the mean

number of birds present in 1987 was 58.

ag Census Plot 76 consists of Land Plot I, and counts of this plot were used to detennine the average number of murres present in 1992. Based"on these data, the mean

number of birds present in 1992 was 66.

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•

Appendix 4, Average counts of murres on census plots CP 11, 12,25,26,30,32,65,66,70,72.

73, and 74 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1976-1997 (counts were made from boats, except as

noted below; birds were counted by 100's in 1976 and by 10's in all other years, except for census

plot CP 74, which was counted by 1's in 1987 and 1992).

Year

Census Plot 1976a 1977b 1987C I992d 1995e 199M 1997g :r SDh CVi

II 750 928 1,765 1,335 1,640 1,620 1.850 1.413 426 30.2

12 1,300 1,545 2,960 2,055 3,203 3,075 4,640 2,683 1.150 42.9

25 825 1,085 1.228 860 1,120 1,020 1,220 1,051 160 15,3

26 600 1,225 1,135 929 1,620 1,245 1,485 1,177 340 28,9

30 4,250 3,585 5,645 5,142 7,670 6,530 7;568 5,770 1,577 27,3

32 2,200 1,738 2,875 5,124 6,035 5,685 8,223 4,554 2.365 51.9

65 1,275 2,010 2,575 2,264j 2,800 3,060 2,410 2,342 583 24,9

66 1,250 1,335 2,260 2,098k 2,865 2,170 2,660 2.091 611 29,2

70 900 1,205 1,805 1,531 1 2,140 2,223 2,295 1,728 539 31.2

72 750 845 1,180 774m 1,320 1,138 1,065 1,010 222 21.9

73 950 1,035 645 615 970 705 580 786 192 '24.4

74n 625 1,340 1,7850 2,157P 3,090 3,720 2,755 2,210 1,065 48.2

-- Total 15,675 17,876 25,858 24,884 34,473 32,191 36,751 26,815 8,113 30.3

a The counts were made on 25-28 August 1976. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1978), Springer et al. (1979).

and Murphy et al. (1980).

b The counts were made on 21-26 July 1977. Data are from Springer and Roseneau (1978), Springer et al. (1979), and

Murphy et al. (1980),

c Census Plots II, 12, 25, 26, 30, 32: 65, 66, 70, 72, and 73 were counted from a boat on 4 August 1987; and Census

Plot 74 was counted from the beach (the Land Plots 3-7 section) and a boat (the"CP73/CP74Nose" section) during

12 July-4 August (the CP73/CP74 Nose boat counts were made on 26 July and 4 August). Data are from Roseneau

et al. (1992) and D.G. Roseneau'and A.L. Sowls (unpub!. data). '

d Census Plots II, 12,25, and 26 were counted from a boat on 25 July 1992; Census Plots 30 and 32 were counted

from a boat on 27 July; Census Plots 65, 66, 70, and 72 were counted from a boat on 31 July and 6 August; Census

Plot 73 was counted from a boat on 6 August; and Census Plot 74 was counted from the beach (the Land Plots 3-7

section) and a boat (the"CP73/CP74 Nose" section) during 17 July 10 August (the CP73/CP74 Nose boat count was

made on 6 August). Data are from Denlinger et al. (1994).

e The counts were made on 9 August 1995. Data are from this study.

f The counts were made on 28 July 1996. Data are from this study.

g The counts were made on 31 July 1997. Data are from this study.

h SD = standard deviation.

i CV = coefficient of variation.

Average of two counts of Census Plot 65 in 1992: (31 July 1245 hr.) A.L. Sowls =2,375; D.G. Roseneau =2,395;

mean =2,385; (6 August 1348 hrs) A.L. Sowls =2,163; D.G. Roseneau =2,120; mean =2,142.

k Average of two counts of Census Plot 66 in 1992: (31 July 1350 hr.) A.L. Sowls =1,895; D.G. Roseneau =1.795; ,

mean =1,845; (6 August 1438 hrs) A.L. Sowls =2,360; D.G. Roseneau =2,340; mean =2,350.

Average of two counts of Census Plot 70 in 1992: (31 July 1415 hrs) A.L. Sowls = 1.583; D.G. Roseneau = 1,610;

mean =1,597; (6 Augusi 1455 hrs) A.L. Sowls =1,410; D.G. Roseneau =1,520; mean =1,465,

m Average of two counts of Census Plot 72 in 1992: (31 July 1500 hrs) A.L. Sowls =890; D.G. Roseneau =875;

mean =883; (6 August 1545 hrs) A.L. Sowls =640; D.G. Roseneau =690; mean =665.

n Census Plot'74 consists of Land Plots 3-7 and a section between Census Plot 73 and Census Plot 74 just wcst of

First Beach that can only be seen from offshore called the "CP73/CP74 Nose." Census Plot 74 was counted from a

boat in 1976 and 1977, and from the beach in 1987 and 1992, with the exception to the "CP73/CP74 Nose" section,

which was counted from a boat in 1987 and 1992.

123
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1

,:1

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1

1

1

1

1

1

1

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1

1

Appendix 4 (Continued).

o Census Plot 74 includes Land Plots 3-7, and counts of these plots were used to detennine the average number of

murres present in 1987. Based on these data, the mean number of birds present was 1,320, and another 465 murres

that could only be seen from offshore were added to it (the 465 birds were the average of two counts by two observers:

26 July 1850 hrs, A.L. Sowls =490, D.G. Roseneau =510, mean =500; and 4 August 1550 hrs, AL Sowls =410.

D.G. Roseneau =450, mean =430).

P Census Plot 74 includes Land Plots 3-7, and counts of these plots were used to detennine the average number of

murres present in 1992. Based on these data, the mean number of birds present was 1,593. and another 564 murre,

that could only be seen from offshore were added to it (the 564 birds resulted from one count by two observers:

6 August 1300 hrs, A.L. Sowls =587, D.G. Roseneau =540, mean = 564)..

124
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Appendix 5. Counts of murres on land plots LP 9-14 at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1992-1997

(counts were made from land; birds were counted by I's).

1992" 1993b 1995' 1996' 1997'

Dale Birds Date Birds Date Birds Date Birds Date Birds

21 Jul 2.034 22 Jul 2,819 15 Jul 2,000 1'1 Jul 2,272 16 Jul 3.090

25 Jul 2,245 25 Jul 2,872 . 19 Jul 2,136 17 Jul 2,915 18 Jul 2.203

28 Jul 2,381 28 Jul 2,971 20 Jul 1,835 II Aug 2,681 30 Jul 1,940

29 Jul 2,347 . t Aug 2,486 31 Jul 2,212 12 Aug 2,748 5 Aug 3,390

2 Aug 2,923 3 Aug 2,642 4 Aug 2,715 t5 Aug 3,184 8 Aug 2,824

6 Aug 2,503 II Aug 2,677

8 Aug 2,761

" Data are from Denlinger et al. (1994).

b Data are from A.L. Sowls (unpubl. dala).

C Data are from this study.

d ;r = mean.

e SO = standard deviation.

f n = sample size (number of counts).

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2,456

304

(7)

2,758

193

(5)

125

2,263

360

(6)

2,760

335

(5)

2,689

606

(5)
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Appendix 6. Hatching chronology of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1987-1997."

1987b

Parameter <22 Jul 22-23 Jul 24 Jul- 3 Aug >3 Augc

Number of Eggs Hatched 0 2 45 9

Percent Hatched 0 4 80 16

Cumulative Percent Hatched 0 4 84 100

1992d

<21 Jul 21-25 Jul 26 Jul- 1 Aug 2-8 Aug . >8 Augc

Number of Eggs Hatched 3 33 20 8 20

Percent Hatched 4 39 24 10 24

Cumulative Percent Hatched 4 43 67 76 100

1993c

<23 Jul 23 Jul- 3 Aug >3 Augc

Number of Eggs Hatched 41 57 3

Percent Hatched 41 56 3

Cumulative Percent Hatched 41 97 100

1995f

1-16 Jul 17-20 Jul 21-31 Jul 1-4 Aug 5-9 Aug 10-15 Aug 16-25 Aug >25 AugC

Number of Eggs Hatched 0 I 86 36 4 I 0 0

,

I·lt Percent Hatched 0 I 67 28 3 I 0 0

W Cumulative Percent Hatched 0 I 68 96 99 100 100 100

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- - - - - --- Appendix 6 (Continued).

I996f.g

Parameter 1-13 Jul 14-20 Jul 21-31 Jul 1-4 Aug 5-9 Aug 10-15 Aug 16-25 Aug >25 AugC

Number of Eggs Hatched 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Percent Hatched 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Cumulative Percent Hatched 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1997f

<5 Jul 5-16 Jul 17-20 Jul 21-291ul 30 Jul-I Aug 2-8 Aug 9-18 Aug 19-28 Aug >28 AugC

Number of Eggs Hatched 0 0 3 47 20 6 4 0 0

Percent Hatched 0 0 4 59 25 8 5 0 0

Cumulativc Percent Hatched 0 0 4 63 88 95 100 100 100

a Only dates that first eggs hatched were used for nests containing more than one egg.

b Data are from Roseneau et al. (1992) and D.G. Roseneau and A.L Sowls, unpub!. data.

C The date in the right-most column is the last date visits were made to. the study plots in" each respective year. If the eggs that were still present on the last

visit hatched at all, they must have hatched after that date.

d Data are from Denlinger et al. (1994) and D.G. Roseneau and AL. Sowls, unpub!. data.

e Data are from AL. Sowls, unpub!. data.

f Data are from this study.

g In 1996, only_ two nests contained eggs, and neither of these single-egg clutches hatched.

127
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128

Appendix 7, Hatching and sea-going dates and sea-going ages of thick-billed murre chicks at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska, 1995-1997,

a Plots were treated as sample units; they contained at least 10 valid nest sites each. Sites with relaid eggs or data gaps of

more than seven days between observation dates were excluded from analyses.

b SD = standard deviation in days..

C Hatch dates were defined as the midpoints between the last day eggs were present and the first day chicks were evident.

Sites containing chicks less than 15 days old were excluded from analyses.

Julian Chick Sea-going Datef

Average of plot medians (day) 233.0 238.4 232.3 234.6g 3.3 days

SD of plot medians 2.0 days 1.7 days 1.2 days

Sample size (n ) II plots 7 plots 10 plots

First sea-going date (day) 226 224 220

Last sea-going date (day)h 240 246 246

Range 14 days 22 days 26 days

Number of nest sites 240 133 160

Mean

210.5 3.3 days

21O.4d 3.6 days

1997

Year

1996

103 113 160

1995

25.1 days 23.5 days 23.9 days 24.2 days 0.8 days

0.8 days '0.9 days 2.2 days

6 plots 7 plots 10 plots

Statistica

SD of plot means

Sample size (n )

Number of nest sites

Average of plot means

Average of plot medians (day no.) 208,1 . 214.6 208.5

SD of plot medians 2.4 days 2.2 days 3.0 days

Average of plot means (day no.) 208.9 214.3 208.3

SD of plot means 1.2 days 1.5 days 2.4 days

Sample size (n ) 6 plots 8 plots 10 plots

First hatch date (day no.) 200 204 199

Last hatch date (day no.) 222 226 224

Range 22 days 22 days 25 days

Number of nest sitese 122 143 184

Julian Hatch Date'

Chick Sea-going Agei

Parameter

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Appendix 7 (Continued),

d Julian day 210, the three-year average of the plot-by-plot median hatch dates. was 29 July in 1995 and 1997, and 28 July

in 1996 (a leap year),

, Total number of nest sites on plot sets used in the analyses.

r Sea-going dates were defined as the midpoints between the last day chicks were present and the first day chicks were absent.

Sites containing chicks less than 15 days old were excluded from the analyses unless chicks were 14 days old on the last,

observation date.

g Julian day 235, the three-year average of the plot-by-plot median sea-going dates, was 23 August in 1995 and 1997, and

22 August in 1996 (a leap year),

h In 1995 and 1996, plots respectively contained 34 and 18 chicks that were 14 days old or older on the last observation

dates. In 1997, all chicks had left the plots by the last observation date. .

i Sea-going ages were defined as the differences between chick hatch and sea-going dates. Sites used for agc calculations

contained chicks that were 15 days old or older.

129
IiIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
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Appendix 8. Hatching chronology of thick-billed murres at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1995-1997.

Date

Parameter 18 Jul 19-22 Jul 23-26 Jul 27-30 Jul 31 Jul - 3 Aug 4-7 Aug 8-IIAug 12-15 Aug

1995 (n =123)'

Number of Eggs Hatched 0 1 74 15 20 9 3 0

Percent Hatched 0 1 61 12 16 7 2 0

Cumulative Percent Hatched 0 1 61 74 90 98 100 100

1996 (n =143)

Number of Eggs Hatched 0 2 8 37 57 22 16

Percent Hatched 0 1 6 26 40 " 15 11

Cumulative Hercent Hatched 0 1 7 33 73 88 99 100

1997 (n =186)

Number of Eggs Hatched 2 29 31 95 13 6 7 3

Percent Hatched I 16 17 51 7 3 4" 2

Cumulative Hercent Hatched 1 17 33 84 91 95 98 100

• Sample size (n) =number of eggs.

130
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1

Appendix 9. Hatching and sea-going dates and sea-going ages of common murre chicks at Cape

Lisburne, Alaska, 1995-1997.

Year

Parameter Statistica 1995 1996 1997 Mean SDb

Julian Hatch Datec Median of nest sites (day no.) 212 218 211 213.7d

3.8 days

Mean of nest sites (day no.) 211.7 218.8 210.5 213.7 4.5 days

SO of nest sites 6.2 da)'s 5.3 da)'s 3.6 da)'s

Sample size (n ) 19 sites 22 sites 25 sites

First hatch date (day no.) 204 209 204

Last hatch date (day no,) 228 234 220

Range 24 days 25 days 16 days

Julian Chick Sea-going Datee Median of nest sites (day no.) 236.0 242.0 233.0 237.0f

4.6 days

Sample size (n ) 37 sites 22 sites 22 sites

First sea-going date (day) 228 234 226

Last sea-going date (day)g 240 246 242

Range 12 days 12 days 16 days

I Chick Sea-going Ageh

Mean of nest sites (day no.)

SO of nest sites

25.0 days 23.1 days 22.2 days 24.2 days 0.8 days

3.7 days 3.9 days 4.7 days

131

a Plots were treated as sample units; they contained at least 10 valid nest sites each. Sites with relaid eggs or data gaps of

more than seven days between observation dates were excluded from analyses.

h SO = standard deviation in days,

C Hatch dates were defined as the midpoints between the last day eggs were present and the first day chicks were evident.

Sites containing chicks less than 15 days old were excluded from analyses.

d Julian day 214, the three-year average of the plot-by-plot median hatch dates, was 2 August in 1995 and 1997, and I

August in 1996 (a leap year).

e Sea-going dates were defined as the midpoints between the last day chicks were present and the first day chicks were

absent. Sites containing chicks less than 15 days old were excluded from the analyses unless chicks were 14 days old on

the last observation date,

f Julian day 237, the three-year average of the plot-by-plot median sea-going dates, was 25 August in 1995 and 1997. and

24 August in 1996 (a leap year).

g In 1995 and 1996, plots respectively contained 1I and 6 chicks that were 14 days old or older on the last observation

dates, In 1997, all chicks had left the plots by the last observation date.

I

I

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I

Sample size (n ,) 15 sites 14 sites 21 sites
.

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Appendix 9 (Continued).

; Sea-going ages were defined as the differences between chick hatch and sea-going dates. Sites used for age calculations

contained chicks that were 15 days old or older. .

132
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Ap-pendix 10. Hatching chronology of common murres at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1995-1997.

Date

Parameter 23-26 lui 27-30 luI 31 lui - 3 Aug 4-7 Aug 8-11 Aug 12-15 Aug 16-19 Aug 20--23 Aug

1995 (Il =/9)"

Number of Eggs Hatched 7 2 8 0 0 I I 0

Percent Hatched 37 II 42 0 0 5 5 0

Cumulative Percent Hatched 37 47 89 89 89 95 100 100

1996 (1l=23)

Number of eggs hatched 0 3 3 9 6 1 0

Pcrcent Hatched 0 13 13 39 26 4 0 4

Cumulative Percent Hatched 0 13 26 65 91 96 96 100

1997 (Il =25)

Number of Eggs Hatched 2 18 4 0 I 0 0 0

Percent Hatched 8 72 16 0 4 0 0 0

Cumulative Percent Hatched 8 80 96 96 100 100 100 100

" Sample size (n) =number of eggs.

r

133
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
[ .. u··· ,...., "...... . ... . .. •• . • . ~. ... . •.. . .' '.' , " I

- - - - - - - - - _.- - - - - - - - -

Appendixll. Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1995'

Productivity Plots

Tiny Beach Kittiwake Beach Dave's Rock Kittiwake Beach

Areas and Census Plots (CP) (CP73) East (CP71) (CP70) West (CP68) Grand Totals

Plot Numbers and Totals TBI TB2 TB3 Total KEI KE2 Total DRI DR2 Total KWI Total

Number 0 f Nests (A) 44 27 II 82 24 19 43 14 52 66 26 26 Total Nests (A): 217

Nests w/l or more Eggs (B) 39 22 10 71 14 16 30 13 43 56 25 25 Nests w/l or more Eggs (B): 182

Number of Eggs (C) 62 38 18 118 24 28 52 20 71 91 48 48 Total Eggs (C): 309

Nests wll or more Chicks (D) 26 18 9 53 10 12 22 7 34 41 18 18 Nests w/l or more Chicks (D): 134

Number ofChicks (E) 38 27 16 81 15 18 33 10 50 60 28 28 Total Chicks (E): 202 . Nests w/l or more Chicks Fledged (F) 20 16 7 43 7 8 15 4 28 32 II II Nests w/l or more Chicks Fledged (F): 10I

Number of Chicks Fledged (G) 20 17 8 45 7 8 15 4 29 33 II II Total Chicks Fledged (G): 104

Tiny Beach Kittiwake Beach Dave's Rock Kittiwake Beach All Plots Census Plots Performance

(CP73) East (CP71) (CP70) West (CP68) (n = 8) (n = 4) of all

Productivity Parameters TBI TB2 TB3 Total KEI KE2 Total DR1 DR2 Total KWI Total x b SDc x SD 217 Nests

Laying Success (BIA) 0.89 0.81 0.91 0.87. 0.58 0.84 0.70 0.93 0.83 0.85 0.96 0.96 0.84 0.12 0.84 0.11 B/A: 0.84

Clutch Size (CIB) 1.59 1.73 1.80 1.66 1.71 1.75 1.73 1.54 1.65 1.63 1.92 1.92 1.71 0.12 1.74 0.13 CIB: 1.70

Nesting Success (DIB) 0.67 0.82 0.90 0.75 0.71 0.75 0.73 0.54 0.79 0.73 0.72 0.72 0.74 0.11 0.73 0.01 DIB: 0.74

Hatching Success (ElC) 0.61 0.71 0.89 0.69 0.63 0.64 0.63 0.50 0.70 0.66 0.58 0.58 0.66 0.11 0.64 0.04 E/C: 0.65

Chick Success (GIE) 0.53 0.63 0.50 0.56 0.47 0.44 0.45 0.40 0.58 0.55 0.39 0.39 0.49 0.08 0.49 0.08 GIE: 0.51

Egg Success (G/C) 0.32 0.45 0.44 0.38 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.20 0.41 0.36 0.23 0.23 0.33 0.10 0.32 0.07 G/C: 0.34

Fledging Success (FlO) 0.77 0.89 0.78 0.81 0.70 0.67 0.68 0.57 0.82 0.78 0.61 0.61 0.73 0.11 0.72 ·0.09 FlO: 0.75 - Reproductive Success (FIB) 0.51 0.73 0.70 0.61 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.31 0.65 0.57 0.44 0.44 0.54 0.14 0.53 0.07 FIB: 0.55

Fledglingslnest Start (G/A) 0.45 0.63 0.73 0.55 0.29 0.42 0.35 0.29 0.56 0.50 0.42 0.42 0.47 0.16 0.46 0.09 G/A: 0.48

Overall Productivity (F/A) 0.45 0.59 0.64 0.52 0.29 0.42 0.35 0.29 0.54 0.48 0.42 0.42 0.46 0.13 0.45 0.08 F/A: 0.47

a Tiny Beach nests were checked 10 times during 7 July· 25 August, Kittiwake Beach East and Dave's Rock nests were checked 9 times during 7 July· 25 August, and

Kittiwake Beach West nests were checked 10 times during 10 July· 25 August; nests wilh chicks less than 21 days old on thc lasl visil wcrc not included in the

analyses.

b x;;;; mean.

e SD = standard deviation.

134
•••••••••••

•••••••••
- -

- - .

-..• -

.- _._

- -'- - - -

Appendix 12. Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1996.'

Productivity Plots

Tiny Beach Kittiwake Beach, Dave's Rock Kittiwake Beach

Areas and Census Plots (CP) (CP73) East (CP71) (CP70) West (CP68) Grand Totals

Plot Numbers and Totals TBI TB2 TB3 Total KEI KE2 Total DRI DR2 Total KWI Total

Number of Nests (A) 40 19 9 68 23 20 43 II 51 62 22 22 Total Nests (A): 195

Nests w/l or more Eggs (B) 2 a a 2 a a a a a a a a Nests w/l or more Eggs (B): 2

Number of Eggs (C) 2 a a 2 a a a a a a a a Total Eggs (C): 2

Nests w/l or more Chicks (D) . a a a a a a a a a a a a Nests w/l or more Chicks (D): a

Number of Chicks (E) a a a a a a a a a a a a Total Chicks (E): a . Nests w/l or more Chicks Hedged (F) a a a a a a a a a a a a Nests w/l or more Chicks Fledged (F): a

Number of Chicks Fledged (G) a a a a a a a a a a a a Total Chicks Fledged (G): a

Tiny Beach Kittiwake Beach Dave's Rock Kittiwake Beach All Plots Census Plots Performance

(CP73) East (CP7)) (CP70) West (CP68) In =8) In =4) of all

Productivity Parameters TBI TB2 TB3 Total KEI KE2 Total DRl DR2 Total KWI Total x b SDC x SD 195 Nests

Laying Success (B/A) 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 . am. 0.01 0.01 B/A: 0.01

Clutch Size (CIB) 1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 - 1.00 - CIB: 1.00

Nesting Success (DIB) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 - D/B: 0.00

Hatching Success (ElC) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 - E/C: 0.00

Chick Success (GIE) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0:00 - GIE: 0.00

Egg Success (G/C) 0.00 0.00 0.00' 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 - G/C: 0.00

Hedging Success (Fill) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0,00 - 0.00 - FID: 0.00

Reproductive Success (FIB) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 - FIB: 0.00

Fledglings/nest Start (G/A) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 - G/A: 0.00

Overall Productivity (F/A) '0.00 0.00 0.00 . 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0..00 - F/A: 0.00

a Nests were checked three times during. II July - II August.

b .r = mean.

C SD = standard deviation.

135
II

I;IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -...• _.-

Appendix 13. Reproductive performance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Lisburne, Alaska, 1997.'

Productivity Plots

Tiny Beach Kittiwake Beach Dave's Rock Kittiwake Beach

Areas and Census Plots (CP) (CP73) East (CP71) (CP70) West (CP68) Overall Totals

Plot Numbers and Totals TBI TB2 TB3 Total KEI KE2 Total DRI DR2 Total KWI Total

Number of Nests (A) 37 21 10 68 18 21 39 12 54 66 17 17 Total Nests (A): 190

Nests wit or more Eggs (B) 26 15 7 48 13 14 27 6 35 41 6 6 .Nests w/l or more Eggs (B): 122

Number of Eggs (C) 34 22 8 64 15 18 33 7 46 53 7 7 Total Eggs (C): 157

Nests wit or more Chicks (D) 18 II 6 35 8 9 17 3 24 27 6 6 Nests wll or more Chicks (D): 85

Number of Chicks (E) 21 16 7 44 9 II. 20 4 28 32 6 6 Total Chicks (E): 102

Nests wit or more Chicks Fledged (F) 15 II 5 31 8 8 16 3 23 26 6 6 Nests wit or more Chicks Fledged (F): 79

Number ofChicks Fledged (0) 16 12 5 33 8 8 16 3 25 28 6 6 Total Chicks Fledged (G): 83

Tiny Beach Kittiwake Beach Dave's Rock Kittiwake Beach All Plots Census Plots Performance

(CP73) East (CP7I) (CP70) West (CP68) (n =8) (n =4) of all

Productivity· Parameters TBI TB2 TB3 Total KEI KE2 Total DRI DR2 Total KWI Total ..;rb SD' ..;r SD 190 Nests

Laying Success (B/A) 0.70 0.71 0.70 0.71 0.72 0.67 0.69 0.50 0.65 0.62 0.35 0.35 0.63 0.13 0.59 0.16 B/A: 0.64

Clutch Size (CIB) 1.31 1.47 1.14 1.33 1.15 1.29 1.22 1.17 1.31 1.29 1.17 1.17 1.25 0.11 1.25 0.07 CIB: 1.29

Nesting Success (DIB) 0.69 0.73 0.86 0.73 0.62 0.64 0.63 0.50 0.69 0.66 1.00 1.00 0.72 0.15 0.75 0.17 DIB: 0.70

Hatching Success (WC) 0.62 0.73 0.88 0.69 0.60 0.61 0.61 0.57 0.61 0.60 0.86 0.86 0.68 0.12 0.69 0.12 EtC: 0.65

Chick Success (GIE) 0.76 0.75 0.71 0.75 0.89 0.73 0.80 0.75 0.89 0.88 1.00 1.00 0.81 0.10 0.86 0.11 GIE: 0.81

Egg Success (G/C) 0.47 0.55 0.63 0.52 0.53 0.44 0.48 0.43 0.54 0.53 0.86 0.86 0.56 0.14 0.60 0.17 G/C: 0.53

Fledging Success (FID) 0.83 1.00 0.83 0.89 1.00 0.89 0.94 1.00 0.96 0.96 1.00 1.00 0.94 0.08 0.95 0.05 F/D: 0.93

Reproductive Success (FIB) 0.58 0.73 0.71 0.65 0.62 0.57 0.59 0.50 0.66 0.63 1.00 1.00 0.67 0.i5 0.72 0.19 FIB: 0.65

Fledglingslnest Stan (O/A) 0.43 0.5? 0.50 0.49 0.44 0.38 0.41 0.25 0.46 0.42 0.35 0.35 0.42 0.10 0.42 0.05 G/A: 0.44

Overall Productivity (F/A) 0.41 0.52 0.50 0.46 0.44 0.38 0.41 0.25 0.43 0.39 0.35 0.35 0.41 0.09 0.40 0.04 F/A: 0.42

a All nests were checked 8 times during 4 July-28 August; nests with chicks less than 21 days old on the last visit were not included in the analyses.

b oX = mean.

C SD = standard deviation.

136
"

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Appendix 14. Reproductive success at 205 black-legged kittiwake nests checked on 9 August 1995 at

Cape Lisburne, Alaska.

137

" CP = census plot.

.b Numbers in parentheses are percentages unless noted otherwise.

C n = sample size.

d A successful nest was a nest that contained at least one egg (i.e., 149 of the 205 nests).

e Maximum estimates based on the presence of live, healthy-appearing chicks on 9 August.

Number ofnests containing eggs or chicks = 149 (73%)

21 (l0)

Total

56 (27)

18 (9)

4 (2)

7 (3)

99 (48)

0.72

(n =205)

1.17

(n= 127)

1.21

(n = 149)

0.88

(n = 205)

205 (100)

2 (9)

o (0)

4 (l7)

(4)

(4)

1.11

(n = 18)

1.16

(n = 19)

0.87

(n = 23)

0.96

(n = 23)

23 (l00)

15 (65)

Kittiwake West

(CP-68) .

o (0)

2· (3)

6 (9)

1.16

(n =38)

0.89

(n = 65)

0.68

(n = 65)

1.16

(n = 50)

15 (23)

30 (46)

12 (l8)

65 (100)

(2)

(2)

Sample Areas

2 (5)

1.05

(n = 22)

0.76

(n = 41)

0.56

(n = 41)

3 (7)

18 (44)

16 (39)

41 (l00)

1.24

in = 25)

Kittiwake East Dave's Rock

(CP-71) (CP-70)

4. (5)

2 (3)

(1)

1.24

(n = 49)

0.80

(n = 76)

1.27

(n = 55)

0.92

(n = 76)C

21 (28)b

36 (47)

12 (16)

76 (100)

Tiny Beach

Nest Status (CP-73)"

I Egg & I Chick

I Chick

Estimated Production

Nest-Ie

Empty

Estimated Production

Successful Nest-Ie'

Eggs/Chicks Nest- 1

Total Nests

2 Eggs

Eggs/Chicks

Successful Nest-Id

1 Egg

. 2 Chicks

I

•

•

•

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•

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III

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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
I

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Appendix 15, Reproductive success at 195 black-legged kittiwake nests checked on II August 1996 at

Cape Lisburne, Alaska.

Sample Areas

Tiny Beach Kittiwake East Dave's Rock Kittiwake West

Nest Status (CP- 73)' (CP-7l) (CP-70) (CP-68) . Total

Empty 66 (97)b 43 (100) 62 (100) 22 (100) 193 (100)

I Egg 2 (3) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 2 (1 )

2 Eggs 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)

I Egg & I Chick 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)

1 Chick 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)

2 Chicks 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)

---

Total Nests 68 (100) 43 (100) 62 (100) 22 (100) 195 (100)

Eggs/Chicks Nest-I 0.03 0.00 0,00 0.00 <0.01

In =68)C In =43) In =62) (n =22) In =/95)

Eggs/Chicks 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00

Successful Nest- 1d In =2) In =0) In =0) In =0) In =2)

Estimated Production 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Nest-Ie In =68) (n =43) In =62) In =22) (n =/95)

Estimated Production 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0,00

Successful Nest-Ie In =0) In= 0) In =0) (n =0) In =0)

Number a/nests containing eggs or chicks =2 11%)

a CP =census plot.

b Numbers in parentheses are percentages unless noted otherwise.

C n = sample size.

d A successful nest was a nest that contained at least one egg (i.e., 2 of the 195 nests).

e Maximum estimates based on the presence of live, healthy-appearing chicks on 11 August.

138
I

•II

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
•

•

•

,.

•

•

•

•

I

'.

I

•

•

•

"~I

"~I

'.

•

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Appendix 16. Reproductive success at 173 black-legged kittiwake nests checked on 8 August 1997 at

Cape Lisburne, Alaska.

.Sample Areas

Tiny Beach Kittiwake East Dave's Rock Kittiwake West

Nest Status (CP-73)' (CP-7l) . (CP-70) (CP-68) . Total

Empty 26 (42)b 17 (50) 27 (45) II (65) 81 (47)

I Egg 4· (6) (3) 7 (12) 0 (0) 12 (7)

2 Eggs 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0)

1 Egg & 1 Chick 0 (0) 0 (0) (2) 0 (0) (I)

I Chick 30 (48) 16 (47) 23 (38) 6 (35) 75 (43)

2 Chicks 2 (3) 0 (0) 2 (3) 0 (0) 4 (2)

---

Total Nests 62 (100) 34 (100) 60 (I(0) 17 (100) 173 (100)

Eggs/Chicks Nest-l 0.61 0.50 0.60 0.35 0.56

(n =62)' (n =34) (n =60) (n =17) (n =/73)

Eggs/Chicks 1.06 1.00 1.09 1.00 1.05

Successful Nest·1d (n =36) (n =17) (n =33) (n =6) (n =92)

Estimated Production 0.55 0.47 0.47 0.35 0.49

Nest- (e (n =62) (n =34) (n = 60) (n =17) (n =173)

Estimated Production 1.06 1.00 1.08 1.00 1.05

Successful Nest· le (n =32) (n =16) (n =26) (II =6) (II =80)

Number ofllests containing eggs or chicks =92 (53%)

• CP =census plot.

b Numbers in parentheses are percentages unless noted otherwise.

C n = sample size.

d A successful nest was a nest that contained at least one egg (i.e., 92 of the 173 nests).

e Maximum estimates based on the presence of live, healthy-appearing chicks on 8 August.

139
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
I~ - - - - - -'.' ...

'- - .-.- - -..- - - -

Appendix 17. Reproductive performance of thick-billed murres at Cape Lisbunie, Alaska during 1995-1997. '- . _. _. -

1995 Thick-billed Murre Plots

Plot Numbers B.IB.2~.I~I~.I~.2~.IOO1D~D~DUD~D~ Grand Totals

Sites w/Egg (A) 20 18 24 9 28 21 18 22 34 22 32 37 9 Total Eggs (A): 294

Sites w/Chick (B) 16 17 23 7 26 18 I7 19 34 21 31 37 8 Total Chicks (B): 274

Sites wlFledged Chick (C) 15 I7 23 7 23 I7 16 19 32 20 27 33 6 Total Chicks Fledged (C): 255

First Beach Dave's Rock All Plots Performance

(F) (n =7) (DR) (n =6) (n =/3) of all

Productivity Parameters ;r SD" ;rb SD ;r SD 294 Sites

Hatching Success (B/A) 0.80 0.94 0.96 0.78 0.93 0.86 0.94 0.86 1.00 0.95 0.971.00 0.89 0.89 0.08 0.95 0.06 0.91 0.07 B/A: 0.93

Aedging Success (CIB) 0.94 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.88 0.94 0.94 1.00 0.94 0.95 0.87 0.89 0.75 0.96 0.04 0.90 0.09 0.93 0.Q7 CIB: 0.93

Reproductive Success (CIA) 0.75 0.94 0.96 0.78 0.82 0.81 0.89 0.86 0.94 0.91 0.84 0.89 0.67 0.85 0.08 0.85 0.10 0.85 0.09 CIA: 0.87

1996 Thick-billed Murre Plots

Plot Numbers FLl F1.2 F2.1 F2.2 F2.3 F3.1 F3.2 F4.1 F5.1 F6.2 F7.! F7.2 Grand TOlals

Sites wlEgg (A) 23 '. 20 31 13 II 25 32 22 12 19 16 23 Total Eggs (A): 247

Sites w/Chick (B) 15 9 25 10 6 15 22 16 6 10 4 12 -Total Chicks (B): 150

Sites wlFledged Chick (C) 13 8 24 9 6 12 22 15 6 9 3 9 Total Chicks Aedged (C): 136

First Beach (F) Perfonnance

(n =/2) of all

Productivity Parameters ;r SD 247 Sites

1/

Hatching Success (BIA) 0.65 0,45 0.81 0.77 0.55 0.60 0.69 0.73 0.50 0.53 0.25 0.52 0.59 0.16 BIA: 0.61

Fledging Success (CIB) 0.87 0.89 0.96 0.90 1.00 0.80 1.00 0.94 1.00 0.90 0.75 0.75 0.90 0.09 CIB: 0.91

Reproductive Success (CIA) 0.57 0,40 0.77 0.69 0.55 0,48 0.69 0.68 0.50 0,47 0.19 0.39 0.53 0.16 CIA: 0.55

140
..

IIIIIIIII

. IIIIIIIIII
'- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - _.- -

Appendix 17 (Continued).

1997 Thick-billed Murre Plots

Plot Numbers Fl.! FL2 F2.2.+2.3 F3.1 F3.2 F4.1+5.1 F6.1 F6.2 F7.1 F7.2 Grand Totals

Sites wlEgg (A) 26 27 IS 29 34 33 28 25 19 28 Total Eggs (A): 264

Sites w/Chick (B) 20 ·19 14 12 20 27 24 17 15 20 Total Chicks (B): 188

Sites wlFledged Chick (C) 19 15 11 12 15 24 22 13 13 20 Total Chicks Fledged (C): 164

First Beach (F) Performance

(n =12) of all

Productivity Parameters x SD 264 Sites

Hatching Success (BIA) 0.77 0.70 0.93 0.41 0.59 0.82 0.86 0.68 0.79 0.71 0.73 0.15 B/A: 0.71

Fledging Success (CIB) 0.95 0.79 0.79 1.00 0.75 0.89 0.92 0.76 0.87 1.0 0.87 0.10 CIB: 0.87

Reproductive Success (CIA) 0.73 0.56 0.73 0.41 0.44 0.73 0.79 0.52 0.68 0.71 0.63 0.14 CIA: 0.62

a SD =standard deviation.

b .:r = mean.

141
:.' ..-

IIIIIIIIII

. IIIIIIIII
-------------------

Appendix 18. Reproductive perfonnance of common mu~res at Cape Lisburne, Alaska during 1995-1997.

1995 Common Murre Plots First Beach (FB) Dave's Rock (DR)

Plot Numbers FB3.2 FB5.1 FB6.1 FB7.1 DR.6 Totals Totals Grand Totals

Sites wlEgg (A) I 10 2 7 24 20 24 Total Eggs (A): 44 . Sites w/Chick (B) I 8 2 7 24 18 24 Total Chicks (B): 42

Sites wlFledged Chick (e) I 8 I 6 23 16 23 Total Chicks Fledged (e): 39

FB & DR Plots Performance

In =2) of all

Productivity Parameters j" SDb 44 Sites

Hatching Success (B/A) 1.00 0.80 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.90 1.00 0.95 0.07 B/A: 0.95

Fledging Success (CIB) 1.00 1.00 0.50 0.86 0.96 0.89 0.96 0.93 0.05 CIB: 0.93

Reproductive Success (CIA) 1.00 0.80 0.50 0.86 0.96 0.80 0.96 0.88 0.11 CIA: 0.89

1996 Common Murre Plots LPI_2c LP3-7d

Plot Numbers FB2.1 FB2.2 FB2.3 FB3.1 FB3.2 FB5.1 FB7.1 Totals Totals Grand Totals

Sites wlEgg (A) 6 4 9 I I 8 4 19 14 Total Eggs (A): 33

Sites w/Chick (B) 6 3 6 I I 7 I 15 10 Total Chicks (B): 25

Sites wlFledged Chick (e) 6 2 6 a I 6 a 14 7 Total Chicks Fledged (e): 2 I

FB Plots LPI-2 Perfonnance

& LP-3-7 (n = 2) of all

Productivity Parameters j' SD 33 Sites

Hatching Success (B/A) 1.00 0.75 0.67 1.00 1.00 0.88 0.25 0.79 0.71 0.75 0.06 B/A: 0.76

Fledging Success (CIB) 1.00 0.67 1.00 0.00 1.00 0.86 0.00 0.93 0.70 0.82 0.16 CIB: 0.84

Reproductive Success (CIA) 1.00 0.50 0.67 0.00 1.00 0.75 0.00 0.74 0.50 0.62 0.17 CIA: 0.64

142
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
[. ..

- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -"_." -.

_ Appendix 18 (ContinuedL

1997 Common Murre Plots LPI-2 LP3-7

Plot Numbers FB2.2 FB2.3 FB3.1 FB3.2 FB5.1 FB6.1 FB7.1 Totals Totals

Sites wlEgg (A) 8 5 1 1 12 1 7 13 22

Sites w/Chick (B) 6 4 0 I 10 1 4 10 16

Sites wlAedged Chick (C) 6 4 0 1 8 I 3 10 13

Grand Totals

Total Eggs (A): 35

Total Chicks (B); 26

Total Chicks Fledged (C): 23

Reproductive Success (CIA) 0.75 0.80 0.00 1.00 0.67 1.00 0.43 0.77 0.59

Productivity Parameters

Hatching Success (B/A)

Fledging Success (CIB)

0.75 0.80 0.00 1.00 0.83 1.00 0.57

1.00 1.00 0.00 1.00 0.80 1.00 0.75

0.77

1.00

0.73

0.81

FB Plots LPI-2 Performance

& LP-3-7 In = 2) of all

l' ·SD 35 Sites

0.75 0.03 B/A; 0.74

0.91 0.13 CIB: 0.88

0.68 0.13 CIA; 0.66

a X = mean.

b SD =standard deviation.

C Land plots 1-2 on First Beach.

d Land plots 3-7 on First Beach.

143
•

II

. ..III!

,

. I . . I

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
-------------------

Appendix 19. Sea-surface. temperatures during 23-28 July atCape Lisburne, Alaska, 1987-1997." All temperatures were taken with hand-held

thennometers east of the cape between the tip of the cape and the western Igrarok Hills. -During this period in 1995 (and also probably in 1987), - ,

readings were estimated to the nearest 0.50 C; in other years, readings were estimated to the nearest 0.1 0 C. Locations in parentheses. also show

approximate distances offshore in meters (m) or kilometers (km); locations not enclosed by parentheses indicate that temperatures were taken in the surf,

iJsually with the aid of a bucketb Times are Alaska Daylight Time.

23 July 24 July 25 July 26 July 27 July 28 July

Year Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C

1987 (KB 15 m) 1157 8.0' ND' ND RW 1400 10.0' (RW 30 m) II :30 9.0' ND

GB 1714 8.5'

8.0' ND ND (KB 30m) 1830 8.5' 9.0' ND

(RW 45 m) 1900 9.0'

--

9.0'

Average of all temperature readings: 8.8' (range =8.0'_10.0', SD =0.7', n =6)d

Average of daily mean temperatures: 8.7' (range =8.0'_9.0', SD =0.6', n =3)

Year Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C

1992 ND (IH 0.8 km) 2200 5.0' (KB I m) 1530 7.0' ND (CL 200 m) 1930 7.9' (LPI 50 m) 1410 6.0'

- (RW 100m) 2350 5.2' -- - (RW50m) 2300 5.0' (RW 50 m ) 1435 6.5'

ND -- 7.0' ND

5.1' 6.5' 6.3'

Average of all temperalure readings: 6.1' (range =5.0'_7.9', SD =1.1', n =7)

Average of daily mean temperatures: 6.2' (range =5.1 '_7.0', SD =0.8', n =4)

Year Location Time 'C Location Time "C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C Location Time 'C

1993 (RW 200 m) 0900 8.9' ND (GB 500 m) ? 11.7' (CL 500m) 1640 7.8' (RW 500 m) 1700 ll.I' (RW I km) 1900 10.6'

- -- -- -- -- 8.9' ND 11.7' 7.8' 1l.I' 10.6'

Average of all temperature readings: 10.0' (range =7.8'-11.7', SD =1.6', n = 5)

Average of alltempcrature readings: 10.0' (range =7.8'_11.7', SD =1.6', n =5)

144
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Appendix 19 (Continued).. 0> _

23 July 24 July 25 July 26 July 27 July 28 Ju!)'

Year Location Time "C Location Time "C Location Time "C Location Time "C Location Time "C Location Time "C

1995 RW 1902 5.0" RW 2328 5.5" RW 2353 6.5" RW 2318 6.5" RW 2210 5.5" RW 2244 5.5"

-- -- -- -- -- -- 5.0" 5.5" 6.5" 6.5" 5.5" 5.5"

Average of all temperature readings: 5.8" (range =5.0"_6.5", SD =0.6", n =6)

Average of all temperature readings: 5.8" (range =5.0"_6.5", SD =0.6", n =6)

Year Location Time "C Location Time "C Location Time "C Location Time "C Location Time "C Location Time "C

1996 RW 1156 7.9" RW 1208 7.9" RW 1150 7.4" RW 1147 7.4" RW 1145 ·7.4" RW 1155' 7.\"

RW 1837 8.0" RW 2003 8.0" RW 2136 7.1" RW 2246 7.2" RW 2140 7.5" RW 2346 7.1"

IH 2050 8.0" -- LP7 2307 7.3"

8.0" -- 7.3" -- 7.5" 7.1 "

8.0" 7.3"

Average of all temperature readings: 7.5" (range =7.1"-8.0",SD =0.4", n =14)

Average of all temperature readings: 7.5" (range =7.1 "_8.0", SD =0.4", n =6)

Year LOCation Time "C Location Time "C Location Time °C Location Time "C Location Time "C Location Tirnc "~

1997 RW 1555 8.5° RW 1430 8.3" RW 1041 8.4" RW 1354 8.9° RW 1147 8,30 RW 1337 8.4"

RW 2337 8.3" RW 2243 7.9° RW 2354 8.6° RW 2254 . 8.4" RW 2254 8.3° RW 2127 9.4" . -- -- -- -- -- -- 8.4° 8.1 " 8.5° 8.7" 8.3" 8.9"

Average of all temperature readings: 8.5° (range =7.9"_9.4°, SD = 0.4°, n =12)

Average of all temperature readings: 8.5" (range =8.1"_8.9°, SD =0.3", n =6)

, Data for 1987 and 1992 are from Denlinger e/ at. (1994); data for 1993 are from A.L. Sowls (unpub\. data); data for 1995-97 are from this study.

b RW is the conventional place for taking local sea-surface temperatures; it is located at the edge of the beach about 60 m east of the eastern end of the Cape Lisburne LRRS

runway. KB =Kittiwake Beach, GB =Grizzly Bear Beach, CL =Cape Lisburne, IH =western Igrarok Hills, and LP =land plot (with plot number). A 9.5 liter plastic bucket

tied to a rope was used to collect water from the surf; temperatures were taken immediately after the fined bucket was pulled ashore.

C ND;:: no data.

d SO -;:: standard deviation, n ::; sample size.

145
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Appendix 20. Reproductiveperfonnance of black-legged kittiwakes at Cape Thompson,Alaska in 1995."

Productivity Plots

~olony Number· Colony 4 Colony 5 Grand Totals

Plot Numbers and Totals 4-IA 4Xb 4-18 4Yc 4-2C 4-3D 4-4E Total 5-IA 5-IB 5-IC 5-2G 5-5J 5-6K Total

Number of Nests (A) 32 56 9 30 103 21 79 330 19 37 8 43 37 5 149 Total Nests (A): 479

Nests wll or more Eggs (B) d.e 7 13 I (1) 5 (1) 17 10 (2) 20 (2) 73 (6) 5 9 (1) I 5 5 a 25 (1) Nests w/l or more Eggs (B): 98

Number of Eggs (C) 7 13 2 6 17 12 22 79 5 10 I 5 5 a 26 Total Eggs (C): 105

Nests wll or more ·Chicks (D) 3 7 a 3 9 4 7 33 a 5 (I) a a a a 5 (1) Nests wll or more Chicks (D): 38

Number of Chicks (E) 3 7 a 3 9 4 7 33 a 6 a a a a 6 Total Chicks (E): 39

Nests wl1 or more Chicks Fledged (F) a a a a a a 3 3 a a a a a a a Nests w/l or more Chicks Fledged (F): . 3

Number ofChicks Fledged (G) a a a a a a 31 3 a a a a a a a Total Chicks Fledged (G): 3

All Plots Performance

Colony 4 Colony 5 (n = ll) of all

Productivity Parameters 4-IA 4X" 4-IB 4yb 4·2C 4-3D 4-4E Total 5-IA 5-18 5-IC 5-2G 5-5J 5-6K Total .xg SDh 479 Nests

Laying Success (B/A) 0.22 0.23 0.11 0.17 0.17 0.48 0.25 0.22 0.26 0.24 0.13 0.12 0.14 0.00 0.17 0.19 0.11 B/A: 0.20

Clutch Size (CIB) 1.00 1.00 2.00 1.20 1.00 1.20 1.10 1.08 1.00 1.11 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 1.04 1.05 0.42 CIB: 1.07

Nesting Success (DIB) 0.43 0.54 0.00 0.60 0.53 0.40 0.35 0.45 0.00 0.56 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 . 0.20 0.26 0.26 DIB: 0.39

Hatching Success (ElC) 0.43 0.54 0.00 0.50 0.53 0.33 0.32 0.42 0.00 0.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.23 0.25 0.25 E/C: 0.37

Chick Success (GIE) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.43 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 O.GO 0.03 - GIE: 0.08

Egg Success (G/C) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.04 0,00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 - G/C: 0.03

Fledging Success (FID) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.43 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 - F/D: 0.08

Reproductive Success (FIB) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.15 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 - FIB: 0.03

Fledglingslnest Start (GIA) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 <0.01 - G/A: 0.01

Overall Productivity (F/A) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 <0.01 - F/A: 0.01

, Nests were checked 9-10 times during II July - 19 August.

b Plot 4X was named "Swartz Subplot An in the 1995 field notebooks.

Plot 4Y was namcd "Swartz Suhplot Bnin the 1995 field notebooks.

:I This is a minimum value; some eggs may have been laid and lost before observations began.

Numbcr of 2-egg clutches shown in parentheses; all other clutches consisted of single eggs.

1 These chicks were still alive whcn last checked on 19 August and were presumed to have fledged.

g x == mean.

h SD = standard deviation.

146
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----...._-

Appendix 21. Hatching chronology of murres at Cape Thompson, Alaska in 1995.

--, ~_ ... _.~ ,., -."'-. -'--- -,~ _.- - .- . - ,,'

- .~ .. " . _& - .~. ,_••_,

Date

Parameter 19-24 Jul 25-26 Jul 27-30 Jul 31 Jul - 3 Aug 4-7 Aug 8-tl Aug t2-15 Aug 16-19 Aug 2G--23 Aug

Common Murres (n=257L

Number of Eggs Hatched 0 4 5 75 96 55 20 2 0

Percent Hatched 0 2 2 29 37 21 8 I 0

Cumulative Percent Hatched 0 2 4 33 70 91 99 100 100

Thick-billed Murres (n=559)a

Number of Eggs Hatched 0 9 56 117 229 115 31 2 0

Percent Hatched 0 2 10 21 41 21 6 0 0

Cumulative Percent Hatched 0 2 12 33 74 94 100 100 100

. an=sample size (257 and 559 eggs for common and thick-billed murres, respectively).

147
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., U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Snrvey ;11'

Biological' Resources Di,:ision

As the Nation's principal conservati(ooW

agency, the Department of the Interii\r has

responsibility for most of our natiori'ally ". owned public lands and natural resources.

This responsibility includes fosterini~ the

sound use of our lands and water resdurces;

protecting our fish, wildlife, and biol'ogical

diversity; preserving the environmeri:lal and . " cultural values of our natIOn's parks and

historical places; and providing for e'~joymenl

of life through outdoor recreation. The

+ Department assesses OUf energy and mineral

resources and works to ensure that tlibir

development is in the best interests (if all our

people by encouraging stewardship ai\d

citizen participation in their care. nre

Department also has a major responsibility

for American Indian reservation com:lnunities.

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