UNASSIGNED: Migration patterns are believed to greatly influence concentrations of contaminants in birds due to accumulation in spatially and temporally distinct ecosystems. Two species of fish-eating birds, the Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) and the Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) breeding in Lake Ontario were chosen to measure the impact of overwintering location on @entity349 concentrations ([Hg]). We characterized (1) overwintering areas using stable isotopes of @entity3884 (  (2)H) and band recoveries, and (2) overwintering habitats by combining information from stable isotopes of @entity599 (  @entity15373 ), @entity505 (  @entity7352 ), @entity1568 (  @entity13140 ), and   (2)H in feathers grown during the winter. Overall, overwintering location had a significant effect on [Hg]. Both species showed high [Hg] in @entity7352 -rich habitats. In situ production of Hg (e.g., through @entity597 reducing bacteria in sediments) and allochthonous import could explain high [Hg] in birds visiting @entity7352 -rich habitats. Higher [Hg] were found in birds with high   (2)H, suggesting that Hg is more bioavailable in southern overwintering locations. Hotspot maps informed that higher [Hg] in birds were found at the limit of their southeastern overwintering range. @entity349 concentrations in winter feathers were positively related to predicted spatial pattern of [Hg] in fish using the National Descriptive Model of @entity349 in Fish (NDMMF) based on bird spatial assignment (using   (2)H). This study indicates that the overwintering location greatly influences [Hg].

Tracking Overwintering Areas of Fish-Eating Birds to Identify XXXX Exposure.

@entity1568 :: ('MESH:D009584', 'Chemical') :: ['nitrogen'] @entity3884 :: ('MESH:D006859', 'Chemical') :: ['hydrogen'] @entity349 :: ('MESH:D008628', 'Chemical') :: ['Mercury', 'mercury'] @entity597 :: ('CHEBI:16189', 'Chemical') :: ['sulfate'] @entity7352 :: ('CHEBI:36928', 'Chemical') :: ['(13)C'] @entity15373 :: ('CHEBI:37981', 'Chemical') :: ['(34)S'] @entity505 :: ('MESH:D002244', 'Chemical') :: ['carbon'] @entity599 :: ('MESH:D013455', 'Chemical') :: ['sulfur'] @entity13140 :: ('CHEBI:36934', 'Chemical') :: ['(15)N']
@entity349 :: (MESH:D008628,Chemical) :: ['Mercury']
