DOI: 10.18739/a23r0pt35
title: Utqiaġvik shorebird breeding ecology study, Utqiaġvik, Alaska, 2003-2018

description: Field data on shorebird ecology and environmental conditions were collected from 2003-2018 at Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska. We collected long-term breeding data on all shorebird species residing at our study site in order to (1) estimate temporal and spatial variability of shorebird diversity and abundance, (2) estimate nest initiation date and nesting effort of Arctic-breeding shorebirds as measured by replacement clutch laying, and clutch and egg size, (3) estimate nest and chick survival, and other demographic traits, (4) establish a marked population of as many shorebird species as possible to estimate adult survival, mate and site fidelity, and natal philopatry, and (4) estimate environmental effects of weather, food availability, and predator and prey abundances on shorebird productivity and survival. Datasets include information pertaining to 1) live captures of adult shorebirds (Utiqiavik_adult_shorebird_banding), 2) live captures of shorebird chicks (Utiqiavik_chick_shorebird_banding), 3) monitoring of shorebird nests (Utiqiavik_nest_data), 4) measurements of shorebird eggs (Utiqiavik_egg_measurements), 5) resighting of color-banded shorebirds (Utiqiavik_shorebird_resightings), 6) surveys of seasonal snow cover and water availability (Utiqiavik_snow_water_surveys), 7) weekly point counts of potential shorebird predators (Utiqiavik_predator_surveys), 8) location of potential shorebird predator nests (Utiqiavik_predator_nests), 9) biomass of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates (Utiqiavik_invertebrate_biomass), 10) sampling effort of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates (Utiqiavik_invertebrate_sampling_effort), 11) daily counts of all vertebrate species encountered while in the field (Utiqiavik_daily_species_counts), and 12) opportunistic breeding dates of all vertebrate species encountered while in the field (Utiqiavik_breeding_dates). The data providers have invested considerable effort in QA/QC (quality assurance/ quality control), but it is possible that undetected errors remain. It is strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data to evaluate data set limitations, restrictions, or intended use. The originators of this dataset shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. Potential users of these data should first contact the data authors listed below, as potential biases may occur within the data depending on the intended use. For example, fox control was conducted within the area for a number of years, potentially reducing predation pressure in some years. Additionally, one plot (brw6) was located within the boundaries of a landfill fence, potentially biasing metrics within this plot as compared to the population. Therefore, potential users should contact the data authors to discuss intended use and how these data may or may not be applicable. General field methods are available in the ASDN_protocol_2014.pdf file. However, data authors should be contacted for annual protocol documents that detail specific annual methodologies.