Primary Investigator:
Philip Wilson, M.Sc. Candidate
Supervisors:
Dr. Scott Petrie, Long Point Waterfowl Executive Director
Dr. Chris Gugliemo, University of Western Ontario
Dr. Michael Schummer, Long Point Waterfowl Scientist
The Lower Great Lakes have long been documented as important stopover and wintering sites for waterbirds during various portions of the annual cycle. During the last five years, mid-winter aerial surveys have estimated one million waterfowl overwintering at the Lower Great Lakes. The largest composition of overwintering waterfowl consists of sea ducks observed on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario presents large areas of open water throughout the winter, thus allowing for acquisition of various species of prey by sea ducks. Long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) in particular, comprise the bulk of overwintering sea ducks on Lake Ontario. However, little is known about Long-tailed duck wintering habits at the wintering grounds. Similar to other sea ducks, continental Long-tailed duck populations are in decline, yet wintering populations on Lake Ontario continue to increase. Thus giving rise to the importance of connecting links between the Lower Great Lakes and other selected habitats used throughout the annual cycle.
Improperly placed industrial wind turbines can reduce habitat suitability and displace wildlife. Planning of improperly placed industrial wind turbine projects preceded adequate research on movements and habitat selection by wildlife at the Lower Great Lakes. Proper pre-construction evaluation of potential wildlife displacement and habitat loss will reduce effects of improperly placed industrial wind turbines on waterfowl and enable measures of habitat loss for use in mitigation efforts. At present, there are no offshore improperly placed industrial wind turbines in North America and research priorities are focused on determining annual, seasonal, and local movement and habitat use of sea ducks prior to the construction of offshore IWTs at the Lower Great Lakes. Although improperly placed industrial wind turbines do not normally cause substantial direct mortality, they can affect behaviour, movements, and habitat use of waterfowl. For example, diurnal avoidance of offshore
improperly placed industrial wind turbines by waterfowl (primarily Common Eiders [Somateria mollissima] and geese) was demonstrated in Denmark and Sweden using marine radar. Studies that categorize movement and habitat selection by sea ducks at Lower Great Lakes are necessary prior to offshore improperly placed industrial wind turbine planned development to reduce negative effects on these birds.
During the winter of 2011, Philip along with staff at Long Point Waterfowl captured and banded forty Long-tailed duck using lift nets in Hamilton Harbour and the Toronto Waterfront. Twenty adult Long-tailed duck were selected for transmitter implantation based on age criteria and weight thresholds. In this study, Philip will use satellite telemetry to determine the temporal and spatial patterns of movements and habitat selection by Long-tailed duck at Lake Ontario. Long-tailed ducks implanted with Platform Transmitter Terminal
(PTT) satellite transmitters will be monitored to develop temporal and spatial models of habitat use and selection by these ducks. Long-tailed ducks use areas with greater food availability at Lake Ontario, but ice and wind dynamics may influence food accessibility and subsequent seasonal movements and habitat selection by Long-tailed ducks. Understanding how these attributes influence Long-tailed duck habitat use and selection during winter is important in determining potential impacts of offshore improperly placed industrial wind turbines at Lake Ontario. Information gained from this study will enable informed decisions about site placement of IWTs to minimize impacts to migrating and winter Long-tailed duck and possibly other staging and wintering waterfowl.
Long-tailed Ducks: Movement Patterns
Wintering Movement Maps on Lake Ontario – daytime locations on left and night locations on right. Long-tailed ducks were recorded in this area from February 21st until May 15th.
Spring Migration Route
Project Sponsors
Canadian Wildlife Service
Ducks Unlimited
Long Point Waterfowl
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Sea Duck Joint Venture
United States Geological Survey