scoter_experimental_surveys_2017_2019.gdb.zip (English, French, FGDB/GDB)

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Publisher-reported update

2025-03-12

Populations of North American breeding scoters appear to be declining, however a large degree of uncertainty remains around population size estimates and trends due to challenges related to surveying this group of sea ducks. From 2017-2019, The Canadian Wildlife Service conducted helicopter surveys for breeding scoters in six study areas across Northern Canada: Lynx Lake, NWT (2017-2019), Little Duck Lake, Manitoba (2017), Ramparts River Wetland, NWT (2017), Yellowknife, NWT (2018), North Lynx Lake, NWT (2019), and the George River, QC (2019). Within each study area, we surveyed 20-26 5x5 km plots, selected using a random stratified sampling design. The surveys were conducted in June each year (range: June 8-22) to coincide with scoter nest initiation and early incubation period. We used a double dependent observer approach (see supplemental information) and we identified all observations of primary species (scoters, scaup, mergansers, Long-tailed ducks) to species and sex when possible. We identified and recorded observations of non-focal species including all other waterfowl, all conspicuous waterbirds and shorebirds, and any observable mammalian species. Complete metadata is…

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