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Western (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and eared (Podiceps nigricollis) grebes of central Alberta : 2004 field summary

Description

The information presented in this report represents the findings from the second year of surveying western and eared grebes within the Stony Plain study area in Alberta. The surveys are projected... More ≫

Description

The information presented in this report represents the findings from the second year of surveying western and eared grebes within the Stony Plain study area in Alberta. The surveys are projected to span a five year period and the project is designed to monitor population trends and reproductive success of western grebes and eared grebes within the Stony Plain study area. In 2004, surveying effort was focused on the primary western and eared grebe populations identified in the previous years of this project. Ground nest surveys were conducted after the nesting period, the results of which were used to derive a total breeding adult population estimate. In addition, surveys were initiated in the Parkland region in 2004, to identify waterbodies that supported potential western grebe breeding colonies.

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Western (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and eared (Podiceps nigricollis) grebes of central Alberta : 2002 field summary

Description

The information presented in this report represents the findings from the second year of surveying western and eared grebes within the Stony Plain study area in Alberta. The surveys are projected... More ≫

Description

The information presented in this report represents the findings from the second year of surveying western and eared grebes within the Stony Plain study area in Alberta. The surveys are projected to span a five year period and the project is designed to monitor population trends and reproductive success of western grebes and eared grebes within the Stony Plain study area. In 2002, surveying effort was focused on the primary grebe populations identified in the initial year of the project. The regional population of western grebes was estimated to be approximately 2611 adults on six lakes. The Wabamun Lake colony continues to show signs of poor nesting success, which we now believe to be attributed to high rates of corvid nest depredation. This is a major concern since this colony is ranked nationally significant. Eared grebes were found on 10 lakes, for a conservative overall population estimate of 8633 adults.

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Western (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and eared (Podiceps nigricollis) grebes of central Alberta : inventory, survey techniques, and management concerns

Description

This project focused on western grebes and eared grebes inhabiting the Stony Plain area, which is within the Parkland and Boreal natural regions of central Alberta. These grebe species have a wide... More ≫

Description

This project focused on western grebes and eared grebes inhabiting the Stony Plain area, which is within the Parkland and Boreal natural regions of central Alberta. These grebe species have a wide distribution across western and central North America, yet indications are that they may be declining and could become threatened over the long-term. Relatively little research and monitoring attention has been directed toward these species. To address some of these concerns, surveys were conducted to locate grebe colonies, estimate population sizes, and assess their reproductive success. Various survey methods were also developed, tested, and evaluated, thereby providing a framework for future surveys. In doing so, trend data can now be gathered for western and eared grebes, which will enable local and regional status assessment. Management implications are also provided in this report.

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