Post-breeding distribution of Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemaIis from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Breeding populations of Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemaIis have declined in western Alaska, particularly on the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) Delta, and the species is currently considered a species of particular concern by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Alaska. Potential factors that may have contributed to this decline that occurred away from the breeding grounds could not be considered since moulting and wintering areas for this population were unknown. A study was conducted in 1998 and 1999 to locate the moulting and wintering areas of the Y-K Delta breeding population. VHF and satellite transm itters were deployed to identify areas used by moulting birds. Based on the locations identified by satellite te lemetry, aerial surveys were flown to locate birds marked with VHF transmitters, then low-level aerial surveys were designed and conducted to determine the number of birds using these and adjacent areas. Moulting locations of 54 marked female Long-tailed Ducks were identified: 13 marked females were found in wetlands and large lakes on the Y-K Delta, 11 in coastal lagoons at St Lawrence Island, Alaska, and two along the coast of the Chukotka Peninsula, Russia. A autumn stag ing area was identified along the east coast of the Chukotka Peninsula which was used by seven of 10 birds with satellite transm itters providing locations during that period. Birds wintered in coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean north of 50°N and between 150Έ and 130°W. The wide distribution of birds in w inter suggests litt le probability of a single factor in w in te r contributing to the decline