As part of an ongoing Sea Duck Joint Venture research project to track the migration patterns of the Pacific Barrow’s goldeneye, a crew from EC’s Wildlife Research and Simon Fraser University Centre for Wildlife Ecology captured 50 ducks in Indian Arm, near Vancouver, British Columbia in April. An experienced veterinarian surgically implanted small satellite transmitters into 15 adult females and 10 adult males.

The information generated in this project will be used to help understand connectivity between wintering, breeding and molting sites, as well as timing of movement and site fidelity. Also, together with satellite tagging at other locations (a breeding site in interior British Columbia, a molting site in Alberta, and a wintering site in Alaska), this research project will help biologists understand population structure and how best to delineate sub-populations for management purposes. Finally, the project will identify important sites/habitats and how they are used by individuals of different age and sex classes.

The Pacific Barrow’s goldeneye population is thought to be stable, but since global numbers are relatively small and the large majority of birds breed and winter in northwestern North America, the species merits a considerable amount of attention. Satellite tracking is the most efficient way to describe the migration and habitat use patterns of this species. 

For more information, visit the Migration and Habitat Use of the Pacific Barrow’s Goldenye.

Contact: Sean Boyd, 604-940-4682, Wildlife Research