Abstract
Abstract North American waterfowl winter throughout a large geographic area, and the choice of wintering site has a direct impact on survival and fitness. Climatic and food variables are the most commonly cited factors influencing abundance and distribution of wintering migratory birds, including waterfowl. We conducted stratified aerial surveys at a northern latitude wintering site, Great Salt Lake (GSL), Utah, to describe the importance of this wintering area and to examine the influence of weather and food on the abundance of total ducks, Northern Shovelers (Anas clypeata), and goldeneye species (Bucephala spp.). Surveys indicated that up to 270,000 ducks use the GSL during winter, making it an important wintering area in the Pacific Flyway. Peak abundance of total ducks was positively correlated with overwinter temperatures. Northern Shoveler abundance was positively correlated with elevation of the GSL; higher lake elevation indicated more open water and hence more overwintering habitat. Goldeneye ab...
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