Abstract
In September of 2017 and 2018, we observed hundreds of scoters (Melanitta spp.) in fiords in Arctic Canada, approximately 1100 – 1800 km north of their previous northernmost observations. Given the remote locations and timing of observations, we do not know if these represent previously undiscovered areas where birds moult or new movements to Arctic locations. Moreover, the provenance of these sea ducks is unclear, as no evidence of movements to this region was indicated by large-scale satellite tracking of North American scoters during the last decade.
Highlights
The dynamic distribution of bird species is a source of considerable interest in recent years, as we try to document changes in range (La Sorte and Jetz, 2012), notably northward advancement related to global warming (McDonald et al, 2012)
Expedition ship travel in the Arctic has been increasing in frequency and area covered (Dawson et al, 2018), and data from these trips are proving useful for mapping marine bird distributions, population trends, and threats they may face in the Arctic (Chardine et al, 2004; Wong et al, 2018)
Locations of observations of scoters (Melanitta spp.) from expedition ships moving along eastern Baffin Island and northernmost reports from e-Bird or other sources
Summary
The dynamic distribution of bird species is a source of considerable interest in recent years, as we try to document changes in range (La Sorte and Jetz, 2012), notably northward advancement related to global warming (McDonald et al, 2012). This task is challenging to undertake in the vast Canadian Arctic, because baseline information on distribution is generally poor for many species or for times of year other than the breeding season (reviewed in Richards and Gaston, 2018).
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