Spring Distribution of Marine Birds in the Gulf of Alaska

Abstract

Aerial surveys of marine birds were conducted in the Gulf of Alaska from March through June 1977. The surveys provide synoptic information on the relative seasonal abundance of seabirds and their use of the continental shelf and slope and deep oceanic areas. Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis), Sooty and Short-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus griseus and P. tenuirostris), Forktailed Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma furcata), sea ducks, Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), murres (Uria spp.), and Tufted Puffins (Lunda cirrhata) were the most common of the 35 species observed in the Gulf. Most seabirds were found over the continental slope and oceanic waters in March. Densities, especially of shearwaters, increased as birds moved into waters over the continental shelf from April to June. Most species were associated with at least one other, and 11 statistically significant associations (P < 0.05) were found between the eight most common species. Tufted Puffins, Arctic Terns, and shearwaters were highly associated.