tundra swan avian influenza surveillance and banding ... fileiii tables, figures, and appendices....

Tundra Swan Avian Influenza Surveillance and Banding Effort Alaska Peninsula 13-29 July 2009

Susan Savage KEY WORDS: Alaska Peninsula; Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; Avian Influenza;

Becharof National Wildlife Refuge; Cygnus columbianus; neck collars; tundra swan

October 2009

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alaska Peninsula / Becharof National Wildlife Refuge

PO Box 277 King Salmon, AK 99613

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLES, FIGURES, and APPENDICES..................................................................................... iii ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1 STUDY AREA ............................................................................................................................... 3 METHODS ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Field Procedures ......................................................................................................................... 3 Data Summaries .......................................................................................................................... 5

RESULTS & DISCUSSION........................................................................................................... 6 Reconnaissance ........................................................................................................................... 6 Capture Summary ....................................................................................................................... 6 Observations of Bird Behavior ................................................................................................. 10 Project Narrative ....................................................................................................................... 10

RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................................................................. 13 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.......................................................................................................... 13 LITERATURE CITED ................................................................................................................. 15

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TABLES, FIGURES, and APPENDICES

TABLES Table 1. Summary of tundra swan capture date, location, Banding Lab Location

(BandIt), and number captured for tundra swan capture activities, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project 2009.. ...........................................................................7

Table 2. Means and standard deviations (SD) of tundra swan morphometric data by sex

and capture year, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project 2006-2009. ........................8 FIGURES Figure 1: Tundra Swan study area and capture locations for avian influenza investigations

on the Northern Alaska Peninsula, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project 2009.................................................................................................................................4

Figure 2: Trumpeter swan captured on 26 July .............................................................................12 APPENDICES Appendix I. Animal Care and Use Committee, Assurance of Animal Care Form........................17 Appendix II. Standard Operating Procedures for Alaska Tundra Swan Captures.........................30 Appendix III. Recoveries, as defined in text, of Northern Alaska Peninsula Birds

continent-wide, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project, 2009. Number of recoveries by state/province of record and breeding season/winter season year..........37

Appendix IV. Expenses for the Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project 2009 ............................41

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ABSTRACT Tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) were captured on the Northern Alaska Peninsula (NAKP) as part of statewide Avian Influenza (AI) investigations in late July 2009. This project was a joint effort between the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) and the US Geological Survey-Alaska Science Center (USGS-ASC). Izembek National Wildlife Refuge was also funded for this project but due to weather and logistical challenges, no captures were attempted on the Southern Alaska Peninsula (SAKP). On the NAKP, two molting flocks were accessible by fixed-wing aircraft and 33 birds were captured and sampled using aircraft-transported inflatable boats. Staff then employed a contracted R-44 helicopter to capture another 72 swans in the vicinity of King Salmon (Refuge headquarters). In addition to the AI sampling, birds were banded, measured and their lores were photographed. Feather samples were taken for isotopic analysis to attempt to determine wintering areas. Blood was drawn from birds for baseline toxicology, for investigation of viral antibodies, and for work to explore genetic variation among populations. Each captured bird received a blue neck collar with a unique alpha-numeric code. This report summarizes the methods used, preliminary results, resightings from previous work, and recommendations for future Refuge work related to tundra swan avian influenza. INTRODUCTION The Bristol Bay coastal plain of the Alaska Peninsula supports significant breeding, molting and migrating populations of tundra swans. The history of tundra swan biological studies on the Alaska Peninsula is reviewed in the 2006 - 2008 progress reports (Savage and Sowl 2007, Savage and Sowl 2008, Savage and Sowl 2009). Marked swans from Alaska Peninsula Refuges’ efforts in 2006-2008 were resighted and recovered down the Pacific Flyway reinforcing what was observed previously (Moermond and Spindler 1997, Ely et al. 1998, Dau and Sarvis 2002, Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge [NWR] band recovery records from the 1980s, Alaska Peninsula NWR resighting records 2004 – 2008 for birds banded in Washington, Izembek NWR band resighting records 1980-1995). In addition, satellite tagged swans from across Alaska gave detailed information about the fall and spring migration routes and wintering areas of these birds in 2008 and 2009 (proposal for satellite tagging in Ely et al. 2007). In spring 2006, tundra swans traveling in Alaska were identified as a priority species for sampling for the highly pathogenic Asian AI virus (HPH5N1 - AI) because their distribution includes eastern Asia where they may interact with infected birds from southeastern Asia. In addition, swans seem to be highly susceptible to HPH5N1 as evidenced by the prevalence of swans in AI die-offs in Asia and Europe (Interagency Avian Influenza Working Group 2006). Tundra swans have also been identified as a high priority species for AI sampling in the Pacific Flyway, where sampling of wintering birds began in 2006 (Dusek et al. 2009). Many tundra swans winter in California, a state particularly at risk to an AI outbreak because of a large human population and poultry industry. In 2006, at six locations across Alaska, 363 tundra swans were tested for AI. Of these, one (from the NAKP) was found to be positive for AI, but not specifically for H5 or N1 (USFWS/USGS 2007). In 2007, 339 live birds were tested at five locations across the state with none being found positive for AI (USFWS/USGS 2008). In 2008,

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464 live birds were sampled at seven locations statewide, with none testing positive for AI (USFWS/USGS 2009). Because the AI sampling protocol required tundra swans to be captured, Izembek Refuge Wildlife Biologist Sowl, USGS-ASC Wildlife Biologist Ely, and I (PIs) proposed in 2006 to band and collar these birds. As recommended in the 2006 progress report, USGS-ASC funded several observers’ travel to search for wintering swans in the lower 48 states. I combined observations from USGS-ASC funded observers, observations from the public, one band recovered off a dead bird, and one band recovered off a hunted bird, to identify individuals as “recovered.” The recovery rate is the percentage of individuals “recovered” compared to the number banded. By spring 2007, 59% of 2006 banded birds were recovered for NAKP birds, encouraging staff biologists to continue collaring swans. As of September 2009, the overall recovery rate from three years of banding was 66%. Many individual swans have been resighted multiple times. Over the winter of 2006/2007 some NAKP swans were observed to winter in northwestern Washington State. Ongoing studies in this location have identified potential risks of exposure to lead levels high enough to be toxic to swans (Degernes et al. 2006, Lagerquist et al. 1994, Mike Smith p.c.). In subsequent winters, NAKP swans also passed through Idaho, where swans have been exposed to toxic levels of lead from mining and smelting (Blus et al. 1999). The PIs investigated the value of collecting blood samples to determine baseline lead levels; this was initiated in 2007. In 2008, interest in analyzing arctic bird blood for methyl mercury arose; blood from this study may also contribute to that analysis. By collaring swans, taking feather samples (used for isotope analysis), and taking blood and AI samples on the Alaska Peninsula and elsewhere in Alaska, the PIs and other researchers hope to increase information in the following areas:

Migratory paths between molting, staging, breeding, and wintering areas. Site fidelity for breeding, molting and wintering areas. Timing of migration for various populations, age groups, breeding vs. non-breeding

birds. Wintering areas of various Alaskan populations. Use genetics to delineate populations of swans. This will allow determination of how

much mixing between populations occurs in staging and wintering areas. Determine baseline swan blood lead levels. Determine baseline swan blood methyl mercury levels. Describe different AI viruses occurring in tundra swans and their genetic makeup. Examine differences in seroprevalence rates and AI subtypes between species, sexes,

breeding status and geographic locations. Ability to easily avoid or target (to be determined) already tested birds during future

sampling efforts. Ability of the public to identify where birds were marked and potential risk levels for AI

exposure.

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Further analysis of 2006 -2008 data are pending to determine what has been learned to date. This report summarizes the field effort in 2009 and recovery data for the NAKP collared tundra swans. STUDY AREA The rugged Aleutian Mountains provide the “backbone” of the Alaska Peninsula and separate the Gulf of Alaska from the Bering Sea. Peaks to 2,510 m (Mt. Veniaminof) extend along the southern and eastern edge of the peninsula bordering the Gulf of Alaska. To the south and east the mountains generally fall steeply to the ocean, but on the north and west sides the mountains fall more gently to the Bristol Bay Coastal Plain (Plain). Volcanic and glacial processes are still active in the mountains and impact the entire area. Federal lands with Native inholdings dominate land ownership in the mountains and along the Gulf of Alaska coast while State of Alaska and Native Corporations and villages own most of the Plain (Fig. 1). The Plain is dominated by low and dwarf shrub communities, tundra, and a variety of wetland types. Broad, meandering rivers cross the landscape creating diverse wetland habitat in this boundary zone. The Plain is dotted with ponds and lakes of various sizes and depths. Some are connected by creeks and rivers, while others are isolated. Tundra swans are primarily found in moist and wet tundra dominated by sedges, grasses, ericaceous shrubs and in lakes and ponds with emergent vegetation (primarily Potamogeton spp., Myriophyllum spp., and Sparganium hyperboreum). METHODS A proposal was submitted for funding in January 2009 to continue capturing and testing NAKP tundra swans. Funding was confirmed in March. After four submissions beginning in 2008, the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR received approval in April from the Alaska Regional Office Animal Care and Use Committee to conduct this project (See Appendix I – Assurance of Animal Care Form). Modifications to previous procedures included limiting the number of attempts to net swans from boats, measuring the temperatures of some captured birds to check for stress, and ensuring the ability of crew members to euthanize birds if necessary. Starting with a document drafted by Sowl, I worked with Wilson (MBM) to draft “A Standard Operating Procedure” for all capture and handling methods including helicopter capture was also completed as part of the Assurance of Animal Care Form (See Appendix II). Field Procedures I proposed to capture 100 swans on the NAKP within a 150 km radius of King Salmon. Because NAKP molting swans have been scarce in the two years since we began the project in mid-July, I proposed to begin our project later, starting around July 23. Although Izembek NWR did not have the staff necessary to conduct the project in 2009, they readily agreed to participate when staff from other offices and agencies agreed to assist them. The two refuges, USGS-ASC, and Migratory Bird Management (MBM)-Region 7 biologists made logistical plans including borrowing the Kodiak NWR Beaver (N926OZ), staffing, and sharing gear. We planned to use the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR Found (N794) on floats at Izembek. For reconnaissance on NAKP, I planned to use the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR Husky (N756). I also contracted an R-44 (N74435) helicopter through Pollux Aviation (Pilot Levanger) because of USGS-ASC capture success on small and shallow lakes when they contracted one in 2008.

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The Found and a Beaver (government or commercial) were used for transportation of the banding/shore crew and the capture crew and boats, respectively. For information on the capture and banding procedure using fixed-wing aircraft and boats, consult Savage and Sowl (2007, 2008) and Appendix II. When no more flocks could be accessed by float plane, we used the contracted helicopter for capture. This involved using the helicopter to find pairs or small molting flocks near Refuge headquarters in King Salmon. This year we avoided pairs with cygnets. The birds were usually on a small or shallow water body and the majority of the birds

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were flightless. When birds were found, two or three passengers were stationed on the ground away from the birds. The ground crew had large salmon nets, and tried to hide behind vegetation or relief near the water body shore. The helicopter pilot then attempted to push the flightless birds toward the ground crew. Capture was most successful when the capture crew could remain hidden until the birds were within arms’ reach. Sometimes the crew had to run to capture the birds; this resulted in many capture failures. Occasionally, the helicopter pilot could pin birds on the tundra or shoreline with the helicopter until ground crew could reach them. When the targeted number of birds was captured, the helicopter landed, banding gear was unpacked, and the birds were processed at the site.

Prior to field work, a sampling packet containing a band, a collar, and all the sampling supplies (except AI vial which had to remain cold) was prepared for each bird. Captured swans received a blue neck collar and a USGS leg band from the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR station banding permit. We collected paired oral-pharyngeal and cloacal AI samples. Swans were aged (birds showing remnant gray feathers on head or neck were aged second year [SY], others were aged after second or after hatch year[ASY]), sexed (using cloacal exam), measured (total tarsus, diagonal tarsus, mid-toe, culmen, lore length and width to 1/10 mm, and 9th primary to nearest mm), and weighed (to 1/100 kilogram). We photographed the collar number and the face of each bird to further document the lore shape and size. We collected head and breast feathers for isotopic studies. Genetic samples will also be used to confirm sex. We attempted to draw five cc of blood from the jugular or tarsal vein. The blood sample was deposited into a green top heparanized tube (1cc) for lead (and possibly mercury) analysis, a gold-top vaccutainer (4 cc) for serum sample, and syringe remnants into a Longmire buffer snap-cap tube for genetics analysis. After the field samples were completed, the paired oral-pharyngeal and cloacal swabs, blood vials and feathers were placed in the packet which was placed in a small cooler with ice pack. When we returned to King Salmon, we placed samples in a refrigerator until the end of the day. At days’ end, labeling was checked and the AI samples were transferred to the dry nitrogen shipper. We centrifuged blood samples for sera; these were frozen in the nitrogen shipper. Other blood samples were frozen (green top) or refrigerated (Longmire snap-cap) until the end of the project when they were shipped to Anchorage. At the completion of the field project shippers were transported back to Anchorage for cataloging before samples were sent to the National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC). We followed NWHC protocols for protection of field personnel as well as for collection, storage, and shipping of samples. Aviation Management office procedures were followed for decontamination of materials that were transported in aircraft. For a comprehensive gear list, see Savage & Sowl (2008). Items not on this list include mesh bags (for weighing), copies of banding and AI permits, and hand sanitizer. New gear items in 2009 included digital rectal flexible tip thermometers. Data Summaries This report will summarize the results of capture (including location) and morphological measurements. The results of the AI testing are available in an annual report from USFWS-Region 7, USGS-ASC and USGS-NWHC (e.g., USFWS/USGS 2009). Dau (USFWS-MBM) will be using the morphometric information and the lore photos to compare with birds from other areas across Alaska. Pearce (USGS-ASC) will conduct the genetic analysis. Isotopic analysis will be conducted at University of Alaska-Anchorage (Dr. Welker) under contract to USGS-

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ASC. Franson (NWHC) will report on results of the blood lead levels. If mercury analysis will be done, Ackerman (USGS-Western Ecological Research Center) will lead. Seroprevalence work is being conducted by Wildlife Biologist Wilson (MBM) and Hall (NWHC). I submitted banding schedules via BandIt and e-mail to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. I summarized helicopter locations in BandIt by 10-minute latitude/longitude block. If the 10-minute block covered two Alaska boroughs, each received a separate designation. I also summarized “recovery” data for the NAKP birds collared in previous years. Recovery includes any collar resighting or recovery of a band from a dead bird. These will be summarized by individual collar (one cygnet was banded but not collared), state where bird was recovered, and year (summarized by year arrived on breeding ground through next wintering season; e.g., 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 = 06/07). RESULTS & DISCUSSION Reconnaissance Reconnaissance ultimately was conducted in the Refuge Found (17, 18, and 22 July, see Project Narrative) and during other point-to-point flights. Three molting flocks accessible to fixed-wing aircraft on floats were found on the NAKP. Water levels continued to appear low resulting in difficult float plane access to some lakes. On the SAKP reconnaissance occurred incidentally during caribou surveys the week of 13 July using a Super Cub PA-18. No large accessible flocks were found. Capture Summary Fixed-wing accessible captures occurred on Pike Lake (12 birds) and Bear Lake (21 birds); helicopter captures (72 birds) all occurred within 31 km of King Salmon (Fig. 1, Table 1). All captured birds were banded and collared (collar numbers P844 – P947). We obtained AI swabs, photos, and feathers for all 105 birds. Varying amounts of blood were obtained from 104 birds, although enough for the serum study was obtained from 90 birds. The scale failed on the last two birds, so mass was obtained on 103 birds. We decided not to take morphological measures on one bird that appeared stressed (see below); morphological measures were taken for 104 birds except 9th primary which was suspected to be measured incorrectly on the first three birds (101 measures). We measured rectal temperature on 14 birds including the stressed bird. Preliminary means and standard deviations were calculated for the morphometric data by sex; data are included for previous years (Table 2). The banding crew was not always confident of sex determinations and in previewing the raw data, some extremely large females and extremely small males are noted. Therefore, these data are preliminary until sex can be confirmed by genetic samples. Nonetheless trends still emerge. Within year, male measures of mass, culmen, total and diagonal tarsus, and mid toe averaged larger than female, the only exception being culmen in 2008 birds. Diagonal tarsus for 2008 males and females is smaller than that measured in 2007 and 2009, although the birds are generally the same size or larger, leading me to speculate that this measure was not taken correctly in 2008. Ninth primary is larger for

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Date LocationBandIt Location* Latitude Longitude

Number Captured

07/20/09 Pike Lake, Alaska Peninsula F 57.66411667 -157.3855 1207/23/09 Bear Lake, Alaska Peninsula G 57.98244 -157.23643 2107/24/09 WP84, Alaska Peninsula KSWB 58.63400579 -156.6918092 1

WP85, Alaska Peninsula KSS 58.54727564 -156.6351551 2WP86, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.53731157 -156.7006375 2WP87, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.52769367 -156.7462836 2WP88, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.51333966 -156.775581 1WP89, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.53091274 -156.7887953 1WP90, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.53581582 -156.8019171 2WP91, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.52676454 -156.8117628 1

07/25/09 WP93, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.60190696 -156.73206 2WP94, Alaska Peninsula KSWB 58.62442201 -156.7077544 2WP95, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.59080764 -156.7223803 2WP96, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.56244999 -156.7163461 1

07/26/09 WP103, Alaska Peninsula KSWB 58.63241256 -156.7544702 2WP106, Alaska Peninsula KSW 58.66899907 -156.8230636 2WP107, Alaska Peninsula SNSE 58.68795332 -156.8892804 1WP108, Alaska Peninsula SNSE 58.6813845 -156.8933927 1WP97, Alaska Peninsula KSWB 58.62723355 -156.7402064 2WP98, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.61656339 -156.7628462 2WP99, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.60459311 -156.7652156 2

07/27/09 WP110, Alaska Peninsula KSW 58.66829121 -156.7782215 2WP111, Alaska Peninsula KSWB 58.65225705 -156.7959924 2WP116, Alaska Peninsula KWB 58.63829213 -156.8514207 2WP117, Alaska Peninsula KWB 58.63222548 -156.8646941 2WP125, Alaska Peninsula JHNE 58.62168415 -157.128417 2

07/28/09 WP127, Alaska Peninsula KWB 58.65738091 -156.8398199 11WP129, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.60084288 -156.6927856 5WP133, Alaska Peninsula KWB 58.66502479 -156.8553728 1WP137, Alaska Peninsula KSWB 58.66224518 -156.8282116 3WP141, Alaska Peninsula KWB 58.64690512 -156.8607729 2WP145, Alaska Peninsula KSWB 58.62639285 -156.8210203 2

07/29/09 WP151, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.60066552 -156.7175674 3WP152, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.58498859 -156.7819991 3WP154, Alaska Peninsula KSWL 58.57144528 -156.7900309 1

* Helicopter captured birds were reported by 10' block and borough to the Banding Lab and not by individual locations. They were reported to NWHC as Naknek River Drainage.

Table 1. Summary of tundra swan capture date, location, Banding Lab Location (BandIt), and number captured for tundra swan capture activities, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project 2009.

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Sex UndeterminedYear 2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 2009

Mass, Mean (kg) 6.6 6.5 7.0 6.9 7.3 7.3 7.4 7.8 7.3Mass, SD 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.9Culmen, Mean (mm) 104.4 102.6 107.9 105.0 107.0 104.8 107.2 106.5 106.7Culmen, SD 5.6 7.2 14.2 13.0 4.4 5.9 5.6 4.8 2.8

Skull, Mean (mm) 70.9 Not Taken Not Taken Not Taken 71.4 Not Taken Not Taken Not Taken Not Taken

Skull, SD 4.8 5.1

Lore Length, Mean (mm) 23.2 20.4 17.3 23.5 19.6 17.2 19.1 17.0 20.4Lore Length, SD 11.1 7.9 6.4 9.6 12.2 10.2 10.7 9.4 8.8Lore Width, Mean (mm) 9.5 8.1 6.3 8.9 8.1 7.0 7.7 7.1 7.1Lore Width, SD 5.2 3.1 2.2 3.2 5.4 3.8 3.2 3.3 2.5

Total Tarsus, Mean (mm) 132.0 130.8 136.1 136.1 137.4 135.6 138.6 141.7 141.0Total Tarsus, SD 6.2 6.1 3.4 4.6 5.7 7.6 2.6 4.9 1.9Diagonal Tarsus, Mean (mm) Not taken 112.4 105.8 111.9 Not Taken 113.1 106.6 114.2 114.0Diagonal Tarsus, SD 5.3 8.2 5.6 8.1 8.6 4.8 3.0

Mid Toe, Mean (mm) 122.4 124.0 125.7 124.0 128.8 132.0 126.8 128.6 127.8Mid Toe, SD 5.0 8.0 4.2 5.7 4.4 7.9 9.1 5.7 4.89th Primary, Mean (mm) 90.6 38.8 60.3 81.9 93.8 42.0 19.0 92.9 132.79th Primary, SD 42.0 36.4 50.3 48.0 39.2 36.0 26.6 54.6 55.0

Sample size 53* 34† 9 62Δ 37 12† 6 36Δ 7Δ

Table 2. Means and standard deviations (SD) of tundra swan morphometric data by sex and capture year, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project 2006-2009. Results are preliminary until sex is confirmed by genetic analysis.

Female Male

Δ Because of stress, culmen, lore, tarsus, and midtoe were not taken on 1 sex U bird; because of scale failure mass was not taken on 1 male and 1 female; and because of mismeasurement and stress 9th primary is missing for 2 U, 1 female and 1 male.

† Mismeasurement resulted in mid toe based on 29 samples for females and 11 samples for males.

* Because of caliper malfunction on one bird, NAKP female culmen, skull, total tarsus and mid toe are based on 52 samples.

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males, but this may be an indication of molt progression more than of size (i.e., males may begin molting earlier than females, although this was not the case for pairs with cygnets in 2008). Note that in 2006 and 2009 birds were sampled primarily in the fourth week of July and in 2007 and 2008 they were sampled in the third week of July; 9th primary, as an indication of molt progression shows the difference in sampling date. In three of four years, lore measures averaged smaller for males than for females. Measurements of 2008 birds may differ from this pattern because of the small sample size and the selection of known breeding females for the first five captures. This year, 20 of 105 (19%) birds were SY birds. As a condition of the Animal Care and Use Permit, we agreed to measure rectal temperature on some birds as an indication of stress. The thermometers used often took up to three minutes to reach equilibrium. We usually could not perform other banding operations while measuring temperature so this increased handling time for each bird. Therefore, we did not measure the majority of birds. The measured temperatures ranged from 37.3° to 40°C (mean of 38.9°C, n=6) during fixed-wing operations and from 39.9° to 41.2°C (mean of 40.6°C, n=8) during helicopter operations. During fixed-wing operations, birds are herded on cool water, captured in small groups, and held on shore for up to 40 min where they likely cool off from their momentary capture chase. During helicopter operations, birds are chased on the water and sometimes on land for several minutes. Undoubtedly, this is physically more stressful and raises body temperature more than boat capture. Banding also occurs more quickly (fewer birds captured at once), therefore the birds have less time to cool down before temperatures are taken. Contrary to concerns expressed by the Animal Care and Use Committee, we were able to determine by touch, which birds appeared to be warmer than was thought normal (>40.3°C). The recovery rate for marked birds of this population has been phenomenal. Of 95 birds banded in 2006, 67 have been recovered (71%); of 46 banded in 2007, 26 have been recovered (56%); and of five collared in 2008, 4 have been recovered (80%; See Appendix III). Only 2 of the 97 recoveries are known mortalities (one additional bird did not have the method of recovery noted). All others have been resightings of collared birds. The 97 individual birds that have been recovered have been resighted/recovered in 251 different recovery events (different location and/or different year; the author only tallied one recovery for all Naknek River resightings for an individual swan in one spring). Of the 97 individual birds recovered, 66 of these individuals have been recovered outside of Alaska. Washington State has provided 64 recoveries and California has provided 55 recoveries. Other locations where NAKP swans have been recovered include: British Columbia, Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Alberta. Many birds have been resighted in multiple states and provinces. Budget costs for this project are included in Appendix IV. The original budget ($55,935) included projections for more float-plane accessible capture days and establishing a remote field camp for capture near Port Heiden. Bird availability, weather and time did not allow expenditure on these additional activities, thus the allotted budget was under spent.

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Observations of Bird Behavior As in 2007 and 2008, molting flocks were generally scarce, both in the north and south. It is possible that our capture activities are changing the flocking behavior of birds during molt to avoid larger flocks or larger lakes. The phenomenon is probably somewhat local to areas surrounding lakes that were formally worked for capture. We worked a flock on Pike Lake this year; we captured birds on Pike Lake in 2006, but there has not been a flock of more than six birds there in the intervening years. Project Narrative 13 July: Regional Aviation Manager Fox and USGS-ASC Wildlife Biologists Donnelly and

Uher-Koch depart Anchorage and arrive in King Salmon en route to Cold Bay in the Kodiak NWR Beaver. USGS – NWHC Wildlife Biologist Dusek flies to Cold Bay via commercial air.

14 July: Fox, Donnelly and Uher-Koch attempt to fly to Cold Bay and are turned back by

weather. 15 July: Fox, Donnelly and Uher-Koch attempt to fly to Cold Bay and are turned back by

weather. Limited reconnaissance at Cold Bay during caribou surveys has resulted in sighting no molting flocks. Donnelly and I request Dusek travel to King Salmon via commercial air. I begin putting project gear together.

16 July: Weather continues to be poor. No flying occurs. Refuge Ranger Stanek and Volunteer

Finley test boats and motors. 17 July: Refuge Wildlife Specialist/Pilot Finley, Donnelly and Uher-Kock conduct

reconnaissance in Found. Dusek arrives in King Salmon. 18 July: Finley, Donnelly and Dusek conduct reconnaissance in Found. 19 July: Weather precludes capture operations. 20 July: After a brief organizational meeting and weight and balance calculation by pilots Fox

and Finley, we pack the Found and Kodiak NWR Beaver with banding crew (Dusek, Stanek, and myself) and capture crew (Donnelly, Uher-Koch, Wildlife Biologist Watts, and volunteer Finley) respectively and fly to Pike Lake. Pilots are able to land planes in NW corner of lake although it appears to be shallow. Boats and banding station are set up and birds are captured. A motor and radio failure allows escape of most of the flock. Twelve birds are captured, sampled and banded. Wind increases throughout the day, making the take-off bumpy. Uher-Koch departs project.

21 July: Weather precludes capture operations.

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22 July: Although weather was predicted to be poor, we found instead a good day. The Found and Kodiak Beaver were loaded with banding crew (Dusek, Stanek, and myself) and capture crew (Donnelly, Watts, and Deputy Refuge Manger Brady) respectively. The Found took off first and was 40 km out when Finley learned the Beaver was having mechanical problems. The Found returned to King Salmon. We decided that more reconnaissance could be conducted, and while unloading the plane, I hit my head on the Found telemetry bracket and had to go to the clinic for nine stitches. Donnelly and Watts conducted reconnaissance with Finley in the Found.

23 July: The Kodiak Beaver was still experiencing mechanical problems so we chartered a

Beaver from Branch River Air. They were not able to depart until 1145 ADT. We loaded crews and gear as on 22 July (except volunteer Finley replaced Brady) and flew to Bear Lake. The Beaver landed and unloaded the capture crew and then the Found landed and herded birds. The capture crew discovered the boat gas tanks had not been unloaded before the Beaver departed, so the Found took off and hailed the Beaver. The Beaver returned and we were able to keep the flock of 21 on the lake. All 21 birds were capture, sampled and banded. The Beaver returned around 1700 and flew out with Watts, Donnelly and Dusek who had a departing flight scheduled that evening. The Found carried Stanek, volunteer Finley, and myself and we looked for the third flock that had been identified for capture. The flock had moved from a larger, deeper lake, to a shallow, small lake that was not fixed-wing accessible.

24 July: The weather was stable. While waiting for the helicopter, I contacted MBM AI

Coordinator St. Peter and asked that a second shipper be sent out. I felt it might be possible with the helicopter to exceed the 100 sample vials available in the shipper, and because no work would be conducted at Izembek, felt it would be desirable to obtain as many samples on the NAKP as possible. The helicopter arrived from Togiak NWR (Water Resources Project) around 1015. Pilot Levanger had worked on this project in 2008 so needed little briefing. Donnelly, Watts, and I loaded the much paired-down banding/sampling gear and two nets on the helicopter and departed for capture. Twelve birds were captured at eight locations.

25 July: The weather was rainy and calm. Volunteer Wittkop joined the project today and was

briefed. Donnelly is suffering from bruised ribs from previous days’ capture, although is still willing to fly. Wittkop, Donnelly and Watts capture four birds at two locations, but return because the rain is wetting the birds creating undesirable banding conditions. The rain subsides somewhat in the afternoon and Donnelly, Watts and Stanek capture three birds at two locations. I pick up the new shipper with 50 samples.

26 July: The weather was windy. Donnelly, Watts, and Wittkop capture six birds at four

locations. A trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinators) was captured with tundra swans (Fig. 2). Wind continues through the day; Volunteer Blush joins the project and is briefed. Donnelly, Watts and Blush capture six birds at three locations. Watts received a stab wound to his hand from a swan claw.

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Figure 2. Trumpeter swan captured on 26 July (held by USGS–ASC Wildlife Biologist Donnelly.

27 July: A calm day became windy. Donnelly, volunteer Finley, and I flew in the morning and

captured eight birds at four locations. Wind continued so we waited until late afternoon to make another attempt. Donnelly, Stanek, and I caught two birds at one location. Watts receives treatment at the Clinic for the festering wound received on 26 July. Volunteer Finley departed the project.

28 July: Volunteer Wittkop, Donnelly and Watts learned to capture larger groups with the

helicopter. They went to a lake with 31 birds and captured 11 birds (running out of sample vials). After lunch, Brady, Donnelly and Watts employed this same technique at their first stop and captured thirteen birds at five locations.

29 July: It was very windy all day. The helicopter would not start until 1240 (Levanger did

some maintenance on the engine). Donnelly, Watts and I had many misses this day. We captured seven birds at three locations. Donnelly did a marathon processing of the last blood and departed King Salmon for Anchorage on the evening flight. Savage packed the samples and completed data entry so the shipper could be sent on the next day.

30 July: Stanek transported the shippers to King Salmon Ground Service and they were sent to

Anchorage via ACE.

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11-14 August: Final gear cleanup was conducted at King Salmon. Miscellaneous sampling gear was returned to its respective home.

26 August: Blood and genetic samples Pen-packed to Ely. RECOMMENDATIONS During this year’s project, we captured 105 birds of the combined Northern and Southern Alaska Peninsula goal of 150 birds. Failure to meet the goal was due, in part, to the unavailability of molting flocks on the Alaska Peninsula. Other project challenges included weather and mechanical problems. Weather precluded travel to Cold Bay during a reasonable time frame to allow capture operations, and no sampling was conducted at that location. Weather also precluded, delayed, or made difficult capture on multiple days on the NAKP. Mechanical problems with the Kodiak Beaver and the contracted helicopter delayed or precluded capture on two days. Mechanical problems with a boat motor resulted in loosing some birds at Pike Lake. On the NAKP, capture using a helicopter proved to be very successful. If the project continues into 2010, it is recommended that a helicopter be contracted again for the NAKP. I was satisfied with the scheduling window for this year. If the NAKP continues to experience cold springs, tundra swan capture work should not commence before 20 July on the NAKP. Ideal capture window for both the NAKP and SAKP seem to be similar enough that it may be desirable to schedule projects during the same time frame. Limited personnel trained in the necessary skills (i.e., banding, bleeding, capture) may make this difficult. I will pursue training in bleeding of swans. Watts received training in bleeding ducks at Koyukuk/Nowitna NWR after this project concluded. As recommended in Savage and Sowl (2008), project personnel remained flexible and adjusted aircraft, crews, and sampling vials to the availability of birds and to weather conditions. Despite difficult conditions, flexibility contributed to the high number of captures on the NAKP. Other insight on improving future efforts and results can be found in past reports (Savage and Sowl 2007, 2008, 2009). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS USGS-ASC employees Ely and Terenzi assisted with preparations for the field work as did USFWS-MBM Wildlife Biologist Wilson and Biological Technician Reeves. USGS-ASC Wildlife Biologist Donnelly provided critical logistical and capture support, drew most of the blood during helicopter operations, and prepared most of the blood samples. USGS-NWHC Wildlife Biologist Dusek provided field support, blood drawing, and blood preparation during the fixed-wing work. USGS -ASC Wildlife Biologist Uher-Koch patiently waited for capture days and assisted with all tasks at Pike Lake. Refuge Wildlife Biologist Watts went above the call of duty to captured birds and support banding and bleeding operations. Refuge Ranger Stanek assisted with field preparation, captures, banding, logistical support, and label making. Capture and banding assistance was also received from: Deputy Refuge Manager Brady, volunteers Finley, Wittkop and Blush. USFWS pilots Fox and Finley, and contract pilots Levanger (Pollux Aviation) and Christman (Branch River Air) provided multiple safe flights and other capture support. MBM AI Coordinator St. Peters provided critical support for AI

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sampling. The project was funded through the MBM AI project funding. Thanks to staff at Izembek for sharing supplies as needed. Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR provided staff and support.

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LITERATURE CITED Blus, L.J., C.J. Henny, D.J. Hoffman, L. Sileo, and D.J. Audet. 1999. Persistence of High Lead

Concentrations and Associated Effects in Tundra Swans Captured Near a Mining and Smelting Complex in Northern Idaho. Ecotoxicology 8: 125-132.

Dau, C. P., and J. E. Sarvis. 2002. Tundra Swans of the Lower Alaska Peninsula: differences in

migratory behavior and productivity. Waterbirds 25 (spec. publ.): 241-249. Degernes, L. S. Heilman, M. Trogdon, M. Jordan, M. Davison, D. Kraege, M. Correa, and P.

Cowen. 2006. Epidemiological Investigation of Lead Poisoning in Trumpeter and Tundra Swans in Washington State, USA, 2000-2002. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 42: 345-358.

Dusek, R.J., J.B. Bortner, T.J. DeLiberto, J. Hoskins, J.C. Franson, B.D. Bales, D. Yparraguirre,

S.R. Swafford, and H.S. Ip. 2009. Surveillance for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds in the Pacific Flyway of the United States, 2006-2007. Avian Diseases 53: 222-230.

Ely, C. R., D. Douglas, A. Fowler, C. Babcock, D. V. Derksen, and Y. Takekawa. 1998.

Migration Behavior of Tundra Swans from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. Wilson Bulletin 109:679-692.

Ely, C.R., S. Talbot, J. Pearce, D. Derksen, J. Fischer, Z. Syroechkovskiy, H. Ip. 2007. Draft:

Geographic Variation In Population Structure And Movement Of Tundra Swans And Avian Invluenza Viruses (A Proposal). USGS-Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska.

Interagency Avian Influenza Working Group. 2006. Sampling protocol for highly pathogenic

Asian H5N1 avian influenza in migratory birds in Alaska. Interagency planning report, Anchorage, AK.

Lagerquist, J.E., M. Davison, and W.J. Foreyt. 1994. Lead Poisoning and Other Causes of

Mortality in Trumpeter (Cygnus buccinators) and Tundra (C. columbianus) swans in Western Washington. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 30: 60-64.

Moermond, J.A. and M.A. Spindler. 1997. Migration Route and Wintering Area of Tundra

Swans (Cygnus columbianus) Nesting in the Kobuk-Selawik Lowlands of Northwest Alaska. Wildfowl 48:16-25.

Savage, S. and K. Sowl. 2007. Tundra Swan Avian Influenza Surveillance and Banding Effort

Alaska Peninsula 15-25 July 2006. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR. King Salmon, Alaska (Unpubl.) 22 pp.

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Savage, S. and K. Sowl. 2008. Tundra Swan Avian Influenza Surveillance and Banding Effort Alaska Peninsula 16-26 July 2007. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR. King Salmon, Alaska (Unpubl.) 18 pp.

Savage, S. and K. Sowl. 2009. Tundra Swan Avian Influenza Surveillance and Banding Effort

Alaska Peninsula 11-24 July 2008. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR. King Salmon, Alaska (Unpubl.) 20 pp.

USFWS/USGS. 2007. Sampling For Highly Pathogenic Asian H5N1 Avian Influenza in

Migratory Birds in Alaska: Results of 2006 Field Season. Progress Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Region 7, Alaska) and U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska.


Migratory Birds in Alaska: Results of 2007 Field Season. Progress Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Region 7, Alaska) and U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, and U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin.


Migratory Birds in Alaska: Results of 2008 Field Season. Progress Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Region 7, Alaska) and U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, and U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin.

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Appendix I. Animal Care and Use Committee, Assurance of Animal Care Form Care and Use

Assurance of Animal Care Form

Project title: Tundra Swan Avian Influenza Sampling, Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR

Approximate start date: July 15, 2008

Duration of project: single year multi-year (Enter planned completion month and year: 8/2009) Principal investigator: Susan Savage (907-246-1205), [email protected] General activities and species proposed by this project: Approximately 100 molting tundra swans will be captured, banded, collared, measured, swaps taken of cloaca and oral-pharyngeal cavity, blood sampled from tarsal vein (lead and mercury analysis [2008]; lead and seroprevalence [2009]), feathers taken (genetics and isotope analysis), and photographed.

Committee use only

Date received: 5/22/08 Initial review date: 7/28/08 .

Web-based training complete: X

Committee recommendations:

Approved:

Not Approved:

Withhold approval pending revisions:

Committee information requests and comments:

Revisions accepted date: 12 April 2009 Final approval date: 12 April 2009

IACUC Number: 2008018 .

Committee chair signature: Date: .

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 7 Animal Care & Use Committee

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I. USE OF VERTEBRATE ANIMALS AND PROJECT DETAILS

ANIMAL SPECIES

(Provide Scientific & Common Name)

NUMBER USED

(year 1)

NUMBER USED

(year 2)

NUMBER USED

(year 3)

NUMBER USED

(YEAR 4)

SOURCE OF ANIMALS

(e.g., wild-caught)

Cygnus columbianus, Tundra Swan

2006 - 95

2007 - 51

2008 - 100

2009 - 100

Wild caught

Classification of project: Check all that apply.

Field Research

Laboratory Research

Other (describe):

Animal housing: (for animals held > 12 hours; check all that apply)

Field setting (describe below)

U.S. Fish & Wildlife lab facility

Other (describe):

Field sites: Describe the field location, type of temporary holding facilities, and length of time animals will be held.

The field locations are small lakes within 100 miles of King Salmon. Tundra swans (usually failed breeders or young, non-breeding birds) flock on these small lakes and molt their flight feathers during a short period of time when they are flightless. We catch birds on these lakes and handle the birds on shore (See Standard Operating Procedures for Alaska Tundra Swan Captures). We capture birds by chasing them with inflatable boats and dip netting them. Some birds are chased and avoid capture by diving. When a bird has avoided capture by diving five times, we try to capture another individual. The chased bird then usually escapes and does not return to the flock. Generally less than 5% of flocked birds escape. Captured birds are restrained by taping their legs together with electrical tape, tucking their heads under their wings to keep them calm while several other birds are captured. Groups of one to five birds are transported to shore. Up to ten birds are held on shore at one time. The remaining birds are kept herded in a flock by boats and aircraft on the water.

Shore sites range from tundra, meadow, or shore substrates. The birds are held in restraining vests on the ground (and in the shade of bushes or other tall vegetation or tarps if it is sunny) for no more than 1 hour, usually less than 30 minutes. Restraining vests are made from a plastic tarp material with Velcro closures; these surround the bird and the head is usually tucked under the wing to keep them calm. They are bright blue so birds cannot be camouflaged by vegetation. If more than 10 birds are waiting processing (has occurred during about 10% of our past banding

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activities), banding procedures are streamlined by eliminating some morphological measurements. The capture crew will be aware of the situation because they are delivering birds. They will not go to capture more birds and will help process birds until fewer than four birds are being held.

Permits: Many activities involving the capture, transport, housing and release (regardless of time held) of wild animals require permits from both Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additionally, if work is to be conducted on a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, or state land, additional special use permits may be required.

List all permits required for this work:

USFWS: Scientific Collecting-HPAI Surveillance (#MB122497-1) expires 3/31/2009 (see attached). Work will not occur in 2009 if this permit is not renewed.

USGS, Bird Banding Lab: PI Savage holds Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR Station permit # 21778 with special authorization to take blood and feather and for collar marking swans and other birds expires 1/31/2010 (see attached)

1. II. STUDY OBJECTIVES & METHODS

1. General Objectives: Briefly explain the specific objective(s) of this project. Please also attach a copy of the project study plan.

The primary objective of this study is surveillance for Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza in tundra swan. Tundra swan were identified by the interagency avian influenza working group as a high priority species for this work. In addition to meeting this objective, because the birds will be handled, we can contribute to several other studies of tundra swan. Applying bands and neck collars and tracking resightings and recoveries allows us to contribute to studies of their migration pathways, migration phenology, wintering areas, and population structure. Since the fall of 2006 Dr. Ely, through USGS-Alaska Science Center, has reimbursed mileage for three volunteers in the lower 48 to travel to swan concentration areas and resight birds. He also developed and circulated a flyer to potential observers along the Pacific and Atlantic flyways. Approximately 300 observations are gathered each winter by the reimbursed volunteers. In addition, local observers in King Salmon have reported tundra swan collars to the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR office since 2004. Other independent observers have reported collars via the Banding Lab 1-800 phone number or the web. As of 3/10/09 we have 212 resightings or recoveries for 88 of 146 marked tundra swans for the Northern Alaska Peninsula study. Blood samples are tested for exposure to lead (analysis done by National Wildlife Health Center, US Geological Survey-Madison, WI) in 2007-2009 and methyl mercury in 2007-2008 (analysis done by Western Ecological Research Center, US Geological Survey – Davis, CA). Serum samples will be analyzed by USFWS Wildlife Biologist Wilson and USGS Research Virologist Hall (2009). Measuring birds aids in population identification and general species and population knowledge (of interest to Ely at US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center and Dau at Migratory Bird Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service-Anchorage). Feather collection contributes to ongoing studies of genetics, population structure, and isotope analysis. Genetic analysis is

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being done by Pearce (US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center), and Isotopic analysis will be conducted at University of Alaska –Anchorage under contract to US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center.

Biologists are following policy and procedure outlined by a Memorandum dated April 19, 2006 from the Acting Regional Director of Region 7, US Fish and Wildlife Service. This includes the use of gloves, eye protection, raingear, and hip waders as personal protective equipment and the sanitization of equipment and personal protective equipment used in the handling of birds. Sterile disposable syringes are used to draw blood from each bird. Sterile swabs are used and collected with each avian influenza swab.

Please see Standard Operating Procedures for Alaska Tundra Swan Captures for a complete description of capture, marking and sampling methods.

III. REPLACEMENT, REDUCTION, & REFINEMENT: The “Three R’s” are the main focus of the Animal Care and Use Committee when reviewing proposals. Please respond to the following:

1. Replacement: discuss what non-animal methods or alternative methods to painful procedures were considered.

In 2006, the Alaska Interagency HPAI Bird Surveillance Working Group developed a strategic plan for early detection of Asian HPAI in wild migratory birds. The Tundra Swan was identified as one of 29 species considered to have a high probability of contracting the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus in Asia and transporting it to Alaska. Wild swans are one of the primary species groups that have been affected by the H5N1 virus in Asia and Eastern Europe. Since the objective of the Avian Influenza study is to glean information from live tundra swans, the individuals in this study cannot be replaced with other species, with dead animals, or with non-animals. Capture, banding, swabbing, blood draw and feather collection cause short-term discomfort and stress to animals. We try to work as quickly as possible and monitor the condition of each animal to cause as little pain and discomfort as possible.

2. Reduction: describe what has been considered to reduce the number of painful or distressing procedures.

Through power analysis, the Alaska Interagency HPAI Bird Surveillance Working Group determined that a sample size of 200 birds of a species per region was necessary for adequate AI surveillance based on domestic bird infection rates in East Asia. We combine our efforts with Izembek NWR to capture 100 birds on the northern Alaska Peninsula and 100 birds on the southern Alaska Peninsula for a combined effort of 200 birds in the Alaska Peninsula Region.

The capture of birds is necessary to collect the Avian Influenza samples. Capture of any

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wild animal is inherently stressful to the birds. We could capture and swab birds without collection the other information. However, the capture is probably the most stressful part of the procedure. If we did not mark animals, there would be no way in future to know if the animals had been previously sampled. Measuring birds takes a few minutes and causes little to no discomfort. Pulling feathers causes temporary discomfort, but yields a wealth of genetic information; other methods of obtaining genetic information are more invasive. Although a needle stick is temporarily painful, we decided to collect blood because we know that some of our birds use areas reported to have high lead toxicity. There should be no long-lasting impacts from drawing a small blood sample. Lead poisoning causes a series of symptoms that are decidedly unpleasant and can result in death from the poisoning, or reduced vigor increasing the chance of predation or accidental death. We consider how the temporary discomfort of individual birds in our study will weigh against information which may protect birds at the population level.

3. Refinement: discuss how the planned procedures are the most refined as possible to eliminate unnecessary pain and distress. We instruct the capture crew on proper handling of birds. We stress that bird health is of foremost concern. Experienced individuals conduct the swabbing and banding to reduce handling time to a minimum. After capture birds are restrained to prevent swans from injuring themselves, other birds, and humans. The capture crew is of adequate size to manage the numbers of birds handled on any one capture event. We remain flexible in the field and several experienced bird handlers consult to ensure that field conditions are not detrimental to the health of the birds. If we need to speed up processing, we reduce the time spent collecting morphological data or if necessary, eliminate other secondary procedures.

In 2009 we will, record times for key events from chase to capture to release. Approximate times for the following field tasks are as follows: disturbance prior to capture (5 min. to 4.5 hours if a bird is being herded on the water), capture/restrain (10-30 min), transport to shore (5 min), wait time (1 – 60 min), rectal temp (< 1 min), blood draw (< 2 min), banding (< 1 min), applying neck collar (1-2 min), AI sampling (< 2 min), feather sampling (<30 sec), morphological measurements (<5 min), and digital photography (< 30 sec). There is data recording and transition time between each of the processing activities with the total processing from rectal temperature reading to release being < 15 min.

Affect on non-targeted birds: Some swans in the flock will not be captured. Either they will be in excess of the capture goal or they will escape. Some birds will remain in the flock and be herded until the principle investigator determines that no more birds will be captured. This may require up to 4 hours of herding time plus the initial 30 minutes of disturbance while aircraft and crews organize on the water. During herding, some birds will separate from the flock and escape. Birds that dive more than five times while being chased will be allowed to escape. When birds escape they usually swim toward the shore and leave the lake. They have not been observed to return to the herded flock. It is

22

unlikely that they will be targeted for capture a second time. Other species of waterfowl such as dabbling or diving ducks may be present on the lake. They may experience the initial 30 minutes of disturbance while the crew organizes on the water. They separate themselves from the swans and remove themselves from the disturbance.

IV. ANIMAL PROCEDURES & CARE

Check all that apply and provide details about each procedure or list appropriate Standard Operating Procedure number(s). Please use the gray boxes for details.

Planned? (check if yes)

Proposed Animal Use

Details

1. Use of Standard Operating Protocol (SOP). List number(s).

See enclosed “Standard Operating Procedures for Alaska Tundra Swan Captures”. This includes capture procedures used on the Northern and Southern Alaska Peninsula and in the Northwest Areas.

2. Behavioral Observation With Significant Restraint or Noxious Stimuli

3. Holding animals > 12 hours

4. Wildlife Capture Flightless, molting swans will be captured using salmon dip-nets, from fast moving inflatable boats. Once captured, birds legs are bound with electrical tape and their heads are tucked under their wings (keeps birds calm, usually they do not struggle once captured). The birds are placed on boat cushions on the floor of the boat. Several birds are transported in the inflatable until 1-5 birds are captured. We capture approximately 95% of birds that are chased. These birds are transported to shore where they are immobilized further with swan vests (made of plastic tarp and Velcro fasteners). The capture crew continues to capture birds until up to 10 birds are held on shore.

5. Tagging & Marking Swans received a standard USGS aluminum leg band and a plastic neck collar sized specifically for tundra swan.

6. Animal Transportation

7. Non-Surgical Placement of Indwelling Catheters/Implants

8. Blood Sampling See step 8 in Standard Operating Procedures for Alaska Tundra Swan Captures. Venipuncture site preparation and blood volume calculations are included.

9. Urine or Feces Sampling

10. Other Body Fluid or Tissue Sampling from Live Animals

Cloacal and oral-pharyngeal swabs are taken following the 2007 Alaska Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Protocol, head and breast feathers (how many) are quickly pulled and stored in brown envelopes. Genetic analysis (feathers) is being done by Pearce (US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center), and Isotopic analysis (feathers) will be conducted at University of

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Alaska –Anchorage under contract to US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center.

11. Necropsy or Tissue Collection (Euthanized or Kill-trapped Animals ONLY)

12. Application of Unusual Environmental Conditions

13. Administration of Anesthetics

14. Administration of Analgesics (e.g., pain killers)

15. Administration of Other Drugs, Cells, etc.

16. Surgery

17. Death as an Endpoint (NOT by Euthanasia)

18. Procedures that cause more than momentary pain/distress

Expected pain level: None low moderate high Discomfort is expected: During procedure post-procedure

19. Other

V. ANIMAL DISCOMFORT. Discuss methods used to estimate pain/distress.

Swans are held only for the time necessary to collect scientific data. We focus on minimizing holding and handling time. In the rare case where we capture a family group, all family members are held for simultaneous release. Birds are restrained with tape on their legs and with restraining vests. Tape and vests are removed prior to banding. Heads are tucked under the wing which helps keep them calm. We monitor a bird’s temperature, look for gaping, panting or other signs of irregular or exaggerated respiration, and monitor response level (level of alertness). Please see Standard Operation Procedures for Alaska Tundra Swan Captures, item 4. Abnormal symptoms will be recorded. Any measured rectal temperatures will be recorded.

Sometimes capture causes bleeding to newly emerging feathers. We monitor bleeding. During most procedures two to three people are handling each bird, so someone is watching for abnormal responses. Birds showing excessive stress will be banded and then may be released without further sampling.

VI. EUTHANASIA AND DISPOSAL: All methods of euthanasia must follow the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia.

1. Describe the method of euthanasia to be used in case of emergency and/or at the end

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of the study: If by chemical agent, identify the compound and specify the dose (mg/kg) and route of administration. Physical methods may include cervical dislocation, decapitation or pithing.

If necessary, euthanasia will be conducted by cervical dislocation. Dr. Ely, WB Donnelly, WB Terenzi, RM Schaff have experience with cervical dislocation of large birds. WB Savage and WB Watts have experience with cervical dislocation of medium to small birds

2. Describe procedures for non-mortally injured animals:

If possible, injured animals will be transported from King Salmon to Anchorage and treated by a veterinarian who works with the Bird Treatment and Learning Center.

3. Means of disposition of euthanized or dead animals at end of study: e.g., disposition to museum collection for further study, disposal, etc.

Because this is a region-wide project to survey for Avian Influenza, we follow the procedure specified for all projects under this umbrella. Dead animals are to be stored and transported to Anchorage for further transport to the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin for disease testing.

VII. EXPERTISE OF PERSONNEL: Please list all personnel that will play an active role in the handling, caring, and use of animals in this project and their qualifications for each task that is proposed.

Susan Savage (Wildlife Biologist, Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR. M.S. Zoology, Ohio State University), Principal investigator: all aspects of the project, except blood draw. Ms. Savage has been banding and handling small and medium sized bird since 1978. She hired and supervised banding crews who handled in excess of 4000-5000 birds per year with fewer than 5 annual mortalities. Savage handled waterfowl and large birds in 1988 and from 1997 – present. She has experience in cervical dislocation of medium and small birds. Principal investigator, supervised and participated in tundra swan avian influenza project in 2006 and 2007. Savage captures, feeds and transports 2 – 5 injured raptors annually to Bird Treatment and Learning Center.

Dr. Craig Ely (Wildlife Biologist, Alaska Science Center. PhD – Ecology, University California-Davis): all aspects of project, primarily bird processing. Dr. Ely has been conducting research on large waterfowl in Alaska for over 30 years. His work has includes a wide variety of capture techniques, bird handling, banding, and other marking procedures. He has experience with drawing blood and cervical dislocation of large and small birds.

Dominique Watts (Wildlife Biologist, Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR. M.S.-Wildlife Biology, Texas A&M University): all aspects of project primarily capture. Mr. Watts has experience assisting with banding drives as a volunteer at NWR in New Mexico. His MS project included capture and radio collaring of Key Deer in Florida. Currently works with Alaska Department of Fish and Game on large mammal capture and tagging. He assisted with tundra swan capture in 2006 -2008. He has experience in cervical dislocation of various

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sized birds including geese.

Tyrone Donnelly (Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, B.T.-Wildlife Management, State University of New York-Cobleskill): all aspects of project. Mr. Donnelly has multiple years of experience in capture and banding a variety of birds, including waterfowl and shorebirds. He has experience in collecting oral and cloacal swabs from live birds, taking waterfowl measurements, collecting blood samples and collaring swans. He has experience with cervical dislocation of large and small birds. Additionally, he is an experience boat operator. He worked on this tundra swan project in 2007-2008.

John Terenzi (Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, B.S. - Environmental Forest Biology State University of New York-Syracuse). All aspects of project. Mr. Terenzi has been involved in arctic waterfowl research for the past 7 years, and has captured and handled hundreds of Tundra Swans and other species of arctic-breeding waterfowl in remote areas of Alaska, using a variety of methods. He has experience in collecting oral and cloacal swabs from live birds, taking waterfowl measurements, collecting blood samples and collaring swans. He has experience with cervical dislocation of large and small birds. Additionally, he is an experience boat operator. He worked with on this tundra swans project in 2006 and 2008.

Ron Britton (Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR, B.S.-Biology, Wayland College, adv. Degree work at Texas A&M): all aspects of project, primarily assisting banders and boat capture. Mr. Britton has experience handling vertebrates through his work in the area of oil spill response and environmental toxicology with the USFWS (1987-1996). He has been involved in the IACUC process through the University of Washington (certified 2001-2003). He has experience drawing blood from the tarsal vein of birds.

Bill Schaff (Refuge Manager, Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR, B.S. – Natural Resources/Wildlife Management, University of Rhode Island): All aspects of project, primarily assisting banders. Mr Schaff has been involved with banding birds beginning at his first NWR in California in the 1970s. In the 1980s he was the primary bander of waterfowl and owls at the Nisqually NWR; he banded Bald Eagles at Mason Neck NWR. Since moving to Alaska he participated with greater white-fronted goose banding and Tule goose banding at Innoko NWR (2000-2008)). He has drawn blood on birds with supervision.

I hereby state the information stated on this Assurance of Animal Care Form is true and correct.

Principal Investigator’s Signature: Date: .

Refuge Manager/FES Project Leader/

MBM Branch Chief Signature: Date: .

Relevant Literature:

Ely, C. R. and J. Y. Takekawa. 1996. Geographic variation in migratory behavior of Greater White-fronted

Geese (Anser albifrons). Auk 113:889-901.

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Ely, C. R., D. Douglas, A. Fowler, C. Babcock, D. V. Derksen, and Y. Takekawa. 1997. Migration behavior of

Tundra Swans from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. Wilson Bulletin 109:679-692.

Ely, C. R. 2007. Instructions for obtaining blood samples from Tundra Swans for detection of lead and mercury. Unpubl. Alaska Science Center report. Available from the author.

Interagency Avian Influenza Working Group. 2006. Sampling protocol for highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 avian influenza in migratory birds in Alaska. Interagency planning report, Anchorage, AK.



USFWS/USGS. 2007. Sampling for highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 avian influenza in migratory birds in Alaska: results of 2006 field season. Progress Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Region 7, Alaska) and U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska.

USFWS/USGS. 2008. Sampling for highly pathogenic Asian H5N1 avian influenza in migratory birds in Alaska: results of 2007 field season. Progress Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Region 7, Alaska) and U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska, and U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin.

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Appendix II: Standard Operating Procedures for Alaska Tundra Swan Captures 1. Conduct aerial reconnaissance in mid-July to look for molting flocks and assess conditions of the lakes they occur on for capture operations. 2. Captures: a) Boat &float-plane operations: Use 2-5 float planes and 1-3 small inflatable skiffs (depending on lake conditions, plane availability, and flock size) to capture flightless swans. The float planes transport the crew and deflated boats to the capture site. One or more planes corral the swans and try to keep them together in a single flock while boat crews are deployed. After the boat crew(s) assemble the boat(s) and attach the motor(s) (10’-12’inflatable Achilles rafts with 8-15 hp 2-stroke motors), they approach the flock in coordination with active aircraft. All boat and aircraft crews are in contact during captures via radio. The plane(s) and/or boats keep the swan flock together while boat(s) isolate birds at the edge of the flock for capture. A flock may consist of 7 – 200 birds. A flock of 7 birds may be captured within an hour. Out of a larger flock up to up to 50 may be captured requiring 4 hours of herding time. Northern AK Peninsula: A 10’ boat is used to herd birds (1 crew member) and a 12’ boat is used as a capture boat (2 crew members). NW Alaska: Three 11’ Achilles inflatable boats, each with two-man crews, are used for captures. Boat-based Capture: A person in the bow of the capture boat holds a long-handled dip net that is used to scoop up a swan (Fig. 1). Boat captures are accomplished by powering the boat toward the bird, slowing down just before reaching the birds, and covering the bird with the dip net. Usually the momentum of the boat causes the birds to be pulled to the side of the boat where they are lifted into the boat by the capturer and driver. One or both individuals in the boat crew hold the bird while the bird’s legs are restrained with electrical tape. The birds are laid in the bottom of the boat on float cushions while more captures are attempted. After 1-5 birds are in the boat, they are transported to an on-shore banding station. Swans sometimes avoid capture by diving just before netting. Birds are pursued again, up to five times before the crew gives up, the bird escapes, and the crew attempts capture on another bird.

Figure 1. Boat-based molting swan capture (Photo: Susan Savage).

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b) Boat &helicopter operations: If lakes are too small or shallow for float landings, a helicopter could be used as an alternative to float-equipped, fixed-wing aircraft. Personnel and boats would then be deployed from the helicopter at a landing site as near the capture lake as possible. Or a helicopter may ferry gear and people from a float-plane accessible lake to a shallower lake. This scenario may be employed by the Northern Alaska Peninsula. c) Float-plane only operations: After spotting 1-5 birds on a suitable lake for landing, float equipped aircraft land and pursue individual birds on the water (acting as a boat). Similar to boat captures, the pilot powers the float plane toward the bird, slowing down just before reaching the bird, while a second crew member stands on the floats (behind and hanging on to the wing strut). Upon approaching the bird, the pilot shuts of the engine and coasts towards the bird and the crew member on the floats covers the bird with the dip net as the plane glides forward. The residual gliding of the plane causes the bird to be pulled back and to the side of the float once captured in the dip net. The capturer then pulls the bird onto the float and untangles it from the dip net (often with the assistance of the pilot). Birds are then transported to the shoreline for immediate processing. d) Helicopter only operations: The USFWS-Alaska Peninsula/Becharof NWR proposes the use this method if needed in 2009. Helicopters will only be used as a last alternative if method a) or b) will not be feasible. A helicopter locates a potential group for capture. The helicopter approaches the swan group at 3-5 m altitude, close enough to get the group to flap (less than three minutes). The capture team evaluates if the group is molting. If birds are molting, the helicopter lands several hundred meters distant from the group on land and one to three members of the team exit the helicopter with dip nets. The helicopter becomes airborne, returns to the birds, hovers near the birds and attempts to direct them toward the ground crew on shore. When the birds reach the land, the deployed personnel chase after molting swans on foot, over the tundra. Swans may be captured by hand or using the large dip net as above. The chasing process is exhausting for the ground crew and if they cannot capture the birds in five – eight minutes, the capture is terminated. The time from when the birds are initially approached until the capture will not exceed 15-18 minutes. Actual herding and chase will not exceed 10 – 12 minutes. On average, the average capture time for helicopters per individual bird is less than those captured in other operations because birds are not herded on the water for long periods of time. This technique has been used by ABR on the North Slope and by USGS on the Northern Alaska Peninsula. All birds that were captured with helicopter deployed teams by USGS were also implanted with satellite transmitters. We know that all birds that were captured with this method by USGS are alive eight months later and have completed their normal southerly migration. 3. In lake-based operations, the shore crew/banding crew consists of 1+ personnel. The capture crew places each swan into a harness, if one hasn’t already been applied (Figure 2). For helicopter operations, when a single swan or the targeted small flock has been captured, all birds are brought to a central location, the helicopter lands near by and the banding gear is deployed.

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Birds are processed by the capture crew. At least one of the capture crew has the full suite of banding skills. AK Peninsula: While the capture crew is herding and capturing birds, a crew of 3+ personnel is deployed on shore and sets up the banding station. The capture team delivers birds in groups of 1-5 birds. These are all placed in the same area, and arranged so the banders are aware which birds have been held the longest. The birds that have been held longest, or any birds that appear stressed, are prioritized for banding. The shore crew bands, collars, measures, and samples the swans in assembly line fashion. NW Alaska: 1+ personnel are stationed on-shore to receive and continuously monitor restrained swans until capture operations are completed. Then all personnel go ashore, set up a banding station, break into teams of two, and process and release all of the birds; 1 bird at a time per crew, until all have been processed (Fig. 3).

Figure 2. Wing-restraint harnesses for molting tundra swans. Photo on the left shows harness-style used on the Alaska Peninsula: tarp material with Velcro closures. Photo on right shows plastic mesh harness with Velcro closing cross-tabs over back used in NW Alaska. Note: in addition to the harness birds’ legs are bound with brightly colored electrical tape and tucked into the harness to prevent movement. (Photos: Susan Savage and Heather Wilson) 4. AK Pen: The first step during banding is to observe each bird’s condition. Birds will be observed for signs of stress including panting, gaping, and lethargy. Because birds will be kept on the water until small groups are captured for banding, the risk of heat stress is reduced over other capture techniques. A rectal thermometer will be used to monitor temperature in the first and last bird of each capture group and any birds that appear to be heat stressed. Temperatures will be recorded. The summer temperature for Mute Swan is report to be 39°C (Bech 1980). Veterinarians will be consulted prior to capture to determine the reasonable range of temperatures for a non-heat stressed swan. If signs or symptoms indicate birds are heat-stressed they will be banded, collared, swabbed and released. This will minimize handling time and we assume will decrease stress on the birds.

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Figure 3. Typical shoreline swan processing operation in NW Alaska using teams of two personnel per swan. 5. Vests and tape are taken off the swan as the first step in banding. Bands cannot be applied, and the difficulty of conducting cloacal exams for sex, and cloacal swabbing for avian influenza is greatly increase if tape is still on the bird’s legs. While handling, birds are often kept calm by holding them on their backs with heads tucked under their wing for most of the banding procedure. Captured swans are aged (birds showing remnant gray feathers on head or neck are aged second year, others are aged after hatch year or after second year), sexed (using cloacal exam), measured (mid-toe, total and diagonal tarsus, culmen, lore length and width, and 9th primary), and weighed to the nearest 0.1 kg (Fig. 4). Birds are fitted with US Geological Survey metal leg bands and blue plastic neck collars engraved with white numbers. The head and neck including the collar (with special focus on the lore patch) is also photographed using a digital camera for descriptive purposes (Fig. 4). These measurements can be skipped to speed up processing if needed (too many birds waiting, ambient temperature too hot or cold).

Figure 4. (Left) Weighing a bird in the harness and (right) example digital photo of swan head with collar used to assess morphology (Photos: Heather Wilson and Karen Bollinger).

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6. Cloacal and oral-pharyngeal swabs are collected according to the Alaska Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance Protocol (Figure 5). The swabs are stored in a small cooler with ice packs in the field and then are transferred to a nitrogen shipper each evening. National Wildlife Health Center protocols are followed for protection of field personnel (e.g., gloves, eye protection, rubber boots, etc.), as well as for collection, storage, and shipping of samples.

Figure 5. Collecting a cloacal swab sample, with crew in proper personal protective equipment; rubber gloves, eye protection, and rubber boots or washable chest waders (Photo: Heather Wilson). 7. 12 head and 6 breast feathers are pulled from each bird and stored in brown paper envelopes. The feather samples are given to USGS-Alaska Science Center for isotope and genetics sampling.

8. 6 ml of blood are drawn via jugular venipuncture (Figs. 6 and 7). Two people (one holder and one bleeder) work together to accomplish blood sampling. Approximately 1 mL of rubbing alcohol is applied to the draw site (along the neck) to sterilize the draw area and matt down feathers (aiding in vein location; Fig 6). The holder uses one hand to apply slight pressure across the vein, near the base of the neck (to help increase the visibility of the vein for the bleeder), while holding the head steady with the other hand (Figs. 6 and 7). The bleeder obtains both a positive visual and tactile read of the vein location for needle entry. A 10 ml syringe with a 21 gauge, 1 inch long needle is used to collect the blood. The Ornithological Council guidelines (1997) on the use of wild birds in research recommends no more than 1% of a bird’s body weight be extracted in the form of blood at any one time. In this study we will collect 6 ml

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of blood, equivalent to <0.01% of an average tundra swan’s body weight (6370 g). Jugular venipuncture, using a 21 gauge needle, is the quickest (~15 sec. versus 1-2 min. for brachial or tarsal bleeding) means to collect this volume of blood, thereby reducing overall handling-time for the bird.

Juliana is drawing blood with one hand here, and holding the bird’s head with the other. She’s also twisting the head/neck slightly to better see the vein. Arching the neck over a holder’s leg can help as well.

Figure 6. (Left) Preparing venipuncture site with rubbing alcohol. (Right) Collecting a blood sample from the jugular vein.

Although 2 people are holding in this picture, usually, just 1 person holds both the head and applies pressure to the jugular vein farther down the neck

Holder applying pressure to jugular to help it swell for bleeder to see

Bird’s head/neck is slightly twisted to help vein pop out

Needle goes in facing away from bird’s head

Figure 7. Annotated swan blood sampling and holding techniques.

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9. After the swans have been processed, they are brought to the edge of the lake and released (Fig.8). If they do not swim away immediately, they are monitored to ensure no predators endanger them until they are ready to swim.

Figure 8. Releasing a swan after processing.

Literature Cited:

Bech, C. 1980. Body temperature, metabolic rate, and insulation in winter and summer acclimatized mute swans (Cygnus olor). J. Comparative Physiology b: Biochemical, systemic, and Environmental Physiology. 136 (1): 61-66.

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Species/Collar CodeYear

Banded

Breeding Season/Winter

Season AK BC CA MT OR WA ID ALTUSW no collar (Banded as Cygnet, found dead) 2006 06/07 1TUSW P702 2006 06/07 2

08/09 1TUSW P704 2006 07/08 1

08/09 1TUSW P706 2006 06/07 1

07/08 1TUSW P707 2006 06/07 1

07/08 1TUSW P708 2006 07/08 1

08/09 1TUSW P709 Harvested near Quinhagak 2006 07/08 1TUSW P710 2006 09/10 1TUSW P713 2006 06/07 5

07/08 108/09 1

TUSW P714 2006 06/07 607/08 108/09 1 1

TUSW P715 2006 07/08 1 1TUSW P716 2006 06/07 3 1

07/08 1 108/09 1

TUSW P717 2006 07/08 108/09 1

TUSW P719 2006 07/08 108/09 109/10 1

TUSW P720 2006 08/09 1TUSW P722 2006 06/07 3

07/08 208/09 109/10 1

TUSW P723 2006 07/08 108/09 109/10 1

TUSW P724 2006 06/07 107/09 1

TUSW P726 2006 06/07 1TUSW P727 2006 06/07 4

08/09 1TUSW P728 2006 06/07 3

09/10 1TUSW P729 2006 06/07 5

08/09 1TUSW P730 2006 07/08 1

08/09 109/10 1

Appendix III. Recoveries, as defined in text, of Northern Alaska Peninsula Birds continent-wide, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project, 2009. Number of recoveries by state/province of record and breeding season/winter season year.

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Banded


Season AK BC CA MT OR WA ID ALTUSW P731 2006 07/08 1TUSW P732 2006 06/07 1 3

07/08 108/09 1 109/10 1

TUSW P733 2006 06/07 207/08 208/09 109/10 1

TUSW P734 2006 07/08 1TUSW P735 2006 06/07 1 1

08/09 1TUSW P736 2006 06/07 1TUSW P737 2006 06/07 2

07/08 108/09 109/10 1

TUSW P738 2006 06/07 107/08 1 1

TUSW P739 2006 06/07 109/10 1

TUSW P741 2006 06/07 1 1TUSW P744 2006 07/08 1

08/09 1TUSW P746 2006 06/07 2TUSW P748 2006 07/08 1TUSW P749 (Hit Power Line, Vet Care, later Released?) 2006 06/07 4TUSW P751 2006 06/07 1TUSW P752 2006 06/07 1TUSW P753 2006 06/07 1 1TUSW P754 2006 06/07 1TUSW P755 2006 07/08 1

08/09 109/10 1

TUSW P758 2006 08/09 1TUSW P759 2006 06/07 4

07/08 1TUSW P764 2006 06/07 1

07/08 108/09 1 109/10 1

Appendix III, Con't. Recoveries, as defined in text, of Northern Alaska Peninsula Birds continent-wide, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project, 2009. Number of recoveries by state/province of record and breeding season/winter season year.

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Banded


Season AK BC CA MT OR WA ID ALTUSW P765 2006 06/07 2

07/08 108/09 109/10 1

TUSW P766 (Captured in 2007) 2006 06/07 1

07/08 1 1TUSW P768 (Captured in 2007) 2006 06/07 1 1

07/08 1TUSW P769/P816 (Captured in 2007, recollared) 2006 06/07 1 1

07/08 108/09 1

TUSW P770 2006 06/07 2TUSW P771 2006 06/07 1TUSW P772 2006 06/07 1

07/08 1TUSW P773 2006 07/08 1 1

09/10 1TUSW P774 2006 06/07 5

08/09 109/10 1

TUSW P775 2006 06/07 7TUSW P776 (Captured in 2007) 2006 06/07 1

07/08 109/10 1

TUSW P777 2006 06/07 1TUSW P779 2006 07/08 1TUSW P780 (Captured in 2007) 2006 06/07 1 2

07/08 2 2TUSW P782 2006 08/09 1TUSW P783 2006 07/08 1

08/09 2TUSW P785 2006 06/07 1TUSW P786 2006 06/07 1TUSW P787 2006 06/07 2

08/09 1TUSW P789 2006 06/07 1

08/09 1TUSW P790 2006 09/10 1TUSW P791 2006 06/07 1

Project, 2009. Number of recoveries by state/province of record and breeding season/winter season year.Appendix III, Con't. Recoveries, as defined in text, of Northern Alaska Peninsula Birds continent-wide, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan

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Banded


Season AK BC CA MT OR WA ID ALTUSW P700 2007 07/08 1TUSW P794 2007 08/09 1

09/10 1TUSW P795 2007 08/09 1 1

09/10 1TUSW P798 2007 07/08 1 1

08/09 1TUSW P800 2007 07/08 1TUSW P801 2007 07/08 1

08/09 109/10 1

TUSW P803 2007 09/10 1TUSW P804 2007 09/10 1TUSW P805 2007 07/08 1TUSW P808 2007 08/09 1

09/10 1TUSW P809 2007 08/09 1



09/10 1TUSW P821 2007 08/09 1

09/10 1TUSW P822 2007 08/09 1

09/10 1TUSW P824 2007 07/08 1

08/09 109/10 1

TUSW P826 2007 08/09 1TUSW P829 2007 08/09 2TUSW P830 2007 08/09 2TUSW P832 2007 07/08 1 1TUSW P836 2007 08/09 1

09/10 1TUSW P837 2007 08/09 1

09/10 1TUSW P838 2008 09/10 1TUSW P839 2008 09/10 1 1TUSW P840 2008 08/09 1

09/10 1TUSW P841 2008 09/10 1

Appendix III, Con't. Recoveries, as defined in text, of Northern Alaska Peninsula Birds continent-wide, Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project, 2009. Number of recoveries by state/province of record and breeding season/winter season year.

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Appendix IV. Expenses for the Alaska Peninsula Tundra Swan Project 2009 .

Northern Alaska Peninsula (74510-1680-LVBD)Digital Thermometers (KV Vet Supply) 26.82Pliers for banding (Naknek Trading) 19.45PDI-Germicidal Wipes (EnviroSafety) 43.52Rubbing Alcohol (Alaska Commercial Co). 9.18Raingear 539.35Hip Boots 259.92Misc. Shipping 110.90Total Equipment and Supplies 1,009.14

Reconnaissance Flights (Found-7/17, 7/18, 7/22) 1,122.00Capture Flights (Found-7/20, 7/23) 528.00Capture Flight (Kodiak Beaver - 7/20) 330.00Capture Flight (Branch River Air Beaver - 7/23) 1,864.00Ferry Flight (Kodiak Beaver - 7/13) 594.00Helicopter (7/24-30, ferry time shared with Water Resources) 12,506.00Aircraft Fuel 3,403.00Follow up on Swan Population Estimate (Found) 337.50Travel - Regional Aircraft Coordinator Not ChargedTravel - USGS Crew Not ChargedTotal Transportation and Travel 20,684.50

Refuge Biologist, (GS-11 step 1) 2,512.34Refuge Biologist (GS-11 step 9) 5,965.37Refuge Deputy Manager 329.73Refuge Wildlife Specialist\Pilot Not ChargedRefuge Ranger (GS-05) Not ChargedUSGS-Crew Not ChargedTotal Salary & Overtime 8,807.44

GRAND TOTAL 30,501.08

tundra swan avian influenza surveillance and banding ... fileiii tables, figures, and appendices....

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