Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive Species Studies

Marbled Murrelet Research in Oregon, Washington, and California (1996–present)

Client: Olympic Natural Resources Center, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, PALCO, Oregon Department of Forestry

ABR tested and developed techniques for using ornithological radar to study and monitor populations of Marbled Murrelets in Oregon, Washington, and California. Long-term population monitoring is currently being conducted on the Olympic Peninsula, WA and in northern California. ABR also has used these radar methods to test the efficacy of the standard audio-visual surveys for Marbled Murrelets. We have used radar methods to help assess murrelet habitat and habitat models in Washington and Oregon, and have used the method to conduct pre-development surveys for Marbled Murrelets in areas being considered for wind energy development or timber harvest. For more information on these studies contact bcooper@abrinc.com

Spotted Owl Surveys in Oregon (1997–present)

Client: Weyerhaeuser, Willamette Industries, Seneca Jones Timber Co, City of Forest Grove, OR

ABR conducted surveys for endangered Spotted Owls in a number of large tree farms and small forest stands in the Cascade and coastal mountains of Oregon. The standard protocol for owl surveys was followed and involved nocturnal surveys for owls and incorporated playback of owl calls in suitable habitats, and daytime follow-up visits when owl responses occurred. For more information on these surveys contact bcooper@abrinc.com

Monitoring Threatened Spectacled and Steller’s Eiders in Northern Alaska (1993–present)

Client: ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Slope Borough, U.S. Air Force, Alaska Village Electricity Cooperative

ABR has conducted ground and aerial surveys for threatened eiders in a number of locations in northern Alaska. Annually we have determined the distribution and abundance of Spectacled Eiders in the Kuparuk Oilfield (since 1993), the Colville Delta (since 1994), and the NPRA (since 2001). Ground-based surveys focused on locating eiders in habitats near proposed or existing oilfield roads and facilities and aerial surveys provided a regional assessment of population trends for comparison with other North Slope areas. We also located eider nests and monitored productivity annually, using video cameras and telemetered eggs to determine incidences of predation and assess nest attendance patterns. Nest searches and habitat mapping were conducted at a number of remote USAF radar installations to help plan installation removal and area restoration, while migration surveys have been conducted at proposed wind turbine sites in western Alaska to assess the potential impacts with these structures. Finally, we have conducted a systematic aerial survey for Steller’s Eiders near Barrow since 1999 and participated in developing the Draft recovery plan for this species. For more information on these studies contact banderson@abrinc.com.

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