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Distribution, habitat characteristics, prey abundance and diet of surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) and long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) in polyhaline wintering habitats in the mid-Atlantic region: a comparison of shallow coastal lagoons and Chesapeake Bay environs
Ross, Paige G. Luckenbach, Mark W.
Ross, Paige G.
Luckenbach, Mark W.
Abstract
To the best of our knowledge there are no published data on sea duck winter habitat use in the higher salinity portion of the lower Chesapeake Bay or in adjacent coastal bays along the Atlantic margin of the Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) peninsula. Within these regions both SUSC and LTDU have been observed in shallow water environments (Ross, pers. obs.), yet little is known about their habitat use or feeding habits in these areas. Importantly, these two adjacent areas, which are separated by as little as 20 km, differ in several key environmental components. In this study we documented the distribution, habitat use and diet for both surf scoters and long-tailed ducks in these adjacent regions during the winter of 2008-2009. Additionally, we characterized the sediment and quantified infaunal and epifaunal prey species composition and abundances in the shallow water environments used by sea ducks in these areas.
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2009-09-01
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Research and Technical Reports, Surf scoters, Long-tailed ducks, winter habitat, habitat range, Mid-Atlantic coast
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Virginia Institute of Marine Science
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https://doi.org/10.25773/r0vd-5n21