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SPRING STAGING OF WATERFOWL ALONG MAJOR DRAINAGES OF BRISTOL BAY
WITH AN EMPHASIS ON NAKNEK RIVER, ALASKA MARCH - MAY 1997
By: Gretchen Ruhl
Key Words: Aerial surveys, Alaska Peninsula, American wigeon, Canada geese, c anvasback, disturbance, Egegik River, eiders, Eurasian wigeon, goldeneyes, greater scaup, ground surveys, Kvichak River, mallards, mergansers, migration, Naknek River, northern pintails, radio telemetry, redheads, scoters, tundra swans, Ugashik River, waterfowl, white-fronted geese.
U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service Alaska Pen insula/Becharof National Wildlife Refuge Complex P.O. Bcx 277 King Salmon, Alaska 99613 October 1997 TABLE OF CONTENTS i LIST OF FIGURES ii LIST OF TABLES AND APPENDIX 1 ABSTRACT 1 INTRODUCTION 1 STUDY AREA 3 METHODS 3 Aerial Surveys 3 Ground-based Surveys 4 Disturbance 7 RESULTS 7 Weather 7
Abundance and Timing of Staging 7 Species Accounts 16 Species Composition on the Naknek River 16 Distribution on the Naknek River 19 Aerial Surveys 19 Disturbance to Waterfowl 19 DISCUSSION.:.. 19 Methodology 21 Species Composition and Relative Abundance 21 Annual Variations 22 Other Area Rivers 22 Disturbance 23 RECOMMENDATIONS 24 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 25 LITERATURE CITED 27 APPENDIX LIST OF FIGURES
Rivers included in the 1997 spring waterfowl surveys, and aerial survey segments of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska 1997 2 Ground survey points, lower route, Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska 5
Ground survey points, upper route, Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska 6
Total waterfowl observed during ground surveys on upper route of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 8 White-fronted and Canada Geese observed during ground surveys on upper route of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 11 Swans and geese observed during ground surveys on upper route of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 11 American and Eurasian wigeon observed during ground surveys on the upper route of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 13 Common goldeneyes, common mergansers, and red-breasted mergansers observed during ground surveys on upper route of Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 15 Common goldeneyes, common mergansers and red-breasted mergansers observed during ground surveys on lower route of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 15 Seasonal changes in composition of waterfowl staging on the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 17 Dabbling vs. diving duck abundance on upper route of Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 18 Dabbling vs. diving duck abundance on lower route of Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 18 13. Total waterfowl observed during aerial surveys, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997 20 LIST OF TABLES AND APPENDIX
Tables I. Arrival and peak dates of waterfowl observed during the spring aerial and ground surveys of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, 9 Alaska, March - May, 1991-1997 2. Highest recorded abundance of waterfowl by species for each year of spring aerial and ground surveys on the Naknek River, 10 Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, March-May, 1983-1988, 1991-1997
Appendix I. Geographical description of ground survey observation points along the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, March - 28 May 1997
ii ABSTRACT
A spring survey of staging waterfowl along the Naknek River of the Alaska Peninsula was conducted 17 March - 16 May, 1997. This year's survey continued annual surveys initiated in 1983. For the seventh consecutive year, ground surveys were performed in conjunction with aerial surveys. Additional aerial surveys were conducted along the Kvichak, Ugashik and Egegik rivers for comparative purposes. Both the Ugashik and Egegik rivers showed greater than a 300% increase in total waterfowl. Naknek River waterfowl numbers in 1997 were generally low compared to 1991-1996, (possibly the result of an early spring thaw and increased availability of open water elsewhere on the Peninsula or the diversion of waterfowl to the Ugashik and Egegik rivers.) Twenty-five species of waterfowl were observed during the 1997 survey, plus an unusual sighting of a single Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula). The highest number of white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis) was recorded since the initiation of the ground surveys in 1991 (1343), although that was still lower than the aerial survey counts of 1984-1986 and 1995. Independent of the waterfowl counts, a survey of disturbance to waterfowl, both natural and man- made, was conducted along the Naknek River.
INTRODUCTION
The management and conservation of waterfowl is a mandate of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). In April and May, thousands of swans, geese, ducks, and other water birds stage on the Naknek River, northern Alaska Peninsula (Fig. 1) during spring migration. From 1983 to 1988, aerial surveys, conducted annually in spring by the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex), were the primary method of surveying waterfowl on the river. Ground surveys were conducted simultaneously with aerial surveys for the first time in 1986 because of concern that some species may be overlooked or undercounted from the air. These infrequent ground counts were problematic due to use of only 2 survey sites and the constant flushing of waterfowl by the aircraft performing aerial counts. After only one season, the ground surveys were discontinued due to staffing logistics and concern about validity. Waterfowl surveys were not conducted during 1989 and 1990 due to diversion of Complex personnel and resources to efforts involving the Exxon Valdez oil spill. During spring 1991, the first comprehensive ground survey was designed and conducted. This survey used multiple observation points, with more frequent monitoring over a longer time, and was independent of aerial surveys. It broadened the scope of the spring surveys in order to increase understanding of species composition, abundance, habitat use, and phenology. These surveys have been continued annually through 1997. The purpose of the these surveys are to:
Establish a historical record of species composition, abundance, and phenology on the Naknek River during spring waterfowl migration; Monitor annual variations, especially in abundances of common species; Relate annual variations to factors such as human disturbance along the river and weather patterns; and, Quantify human disturbance to waterfowl staging on the Naknek River.
STUDY AREA
The Naknek River is located at the northern end of the Alaska Peninsula and
1 Fig. 1. Rivers included in 1997 spring waterfowl surveys, and aerial survey segments of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska.
2 connects the communities of King Salmon, Naknek, and South Naknek. It lies north of Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and west of Katmai National Park and Preserve. The river drains out of Naknek Lake within Katmai National Park and flows westward for 51.2 km (32 mi) where it empties into the northern end of Bristol Bay (Fig. 1). Bristol Bay's tides influence the lower two-thirds of the river [from the mouth to Rapids Camp, 35.2 km (22 mi) upstream], exposing large mudflats when low. The Kvichak River lies 48 km (30 mi) north of the Naknek River and flows 113.6 km (71 mi) southwest from Iliamna Lake into Bristol Bay. The Egegik River lies 65.6 km (41 mi) south of the Naknek River and flows westward for 40 km (25 mi) from Becharof Lake into Bristol Bay. The Ugashik River lies 128 km (80 mi) south of the Naknek and flows westward for 65.6 km (41 mi) from Lower Ugashik Lake to Bristol Bay. Communities located along the rivers surveyed include Egegik (pop. 122) on the Egegik River, Levelock (pop. 105) and Igiugig (pop. 33) on the Kvichak River, Ugashik (pop. 7) and Pilot Point (pop. 53) on the Ugashik River, and King Salmon/Naknek/So uth Naknek (combined population 1305) all on the Naknek River. Most swell to 1-10 thousand during commercial fishing season in the summer. Figure 1 shows relative locations of each of those communities.
METHODS
Aerial Surveys In 1997, the aerial survey on the Naknek River was conducted once as suggested by Moore (1996) on 23 April. The Kvichak, Egegik, and Ugashik rivers were surveyed once each on 22 April. Methodology described by Burke (1992) was used for all surveys. Flights were conducted within 1 hour of low tide, during daylight hours. A Cessna 206 was flown 45-150 m (150-500 ft) above ground level at approximately 115 kph (70 mph), with flight altitude adjusted to minimize disturbance to waterfowl. Naknek River surveys were separated into 2 flights. In the first pass, the entire river was surveyed for tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) at an altitude of 125-150 m (400-500 ft). The second pass censused ducks and geese from an altitude of 45-60 m (150-200 ft), except for the section of the river that runs through the populated area of Naknek. Because of aviation regulations, higher flight altitudes are required over these areas which are considered congested (Moore, 1996). For all Naknek River surveys, the river was divided into 10 segments so that portions visible from ground surveys could be compared.
Ground-based Surveys Ground surveys in 1997 began March 17. The route consisted of survey points established in 1991 and videotaped in November 1992 and May 1993 (tapes on file in the Complex office in King Salmon). The 1997 ground survey route (Appendix I) followed the 1996 model with one exception. As suggested (Buhl and Moore 1996), Point 9B was added in order to count the area between the upper and the lower sections of the river. While counting the waterfowl at point 9B special care was taken to only count the area which could not be seen from the previous or following points. Point 16B was included again for the second year. Although waterfowl numbers were recorded, they were not included in the totals when compared to earlier years.
3 The Naknek River was divided into 2 ground survey routes because of time constraints. The lower route allowed observation of the river from its mouth to Paul's Creek with 10 survey points (Fig. 2). The upper route covered from King Salmon Creek to the outlet of Naknek Lake (Fig. 3), using 9 points. Point 17 at the lake outlet was changed in 1993 to avoid crossing private property (Mehall 1993). Routes were selected based on historical waterfowl distribution and were intended to view the most concentrated sections of the river. The small sections which were not surveyed generally support few waterfowl (Moore 1996). During late March, surveys on both routes were conducted approximately 5 x/week as time and weather allowed. During peak staging, the more productive upper river was surveyed 3-4 x/week, and the lower river was surveyed only 1-2 x/week. Surveys conducted on the upper river were started 2-3 hours before low tide and ideally Paradise Point (point 14) and Big Creek (point 15) were counted as close to low tide as possible. Tides were calculated from the Nushagak District table using the corrections for the Naknek River. Tides tend to come into the Naknek very slowly, and then drop rapidly. Timing presents difficulties on the upper river during late April when the counts can take up to 8 hours. Counts on the lower river were conducted backwards as suggested by Ruhl and Moore (1996) from point 9B to point 1 starting at 1-2 hours before low tide. This made it possible to survey points 9A and 9B where mudflats were exposed during low tide and have higher tides for the count at the mouth of the river. Counts at the mouth of the river were made when the tide was higher so that birds were close enough to be identified. The Lake Camp survey point (outlet of Naknek Lake) is not tidally influenced.
In general, one trained observer completed all of the surveys. Birds were identified using 10x binoculars and a Questar mirror telescope (12-32 mm, 1.5- 2x), or during rainfall, a 15-60x spotting scope. A 4-wheel-drive pickup truck provided access to all observation points except point 15 (Big Creek), which entailed a round trip walk of 3 km (1.8 mi). In most cases, all waterfowl visible from an observation point were identified and counted. From some points, however, views of the river overlapped and care was taken by the observer to delineate borders and avoid recounting. Numbers of each species at each point were recorded. For analytical purposes, waterfowl were categorized as diving ducks, dabbling ducks, geese, or swans. Sea ducks were lumped with diving ducks. Comparisons were made between dates of first arrival, timing and size of population peaks.
Disturbance Disturbance was monitored for 1-hour periods at 2 of the heavily-used ground survey points, Big Creek and Rapids Camp. Observations were performed independently from ground surveys. They were initiated on 29 March, the first Saturday following ice breaking out of the river, and repeated every second Saturday thereafter. Rapids Camp was observed between 1000 and 1100 hours and Big Creek between 1130 and 1230 hours. This was the methodology used in 1996.
Anything, natural or unnatural, that caused the waterfowl to flush was defined as disturbance. Along with the kind of disturbance, the observer studied its immediate effect on the waterfowl. Effects were divided into 5 categories of disturbance:
No visible effect; Waterfowl did not flush, but swam away from the determined source of the disturbance; (3) Waterfowl flushed, but remained in the immediate area (within the sight of the observer);
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RESULTS
Weather In 1997, temperatures averaged above normal by 1.6°F in March and 6.6° to 5.5° F in April and May (National Weather Service 1997). Monthly precipitation totaled 1.18 in. (2.9 cm.), 2.18 in. (5.45 cm.) below normal for March through May (National Weather Service 1997). Open water was present at all observation points by 7 March, but a short cold snap caused refreezing until 15 March. The river broke completely free of ice on 11 April, when the final plug in the Savonoski vicinity on the lower river opened.
Abundance and Timing of Staainq Twenty-five species of waterfowl were sighted on the Naknek River during 1997. The peak count (3,851 birds) was recorded on 21 April on the upper river (Fig. 4). While considerable variation existed among individual species phenologies, similar characteristics were shared within three groups. The peak abundance of common mergansers (Mergus merganser) and common goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) were both recorded on 27 March (Table 1). Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), and Barrow's goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) all peaked on 16 April. Tundra swans, white-fronted geese, Canada geese (Branta canadensis taverneri), and green-winged teal (Anas crecca) peaked after 21 April, with all except tundra swans experiencing steep declines in numbers after their peaks. Because different species' numbers peak on different days, total number of waterfowl using the river can better be estimated by summing the peak abundance of each species (7,511)(from either ground or aerial counts) rather than the peak of all species recorded on one day (Table 2). Two record high abundances were recorded in 1997 for greater white-fronted geese and gadwalls (Anas strepera). Greater white-fronted geese have shown a general increase since 1991 (Ruhl and Moore 1996), with a 68% increase from 1996 to 1997.
Species Accounts Tundra swans were first sighted on 23 March (Fig. 6). Tundra swans are generally among the earliest of waterfowl to arrive (Wilk 1987a). A high count of 1312 swans was recorded on the 23 April aerial survey of the entire river. The peak ground count on the upper river (879) occurred on 21 April. Excluding the new point 16b, the total is adjusted to 837. Abundance of swans on the Naknek River in mid-late April has been documented to depend on the amount of ice on nearby ponds (Wilk 1987b). As in previous years, at least 400 swans (likely non-breeders), were still observed by the end of the survey in mid May. Greater white-fronted geese were first observed on 3 April (Figs. 6). Historically, white-fronted geese arrive on the Naknek river shortly after the tundra swans (Burke 1992). In 1997, geese numbers fell rapidly following the peak count (1343) on 21 April, similar to 1993-1996 (Mehall 1993, MacGowan 1994, Moore 1996, Ruhl and Moore 1996, Ruhl 1997). In 1997, a 68% increase over 1996 was recorded. Aerial surveys continue to indicate that white- fronted geese are widely dispersed over the Alaska Peninsula during spring migration, and that the Kvichak River is also an important staging area.
Canada geese were first sighted on 12 April (Fig. 6). The high count recorded
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Fig. 6. Swans and geese observed during ground surveys on upper route of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997.
11 was 54 on both 17 April and 21 April, with most of the geese being found at Paradise Point throughout the survey. Although Canada geese arrived later and departed earlier than white-fronted geese, their peak dates were less than a week apart. This pattern has remained consistent during previous years.
Green-winged teal were first sighted on 14 April. A relatively low peak of 73 was counted on 21 April. Peak numbers of green-winged teal have risen and fallen several times since 1991 (Ruhl and Moore, 1996). Both 1996 and 1997 counts represent the low end of this fluctuation. Mallards were first observed on 23 March. The high count recorded was 491 on 16 April. The second highest peak since the initiation of the survey was recorded in 1997 (Table 2).
Northern pintails (Anas acuta) were first observed on 23 March. The high count was 948 on 21 April. Pintails were the most abundant dabbler on the river, as in all years of this survey.
Northern shovelers (Anas clypeata), first observed on 19 April, were consistently one of the last dabbling ducks to arrive (Table 1). Similar to last year, but unlike previous years, shovelers had a steady increase and decline up to and following the peak on 2 May. Shovelers have been listed as rare (Kessel and Gibson 1978, Armstrong 1990) or uncommon (Gabrielson and Lincoln 1959) for southwestern Alaska, but seem to occupy the Naknek River on a regular basis using similar habitats from year to year.
Gadwalls were again only observed in low sporadic numbers, supporting Kessel and Gibson's (1978) categorization of the species as uncommon spring migrants on the Alaska Peninsula. A record high peak of 13 was counted on 28 April.
Eurasian wigeons (Anas penelope) were first observed on 12 April and increased to a peak of 28 on 28 April (Fig. 7). Data since 1991 indicate that Eurasian wigeons may be described as "uncommon" spring migrants to the Alaska Peninsula (Burke 1992).
American wigeons (Anas americana) were first observed on 12 April and a peak of 77 was counted on 28 April (Fig. 7). American wigeons are one of the latest dabblers to leave their wintering grounds (Bellrose 1980) and as in previous years were still present on the last day of the survey.
Canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) were observed in low, sporadic numbers every year of the ground survey. In 1997, canvasbacks were seen twice, four on the aerial survey on 23 April and one on 30 April. Canvasbacks are categorized as rare spring migrants on the Alaska Peninsula by Kessel and Gibson (1978). This is supported by Naknek River counts which all fall below 38.
Redheads (Aythya americana) were sighted every year except 1991 and 1996, generally congregated between Paradise Point and Big Creek. One to two redheads were counted on the upper river between 12 and 21 April. Redheads could likely be categorized as uncommon to rare spring migrants to the Alaska Peninsula. Ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris)have been documented only two different years previous to 1997. In 1992, one to two were observed on the river on four different occasions (Cook 1992) and one was seen at Big Creek in 1994 (MacGowen 1994). This year one male was sighted at Paradise Point swimming among a group of greater scaup (Aythya mari1a). Survey observations support Kessel and Gibson's (1978) categorization of ring-necked ducks as casual visitors to Southwestern Alaska.
Tufted ducks were not seen prior to this year. On both 28 and 30 April a single tufted duck was observed between Paradise Point and Big Creek. Like
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Fig. 7. American and Eurasian wigeon observed during ground surveys on the upper route of Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997.
13 ring-necked ducks, the tufted duck was seen in association with groups of greater scaup. The tufted duck is considered a straggler in North America from Eurasia (Bellrose 1980).
Greater scaup were first sighted on 21 March. The high count recorded was 463 on 8 May. They were most commonly seen in the area between Big Creek, Paradise Point, Grassy Point, and especially in scattered groups at the river's mouth. Scaup remained in the hundreds, particularly on the lower river, through the close of the survey. Variability in visibility due to tides and weather likely affected counts at the river mouth.
King eiders (Somateria spectabilis) were observed only once during the survey, a raft of 12 on 11 April.
Harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) were sighted twice on the river this spring. One pair was seen at Paradise Point on 5 May and another was seen at Paul's Creek on 6 May, possibly the same pair. Harlequins have been documented every year except 1993, consistently in low numbers.
Oldsquaw (Clangula hyemalis) were first observed at the river's mouth on 19 March, the second day of the lower river survey. The high count was on 2 April, with various rafts offshore near the mouth of the Naknek River totaling 464 of the 469 that were counted. The mouth of the river and nearby bay were primary staging areas observed, with infrequent sightings at the sewage lagoons. 1 Black scoters (Melanitta nigra) were the most common scoter observed on the river. They were first sighted on 15 April at the river's mouth. Although numbers fluctuated throughout the survey, on the lower river a peak of 115 was observed on 15 May, the last day of the survey. While most black scoters were observed at the river's mouth, late in the survey they were sighted as far upriver as Paradise Point.
Surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) were sighted once on 8 May, with a pair in Kvichak Bay. Surf scoters have been sighted every year of the ground survey except 1993 and 1995. Bufflehead were sighted in low numbers between 16 April and 6 May. A high count of 11 was recorded on 16 April. Unlike the previous two years, small groups of bufflehead were not often observed on lakes near the Naknek River with larger groups of goldeneye (Moore 1996, Ruhl and Moore 1996).
Common goldeneyes were present at the beginning of the survey (17 March) and reached a peak of 385 on 27 March (Figs. 8, 9). They are a known winter resident of Bristol Bay (Moore 1996). Common goldeneyes were not loyal to a particular feeding area and were found wherever open water occurred. Similar to previous years (Moore 1996, Ruhl and Moore 1996), goldeneyes were commonly seen on nearby lakes, especially Pike Lake. Barrow's goldeneyes were first sighted on 24 March. Thereafter they were seen in low sporadic numbers with a peak of 6 on 16 April. Common mergansers were already present on the Naknek River when the survey was initiated. They are known winter residents in Bristol Bay as far north as open water allows (Hood 1995). Common merganser numbers rose rapidly throughout March to a peak of 1372 on 27 March, and as in 1991-1996, steadily declined throughout April (Fig. 8, 9).
Red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator) were also present on the river when the survey was initiated. A peak of 90 was observed on 2 May. Similar to 1996, red-breasted mergansers did not occur in appreciable numbers until common merganser numbers had peaked and then tapered off (Figs. 8, 9).
14 1,372
1,200
900
Ilcommon goldeneyes 600 q Common mergansers ORB mergansers
300
0 L [ 18 21 24 27 30 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 23 26 29 2 5 8 11 14 March April May
Fig. 8. Common goldeneyes, common and red-breasted mergansers observed during ground surveys on upper route of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997. Arrows indicate observed date of river break-up.
1,200
900
IICommon goldeneyes 600 ElCommon mergansers ORB mergansers
300
0 1 I_ Jl . / I 8 1 . 1 . .st 17 20 23 26 29 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 1 4 7 10 13 March April May
Fig. 9. Common goldeneyes, common and red-breasted mergansers observed during ground surveys on lower route of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997. Arrows indicate observed date of river break-up.
15 Species Composition on the Naknek River Waterfowl composition on the Naknek River changed predictably during the spring season. Most notably, diving ducks tended to reach their peak numbers 1-2 weeks earlier than dabbling ducks. Historically, species composition has been calculated from aerial surveys (scheduled for the peak of dabbling ducks), likely causing the earlier arriving diving ducks to be under- represented. To avoid this, species composition was also calculated based on the combined total of individual species peaks from Table 2. From this a minimum of 7,511 waterfowl staged on the Naknek in 1997, breaking down into 18% swans, 21% geese, 22% dabbling ducks, and 39% diving ducks. Figure 10 shows changes in species composition throughout the 1997 survey. Diving duck composition is a subjective number because it includes sea ducks seen in Kvichak Bay, which as mentioned earlier depends largely on visibility and tidal conditions.
Distribution on the Naknek River Waterfowl distribution patterns were similar during all 7 years (Burke 1992, Cook 1992, Mehall 1993, MacGowan 1994, Moore 1996, Ruhl and Moore 1996). Areas supporting the greatest concentrations of spring staging waterfowl have been: Rapids Camp, Big Creek, Paradise Point, Grassy Point, and the mouth of the Naknek River (Points 1, 13-16; Figs. 2 and 3). From observations at Point 16b in April and early May, the oxbow between Big Creek and Rapids Camp (Fig. 3) also becomes heavily used by swans, geese, and dabbling ducks. Counts at Point 16b indicated that portion of the oxbow supported as many as 400 extra waterfowl in late April. The first year of conducting counts at Point 9B showed that a range of 100 to 200 waterfowl stage in that section of the river during peak migration.
Swans Phenology of tundra swans in Bristol Bay is the earliest reported for any of the major nesting populations (Wilk 1987a). The area plays an important role because habitat becomes suitable for nesting much earlier than other major nesting locales (Wilk 1988a). In March, early-arriving swans gathered near Big Creek. During peak swan staging, Rapids Camp, Big Creek, Paradise Point and Grassy Point (Points 13-16) supported the heaviest concentrations. Over 90% of the swans were observed on the upper section of the river.
Geese Unlike swans, geese were not noticeably loyal to any particular feeding place. White-fronts were consistently viewed at the end of Flat Nose Henry Road (point 9B), and from the FWS dock to Lake Camp (Points 12-17). Canada geese were seen in small numbers, usually interspersed with white-fronts and with the majority observed at Points 14-15. Although not seen while on a survey route the primary observer did observe two lesser snow geese (Chen hyperborea hyperborea)on 20 April at the FWS dock. Dabbling Ducks Dabbling ducks, predominantly northern pintails, were consistently sighted first on the mudflats between Paradise Point and Big Creek. This area (Points 14-15) continued to support the highest concentrations of dabblers. Consistent with past years, dabbler concentration shifted to Rapids Camp by early May. Overall, from mid-April through the end of the survey, dabbling ducks dominated the upper river mudflats (Figs. 11, 12).
Diving and Sea Ducks Diving and sea duck migration along the north coast of the Alaska Peninsula has been documented to follow nearshore waters where they occasionally congregate on lagoons and off the mouths of major drainages (Gill et al. 1978). According to Bowers et al. (1993), any coastal area within the 20 m
16 o C el o eil M
o 0 06
1 l 2,000
1,500
1,000
500
1 , 1 .1 I, , 1 18 21 24 27 30 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 23 26 29 2 5 8 11 14
March April May 1111Dabblers q Divers
Fig. 11. Dabbling and diving duck abundance on upper route of the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997.
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
n 11 1 „ 17 20 23 26 29 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 1 4 7 10 13 March April May n Dabblers q Divers
Fig. 12. Dabbling and diving duck abundance on lower route of Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997.
18
(60-ft) depth contour could be considered important diving and sea duck habitat, due to the dietary importance of marine mollusks and crustaceans. Accordingly, an important feeding area exists at the mouth of the Naknek River and extends far out in Kvichak Bay. At the initiation of the survey, common mergansers and common goldeneye were observed on both upper and lower portions of the river with concentrations at Paul's Creek and King Salmon Creek (Points 9-10). At the same time, the mouth of the river (Point 1) hosted variable rafts of oldsquaw, greater scaup, and eiders, as it did throughout the survey period. Overall, diving ducks monopolized the lower section of the Naknek the entire survey, while common mergansers and common goldeneye also heavily used the upper river in March and April. The most common diving ducks using the river were common and red-breasted mergansers. Common goldeneye were distributed along the entire river with highest concentrations from Grassy Point to Big Creek. During mid-April when dabbler use increased in these areas, respectively fewer divers were observed. Ice also may be a key limiting factor for diving duck distribution along the river, for example, merganser distribution early in the spring seemed to be based solely on open water availability. Canvasbacks were seen occasionally and in limited numbers between Paradise Point and Big Creek. Greater scaup were distributed throughout the river, though highest numbers were observed at Paradise Point and the mouth of the river. Oldsquaw were generally observed at the mouth, and occasionally on the sewage lagoons (Point 2). Black scoters were also sighted primarily at the mouth, but fed as far upstream as Paradise Point. King eiders were observed from the mouth in rafts offshore.
Aerial Surveys
Naknek River During the single 1997 aerial survey on 23 April, a total of 1312 swans were observed on the first pass over the river. On the second pass 4353 geese and ducks were counted, but low flights needed to identify every duck to species was not possible due to federal aviation regulations.
Kvichak, Egegik, and Ugashik Rivers Total waterfowl counts for the Kvichak, Egegik, and Ugashik rivers were 3778, 2708, and 1740, respectively (Fig. 13). As in previous years the Kvichak River supported more waterfowl than the Ugashik and Egegik rivers, and appears to be more closely linked to the Naknek for waterfowl staging. On the Egegik and Ugashik rivers total waterfowl numbers were the highest counted since the beginning of the survey, excluding 1992. Both rivers showed over a 300% increase over previous totals.
Disturbance to Waterfowl In a total of eight hours of observations, eleven possible sources of disturbance were recorded, with nine eliciting a flushing response of type three (see Methods). One fixed-wing aircraft and one Metroliner airplane flew over at different times but did not cause any observable disturbance to the waterfowl. Inconsistent with previous years, propeller-driven aircraft (commercial and private) was the most common source of disturbance, comprising 5 of the 11 (45%) incidents that resulted in a disturbance response greater than type 1. Jet aircraft (military and commercial) and fisherman caused the next highest degree of disturbance with 2 (18%) incidents each. On one occasion a pair of Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were observed to cause a flock of Northern pintail to flush but remain within the sight of the observer.
19 1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
900
200
- I •
Egegik River Kvichak River Ugashik River
III Swans B Geese El Dabblers Divers 111 Unknown
Fig. 13. Total waterfowl observed during aerial surveys, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, 1997.
20 DISCUSSION
Methodology Moore (1996) discussed in depth the problems inherent to both aerial and ground-based surveys. Efforts were improved in 1996 and 1997, both with the addition of Points 9B and 16B on the ground survey and the de-emphasis of aerial surveys, especially on the Naknek River. Counts at Point 16B indicated that portion of the oxbow supported a substantial number of waterfowl in late April. Efforts should be continued to find a way to view the entire Naknek River from the ground or water.
Species Composition and Relative Abundance Although species composition on the Naknek River appeared similar to previous years, overall counts were low. One noteworthy difference which occurred in both 1996 and 1997 was the numbers of divers relative to dabblers. While generally more total dabblers have been counted on the river than divers, the reverse was true in both these years. Possibly an early spring caused numbers of overwintering divers (mainly common mergansers, early in the season) to outweigh numbers of migrant dabblers which arrive later and were taking advantage of increased open water availability elsewhere. However, species relative abundance can only be an annual index unless length of staging of individual birds is known. The observed decrease in total numbers could be accounted for by several factors: a warm spring, the disturbance by aircraft and hunters, or an unusually low amount of precipitation.
Annual Variations Individual species phenology appeared relatively consistent with previous years although arrival dates varied. Similar to 1996 tundra swans peaked slightly later than other years during the fourth week of April. Given current methodology, real abundance fluctuations would be difficult to discern from changes in distribution or locality use (Moore, 1996), for example, staging on the river versus surrounding lakes and ponds. First, the quantity and movement of ice appears to play a role in the distribution of staging waterfowl. Ice has been shown to decrease the surface area available for feeding and roosting seabirds (Divoky 1979), as well as reducing prey abundance in nearshore areas due to ice scour. Ice coverage in spring likely plays a similar role for waterfowl on the Naknek River, as staging distribution changes markedly by early April when ice melts off the tidal flats. Spring weather patterns around Bristol Bay are likely also important to both timing and location of staging. In 1992, the Naknek River did not break free of ice until 10 April, and area ponds and streams were frozen much later than has been observed in other years. Also in 1992, waterfowl counts during peak staging were much higher than in other years (Cook 1992). A likely explanation is that birds were funneled to the limited open water on the Naknek. The opposite effect would explain the low numbers observed on the Naknek in 1996 and 1997. The unusually warm spring and early thawing provided more open water for waterfowl to disperse from the Naknek River. A valid estimate of waterfowl staging in the area would have to include ponds and streams which are nearby (Moore 1996). Possible methodology would include strata transect lines as described by Smith (1995) for breeding waterfowl. In that way, waterfowl use of the river could be correlated with local water availability.
21 Clearly the Naknek River supports more staging waterfowl in spring than any of the other Bristol Bay rivers surveyed. As previously, waterfowl counts on the Kvichak, Ugashik, and Egegik rivers were lower than on the Naknek; however, each may be more important to some individual species. Percentage composition of dabblers, divers, geese and swans was dramatically different on the Naknek than on other area rivers. Aerial surveys of the Egegik and Ugashik rivers both showed over a 300% increase in total waterfowl. Unlike previous years, the Kvichak River did not support larger numbers of geese and common mergansers than the Naknek. These observations may be attributed to the large increase in the number of greater white-fronted geese. Or weather patterns may have allowed the peaks on the rivers to coincide. Incidental observations have consistently shown that white-fronts are widely dispersed throughout the Peninsula during spring migration and have no real concentration on the Naknek River (FWS files). One aerial survey per year may not be enough to draw conclusions about waterfowl usage of these rivers (Moore 1996). Timing of staging peaks for the Naknek may not be identical to timing for other local rivers. Distribution among the rivers likely varies from year to year and is somewhat dependent on the timing of spring. More importantly, biologists should look for reasons that waterfowl seem to use the Naknek more heavily than other area rivers - in spite of its higher level of development and disturbance. In general, Alaska Peninsula weather seems to be mildest in the Naknek vicinity and the Naknek River tends to be the first area river to open, being usually 90% ice-free by early April (Wilk 1987b). A higher clarity level is also notable on the Naknek as opposed to the Egegik or Ugashik. With warmer temperatures and clearer water, productivity levels of submergent vegetation may exceed those in adjacent river systems (Mehall 1993). Possibly, waterfowl concentrations are limited less by physical characteristics of one river than by larger-scale geographical factors. The Naknek River could be a closer stopover point along the historical migration route towards the Yukon-Kuskokwin Delta. Alternatively or additionally, proximity to the southern edge of boreal forest may contribute to waterfowl usage patterns.
Disturbance Wilk (1988a) hypothesizes that the greatest threat to the Bristol Bay swan population may be disturbance by boat and air traffic during spring staging on the Naknek River. Energy necessary for courtship, nesting, laying, and incubating is expended during repeated flushing and valuable foraging opportunities are lost (Frederickson and Reid 1988, Dahlgreen and Korschgen 1992). The impact of human disturbance varies among waterfowl species (Burger 1981) and depends on their wariness and their capability of habituating to certain disturbing events (Belanger and Bedard 1989). The observer noted in both 1996 and 1997 that swans were generally the first to flush in response to all types of disturbance. Disturbance to waterfowl was not quantitatively examined on Naknek River until 1994. The amount of observed disturbance is low compared to past years. From 1994 to 1996 1.0 incidents of disturbance per hour of observation were recorded (Moore 1996, Ruhl and Moore 1996). In 1997, only .6 incidents per hour were seen. Initial assessment shows that air and boat traffic do cause flushing of waterfowl. Smaller propeller airplanes were observed to utilize the area frequently regardless of time, whereas larger jet aircraft (commercial) are infrequent and follow established schedules but caused more disturbance per incident. Military flights are relatively unscheduled, and often involve bigger aircraft. Boat traffic appeared to increase towards the afternoon, likely as business hours came to a close and local residents were able to recreate. Information on flight schedules could be collected from commercial airlines on a regular basis. The Federal Aviation Administration does keep records of airplanes using the airport, but the information is
22 does keep records of airplanes using the airport, but the information is discarded after 15 days. Collecting disturbance observations at designated times (which remain consistent from year to year) should make evident an increase or decrease in human use of the river. With better data on relative human use levels over several years, changes could be compared to trends in waterfowl staging numbers.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Spring waterfowl surveys on the Naknek River should be continued for at least 3 more years in order to establish a baseline of waterfowl usage fluctuations.
2 Aerial surveys on the Naknek, if continued, could be redesigned to include repeatable transects across nearby ponds and bogs. Focusing only on tundra swans and quantifying freeze/thaw of area waters, this addition could substantially increase our understanding of use of the area, with minimal added flight time.
3 Aerial surveys should be continued of other local rivers for a generalized understanding of larger distribution patterns along the Peninsula. Aerial surveys should be conducted once on each river during late April because of expense. The Nushagak River should be added to those surveyed if funds allow. Section 8 of the aerial survey on the Naknek should be broken into subsections to incorporate just the portion of the oxbow that could not be seen from the original ground points. This would allow for better comparison with ground counts by removing those areas not visible.
Observations should continue to be made at Point 9B and 16B in order to get a more accurate count of the entire river. Water quality of the Naknek River should be evaluated and as funding allows, compared with other area rivers. Clarity and sedimentation levels could provide insight about distribution patterns. Information should be collected from the Federal Aviation Administration with real numbers of aircraft utilizing the immediate area. Changes in these numbers over the years should be compared with waterfowl staging numbers. Data would have to be collected every 2 weeks during the survey period. Contact Ray Reeves at the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic Division at (907)271-5887 and file a public information release form.
A reevaluation of the disturbance observations should be made in order to determine if the desired information is being collected.
Ground surveys on the lower river should continue to be conducted in reverse order, and timed so that Paul's Creek is reached near low tide, with the tide being near high when the mouth is counted, allowing better observation of offshore species.
11. Efforts should be made to educate King Salmon/Naknek residents and visitors about the sensitivity of staging waterfowl to human disturbance, both from boats and human presence along the shore. Local education could be attempted through exhibits in the King Salmon Visitor Center, and through visits to the schools.
23 Contact needs to be maintained with private land owners prior to the start of the ground survey in order to ensure access privileges. This is especially important for Point 9A at Paul's Creek (contact Les and Judy Burtner: 345-1598). An attempt should be made to float down the portion of the Naknek River which can not be seen on the ground survey points. This could be done in addition to the single aerial survey several times before and after the peak, at a relatively low cost. 14. In March someone with waterfowl identification skills should be asked to assist the observer during aerial surveys around the third week of April. This will give the volunteer time to review waterfowl identification in flight. One resource is Ducks Unlimited Video Guide to Waterfowl and Game Birds (tape on file in the Complex office in King Salmon).
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This project would not have been possible without the support of Wildlife Biologist Donna Dewhurst since its conception. Special thanks also to Airplane Pilot Bill Smoke for providing many safe and smooth flights. Gretchen Ruhl was the primary observer in 1997, with additional assistance provided by Wildlife Biologists Susan Savage and Ron Squibb, Refuge Biological Technicians Randy Moore and Corey Adler, and Refuge Volunteers Josh Nove, Kristin Marcell, and Jen Stamp. Appreciation is extended to Les and Judy Burtner for their continued support and land access privileges, and to Richard Russell for sharing historical data and his enthusiastic support. Thanks finally to Refuge Manager Ronald E. Hood administrative assistance throughout the project.
24 LITERATURE CITED
Armstrong, R.H. 1990. Guide to the birds of Alaska. Alaska Northwest Books, Anchorage, Alas. 342pp. Belanger, L. And J. Bedard. 1989. Responses of staging greater snow geese to human disturbance. J. Wildl. Manage. 53(3):713-719.
Bellrose, F.C. 1980. Ducks, geese and swans of North America. Third ed. Stackpole, Harrisburg, Pa. 540pp.
Bowers, F., E. Halpin, and J. Parker, editors. 1983. Migratory birds and marine mammals of the Bristol Bay region. U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv., Admin. Rep.., Anchorage, Alas. (Unpubl). 84pp. Burger, J. 1981. The effect of human activity on birds at a coastal bay. Biol. Conserv. 21:231-241. Burke, T.A. 1992. Spring staging of waterfowl along the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, April - May 1991. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv., King Salmon, Alas. (Unpubl). 4Opp. Cook, N. 1992. Spring staging of waterfowl along the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, February - May 1992. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv., King Salmon, Alas. (Unpubl). 42pp. Dahlgren, R. and C. Korschgen. 1992. Human disturbances of waterfowl: an annotated bibliography. U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv. Res. Publ. 188. 62pp. Divoky, G.J. 1979. Sea ice as a factor in seabird distribution and ecology in the Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering Sea. Pages 9-17 in J.C. Bartonek and D.N. Nettleship, editors. International symposium on conservation of marine birds of northern North America. U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv., Washington, D.C. Frederickson, H. and F. Reid. 1988. Waterfowl uses of wetland complexes. Waterfowl management handbook. U.S. Fish & Wildl. Leafl. 13.2.1. Gabrielson, I.N. and F.C. Lincoln. 1959. The birds of Alaska. The Stackpole Co., Harrisburg, Pa. 922pp. Gill, R. Jr., C. Handel and M. Petersen. 1978. Migration of birds in Alaska marine habitats. U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv., Anchorage, Alas. (Unpubl). 41pp.
Hood, R.E., editor. 1995. Alaska Peninsula/Becharof National Wildlife Refuges - 1993. U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv., Ann. Narr. Rep., King Salmon, Alas.
Kessel, B. and D.D. Gibson. 1978. Status and distribution of Alaskan birds. Cooper Ornith. Soc., Los Angeles, Calif. 100pp. MacGowan, B. 1994. Spring staging of waterfowl along major drainages of Bristol Bay, with an emphasis on the Naknek River, Alaska, March - May 1994. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv., King Salmon, Alas. (Unpubl). 47pp.
Mehall, A.C. 1993. Spring staging of waterfowl along the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, March - May 1993. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv., King Salmon, Alas. (Unpubl). 42pp. Moore, H. 1996. Spring staging of waterfowl along major drainages of Bristol Bay, 1991-1995, with an emphasis on the Naknek River, March - May 1995. U.S.
25 Bay, 1991-1995, with an emphasis on the Naknek River, March - May 1995. U.s. Fish and Wildlife Serv., King Salmon, Alas. (Unpubl). 33pp.
National Weather Service. 1997. Local climatological data monthly summary March - May 1997. King Salmon, Alas. 4pp. Ruhl, G. And H. Moore. 1996. Spring staging of waterfowl along major drainages of Bristol Bay, with and emphasis on Naknek River, Alaska, March - May 1996.U. S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., King Salmon, Alas. (Unpubl). 36pp.
Smith, G.W. 1995. A critical review of the aerial and ground surveys of breeding waterfowl in North America. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Biol. Sci. Rept. 5. 251pp.
Wilk, R.J. 1987a. Early arrival dates for summering tundra swans, Cygnus columbianus, in Alaska. Can. Field Naturalist 101(1):93-94.
. 1987b. Tundra swans in the Bristol Bay lowlands northern Alaska Peninsula. M.S. Thesis, Univ. of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. 89pp.
. 1988a. Distribution, abundance, population structure and productivity of tundra swans in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Pages 288-291 in G.W. Hodgson, editor. Arctic. The Arctic Inst. of North America, 41(4).
26 APPENDIX
27 Appendix I. Geographical description of ground survey observation Points along the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, March - May 1997.
Lower Route
Point 1 - Mouth of Naknek River Departing from the King Salmon FWS office, drive 0.3 km (0.2 mi) and turn left onto the King Salmon - Naknek Road, follow road west 24.6 km (15.3 mi) into and through Naknek to where road dead ends in front of FISHERMAN'S BAR. Turn left onto gravel road, follow road as it turns right, proceed 0.3 km (0.2 mi), take right turn onto gravel road across from INLET SALMON, follow 1.2 km (0.8 mi) and take right turn onto gravel road across from sewage lagoon. Follow this road (Monsen Creek Road) 1.4 km (0.9 mi) to a small gravel parking lot overlooking the Bristol Bay. Walk 64 m (70 yd) from parking lot down the road and on to 6.1 m (20 ft) high bluff overlooking the beach. From this point, record all waterfowl located in the mouth of the river as well as all adjacent tidal flats of the Bristol Bay.
Point 2 - Sewage Lagoon and Overlook From observation Point 1, return down Monsen Creek Road turning right at the 4-way intersection. Follow road 0.6 km (0.4 mi) to where it ends in a turn- around adjacent to sewage lagoon. Park and walk 64 m (70 yd) south to the edge of a high bluff overlooking the mouth of the river. From this point, record all waterfowl in river and its mouth not visible from Point 1. Additionally, record waterfowl observed in both settling/leaching ponds of the sewage lagoon complex.
Point 3 - End of State Road From observation Point 2, return down sewage lagoon access road and turn right at INLET SALMON. Proceed 0.3 km (0.2 mi) until reaching sign marked "STATE MAINTENANCE ENDS", adjacent to PETER PAN CANNERY. From this point overlooking the cannery and river, record all waterfowl not visible from Point 2. Point 4 - Municipal Barge Dock From observation Point 3, return to FISHERMAN'S BAR and turn right onto the paved King Salmon - Naknek Road. Proceed east 2.0 km (1.3 mi), turn right onto Dock Road and follow drive 0.3 km (0.2 mi) down to dock facility. Walk to the end of the dock and record all visible waterfowl on the river. Point 5 - Leader Creek From observation Point 4, return to King Salmon - Naknek Road and proceed east 2.9 km (1.8 mi), turn right at NAKNEK MARINE CENTER "LUMMI" sign. Follow gravel road 0.3 km (0.2 mi) to its end near boat ramp at river's edge. From the gravel lot above the boat ramp, record all visible waterfowl, concentrating on tidal flats in the mouth of Leader Creek.
Point 6 - Martin Monsen Park From observation Point 5, return to King Salmon - Naknek Road and proceed east 3.0 km (1.9 mi), turn right onto Arnie Road. Follow road 0.3 km (0.2 mi) to where it forks into 3 separate driveways, follow the middle driveway (Eddie Road) 0.3 km (0.2 mi) to its end at Martin Monsen Park. From atop the 9 m (30 ft) bluff, at the picnic table area, record all visible waterfowl (principally from Telephone Point to Kunsiniali Point).
Point 7 - Savonoski Crossing From observation Point 6, return to King Salmon - Naknek Road and proceed east 2.4 km (1.5 mi), turn right onto gravel road (Lynx Loop) across from Naknek Cemetery. Follow road 1.2 km (0.8 mi), turn right on gravel road marked Savonoski Trail, follow road to its end down to the river opposite Savonoski. All visible waterfowl are recorded (principally from Kunsiniali Point to Kanaknoli Point).
28 Point 8 - Wolverine Road From observation Point 7, return to Savonoski Trail - Lynx Loop intersection, take a right turn, follow Lynx Loop east 1.0 km (0.6 mi) to intersection with King Salmon - Naknek Road. Do not turn onto the Wolverine Road which intersects Lynx Loop. Turn right onto the King Salmon - Naknek Road, proceed east 3.7 km (2.3 mi) and turn right again onto gravel road marked Wolverine Road. Follow road 2.6 km (1.6 mi) to its end at a large turn-around, then walk south 91 m (100 yd) to the bluff overlooking the river. All visible waterfowl are recorded (principally from Horseshoe Point to Rocky Point).
Point 9A - Paul's Creek From observation Point 8, return to King Salmon - Naknek Road and proceed east 0.9 km (0.6 mi), turn right on gravel road (Thelma Drive) 91 m (100 yd) before Paul's Creek bridge. Follow road 0.6 km (0.4 mi), staying to the right of Eckert's Pit, and then take the first right onto Eckert's Drive. In 1995 no street sign was on the post. Follow road to its end and walk south 51 m (55 yd) on wooden trail to a cottage. Walk to the left of the cottage 14 m (15 yd) to the steep bluff overlooking the river. Stay clear of the bluff edge to minimize erosion. All visible waterfowl are recorded, (principally from Iniam Point to Omakstalia Point) concentrating on the tidal flats in the mouth of Paul's Creek. This point is on private property, so please exercise respect.
Point 98 - Flat Nose Henry Road From observation Point 9A, return to King Salmon - Naknek Road and proceed east 4.2 km (2.6 mi), turn right on Flat Nose Henry Road. Continue 1.12 km (.7 mi) to the end of the road. Walk out to the edge of the bluff and count waterfowl taking care to pick a point to mark where counting stopped. This should be done to avoid overlap with preceding and following points.
Upper Route
Point 10 - King Salmon Creek Departing from the King Salmon FWS office, drive 0.3 km (0.2 mi) and turn left onto the King Salmon - Naknek Road. Proceed west 1.9 km (1.2 mi), turn left onto West Housing Road just beyond the fire station, and follow 1.3 km (0.8 mi) to its end at West Housing complex. Walk south 64 m (70 yd) on a well worn dirt trail to views overlooking the river. All visible waterfowl are recorded, concentrating on the mouths of King Salmon Creek and Smelt Creek. Walk 14 m (15 yd) back up the trail and turn right. Walk 27 m (30 yd) to edge of clearing overlooking the river and count any waterfowl that you may have missed from the previous point.
Point 11 - Eskimo Creek From observation Point 10, return to King Salmon - Naknek Road and proceed east 0.5 km (0.3 mi), turn right on gravel road and follow 0.8 km (0.5 mi) to its end past the U.S. Air Force fuel depot. All visible waterfowl, including but not beyond the tidal flat in the mouth of Eskimo Creek, are recorded.
Point 12 - FWS Dock From observation Point 11, return to FWS compound; the observation point is the dock platform. All visible waterfowl are recorded upstream from the Eskimo Creek tidal flats.
Point 13 - Grassy Point From observation Point 12, return to King Salmon - Naknek Road, turn right and proceed east 1.3 km (0.8 mi) following the road as it curves right and proceed 1.6 km (0.3 mi) to the dock. Park on the dock and count all waterfowl present. Head back out 0.10 km (0.05 mi) and take an immediate right onto the dirt road just north of the dock. Continue on this road for 0.3 km (0.20 mi) casually observing waterfowl to the right as you drive. Take the gravel road
29 (FAA Rock Rd.) on the right for 0.5 km (0.3 mi) and park at the turn around. Walk 82 m (90 yd) southeast over the tundra to a tree line. Walk 4.5 m (5 yd) through the trees to the rivers edge. All visible waterfowl are recorded, concentrating on the tidal flats upstream from Grassy Point.
Point 14 - Paradise Point From observation Point 13, return to King Salmon - Naknek Road and proceed west 1.1 km (0.7 mi), turn right before KING KO INN onto King Drive and follow 0.8 km (0.5 mi). Turn right onto Wolf Drive. Wolf Drive becomes Lake Camp Road after approximately 0.8 km (0.5 mi). Follow this road 2.4 km (1.5 mi), and turn right onto gravel road (the road will be at the beginning of a turn to the left). Follow this road 1.6 km (1.0 mi) to its end. All visible waterfowl are recorded from the furthest visible point down stream up to the first marshy flats encountered upstream from Paradise Point located on the north side of the river. Also, be sure to count all swans on the 2-3 large ponds on the south side of the river directly across from the Paradise Point overlook. Point 15 - Big Creek From observation Point 14, return to Lake Camp Road and proceed east 4.5 km (2.8 mi), turn right at fork onto gravel road (Rapids Camp Road) and follow 1.0 km (0.6 mi) stopping at dirt road on right (this road is at the end of a continuous gully on the right). Do not attempt to drive down this deceptively muddy road, as it has been the cause of several digging parties. Park and walk instead the 1.0 km (0.6 mi) to the high bluff overlooking Big Creek and the river. All visible waterfowl are recorded from the first marshy flat located on the north side of the river to the furthest visible point upstream. After viewing the marshy flat, move north along the wooded trail to a bluff approximately 36 m (40 yd) where the observer can overlook the bluff and observe Big Creek. Count all visible waterfowl.
Point 16A - Rapids Camp From observation Point 15, return to Rapids Camp Road, turn right and follow south 1.7 km (1.1 mi). Stop at barbecue pit located on left side of road on a high bluff overlooking the river before the Rapids Camp Road descends down toward river. From the barbecue pit, all visible waterfowl are recorded, concentrating on the tidal flats in the bend of the river. Since alders obstruct the complete view of the shore from the barbecue pit, observations are also made from the shore of Rapids Camp. Follow the road down a steep hill and turn left at its base, to the shoreline. Park near the Naknek River sports fishing regulations sign. Observations are made from the concrete slab beside the sign. All uncounted waterfowl are recorded, concentrating on the tidal flats in the bend of the river. Whenever time allows, other migratory shorebirds should also be identified and counted.
Point 16B - Oxbow From observation Point 16A return to Rapids Camp Road and go straight .2 km (.1 mi). Turn and park at the first left. Walk straight ahead following the trail to the bluff and count all visible waterfowl.
Point 17 - Naknek Lake Outlet/ Lake Camp From observation Point 16, return to Lake Camp Road, turn right and follow east 8.2 km (5.1 mi) to Katmai National Park and Preserve sign. The road will split three ways after the sign. Take the middle road 0.2 km (0.1 mi) and park in the large open area. Walk 27 m (30 yd) to the shore and record all waterfowl, concentrating on the mudflats and riverbanks of the outlet of Naknek Lake. A supplemental viewpoint which provides a better view of the lake is reached by turning left at the park entrance sign, but from here the river is not visible. In 1991 and 1992, Point 17 was viewed from locations reached by turning right at the park entrance sign. In 1993 the current observation point was adopted to avoid crossing private property.
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