TMARPATTW REPORT JANUARY - DECEMBER 1965 ALEUTIAN and IZEMBEK NARRATIVE REPORT

PS REFUGE NARRATIVE REPORT. January 1, 1965 - December 31, 1965

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS NATIONAL VJILDLIFE REPUGE AND IZEMBEK NATIONAL WILDLIPE RANGE COLD BAY .

Staff: Robert D. Jones, Jr. Refuge Manager Jack B. Helvie Asst. Refuge Manager Bertha A. Gray (E.O.D.) 10/27/65) Clerk-typist C. Peter McRoy (Temporary) Biological Aid Patricia J. McPhaden (Terminated 10/22/65) Clerk-typist

U. S. DEPARTMENT 0^ THE INTERIOR Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Fish and Wildlife Service Cold Bay, Alaska TABLE OF COlNnENTS

I, GENERAL Pa.^e A« Introduction, »•••«••••••« ,. ,1 B. Weather Conditions., ,.... 1 C. Weather Influences 4 D. Habitat Conditions 5 1. Water 5 2, Food and Cover , 5 II. WILDLIFE

A. Minatory Birds 6 1. Ducks , , 6 2. Geese , 7 B. Upland Game Birds - 23 1. 23 C. Big Game Animals 24 1. Alaska Brown Bear , ..24 2. Caribou 24 D. Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents and other Manmals,. , 25 1. 25 2. Harbor Seal 25 3. 25 4. 26 5. Ground Squirrel 26 6. Microtine Rodents ,26 E. Hawks, Owls, Crows, Ravens, and Magnles 23 1. Marsh Hawk 28 2. Oyrfalcon 28 3. 28 4. Merlin 23 5. Kestrel 28 6. Short-eared Owl 28 7. Raven 28 8. Magpie - 28 9. Northern Shrike 28 10. Bald Ea^le 28 F. Other Birds 28 1. Golden Plover 28 2. McKay's Bunting 29 G. Fish 29 III. REFUGE DEVELOPT^ENT AND MAINTENANCE A. Physical Development 29 B. Plantings 30 1. Aquatics and Marsh Plants 30 2. Trees and Shrubs 30 C. Collections and Receipts 30 D. Control of Vegetation 30 E. planned Burning 30 F. Fires 30 TV. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT A, Grazing 31 B. Haying 32 C. Fur Harvest,. 32 D. Timber Removal 32 E, Commercial Wishing ,....32 F, Other Uses 32 V, FIELD INVESTIGATION OR APPLIED RESEARCH VI, PUBLIC RELATIONS A, Recreational Uses 33 B, Refuge Visitors 33 C, The Bomb 3^ D, Hunting 43 E, Violations 43 P. Safety 43 VII, OTHER ITEMS A, Items of Interest,,,, , 44 NATIONAL V/ILDLIPE REFUGE

AND IZEMBEK NATIONAL ' JJIDLT^E RANGE MARRATr/E REPORT January 1, 1965 - December 31, 1965 I. GENERAL

A. Introduction. The year 1965 witnessed the corrosive evil of a nuclear bcmb explosion on a National Wildlife Refuge. Life, ecology, evolutionary processes; all essential features of the worldwide heritage of mankind, to which a National Wildlife Refuge is and ought to be devoted x^ere violated.1 October 29, at precisely 1100 AST an 80 kiloton bomb was exploded 2300 feet underground on Amchltka ^ and now a large deposit of radioactive vastes"occupies a cavern on the Refuge. The bomb people estiinate the top of this cavern to be approximately 1000 feet below the surface. In an area of continuing seismic activity this may not be enough. With just 5000 feet av/ay and two streams leading directly to it from the bcmb site the probability of contamination is high. This chronicle, though relieved with accounts of life and living processes must be the melancholy tale of a triumph of the forces of destruction.

B. Weather conditions. The weather records furnished below represent two points in the 1100 mile span of the Aleutian Islands Refuge. Cold Bay is at the eastern end and Adak slightly west of center. Rainfall at the bomb site on Amchltka is comnarable to that recorded at Adak. -2-

Cliraatological Data for Cold Bay obtained from the

U.S. Weather Bureau

1965

Free in.itatlo n (inches) Temo . (0F) Wind (mph) Sleet/ Water Rain Snow Enuiv. wax !1i n Avg Max Avg

Jan. .30 16.4 1.21 42 6 27.3 46 13.4

Feb. .10 23.4 2.78 43 2 24.7 61 16.1 March 2.89 1.6 3.05 47 25 35.6 55 18.3 April .51 3.2 .83 58 24 35.2 60 20.2

May 2.13 5.3 2.66 49 24 36.3 44 18.1

June 2.54 0 2.54 57 34 44.4 50 16.1

July 1.20 0 1.20 65 40 48.7 50 14.7 Aug. 1.57 0 1.57 59 40 50.3 47 16.8

Sept. 9.78 .1 9.79 63 30 48.9 56 16.6

Oct. 1.98 7.7 2.75 49 23 36.7 43 13.7

Nov. 1.58 9.9 2.57 50 25 36.1 59 16.5 Dec. .90 8.7 1.77 43 14 28.4 61 15.2

Totals 25.48 76.3 32.72 65 2 37.7 61 16.3 -3-

Climatological Data for Adak obtained from the U.S. Naval Weather'Service 1965

Month Precipitation (Inches) Temn. (0^) Wind (knots) Sleet/ Water Rain Snow Enuiv. Max Min Avg Max Avg

Jan. 3.37 14.3 4.80 46 12 33 49 10

Feb. 2.91 27.6 5.67 46 6 34 54 9

March 3.45 24.1 5.86 47 23 36 41 9

April 9.57 6.0 10.17 52 28 39 49 9

May 2.80 2.5 3.05 51 28 42 43 9

June 3.16 0 3.16 60 30 45 44 7

July 3.88 0 3.88 68 41 49 49 8

Aug. 2.39 0 2.39 66 43 51 58 8

Sept. 5.37 0 5.37 59 34 47 37 8 Oct. 6.66 T 6.66 52 29 42 85 11 Nov. 8.18 9.9 9.17 55 26 38 72 14

Dec. 5.53 14.4 6.97 48 10 34 64 12

Totals 57.27 98.8 67.15 68 6 38 85 9.5 -4-

C. Weather influences. Originally scheduled for the 27th, the exolosion was delayed by weather for two days. In the Aleutians everything, even nuclear bcmbs, must wait on the weather. In a happier vein, v/eather trends in "the Chain" and area produced a much delayed waterfowl migration from the Izembek NWR to the wintering grounds. The two southbound goose populations, i.e., of black brant and lesser Canada geese, do not start on their Journey until westerly winds blow all the way across the Gulf of Alaska. This we have reported before in these narratives. In most years the goose migration occurs during the last week of October. Until this year the latest migration date we had recorded was Movember 7, but the record now stands at November 14.

Figure 1. Surface weather chart of the North , 11a.m. AST, November 15, 1965. Traditionally, low pressure centers move one after the other, like a string of beads from and eastward across the North Pacific. -5-

These lov/s pass over the Izembek Range and move on to the Gulf of Alaska. When they reach the vicinity of usually westerly winds blow at the Izembek Range with a flow straight across the Gulf. When this pattern occurs with regularity every few days the birds have but to accumulate the necessary fat and protein reserves - and go. This year, however, high pressure centers and ridges blocked the movement of low centers, and suitable westerlies failed to develoo. In this area the trends of pressure patterns are stable and it is a good rule of thumb to expect the existing pattern to continue. Knowing this we forecast a late migration, although vie did not go so far as to forecast the latest on record. When "H" day did arrive it was not on the heels of a big low center, This time the long-awaited winds developed between a big high pressure center situated over the Pacific Ocean, .and a small low center near Ht. Saint Ellas. The v/inds were not as strong as those in the wake of a big low. The normal flight time over the great circle route to Dixon's Entrance (where the brant are thought to make landfall) is roughly 11.5 hours, but this tine reduced wind velocities were exnected to add about four hours.

D. Habitat conditions. 1. Water. Water management is not practiced on these refuges. 2. ^ood and cover Eelgrass studies conducted here in cooperation with the University of Washington have shorn that the eelgrass resource on the Izembek NWR is the largest in the world. This is based on comparison of the acreage and density of nlant growth with published facts concerning other eelgrass producing areas. The area in Izembek Bay alone is in the order of 40,000 acres and the standing stock computed to be in the order of 2,020,000 metric tons. Assuming 300,000 brant and lesser Canada geese to eat 375 grams dry weight per day for 60 days in the Bay the total amount of eelgrass consumed would be 33,750 metric tons. This represents a 1.6^ utilization of the existing summer standing stock. Thus even a much larger number of birds than used in this example would not be food limited. Except in the cases of human disturbance, cover conditions change so slightly as not to be a factor. The biggest single agent to cause disturbance is the National Military Establishment. Lacking productive , aims, this type of disturbance is the most destructive. The bomb is a case in point. Disregarding the moral aspects of firing the bomb on a National Wildlife Refuge, the damage to ground cover through use of machinery became extensive. At the point where the bomb was eventually -6- nlaced, the overtwrden was entirely removed, loaded to trucks, hauled to other points on the Island, and dumed. 'fe do not know ^jhat was the denth of the overburden at the bomb site but it was nrobabl^ betT'rcen five and ten feet. The radius o^ this area is about 200 feet, so assuming a five foot denth over the entire area, rou^hlv 6600 cubic vards of earth were removed before the drilling ri^ was emolaced. This very considerable quantity of sterile soil no^ lies in numerous heaps alongside the road leading away from the bomb site, -ten the bomb neonle were asked What they nlanned to do about this they replied - nothing. In addition, a circle having a radius of 4000 feet centered on the bomb site has been systematically scoured by "off the road vehicles." These were all track-laying types used to carry oersonnel and enuinment to 68 different instrumentation noints in the circle, ^any of these were Interconnected with electrical cable leadlnp; to distant points and all these cables were laid by track-laying machinery. The wet colloidal soil of Amchltka, underlain by sodden denosit of neat do not support this kind of travel without considerable alteration. Nor does the flragil aloine-zone type vegetative cover. The 1153 acres within the circle are indelibly marked and will remain so far beyond the lives of those who read this tale.

II. WIUDLI^

A. •li^ratory Birds. During the months o^ Januarv, ^ebruarv, and March we undertook to procure specimens of Steller's eiders and kino- eiders for Migratory Bird Populations Station at Patuxent. It turned out to be quite a chore and hazardous to boot. These eiders are oresent in extremely larre numbers along the Alaska Peninsula durim the winter. When Izembek Pay is ice free there is seldom any difficulty getting within shotgun ran^e of Steller's eiders and canmon eiders, though we had never collected any. The onportunlties for king elders hov/ever anneared less promising for we were unsure of finding them in Izembek Bay. These considerations nroved academic, for when the time came the Bay was frozen and vie had to pursue these divers in Cold Bay. This Bay is a big, wide- open am of the North ^aci^ic that some consider a "blow hole." It is windy, to be sure, and nuite rough much of the time. The first day -7- we tried our hand at eider hunting we had to deal w_th a 40 knot n-ale before we retiamed hone. The oneration was strictly a boat nroject ^or both snecies nomally stay well out of ran^e o^ the beach. This is esoecially true of the big king eiders that sit out in the middle of the Bay, diving to the bottom in 20 to 60 fathoms (120 to 360 feet). The Steller's eiders were closer to the beach but not close enouoh, and when occasionally they did come within range we were always scmewhere else. Not one of the 26 ducks collected was taken from the beach. We tried first usinr the dory, for she is our most able sea boat. It is comfortin"- to have her if high winds develon, but she is not fast enough to quickly ran do'-m on birds before they decide to fly. So we went to a fast boat and we got the birds, but it is not some­ thing we would like to undertake again. Careering around at 30 knots in an ooen boat in freezing temperatures, clutching- a fully loaded shot^nin .and trving to hit flying birds mav be ^enarded as snortinp- in some circles, but not here. But some interesting: facts emerged. The average weight of 18 king elders, all drakes, was 4 lbs 3 oz. Ho^ It hannened that we barred all drakes is not clear, although one possible reason suggests itself. In addition to the Steller's and king eiders there were also common eiders, often minrled with the kings. Although the drakes of these two snecies are readily distinguishable the hens are not under these conditions. In uncertainty as to the species we probably let sane hens get away from us. The Steller's eiders(8) averaged 1 lb 12.8 oz. Grit wa.s found in all the stomachs o^ the Steller's eiders, but in the king eiders there was only a trace in 5, and none in the rest. The food of both snecies was 100/5 animal including clams, crabs, mussels, smalls, fish egp-s, sea urchins, scallons, and amnhinods. It is nerhans unnecessarv to add that these are not noted as table birds.

Aleutian Canada geese. The restoration of this endangered race of Canada geese is one of the principal responsibilities of the Aleutian Refuge. The near destruction o^ the race resulted from introducing the blue nhase of the fox {Mcvzx tanomA) to the islands where the geese nested, ^nlv one island (Buldir) was spared and it is here Where the last of the race can be found in nesting season. To restore the goose to its former abundance requires destroying the Introduced foxes. On this has been done, and in 1964 the same process was befmn for Arattu and . Large numbers of noison nellets were delivered to these islands bv nlane in late winter, and sunmer follow-un work was done on . This was all reported in our 1964 narrative. -8-

Work was scheduled for Kiska the suinmer of 1965 but because of the bomb it was not done. Our time was occupied at Amchitka (along with that of others frctn the Bureau in Alaska) nolicin^ the activities on the Island and recording nre-exnlosion biological data. One valuable observation of Canada geese was recorded. Refuge Manager Robert V. ''Jade, from the Kenai National ffoose Ranre was on Amchitka as oart of the "surveillance" team. He furnished a renort of August 26th: "T saw 40 geese and nresumed them to be lesser Canada. It was a foggy day but saw the chin stran and heard the honking. More noisy ^eese were hidden by fon- in the vicinity. I didn't think to look for thw white neck collar of the Aleutian goose. Visited the same area the day before and the day after this obser­ vation but saw no geese." As no other race of Canada goose is known fron the western Aleutian Islands this must have been a flock or two of Aleutian Canada geese.

Emneror geese. Lt. Karl Kramer USAF, kept us nested on water­ fowl movements at APB near the western end of the Aleutian "Chain." It should be .remembered this is some 1100 miles west of Izembek Bay, which is the focal point for emneror p-eese northbound in snrin^ to nesting sites. In effect Lt. Kramer was fumishin.p: information on the most distant migrants in the Aleutians, the birds that nresumably would reach Izembek Bay at the rear of the migration.

In January Lt. Kramer reported about 100 geese at Syemya. March 4th the geese, hitherto scattered about the beaches, were gathered in flocks, and the number had about doubled. At Cold Bay we observed migrating emneror n-eese April 4th. These were birds gathering in Izembek Bay from outlying islands south of the Alaska Deninsula. Returning to Shemya, Lt. Kramer reported on Anril 10th that only 40 geese remained in his vicinity, and five days later this had been reduced to 10. April 24th all ^eese were gone from Shemya.

About 500 emneror geese remained for the summer at Moffet Pt, in the north end of Izembek Bay. This is a regular occurrence. In fact we have observed the odd emperor roose at several noints in the Aleutian Islands during summer. T-Jhether any of these nest is not known. In fall many thousands of these geese annear In Izembek Bav during late August and early September. Some of these remain through the winter unless the Bay completely freezes. This winter roughly 2,000 wintered in the vicinity of Grant pt. Most, however, move on to more remote areas. This year Calvin J. Lensink, Refuge Manafer of the Clarence Rhode NWR, part of the "surveillance" team on Amchltka -9- fumlshed arrival dates for these geese. Several thousand are known to winter on this Island. Cal renorts three geese October 12th, one on the 14th, and then on the l8th none at all. On this date he circled the Island in a heliconter. The 19th he observed 41, and in another area the next day 13. ^rom that date forward he renorts the geese abundant. There is evidence of a fairlv high mortality in emneror reese. In general we observe larger family groups of emneror geese than we do of brant. Yet the numbers of brant, desnite heavy hunting nressure in contrast to the light nressure on the emperors, are much the larger. In Izembek Bay we freciuently note niles of feathers remaining after seme nredator has eaten a bird. Almost always these are emneror reese despite the nresence of much larger numbers o^ other waterfowl* We do not know if nredators are more effective In taking emnerors than the other birds, or if sane other cause exists. Though sane can be charged to hunter crinnling, tills cannot be the cause in remote areas. Philip Headley, studying emneror geese as nart of his ^asters degree work at the University of Alaska, came to the Izembek NWR in the Christmas vacation. phil renorted a steadv harassment of the geese by bald eagles. Though the nrincinal nrey snecies anneared to be old souaw ducks (Clamala hy&naJLU] Phil observed an emneror goose taken in flight bv an eagle.

Brant. nhsorvations in late winter o^ 1964-65, -and earlv winter of 1965-66 established that a few brant winter in the Izembek-Cold Bay area. In early March birds were observed in both bavs, and in late December a rew were observed in Izembek Bav walking about on ice floes and feeding (eelgrass) with the emneror reese. The black brant {BKanta b2.n.ni.cta otvimtatU] connrises the largest concentration of geese on the Izembek NWR. It therefore follows that the staff of the Range should devote a manor nortlon of its effort to this concentration. As already indicated in the food and cover section, food is not a nroblem, provided the ecology of the eelgrass beds is not disturbed. We know sonething about this ecology but need to know much more. With that in mind a Wildlife Management Studv Outline entitled "The Growth and Environment of Eelgrass [ZobteAc. wasvim] in a Marine Lagoon" was nrenared and submitted for approval. As the justification for that study states? our position it is here quoted.

'It has been said that the imnortance or eelrrass to waterfowl, especially brant, is well known. All, too o^ten the comnlacent accept­ ance of a generally known and acknowledged fact leads to vulnerability -10- in the rnanan-ement of a resource. So it did with the eelrrass. Clarence CottaTn and C. E. Addy in a reoort concerning the "mstirar disease" of eelrrass (Cottam, C & Addv, C. E.; Resent Eel^Tass Condition and Problems on the Alantic Coast of , 12th North American Wildlife Conference, 19^7) were to say, "It is unfortunate that in recent times there has been no comprehensive studv of eelgrass and the factors affectin0* its abundance. T ^e nossessed the information to obtained ^rom such a study, we could answer some of these nuestions .and act intelligently on nronosed management nrorrams."

The need for information thus sounded fifteen and more years ago has still not been met! And a note of urgency enters with the news of a fresh outbreak of the "wasting disease" in the eelgrass beds of the White Sea (USSR) du^in- 1960 and 1961 (Zenkevitch, 1963). Though there Is presently no evidence of the "wastln0- disease" in the eelgrass beds of the Aleutian Islands and the Izembek Ran^e, there is no assur­ ance that it can't or won't annear. The primary management obiectlve for these areas Is nreservatlon of the existing waterfowl havitat. And this is one of the .iust,ifications ^or the nresent studv.

The size of the resource ^or which we are resnonsible should be understood.. On the basis of published infomatlon the eelgrass beds In Izembek Bay alone are the largest on earth. Add to this the sum of those In the Aleutian Islands, Cold Bay, *

Not so well known, hov/ever, is the denendence of even larger numbers of other waterfowl on the same resource. ^Irst amon"- these are the pintails. Unlike the brant, which feed on vegetative portions of the nlant, the pintails are denendent on seeds nroduced in the eel­ grass beds. These birds are widely distributed here In very lar^e flocks, so larre as to defy a numerical estimate but their numbers are at least as large as those of the brant. And like them they face a long migration south, which without the eelrrass beds they could not make.

Second to the pintails are the Canada ^eese. Numberlnr at least 100,000 individuals these birds are. In good berry-producing years, less denendent on the eelgrass than are the brant and nintalls; but in berrv-failure years they too must fall back on the eelgrass.

This mention of these t,To major populations that are, in -11- addition to the brant wholly or partially dependent on the eelgrass beds does not tell the whole story, for there is still more. It Is not intended, however, to review in this document the comnlete nlcture of waterfowl usa^e In the area. Rather It Is the nurnose to disnell in the reviewer's mind any imnression that this Is a one snecies waterfowl area. It does. In fact, contribute to much more than lust the brant nonulation and its loss or damage would be far-reaching throughout: the flywav.

The nreservation of wafcerfcwl habitat frenuentlv requires more than technical manipulation of water and nlants. In the case of the MLe Lake Refure-comnlex Conr-resslonal action was renuired. At Humboldt Bay the eelgrass beds will renulre nrotectlon from ovster dredrino- (Waddell, 1964). In the case o^ the Aleutian Islands - TzeTtoek area one nolitical effort to nullify the Tzemhek Ran^e has already been fought off. During the time this document was In nrenaratlon a conmerclal nrocessor of sea foods called at the office to discuss his nlan to use a dredge in Izembek Bay for razor clams. Because we nossessed the knowledge concerning the vary limited area In the Bav where these clams may be found, and their small average size, we were able to dissuade the nrocessor from a course that we knew to be destructive In eelgrass beds (TJaddell, 1964). We do not yet know the ecology of these areas well enough to anticinate the result of anv given action, for examnle there exist In Izembek Bay two sizeable, relatively stationary populations that doubtless Interact. These are the roughly 750 harbor seals {Vkoca vttallna) on the one hand and large numbers of flatfishes [vlatLditki^ btzttatm) on the other. Politico-econonic pressures are such that a major reduction in the seal numbers may possibly occur. Presumably this would result in an Increase of flatfishes that might materially alter the ecolofr; of the Bay. How0 We don't know, but it is likely to affect both the waterfowl and the very valuable salmon runs that spawn in the tributaries to the Bay. So this is another of the justifications for the present study - to have the knowledge with which we may defend our efforts to preserve the habitat.

The "Oood T7riday Earthquake" of 1964 resulted in a land dis­ placement upwards in some cases and do^n^ards In others of as much as ten feet. Such a displacement; in the lan-oons that nroduce the eelgrass beds of which we are speaking, would wholly alter the ecology o^ the existing beds and destroy much o^ them, ^e necessity of "farming" eelgrass will arise In the instant such an event occurs, if it does, and we must at that mcment be In possession of the knowledge which will enable us to do so. The present studv has brought us tantallzinglv close to this knowledge, surely a justification that is not confined to these areas. Its apolication in the event of a renewal of the -12- "wasting disease" is obvious, ^nd vrho knows what other reasons mav arise for farming eelgrass? There are two thourhts that suggest themselves innediatelv, one is the develonment o^ eelgrass paddies In Which nin­ talls may find seeds to eat, and in other areas paddies In which wid- geon can be fed. A whole new waterfowl mangement tool stands near to hand.

One further point. It is a fact that the most abundant source of king crabs [VaMJUXhockA tiamt&dicitica] In the Bering Sea lies lust off Izembek Bay. The same annears to be true o^ the halibut qto&6iU> ^tmol^^s), -Mthou^h we are not yet in a position to assert this, we think It likely that the evident enrichment In this nart of Bering Sea Is solidly based through the food chain on the eelgrass beds of Izembek Bav. This should be demonstrated, ^ce done we should be In a secure position to defend such rep-ulatlons as mav be deemed wise and necessary for the nrotectlon of the eelgrass beds, not only as It Influences waterfowl, but for a hl^h ccrrnerclal value as well.

Though this study outline has been "In the mill" ^or several months approval has not been received.

A second Wildlife Management Studv Outline, "Black Brant ^onulatlon Investigations" was prepared and. submitted ^or annroval. This one fared better and we got the nod to go ahead. Once more, since the Justification states our nosltlon we herewith quote it. 'To determine the size of a nonulation of birds one counts the individual menbers when they are together. "Th • cnu nolnt and time at which the nonulation o^ black brant (^Mntn boAiUcla osiieMtnJJj>) assombl. s is In Iz mh.v B-^ and advac nt lagoons In late August, Sent- ember, and October. Visual counts and estimates of this assemblage have been attempted at various times with a consnlcuous lack of success. Unlike their behaviour on the southern range (see Leonold & Smith, "Numbers and Winter Distribution of Pacific Black. Brant In North America", California Pish & Game, Vol. 39, No. 1. Jan. 1953) the birds here gather in very large flocks, so large as to render visual estimates unreliable. Moreover, numerous interrupting factors prevail, such as a concentration of bald eagles and the fact that approaching heavy aircraft fly over the waterfowl concentrations to the Cold Bav runway, so that the flocks are rarely restful for long. Tills has baffled all attemnts to extra- no late counts made in one area to the whole nonulation.

In default of anything better we have based our estimates of the brant nopulatlon on aerial surveys of the birds conducted while they are on their southern wintering ^-rounds, which unfortunatelv does not take into account the birds remaining in the north. Nor does it furnish data concerning the vital statistics of mortality and recruitment. A further disadvantage to total dependence on this source of nonulation -13- data lies in the fact that the birds are "cnroute" at the time the counts are niade, creating the chance for missing a group of birds, or counting it twice. I'fe have been successful during both 1963 and 1964 in measuring annual productivity by conductinp' age group counts in Izembek Bay. A samnle representing What is thought to be about 10^ of the total nonulation was ta.llled in 1964 but a "nonulation nlot" with its in­ sight into the nrogress o^ mortality and recruitment could not be undertaken because of the wait of a valid estimate of the total nonulation. Nor could we satisfactorily explain why the .annual increment for the two successive years T\ras very nearly the same In the light of an almost total failure of renorductlve success on the Clarence Clarence Rhode Range In the first year and a substantial Increase the next. In a general way we can Insist that the losses in one area are offset by gains in another, but this is not enough. Lacking the opportunity, as we do, to secure accurate visual counts the statistical method offered by the "Lincoln index" seems the most attractive methos o^ censusing this nonulation and offers the further advantage of identifying segnents^ln the nonulation bv observing marked birds. Achievement of the obiectIves is aided bv the existence of already reccgnized projects that renulre capturing the necessary brant for banding nurnoses, and securing data concerning this nonulation on the Izembek Range Is implicit In the existence of the Range Itself. Hence expansion of these projects into utilization of the "Lincoln Index" is a case of doing more with improved efficiency. It should be stressed that this work does not seek to sunnlant the efforts of observers farther south. Rather we urge that data be collected in the vital wintering areas such as Morro Bay, Humboldt Bav and others. With a marked samnle in the ponulatlon. Observations in these areas could profitably be redoubled. Such data as may be gathered, counled with band returns should give a clearer insight into distribution of birds fron various nesting grounds, and it may also serve as a better guide to the movements between the wintering areas. In any case the Interests of good brant management demand timelv information all along the line to (1) set bag limits and seasons, and (2) delineate essential refuge areas.

So 1773 brant were marked with llrrht green collars on the Clarence Rhode NWR, and 382 were marked with red collars on the Anderson River delta in Canada. These collars were made frcm nlasticized poly vinyl chloride tape one-half inch wide bv .062 inches thick by sixteen inches long. These were tied in what looks like an old-fashioned string tie T, about the bird's neck. The Imot Used was the jesse knot. fhen the birds -14- arrived in Izertoek Bay we found the collars readily visible and recorded sightings of them along with the age groun counts. T^or the third year we comnlled age grouns counts o^ brant. This has been previously described in detail, but for the new reader a brief description follows. ^Irst year brant, like imnpf other geese, have plumage characteristics distinctly different frcm the birds wearing adult plumage. This distinction can be observed at distances up to 400 yards bv using a 20 nower telescone If conditions a^e favor­ able. Thus by observing flocks of brant swlmminr or walking In a given direction one can distinguish and record birds In the two types of nlumare. T,.Te use a veede10 counter In each hand, one to record adult plumaged birds and the other for juveniles. This year we wished to obtain significant numbers of sightings o^ the collared birds, so we had a goal of 30,000 age groun counts. H^hen cannleted the tally stood at 34,032.

^ig. 2 photo by Jones A view over Izembek Bay in the ^all. The "slick" is an eelgrass bed on which birds can be seen feeding. 'R'or computing the percentage of .-juveniles in the ponulatlon we chose to disregard the counts prior to September 20. T,fe "judged that by this date essentially the entire nopulatlon was gathered on the Wildlife Range, and that the earlier counts were heavily weighted by the early arriving non-breeding birds. These are nrlmarlly birds in their second year. Thouph adult nlumare has been achieved bv these birds, sexual maturity has not. The ccmnlete count Is nresented In its chronological form. Table 1 Chronological Listing 1965 Brant Counts Collars Date Area Ad. Juv. Total % Juv. Red 1 Green •9-03 Half-way Point 190 30 220 13.6 2 Ad. 9-13 Jim Slough 759 166 925 17.9 3 Ad. 9-13 E, Applegate Cove 253 66 317 20.2 9-14 Grant Point 35 36 71 50.7 9-15 S,W, Round Island 1,120 53 1,173 4.5 2 Ad. 9-15 E. Applegate Cove 196 6 202 3.0 9-20 Grant Point 307 177 484 36.6 9-23 Grant Point 345 232 577 40.2 1 Ad. 1 Juv. 1 Ad. 1 9-24 Half-way Point 921 310 1,231 25.2 3 Ad. 9-27 Grant Point 313 73 386 18.9 9-28 Grant Point 427 241 668 36.1 2 Ad. 9-29 Grant Point 40 19 59 32.2 9-29 E. Applegate Cove 161 40 201 19.9 9-30 Jim Slou^ 44 34 78 43.6 9-30 S, Applegate Cove 621 183 804 22.8 1 Ad. y1 Table 1 Continued

Collars Date Area Ad. Juv. Total % Juv. Red Crreen 10-04 S.W. Round Island 1,092 187 1,279 14.6 1 Ad. 3 Ad. 10-04 Round Island 1,438 299 1,737 17.2 1 Juv, 2 Ad. 10-04 Round Island 766 96 862 ua 10-04 N. Neumann Island 24 5 29 17.2 10-06 Big Lagoon 821 53 874 6.1 3 Ad. (MOrzhovoi Bay) 10-06 Middle Lasroon 784 274 1,058 25.9 4 Ad. (Morzhovoi Bay) 10-06 Grant Point 135 103 238 43.3 1 Ad. 10-07 Middle Tagoon 161 122 483 25.3 4 Ad. (Morzhovoi Bay) 10-07 Big Tflgoon 694 195 889 21.9 4 Ad. (Morzhovoi Bay) 10-08 W, Applegate Cove 682 179 861 20.8 4 Ad. 10-08 Blaine Point 523 148 671 22.1 1 Ad, 4 Ad. 10-08 W, Applegate Cove 251 78 329 23.7 10-09 W, Applegate Cove 734 101 835 12.1 1 Ad, 10-09 W. Applegate Cove 486 156 642 24.3 1 Ad. 10-10 Moffett Cove 2 4 6 66.7 10-13 St. Catherine Cove 65 62 127 48.8 T r

Table 1 Continued Collars Date Area Ad. Juv, Total % Juv. Red Green 10-13 S. Hook Bay 39 20 59 33.9 10-13 Middle Neumann Is. 1*3 6 149 4.0 1 Ad. 10-13 S. Applegate Cove 1,719 330 2,049 16.1 10-14 N. Hook Bay 482 144 626 23.0 1 Ad. 10-14 Grant Point 187 132 319 41.4 10-15 Half-way Point 624 213 837 25.4 1 Juv, 3 Ad. 10-15 Grant Point 170 59 229 25.8 10-15 E. Applegate Cove 27 10 37 27.0 10-15 Grant Point 44 31 75 41.3 10-18 Blaine Point ^31 271 702 38.6 10-18 Grant Point 118 87 205 42.4 10-18 S. Applegate Cove 2,503 529 3,032 17.4 (1 Ad. orange 1 Ad. or yellow old?) 10-19 E. Applegate Cove 950 283 1,233 23.0 2 Juv. 4 Ad. 10-20 Round Island 1,391 361 1,752 20.6 4 Ad. 9 Ad. 10-20 Jim Slough 39 95 41.1 10-20 S. Applegate Cove 1,238 412 1,650 25.0 Table 1 Continued Collars Date Area Ad. Juv. Total % Juv, Red Green 10-20 Grant Point 53 21 74 28.4 10-21 Half-way Point 454 231 685 33.7 2 Ad. 1 Ad. 10-21 S. Applegate Cove 1,321 198 1,519 13.0 3 Ad. 10-22 Grant Point 250 139 389 35.7 26,790 7,242 34,032 21.3 10 Ad. 5 Juv. 69 Ad. 1 Jin

oo I -19- The "Lincoln index" was applied to the sightings of collared birds on the basis of the counts from Sentember 20th forward. On 1,773 brant marked on the Clarence Rhode Range 240 were birds of the year. These birds were small when the collars were emplaced and there was doubt in the minds of the personnel concerned about their retention. Our findings tend to confirm this doubt for we observed only one green-marked first year bird. In our calculations of estimated numbers we have therefore deleted the first year birds from the total marked on the Clarence Rhode Range. The red-marked birds from Canada did better in collar retention on first year birds, but we do not know why. The relationship used in these computations is ^ = n where N = populations, M = number marked and released, n = total number of brant counted on the Izembek NV/R, and m = number of marked brant observed in the counts on the Izembek NWR. Using the count totals beginning September 20th we calculated the composition of the population in terms of first year birds and those in adult plumage. Table II. Composition of the black brant nopulations based on samnle counts1 on the Izembek National Wildlife Range Adults Juvenile Total % Juvenile % Adult 24,237 6,887 31,124 22.1 77.9 Using the relationship shorn above the estimated population was calculated in four ways: total population (1) using green collars only. N = 1*533_2L3:U124 . 769,566 62

(2) Adult population using green collars only.

N = l^JL.24a237 = 599,279 62 using age ratio data total nopulatlon was computed. = 599^ x loo . 769.292 N 7779 -20-

(3) total population using red collars only.

N - 3a2_x_31*12i! = 792 ,620 15 (4) total population using red and green collars.

N . UWi X MM* = 7711,058 77 The average of these four population estimates is 776,385 which we r rounded to 776,000. Standard error •1/ ^i" (n-mj VJas calculated and rounded to 88,000. The confidence limits a-B the 95% level are therefore + 176,000 which places the estimated population between a high linlt of 952,000 and a low of 600,000. This estimate seemed excessive especially since the winter inven­ tories have never exceeded 200,00. Moreover, the winter inventories of brant are considered to be among the most accurate of such waterfowl inventories. In considering the results of this experiment several factors are important. Perhaps the most convincing is the astonishing similarity in the figures achieved from the four different calculations. Moreover, the size of the sample is large enough to be considered valid, and the dispersion of observation locations is wide enough to give it a random character. We used 17 different locations on the Range with a spread of 40 miles between the extremes. As the chronology of Table 1 shows there was also a wide distribution in time. The two most probable causes of error are (1) collar loss, and (2) failure to observe collars on birds tallied. That there was loss frcm green-marked first year birds has already been acknowledged and this segment of the marked group disregarded. More quantitative data on collar retention can be compiled when the birds are recantured in the summer of 1966. The collared birds were also banded to furnish a check when they are recaptured. Assessing failure to observe collared birds in the recorded sample will be more difficult. The consensus of opinion among the several persons involved in compiling the sample is that few collars were missed. But the loss of collars, and the failure to observe "a few" is additive and would influence the end product substantially. For example in the first calculaticn using green collars only, if ten more observations had been recorded the estimated population would have been 662,681, a difference of just over 100,000 birds. In the opinion of the writer an -21- error of ten observations might well have been Introduced by the two factors cited. The most effective way to reduce the magnitude of such an error Is to Increase the size of the marked sample, but this is not easily achieved. This year the numbers marked fell short of expectations. A shift in nestinp; density, which was in turn related to weather orevailing when nesting began, resulted in less birds being available than heretofore in accustomed areas.

But errors the contrary not withstanding, there are cogent reasons to believe that there are more brant In the population than was once thought. One of these is the remarkable consistency of the age prroup counts, now spanning three years. The oercentage of first year birds in the population for these years is 1963, 23.0$; 1964, 29.23%; 1965, 22.1. Yet during these years there were substantial differences In nesting success. In 1963 a storm tide flooded the brant nesting grounds on the Clarence Rhode Range and reduced productivity in this area to almost nil. This was thought to be the principal production area, but the age group count clearly showed that there, is sufficient production elsewhere to offset the losses in the one area. Since 1963 we have learned of additional nesting areas along the Alaskan Coase, and T. W. Barry of the Canadian Wildlife Service has found additional ones in Canada. Returns frcm Siberia of birds banded in Alaska and in Canada indicate extensive nesting there also. Then Cal Lensink at the Clarence Rhode Range applied the statistical method to band returns frcm brant, and this is what he says. This paragraph is quoted from his 1965 Narrative Report. "It is also possible to derive population estimates by using the 38 direct recoveries of 3,600 brant banded in 1963, and the estimated kill of 10,900 based on mail questionaires of the Migratory Bird Population Station. These provide an uncorrected estimate of 1,032,057 brant. As not all bands are reported, the number of recoveries was corrected by using an estimated reporting rate of 61 percent or that which Gels (JWM, 25:154-159) estimated for mallards in the Pacific Plyway. The corrected estimate is 633,000 with 95 percent confidence limits of about 75,000. This estimate suggests that the results of the neck band estimates are not unreasonable, and we have concluded that the brant population exceeds 600,000 birds and that the winter inventory grossly underestimates the nopulatlon. However, the im­ plications to management of brant are of such magnitude that further studies will be necessary before we can accept the larger population estimate." In the process of ccmpiling these data many hours were spent watching the birds through our telescopes. One other study that could be done concurrently was family behaviour and this writer's wife, Dorothy M. Jones, and the writer undertook the study. One important result was the -22- observation that family groups of brant disintegrate while on the Izembek NWR. This a departure fron normal goose behaviour, which is to remain in family groups frcm hatching until next nesting season. The information presently available to us suggests that the same disintegration of families occurs in the Atlantic races of the brant, or brent goose as it is known in .

One final note concerning the brant. The migration frcm the Izembek NWR was abrupt, no doubt due to its lateness. November 14th and 15th were the dates for both brant and Canada geese, and a real avalache migration occurred. Three days later, i.e. the 17th, they had reached Point Reyes, California. We have a renort from the Point Reyes Bird Observatory of that date when they observed four birds with red collars in a flock of 35.

Other geese. Another "fringe benefit" of the hours snent watching the brant is that we become aware of any stragglers or unusual specimens. One species always represented in small numbers is the white-fronted goose. These may be travelling with any of the three nrinclpal species of geese, and this fall we recorded several with the brant. One adult snow goose was observed with the brant. One aberrant goose that is nerhaps a partial albino was observed. It was a brant with white tips to the scapulars, secondaries and wing-coverts indicating that it was a first year bird. Its head was black, which is normal; but the neck and shoulders were white, as were also the outer half of each wing. The bill was yellowish, indicating an absence of pignent.

The most important sighting of an unusual specimen came on Sept. 13 with the appearance of a barnacle goose. This bird was travelling with a flock of 177 brant, the whole of which was feeding within 200 yards of us for a half hour. Except for a bird by bird examination of the flock, which we must do to secure our age group counts, the nresence of the barnacle goose would have gone undetected. V/hen the telescope centered on this bird there was no mistaking it, for one white-faced amont 177 unifomly black ones is striking. We watched this goose until the flock flew away and did not see It again. So far as we are aware this is the first observation of the species on the Pacific Coast of North America, though they are not unconmon on the Atlantic.

Eiders, etc. Immediately after the exodus of the southbcund geese, replacements in the form of wintering birds apneared. A large Influx of ccmmon eiders, all larger than brant, confused us concerning ccmpletion of the migration. Until we could get close enou$i to identify the big ducks we had to assume that there were still geese present.

In early September several large rafts of moulting Steller's eiders were observed in the northern end of Izembek Bay, but for the third year -23-

the bulk of these birds moulted before reaching the Wildlife Range. Attemnts to band some of these were not notably successful for various reasons. We did, hov/ever perfect some new approaches to the problem and hope to reap a reward on the next migration. Meanwhile the rewards of earlier bandings continue to reach us, all from Siberia. To date 21 returns frcm the Arctic coase of Siberia have been received, one frcm as far as the Taimyr Peninsula. A single return has come from Point Barrow, Alaska. In May, long after the adults had gone north, several thousand juvenile Steller's eiders were noted in the shallows of Bering Sea just off the Alaska Peninsula in the vicinity of Izembek Bay. This is new information to us and points out that there are many aspects of these divers' lives as yet unknown to us. We have not discussed the pintails, lesser Canada geese, and other waterfowl that are also nresent on the Izembek Range in very large numbers only because we have nothing specific to renort. The reader should not imagine that they are not' present, or not imnortant. Three welcome guests visited the Wildlife Range in May. These were Mr. Jack Williams, Tunstead, Norfolk, England; Mr. Kenneth L. Sather. Round Lake Waterfowl Station, Round Lake, Minnesota; and Mr. Stanley J. Maclula, Clifton, New Jersey. Jack is a council member of the Waterfowl Trust, Kenny operates the Round Lake Waterfowl Station, and Stan is an amateur ornithologist. One vignette of their visit persists in my memory. We were visiting a "duck factory" one morning watching mating activities on the part of a number of pairs of ducks. A green-winged teal came into view close at hand, courting a hen. Then a common teal (of Europe, the so-called Aleutian teal) appeared, couring the same hen. This was a rare opportunity to see the two species, both drakes in mature breeding plumage, together in the same pair of binoculars, so to speak. It is interesting to note this is somewhat east of the bird's range, according to published information. This is not, however, our first sighting of it at Cold Bay. In fact we have collected a specimen here.

B. Upland Game Birds.

Willow ptarmigan numbers on the Izembek Range appear to be slowly rising. Jack Helvie has begun accumulating data ccmcerning food habits. Fifteen crops have been analyzed to date. One interesting fact has already emerged. These fifteen birds, at least, used no grit and raises an interesting point. Perhaps none do. If so, this is news to us, and will hardly cheer the erstwhile road hunter. -24-

C. Bic; Game Anlnials.

The utilization of brown bears on is regulated by issuance of special use permits through this office. A maximum of twenty five are available for issue each fiscal year, and a hunter must comply with Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game regulations including licensing. The mximum number were Issued for fiscal year 1965 by7"'arc h 24. The maximum number for fiscal year 1966 were issued by November 12th. This is illustrative of the mounting bear hunting pressure and of the need for just this sort of regulation. It is to be honed that the State Department of niSh & Game will awaken to the need before it is too late.

One night late in June a two or three year old bear anpeared at this writer's back door to inspect the contents o^ the garbage can. A Roman candle routed the hansome brute v/ho nroceeded down the road In search of less fiery residences. A neighbor's wife walking on the same road broke into a run when she became aware of her companion, and the bear not wishing to be left out of any excitement followed along at the same pace. The wcman sought shelter in the nearest dwelling and the bear went on its way. Cold Bay is no stranger to garbage eating bears and has effectively mastered the problem by furnishing Incinerators convenient to most of the housing. It is demonstrably true that eliminating garbage will eliminate the problem of bears coming into the town. This little bear found no food source and went on his my. The town now is geared in this way to handle the problem, and if anyone falls to fulfill his requirements the ^.A.A. pointedly draws their attention to the need. The total take of brown bears is scmewhat difficult to assess, however^ we know that ten were taken from Unimak and ten from the Cold Bay area. Not all of the latter came frcm the Izembek Range. The availability of caribou in the Cold Bay area continues to improve. This year several residents brought in nart of the v/inter's meat supnly in the form of a caribou. At Adak the second hunting season did not meet with much success. At the time vie judged there to be roughly 115 animals on the Island and perhaps 200 square miles of mountainous terrain in which to hide. Being quite mobile, all but one managed to evade the hunters. The season extended from August 15 through 31, which was not enough. One additional animal was collected for scientific nurnoses and this animal nroved quite remarkable. It was a bull (regulations permitted taking only bulls) that weighed 666 pounds, well above the upper limit quoted in Hall & Kelson. -25-

This animal was free of all the parasites indiginous to the native herds in Alaska. The introduction to Adak was accomplished using calves, and evidently they were removed from the native herd before parasite infestations occurred. The antlers on this animal were commensurate with its size, the right beam 60 3/4 inches In length and the left 57 3/4. Tn this dimension these antlers are comparable with ton listed world records.

D. T?ur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and Other Mammals.

Sea otters have once more established a nermanent nonulation in Cold Bay. Por many vears this writer has "-one back and forth in the Bay looking for otters in vain, but now one need only §o halfway down the Bay to find them. A shoal Is situated at that nolnt and a small nod has taken un residence there. This agreeable develonment has another advantage in that the otherwise unmarked shoal Is now consnlcuous. It lies right snuarely in the logical dory course down the west side of the Bav and I usually find it a little sooner than I expect to, bv nicking the propeller blades.

Sea otters have also established themselves in lar-e numbers off Izembek Bay. We now see the .groups o^ dark heads each time we fly over Izembek Bay, and individuals are frequent visitors Inside the Bay. Skeletal remains of sea otters are now occasionally recovered from the beaches of the barrier Islands.

It is nuite probable that this concentration of valuable animals in this particular location can be traced through the food chain to the eelgrass beds in Izembek Bay. VJe know these animals aro feeding on clams and we also know that the food chain leads back frcm the clams straight to the eelgrass.

Plve harbor seals were observed taking a ride on drift Ice In Cold Bay in early February. This is uncommon here.

Again In cold Bay, this time in early March, we observed 10 killer whales. Though we encounter killer whales commonly enough it is generally in the onen sea. These are the first we have noted in Cold Bav. -26-

Fig. 3 Photo bv Jones

We continued to encourage a red fox fanily to use our headquarters site as part of their heme range. We can now identify three generations, and perhaps four. Though these animals have recognized our attitude to the extent of exposing themselves here freely they remain essentially wild, A rare opportunity to observe their behaviour is offered. This writer continues to be amazed at the level of alertness a fox maintains. We have watched them many hours In the aggregate and never once have we ever seen them let their guard down. They Indulge in only the briefest of nans during which their ears continually rotate, now forward now back. The slightest of sounds, many Inaudible to the human ear, brings an Immediate response. And of course, a keen sence of smell is apparent In some of their reactions. In this respect I have formed the tentative opinion that a fox's olfactory awareness is no keener than that of a good hunting dog, but there is no doubt that their hearing is infinitely keener. This, I think. Is their nrincinal defensive armour, and serves them equally well In food gathering. Here, and I suppose it is typical over the whole of the animal's rame, small rodents comprise the largest segment of the food source for red foxes. Ground squirrels (C^te££a6) .are heavily utilized in summer, but these are not available in winter and then the microtlne rodents become the nrincipal prey. Foxes stalk ground squirrels by eyesight, which incidentally is a wonderful thing to watch. He will not be long about it so don't take your eyes off the quarry. That well-timed and executed rush ,just flows over the ground to end in a quick snap of jaws that interrunts a link in one food chain to Insert it in another. To get the microtlne rodents, however, the fox stalks by sound, for these animals are underground or under snow. This too Is a wonderful thing to watch. The fox "pussy­ foots" along, head cocked to one side directing its ear to the ground. Whether he hears a mouse or lemming move, or hears it soueak I cannot say, but he jumps on the spot with his front feet annarently crushing the animal. Every dropping that is carefully deposited on our doorstep -27-

fumishes evidence that this hunting method is effective. It may be that our foxes are more wary that in a true wilderness a constant human activity is in progress. And of course the town harbors dogs, whose movements the foxes watch with a keen individual Interest. We do not permit resident dogs on the headnuarters site and we actively discourage the incursions of outsiders, but a fox is absolutely irresistable to a dog and seeing one is to chase It. So occasionally one or more will go through hot on the tail of a fox. Needless to say, the latter easily shows a clean pair of heels to the laboring dogs. The nresence of our foxes has gained quite wide accentance In town and even in some circles a measure of nrlde. They are, to say the least, photogenic and many a shutter bug visits us in hones of recording their carrot color In his own slide collection, fur out of town guests, personal as well as official, are amazed to see a red fox sitting outside our parlor window and they too get a camera Into oneration. We also offer a view of bald eagles soaring just outside the same window. This is most ccmmon when a north or northeasterly wind is blowing against the headland, producing a strong updraft. The eagles are then joined by soaring gulls, aerobatically minded ravens, .and now and then a soaring falcon. Rarely an eagle alights on the perch which we have furnished for the purpose at the edge of the headland. There is considerable hostility shorn by the foxes to the eagles and I suspect that were one of the big birds to utilize the perch regularly there would be a significant change in fox behaviour. In winter eagles tai^e an occasional fox but here we do not think this Is common. The supply of wintering ducks, geese, and pelagic birds is large, not to mention the residual salmon in creeks. Though an eagle clearly has an edge on a fox we think it likely that a mature fox might inflict severe damage on an attacking eagle. Should two birds work in concert, a fox in the open would have no chance. As the reader may have alreadv concluded we have large numbers of red fcxes on the Izembek Range, and the onportunlty to observe them is frequent. One particularly Interesting observation was of a fox apparently attempting to decoy brant within reach. He anneared to have some prospect of success too, but abandoned the effort. It seems likely he became aware of our nresence and decided It was nrudent to move on. A small flock of the birds was quite close when he went into his routine. He rolled on his back, kicked his heels in the air, and generally put on a good show which obviously interested the brant and they moved closer. Just how close they would have come, or how soon he would have made his rush we'll never know, which is a nity. -28-

E. Hawks, Ov/ls, Crows, Ravens, and Magpies.

Tne only hawks we normally see are mrsh hawks, and these very rarely. We do, however, commonly see falcons, of which the pyrfalcon and the peregrine falcon are the most abundant. This year we recorded a merlin on two occasions and a kestrel once. The short-eared owl is rather common in summer and fall, and this fall we saw three on a small Island In Izembek Bay. One morning, just at false daybreak we recorded a snom owl hunting the alder slones of Frosty Mt. We do not knew what the owl was hunting, but the ntarmlgan were numerous In the area and It was too late in the fall for ground squirrels to be out. Ravens are a common feature of the landscane, especially If there are updrafts for them to fly. On these occasions they soar and nerform all sorts of aerobatics. There seems to be a dally migration pattern to their movements. Each morning we see a northbound flight frcm Cold Bay toward Izembek Bay and In the evening a flight toward the alder slopes of frosty Mt. At night they cannot be found in any of their daytime haunts. Though magpies are present, they are not canmon. Shrikes are more widely spread than the magpies. Bald eagles are present In what apnears to be saturated nesting densities. At Amchltka several nests are within view of the bcmb site. These birds are definitely a part of the ecology and we watch them with Interest. The more we watch the more convinced we beccme that they are extremely able hunters. nhll Headlev in his emneror goose studies has renorted one eagle that showed himself in front of a flock of geese, then ducked around a hill and stalked them frcm behind while the geese were looking the other direction. This brought the eagle successfully into the middle of the flock but he made no attempt to kill a bird. Perhaps this was just "to keep his hand In."

F. Other Birds.

We have a series of golden plover sightings in upland areas of the Izembek Range between September 27 and October 5. Cal Lensink renorted them ccmmon on upland areas of Amchltka throughout October, and added that although a migrant species, there appeared to be no significant decrease in their numbers by November 33 on which date he left the Island. -29-

Qne significant v;aterfowl observation was overlooked in the appropriate section so It is Inserted here. We hove two records of American widgeon from Amchitka which constitute the first from that Island. A single drake specimen was observed by this writer at close range on February 13. Cal Lensink observed a pair on October 14. The European widgion is a regular summer visitor (and perhaps nester) to Amchitka.

.Another first, this time at Cold Bay, is a McKay's bunting sighted during the Christmas bird count. This bird apneared in a flock of snow buntings.

G. Fish.

Salmon runs continue to decline, a result of overharvesting. The "creek robber" (Illegal taking of fish that have evaded capture in legal areas and gained the stream) is whittling av/ay at the vitally needed spawning fish. There are some who feel that five years will see the end of conmerclal saMon fishing in this area.

III. REFUGE DE\./ELOF'.1ENT AND MAINTENANCE

A. Physical development.

At Amchitka roofing renalrs were made on both buildings.

At Cold Bay we have roofing problems too. Unlike Amchitka these problems do not stem from age, they stem frcm the failure of the Engineers to read the v/eather record at Cold Bay. Excellent shingles were chosen for the new buildings here and annlled as if they were going on a building in Portland, where the air temoerature reaches a high enough level to activate the glue furnished xvlth the shingles, and where wind velocities are much more modest. We have had no end of problems with these shingles because the glue has never been warm enough to borm a bond. That this would be true could have been determined by consulting the weather record at Cold Bay or an Alaskan roofing concern. These shingles are used in Alaska, but a different type of cement Is used to hold them down, a cement that is effective in the loiter temperatures experienced here. Our shingles keen -30- cominp; unstuck and every time the wind velocity reaches thirty to forty knots or higher It sounds like someone riffling a giant deck of cards. This year we began the task of raising everv shingle and smearing the undersurface with an appropriate glue and "walking them back down." We hope this will eventually bring relief. We undertook to put our radio communication in good order by installing a forty foot self-supporting tower which is to be used as a transmitting and receiving antenna. The installation was not ccmpleted at year end because of oroblems In nourlnp- the nine cubic yards of concrete needed. It is honed this will soon be comnleted.

B. Plantings.

1. Aquatics and marsh plants-. No new plantings of eelgrass were made this year, but the, plantings at Adak were checked. We read water temperatures and found a more premising area in Clam Lagoon for further introductions. 2. Trees .and Shrubs. More alders and willows were nlanted on the headquarters site. Two Sitka spruce were also planted. Spruce are not what one could call a howling success here, but they do manage to survive and .grow, but very slowly. They do not renorduce. We have a wind erosion problem and these two spruce have helped a great deal in bringing it under control. Grass seeds and sod are also being used. We hope the problem can be brought entirely under control in another year.

C. Collections and receipts. Nothing to report.

D. Control of vegetation. Not practised here,

E. Planned burning. Not nractlsed here.

F. Fires. Nothing to renort. -31-

T/. RESOURCE HAMAOE^CNT

A. Grazing. Canton Island is the only one of the islands in the Aleutian Refuge for which a grazing lease is available. The lessee Mr. Chris Gundersen, currently has about seventy head of on the Island. The apparition of sheep raised its ugly head this year. We have numerous applications for grazing leases, usually for sheep, which are routinely denied. The alpine-zone type ground cover in the Aleutians is unable to replace Itself rapidly enouph to withstand the type of grazing characteristic of sheen. Moreover, we would expect sheep to destroy the habitat for the numerous ground nesting birds, especially waterfowl, even if the sheep were reasonably well rotated. The habitat which these birds use (and for this the Refuge eslxts) Is most often that which would be of value to sheep. The denser stands of CalawaqtioAtiA, voa, and ttAtuca are where we find nests of ducks, ptarmigan, ©ills, and dickey birds; and these are the principal sources of food In the Aleutians for grazing animals. Sheep (and cattle) are therefore Immediately in conflict with basic purposes of the Refuge. Another aspect of conflict is the presence of bald eagles In a nesting density that is apoarentlv at a saturated level. Sheenmen have made it clear that they cannot produce sheep in such close association with a large population of eagles. Where sheep are present In the Aleutians (outside the Refuge) sheepmen have always demanded (and received) control of eagles. The problem for the sheepmen Is of course, that the Refuge with its eagle population straddles their herds of sheen ("range maggots" is a term more ccmmonly in vogue among wildlifers) .and the killing of a number of eagles each year merely creates space into which the saturated Refuge population can expand. But if something hanpens to the Refuge population, shuch as radioactive wastes frcm the Bomb, then this attrition beccmes deadly. The applicant this tine was told that a grazing lease would not be Issued, and he chose to anneal the matter. His application was for two of the major islands: Kanaga and . Not only did he choose to anpeal to the Regional Director, which is the system nrovided in regulations, he chose to take un the matter nolitically in Washington. Wise council does not always nrevail in these matters when they reach the hands of ooliticians, and snecial Interest may prevail over the national interest; so we were uneasy of the outcone. The Regional Director, however, rejected the apolication, and the Secretary of Interior announced his concurrence in the decision. -32-

In the course of this matter we learned some things about the econonlcs of sheen nreduction and concluded that the annlicant's nroposal was financially marginal. It annears that big sheen nroducers are encountering Increasing nroblems as a result of the encroachment of synthetic fibers. Australian and Mew Zealand wool nroducers offer stiff competition for the remaining market. Thus big U.S. producers must have a large block of cheap range which can only be obtained at the exnense of the public from National lands. The margin of nroflt is even then a this one, and any added exnenses can put the operation in the red. One source of revenue to a sheen producer is In the sale of lambs, which In the Aleutian Islands would require an exnenslve cold storage nlant. Transnortatlon in the Aleutians is both expensive and difficult, requiring seme specialized experience which the apnllcant demonstrated he did not have. Moreover it requires expensive equipment that can either be owned or leased, but in either case It adds to the burden. And finally Aleutian weather would add Its toll of losses.

3 Haying. Mot nractlced here.

C. T7ur harvest. No commercial fur harvest occurred. However, some recreational trapping is nractlced on the Izembek Range, and In the Aleutians at Adak and Shemya.

D. Timber removal. Trees are not native to this repion.

E. Conmerclal fishing. Substantial conmerclal fishing is done in both Izembek and Aleutian Refuges, but this is regulated by State law.

P. Other uses. This year an anpllcation was received for a small lease on to be used as the site of a nrocesslng site. This application was approved.

V. ^IEID INVESTIGATION OR APPLIED RESEARCH

The eelgrass study has been brought at the time of witing nearly to the point of a connleted thesis. The third draft has been conpleted by C. Peter McRoy, the author of the study. Errors made by draftsmen in preparation of charts are currently delaying ccmnletlon. The nronosed title is "The Ecology and Production of Eelgrass (Zo^teAa ma/Una L.)ln Izembek Lagoon, Alaska." -33-

VI. PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. Recreational uses. In addition to the usual recreational uses, a number of halibut were caught at both Adak and Amchltka by sport fishermen. This is surnrising as at least at Adak the effort has not increased. At .Amchltka the big fish were taken by menbers o^ the Bomb crew in their leisure hours, 'ten we have conducted fishin^ onerations at Amchitka halibut were rarely taken.

B. Refuge visitors.

Date Name Organization Purnose of Visit Feb. 8 Mark F, Karns Fisheries Research Courtesy Institute, Seattle Feb. 12 Dave Spencer BSF&W, Kenai, Alaska Enroute Amchltka April 2 Walter Bendixen Commercial fisherman Courtesy King Cove, Alaska April 6 John Klingbell Enforcement April 6 Bfr. Nlshimota B.C.171., Auke Bay, Courtesy Alaska April 20 Ed Klinkhart ADF&G, Anchorage Sea Otter Survey April 20 Karl W. Kenyon BSP&W, Seattle Sea Otter Survey April 20 •Tim King BSP&W, Juneau Sea Otter Survey April 20 Dave Spencer BSP&W, Kenai, Alaska Sea Otter Survey April 20 Theron Smith BSFiW, Anchorage Sea Otter Survey April 20 C. ^eter McRoy BS^&W, U. o^ Wash. Eelgrass Study April 30 Ian R. McGregor International RacificCourtesy Halibut Comm., Seattle April 30 Wally Smith BSF&W, Anchorage Enforcement May 4 Charles Soler Anchorage Bear Hunting May 4 Billy Silverla Anchorage Bear Hunting May 4 Marshall Farmer Reg. ^uide, AnchorageBear Hunting May 21 Kenneth Sather Amateur Ornltholo^lstBirding Round Lake, Minn. May 21 Stanley Maclula Amateur GmithologistBlrding Clifton, N. J. May 21 Jack Williams Wildfowl Trust, Blrding Gloucestershire,England my 24 D. A. Meyer Naval Station, Adak Bear Hunting ^lay 24 D. E. Bennett Naval Station, Adak Bear Hunting May 24 D. N. Brown Naval Station, Adak Bear Hunting June 21 Glenn Davenport ADF&G, Kodiak Alaska Information July 2 Thomas Evans C. 0., Washington D.C. Inspection -34-

Date Name Organization Purnose of Visit

Aug. 27 Dave Spencer BSP&W, Kenai, Alaska Insnectlon Aug. 27 Bruce Stollberg CO., Washington, D.c. Inspection Aug 27 Jim Geerdts BSPftW, Bethel, AlaskaRoof Repairs Sent. 1 Jerry Hout BSP&W, Bethel, Surveillance, Alaska Project Longshot Sept. 21 Tom Thompson Pan Am Geologist Information Oklahoma City, Okla. Sept, 22 Charles Burroughs USC&GS (ESSA) Information Washington, D. C. Sept. 23 Ancel M, Johnson Marine Mannals Lab. Enroute St. Paul BC17, Seattle Island Sept. 24 Jerry Hout BSP&W Bethel, Alaska Enroute Bethel Oct. 4 VJally Smith BSF&W, Anchorage Enforcement & Brant Observations Oct. Jim King BSF&W, Juneau Brant Observations Oct. 5 Cal Lensink BSP&W, Bethel, AlaskaSurvelllance, Project Longshot Oct. 26 Ed Klinkhart ADF&G, Anchorage Sea Otter Survey Oct. 26 Dave Spencer BSP&W, Kenai, Alaska Sea Otter Survey Oct. 26 Karl W. Kenyon BSP&W, Seattle Sea Otter Survey Oct. 26 Ray Tremblay BSF&W,'Anchorage Sea Otter Survey Oct. 26 Theron Smith BSF&W, Anchorage Sea Otter Survey Nov. 2 Col. Donald USA171, Test Manager, Courtest Prickette Project Longshot, Albn, N. M. Nov. 2 Maj. Robert Payne USAF, Sqd. Commander,Courtesy Cold Bay Dec. 21 Philin Headley U. of Alaska, CollegeEmperor Goose Data

C. The Bomb. In our i960 narrative the writer recorded this somber bit of history of Amchltka. "Even while the last chapter of the military occupation was being enacted, another was being nrepared. In the spring and summer of 1950, some close-mouthed strangers alighted frcm their aircraft and began nrobing the ancient geologic secrets of the Island. Uncompromised by the necessity to consider humanity, and armed by an untrammelled use of the secrecy provisions In the Atomic Energy Act they brushed aside our remonstrances .and fixed their baleful eye on Amchitka. They ment to explode a burled atonic bomb on the Island and by this act of malevolence destroy the wildlife habitat for ever."

"Mercifully, because the Island nroved different than they had believed it to be, the bomb was never delivered to Amchitka, and the task force busy on the Island reembarked in their ships and departed." -35-

In March 1964 we learned of a major, highly classified project soon to begin on Amchitka and assumed we were aoain in the presence of the Bomb. We also assumed an official notification would be forthcoming, but that has never been received, either from our own organization or from the organization of the Bomb. In spring a series of heavily loaded military aircraft flights proceeded to Amchitka, and the nature of the cargo (which became ccmmon knowledge along the route) comfirmed our assumption. A heavy Canadian made drilling rig (which I later saw on Amchitka), halted for sane hours by Customs, raised for me the memory of familiar exneriences in 1950 and 1951. All suirmer test holes were drilled in several parts of the Island and a decision was reached to plant the Bomb about 5,000 feet southwest of Cyril Cove, Meanwhile a great deal of the Island was scarified by dragging heavy machinery around, digging ditches to drain the "mud" used in the drilling process, and scraping off part of the overburden to furnish campsites. A note concerning the "mud" used in the drilling. This is an extremely fine clay, which when it finds its way to the spawing beds of the salmon and charr fills the interstices in the gravel and smothers eggs deposited there. A stream so polluted is ouite apt to produce no more salmon. We do not know how many of the salmon producing streams on Amchitka were so polluted in 1964 because these operations were carried on under the veil of secrecy. Then on February 3rd at 7:01 PM an earthquake rated on the Richter scale at about 7.4 occurred in the vicinity of Amchitka. Aparently this was a heaven sent opportunity to the bomb people and they organized (and paid for) a party of "experts" to investigate the damage. Two of us were requisitioned, i.e., David L. Spencer, Supervisor Alaska Refuges, and this writer. We could speak with the highest authority concerning wildlife damage, so we spent four days on the Island as guests of the Defense Atomic Support Agency. Major damage was not evident, although it was clear the Island had been well shaken. A seismic sea wave of perhaps five foot height had washed up the beaches, but nothing had been damaged. At Shemya some 200 nautical miles away the sea wave was much higher and damaged part of the road network. This was a curious interlude. Both Dave and I knew very well why we were on the Island, but no exnlanations were ever offered. With all the evidence of what had been done, and all the machinery there for doing it we went blithely about our business and asked no questions. And of course our affirmation that no damage had occurred to wildlife was used on March 18 when the planned exnlosion was publicly announced. The argument presented was that the explosion would release far less force than did the earthquake, hence since the later did no damage why -36-

worry about damage frcm the bomb. In the announcement only the sea otters and "commercial interests in Aleutian sea life", were mentioned so far as wildlife was concerned. The public was assured, "Snecial attention has been given to possible effects on the growing sea otter population in the Amchitka area and to commercial interests in Aleutian sea life. None of these interests will be leopardieed by the experiment." That there might be other considerations either did not occur to them or they did not think them important.

Fig. 4 Photo by Jones An Aleutian Canada Goose on an Amchitka islet. The ducks are the Pacific race of the ccmmon eider. r But Amchitka is a key island in the program to restore a goose that is on the endangered species list. This is the Aleutian Canada goose which now maintains itself solely on one small island in the chain. Amchitka is also the site of a burgeoning population of birds, including ducks, that is rebounding to its native state since the introduced blue fox has been destroyed. Until the Bcmb people arrived it was a classic example of what happens when a ma.jor ecological interruption is repaired and the native ecology restored. The activities of the Bomb group were sufficiently extensive to pose severe interruption of this process. Both Jack Helvie and the writer were on the Island from July 16th through August 14th and when we mentioned some of these matters the Bomb people were quite surprised. They didn't know about the Aleutian Canada goose and they were quite untDrenared for the very large numbers of birds they saw. The fact is that these people moved onto a National Wildlife Refuge with the most destructive force man has yet harnessed -37- and were not sufficiently concerned to ask what wildlife were there I They were not sufficiently concerned to ask what plans had been made and what projects had been carried to ccmnletlon and for what purpose!

Pig, 5 Photo by Jones The coast of Amchitka at the nolnt nearest

the bombfsite. The sea stack in the right foreground is the site of a nest Tliis or another just beyond the point has produced one or more eagles annually for as long as we have knowledge

Fig. 6 Photo bv Jones After taking Fig. 5 we just turned around and took this one. The sea stack in this one is also an eagle nest. Like the one in Fig. 5 it is a site that alternates with a second, which is just off the picture to the right. -38-

Amchitka was chosen for "Lonrrshot" because of the presence of an excellent runway and a road network. The project had a limited budget, (something In the nature of $15,000,000) and this was the crux of the decision. While this writer would find it hard to choose any part of the Refuge to come under the hot breath of a nuclear Bomb we could surely have chosen an Island with less xvlldllfe potential. This brings to mind Leonold's "land ethic" which surely was not foremost in the minds of - the perpetrators of this deed. Alaska Refuges maintained a representative on Amchitka from the time of our arrival July 16 until after the explosion October 29th. However, we were in effect without nortfollo as no ground rules had been laid down by Washington, and as I have shorn the Bomb people had no concern for the function or purpose of a Refuge. They knew they were "under the gun" of a certain type of nubile nressure which had a salutory effect. Some second thoughts among the Bcmb neople became evident when we v/ere approached concerning the possibility of driving sea otters from the close areas just nrlor to the exnlosion. We worked with them and found It was Indeed nosslble to disperse concentrations through the use of Zon exploders, fire crackers, explosive charges and the like. Underwater pressure at the ten fathem curve was expected to jump to 5 or 6 times normal when the shock wave passed. This decreased as the square of the distance Increased so concern was felt for only those animals closest to the Bcmb. ^Jhen explosion day arrived a considerable discharge of firecrackers, etc. preceded the actual firing of the Bomb. In this Cal Lensink (Refuge Manager, Clarence Rhode NWR) took part. No sea otters were killed bv the explosion so they were either not within range or not under water.

Fig. 7 Photo bv Jones Amchitka is an important waterfowl producer. These ducklings just hatching are the Pacific race of ccmmon eiders. -39- We attempted to record in a quantitative way biological conditions before the explosion. The Interference with bird distribution was so great as to render this avenue useless, ^ive vegetative transects were comnleted. ^our of these were between 800 and 1000 feet of the ground zero point. The fifth was about 5000 feet away. Each transect was 50 meters in length by 1 meter wide. Starting at one end we marked off a meter square and recorded every plant species in the square. Tnis was repeated for each of the remaining 49 squares. A total of 68 species were renresented.

pig. 8 ; Photo by Jone;; Transect number 2, Refuge Manager Helvie holding the olacard. The Bomb site is marked by the drilling ri"; in the back­ ground. Note the ditch dug across the meadow.

Pig. 9 Photo by Jones Refuge Manager Helvie recording nlant species in plot number 11, transect number 3. -40-

The 68 snecies are herewith listed;

T?ungus spp Claytonia sibirica Cladonia SDD Stellaria crispa Snhagnun spp Stellarla ruseifolia Polyposium vulgare Honckenya peploides Bqulseturn arvense Contis trifolia Musci family Anemone narclssiflora Hepaticae family Ranunculus trichonhvllus Lycopodium sn Ranunculus sn Selaginella selaginoides Cardamine umbellata Isoetes braunii Rubus chamaemorus Phleum aipinum Rubus stellatus Agrostis exarata ^tentllla pacifica Calamarrostis nutkaensis Geum macronhyllum Deschampsia atropurpurea Lathyrus sn Trisetum spicatum Emnetrum nigrum Poa arctica Viola langsdorfli •^estuca rubra Enllobium hornemannil Elymus mollis Conloselinum benthaml Eriophorum medium Llgustlcum scotlcum Scirpus caespitosus Heracleum lanatum Carex anthoxanthea Cornus sueclca Carex macrochaeta Loiseleuria nrocumbens Carex sp Viccinium vitls idaea Juncus balticus Trlentalls europaea Luzula arcuata Pin.guicula vulgaris Tofieldia coccinea Plantago macrocarpa Fritillaria camschatcensis Galium aparine Streptopus amnlexifolius Galium trifidum Platanthera dilitata Linnaea borealls Platanthera convallariaefolia Erlgeron peregrlnus Platanthera sp Achlllaea borealls Listera cordata Chrysanthemum arcticum Rumex fenestratus Arnica unalaschkensis Polygonum vivinarum Seneclo nseudoarnica

In addition to the plant transects we selected four nonds and collected copepod samples. We used a trawl with a circular opening 7.7 cm in diameter and pulled it through 50 meters of water. pond 1 yielded no copepods. RamncuMiA izntanA was nresent In the nond which indicates it goes dry. The others nroduced counts as follows. Pond 2 ^nd 3 Pond 4 Trawl 1 130 5 10,150 Trawl 2 1 11 13 Trawl 3 76 11 5 -Mi-

Fig. 10 Photo by Jones Transect number 3 ended In a nond that was one of four examined for conepods. In the water we recorded a nteridonhyte {JtoeXQA bsuina-Li.)

^ig. 11 Photo by Helvie Refuge n1anager Jones standing in a creek recording plant species in transect 4. Below this point the creek was polluted by "mud" and oil from the drill rig. -42-

Fig, 12 Photo by Jones Transect number 5 goes down to Bering Sea. Refuge Manager Wade holds the nlacard. A few radiation samples were collected. These included two gray crowned rosy finches, two harbor seal femurs, one fringed greenling, and a carton of {Cladoyujx) snp.

Pig, 13 Photo by Jones Homed are among the neragic birds nresent at Amchitka. Pig, m Photo by Jones Refuge Manager Helvie affixes a band to a glaucous-winged gull at Amchltka while Cant. J. R, Murphy holds the bird. These are disagreeable birds to handle alone.

D* Hunting. The factors of hunting have been discussed along with the discussion of the animal, where annllcable.

E* Violations. None to report excent for the killing of bald eagles at Adak. These problems were handled by the Navy authorities. The problem at Adak springs fron the abundance of the bird, and the fact that they are not particularly wary. Also there Is a steady turnover of personnel and an equally steady Indoctrination rrust be carried forth. This the Navy does rather well. P. Safety. (1) Because of the small size of our staff and the fact we are always v/orking together as a unit, times when we discuss safety are not isolated and set aside. Safety matters are dealt with at the time they arise and are not permitted to awalte a "meeting." (2) No accidents have occurred. (3) Nothing to report. (4) Record to date: 1369. (5) Prior evaluation of the inherent hazards in a project give -44- an insight into v/hat can be expected. Because the nature of our work keens us travelling we can't fence in every oneration. Tills throws the emphasis on prior evaluation of hazards and allows us to keep ahead. (6) A fire alarm system had been Installed in late 1964 and came into operation this vear. This Includes all four of the headnuarters buildings.

VII

A. Items of Interest. (1) A story from Adak seems worth printing here. Two children playing ourside with a kitten were startled (and scattered) by a bald eagle arriving in their midst in full flight. The eagle snatched up the kitten and flew off with It. There were seme strident cries about killing that (unprintable) eagle, but the Conservation Officer (whose sympathies were all with the eagle) carried the day.

(2) A change in nersonnel occurred in the fall when Pat Mcphaden resigned because she and her husband were leaving Cold Bay for another residence. David L, SponMr, Associate Refuge Supervisor

Wo1 3-1750 Form NR-i (Rev. March 1953) WATERFOWL

REFUGE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS NVJR MONTHS OF JANUARY TO APRIL 19 65

Weeks of ra period (1) reporting Species Swans: Whistling 60 Trumpeter 500 Geeset Canada 200 Cackling Brant yuuu White-fronted Snow Blue Other: Snperor 200.000 Duckst Mallard 35.000 Black Gadwall 500 Baldpate Pintail 55.o6o Green-winged teal 500 CommonK»apc«titg«« teal 90.000 Cinnamon teal Shoveler 100 Wood Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup, Greater 20.000 Goldeneye, Cormon 20,000 Bufflehead ^000 RiHM^King eider 200:000 Other Comnon eider 10.000 Steller's eider 10,000 vmite-win Ced scoter 250,000 Harlequin .,000,000 ^ornmon sc 5ter 250,000 Oldwquaw 1,000,000 Red-breas :ed rnerf&n.je r 200 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov. 1945) (other than waterfowl) Refuge. ALSUTIAN ISLAIOS N^'JR Months of J^y™L-..to APRIL. .19K..6.5

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Numbe r Date Number Date Numbe r Date Colonies Nests Young Number

I. Water and Marsh Birds: Common loon Red-throated loon Red-necked grebe Layson albatross Black-footed albatros 31 ender-b illed shearwsiter Sooty shearwater Fulmar Pork-tailed petrel leach's petrel Red-faced cormorant WE HAVE HO BASIS K) ASSIGN NUMBERS TO THESE ^PULATOTS. Sandhill crane

Shorebirds, Gulls and Terns: Black oystercathers Bar-taUed godwit ^ed-legge1 kittiwa

III. Doves and Pieeons: Mourning dove None White-winged dove

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle None SRidlxiWJltecPerigrene HwowtoMi Falcon Common Magpie msm rare Raven Common Crow None Bald Eagle Coirmon Northern shriie Uncomnon

INSTRUCTIONS (1) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro­ priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiforraes and Gruiiformes II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen: The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

(3) Peak Numbers: The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

(5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. INT.-DUP. SEC.. WASH.. D.C, UlOk 3-17P~ Form .v-2 UPLAND BIRDS 1613 (April 1946; Refuge ALEUTTAM ISLAJDS mi Months of JANUARY to APRIL 194Li5

(1) (2) (3) (5) (6) (7) Young Sex Species Density Produced Ratio Removals Total Remarks

o Estimated Acres U W- number Pertinent information not •H Cover types, total per using Sow ^ (0 specifioally requested. Common Name acreage of habitat Bird B ^xi Percentage O -P Refuge List introductions here. S ,0 o (0

Rock ptarmigan 1,800,000 Unknown none Unkrown 50-50 100 Tone lot known The nopulations are isolated on each island or cropp of nearby islands and fluctuate independently. We have no way of estimating nuirtoers.

Willow ntarmlgan The only willow ptamipan on the Refuge are on Unimak Island and the population is at present low. INSTRUCTiwNS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples s spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. (-4) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons. (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey* Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1613 3-17. SMALL IwQULS Form NR-4 (June 1945) Refuge ALEUTIAN ISLANDS NWR Year ending April 30.

(1) (2) (3) (U) (5) Species Density Removal a Dleposltlon of Rire Total

Share Trapping © u 4* Popula­ CO I O iH © .H u © Cover Types & Total Acres ® « o « © 5 tion ^ s M © 2 Permit 00 CD Per u t 9 •4* © d o •* o o Number U 00 Comnon Name Acreage of HaMtat Animal I f~> o o fU O I EH EH Shrew Present on Unimak andl probabl r tl-e Kr»nit:;in Group Ground squirrel Present on Unimak, an I probab .y tlhe K!?eni1tzin Group and as Introd iced snecies on l avalpj . Present on Unimak and probabl r tile Krpnit^en 'riiouproup,. Lemming Present on Unimak, ani probab jr the K?enl zin GGrou p Vole Probably present on Unimak Jumpine: mouse Present on Unjjrak. Wolf Present throuchout thfe Refuge exc ept Inch: tka. iuldi , Davi(A)f, anf Kvos of, C hapul ak. Uniinak, Little Kiska,!AT sik. rfere

• List removals "by Predator Animal Hunter RiMAHKS:

Reported "by IKSTEUCTIONS

Form NR-U - SMALL MAMMALS (Include data on all species of importance in the management program; 1. e., muskrats, beaver, coon, mink, coyote. Data on small rodents may "be omitted e'xcept for estimated total population of each species considered In control operations.)

(l) SPECIES: Use correct common name. Esample: Striped skunk, spotted skunk, short- tailed weasel, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, vrhlte-talled Jackra"b"blt, etc. (Accepted common names In current use are found in the "Field Book of North American Mammals" by H. E. Anthony and the "Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northeastern '1 by David Starr Jordan.)

(2) DENSITY: Applies particularly tb those species considered In removal programs. Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring In limited numbers. Density to "be expressed In acres per animal "by cover types. This Informa­ tion Is to be prefaced "by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres In each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur In the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottom land hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures sub­ mitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) RIMOVALS: Indicate the total number under each category removed since April 30 of tlle previous year. Including any taken on the refuge by Service Predatory Animal Hunter. Also show any removals not falling under headings listed.

(U) DISPOSITION OP IUR: On share-trapped furs list the permit number, trappers share, and refuge share. Indicate the number of pelts shipped to market, Including furs taken by Service personnel. Total number of pelts of each species destroyed because of unprlme- ness or damaged condition, and furs donated to Institutions or other agencies should be shown In the column provided.

(5) TOTAL POPULATION: Estimated total population of each species reported on as of April 30.

REMARKS: Indicate Inventory m^tliMW us%t.ASl^«f^amfiii^^eafs . IP any other pertinent Information not specifically requested 7 631 5 3-1750 Form NR-1 (Rev. March 19^3) WATERFOWL

REFUGE MONTHS OF _ TO August 19 65 (2) Weeks of reporting period (1) Species Swans; Whistling Trumpeter Geeset Canada Aleutian Cackling Brant pnnn White-fronted Snow Blue Other Ehiperor or, nan Ducks: Mallard nn.ooo Black Gadwall i .nnn Baldpate Pintail Green-winged teal 'son Blue-winged teal

Shoveler ' i nn Wood Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup Greater pn nnn Goldeneye Qamon pn (ion Bufflehead i • S^5ty Oldsqua• - w Other iferlequln

Cormion Eider r Red-bre? sted. •''erf anser 1,000 Vlhite-winged Scotei 20,000 Europear i i: ••-ton 1,000 taasX: Ccrnnon Scoter 50,000 50,000 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov. 1945; (other than waterfowl) Re fuge AliEUTIAM - XSMND-S. Months of MX. .to... August i9g5

(1) (4) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total Number Total | Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Date Number Date Colonies' Nests Young Number Water and Marsh Birds: Cormon Loon Red-throated Loon Red-necked grebe Black-footed Albatross Laysan Albatross TiUlmar m NAVi: NO BASI!> TO ASSIUN NUMBERS TO THESS POPUIATLONS Sooty Shearwater Slender-billed Shearwater Fork-tailed Petrel Leach's Petrel Double-crested Crcmorani Pelagic Cormorant Red-faced Cormorant Sandhill Crane

Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns: Black Oystercatcher Red Philarope Canmon Pflurre American Golden Plover Northern Ptelaitee Thick-bi]] led ^urre Ruddy Turnstone Porrariae Jaeger Pigeon I^llleno t Whimbrel Parasitic Jaeger larbled or relet WE HAVE • BASIS TO Wandering Tattler Long-tailed Jaq^er Kittlitz s ^"urrelc ASSIGN - ^KS TO THESE Lesser Yellowlegs CLauccus Gull Ancient lirrelet POPUIATICJNS Rock Sandpiper Glaucc us-vdnge^ Qull Cassin's Aulclet Pectoral Snadpiper Herrirg Gull Parakeet Auklet Baird's Sandpiper Mew Gull Crested / ulclet Least Sandpiper Bonapsrte'^ Cull Least Aul letDunlir i Dunlin Black- legged. Vftiiskerec Auklet Semipalmated Sandpiper Red-legged Kitt^i^/aice Rhinoceros /luklet Westerb Sandpiper Sabin 3 Gull Homed Rffin Bar-tailed Godwit Ircti Tern 'Jlifted R.ffin Sander lir"^ Aleutian Tern (over) LD (2 1£ 5) 161 III. Doves and Pigeons: Mourning dove none White-winged dove i'ione

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle None Duck hawk Peregrine Cormon Horned owl • lone Magpie Rare Raven Cannon Crow None Bald Eagle Ccmmcn Northern Shrike LJncornmon

Reported by.

INSTRUCTIONS (1) Species: Use the correct names as found' in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro­ priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes; II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiforraes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen: The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

(3) Peak Numbers The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

(5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. 3~17£ UNITED STATES Form NR-IB DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (Revo Nov. 1957) FISH AND WILDLIFE SER^CE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AwD WILDLIFE WATERFOWL UTILIZATION OF REFUGE HABITAT

Ref^g6 fiTiKlTTATM ISLANDS m For 12-month period ending August 31^ 1?^ Reported by Title (1) [TJ Area or Unit Habitat mr Designation Type Breeding Crops Ducks Popxilation Production Upland Amchitka Geese ^M mvF. MO BART^ • r^TINQ Marsh Island Swans ^j?t 0A.-.A VnrTfT ACCDRACY Water n p,n mi Coots ______Total 1U r.n ml Total . Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water - Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

(over) INSTRUCTIONS AH tabulated information should be based on the best available techniques for obtaining these data0 Estimates having no foundation in fact must be oinittedo Refuge grand totals for all categories should be provided in the spaces below the last unit tabulationo Additional forms should be used if the number of units reported upon exceeds the capacity of one page© This report embraces the preceding 12-month period^ NOT the fiscial or calendar' year j and Is submliteH annually with the ^y-August Narrative Report (1) Area or Units A geographical unit whichj, because of size^, terrain characteristics^ habitat type and current or antici­

pated management practicess may be considered an entity apart from other areas in the refuge census patterno The combined estimated acreages of all units should equal the total refuge area,, A detailed map and accompahying verbal description of the habitat types of each unit should be forwarded with the initial report for each refuge^ and thereafter need only be submitted to report changes in unit boundaries or their descrip­ tions « (2) Habitat Crops include all cultivated croplands such as cereals

and green foragefl planted food patches and agricultural row crops!( upland is all uncultivated terrain lying above the pTinF communities requiring seasonal sub­ mergence or a completely saturated soil condition a

part of each yearD and includes lands whose temporary flooding facilitates use of non-^aquatic type foodsj marsh extends from the upland conmunity to^ but not including^ the water type and consists of the rela­ tively stable marginal or shallow=growing emergent vegetation type^, including wet meadow and deep marshj and in the water category are all other water areas inundated mosl~or all of the growing season and extend­ ing from the deeper edge of the marsh zone to strictly open^water^ embracing such habitat as shallow playa

lakes3 deep lakes and reservoirs <, true shrub and tree

swamps5 open flowing water and maritime baysj, sounds and estuarieso Acreage estimates for all four types should be computed and kept as accurate as possible through reference to available maps supplemented by periodic field observations© The sum of these esti­ mates should equal the area of the entire unit© (3) Use-days? Use-days is computed by multiplying weekly waterfowl population figures by seven^ and should agree with information reported on Fom NR-lo (U) Breeding Populations An estiinate of the total breeding population of each category of birds for each area or unit© (5) Productions Estimated total number of young raised to flight age© interior Duplicating Section^ Washington, D© C© 27580 3-17f Form NK-2 UPLAND GAME BIRDS 1613 (April 1946; Refuse aT.i.iFTTa f T^JM^R -.rr? Months of to August 19 .65

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Density Young Sex Total Remarks Species Produced Ratio Removals

Estimated Acres number Pertinent information not •H k-si o - -P o 0) using specifioally requested. Cover types, total per ^ o CO Common Name acreage of habitat Bird o (0 Percentage O 43 9 Refuge List introductions here. xi o b 03

Rock Ptarmir^m 1,300,000 Unknow 1 50-50 In si \a-anb Unkn The population are isolated on each island or .group of nearby islands and fluctuate inder)endently. We have no way of estimating numbers.

willow Ptarmlf^n Tie only Vfillow Ptarmigan on the Refuge are on Unimak Island and the population is at present low. INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS,* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks* (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. U) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons. (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey* Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested*

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used,

1613 3-175C Form NR-1 (ReT. March 1953) WATERFOWL

REFUGE MONTHS OF aiMftK 70 December . If

m Weeks of reporting period (1) Species 9 : 10 Swans; Whistling 60 ftnotpecfesx Whooper Geese: Canada, Tavemer's 5.000 x&SRkling Aleutian 300 Brant White-fronted Snow Blue Other Emperor Ducks: Mallard Black Gadwall i nnn Baldpate

Pintail 20f000 Green-winged teal soo Blue-winged teal

iSSmm teal t 1 Shoveler ?no Wood Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scau5 Greater Goldeneye Common Bufflehead ] n nnn 7S0 000 )&$<^ Oldsquaw t 750 000 Other iiarlequjjn r Corrmon Eider 5,000 i'liropean Widgeon 100 King Eider 200,000 Tufted Xick 50 Coot: 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov. 1945) other than waterfowl) Re fuge AIi^™i J^^S.™. Months oL.?*$**m. toiPM***! 195?.

(1) • (4) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Date Number Date Colonies' Nests Young Number I. Water and Marsh Birds: Conmon Loon Arctic Loon Red-throated Jjoon Black-footed Albatross Laysan Albatross WE HAVE m BASIS FOR ESTB ATTvIG NUT BSRS OF r TIESE SPEC IES Sooty Sheam-jater Slender-billed Shearv/atjc - Pork-tailed Petrel Leach's Petrel Doutale-cre,' -ed Gormorar Pelagic Cormorant Red-faced Cormorant Sandhill Crane

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns: Black Oystercatcher Black-l(£;5ged Kit ;ivjake luddy TUmstone Red-! ' Kittiwake Wandering Tattler Sabine* Greater Yellowlegs Arctic fern Lesser Yellowlegs Aleutia: i Tern WE HAVE NO BASIC *")R KSTTMITIMG NOMSSRS Rock Sandpiper Canmon 'jurr e SPECIES Least Sandpiper Thick-b lied ' lupt* OF msm Short-billed Dowitcher Pigeon Tuillemot Bar-tailed Godwit Ancient • lurrelat Sanderling Parakee Auklet Red Phalarope Crested Auklet Northern Plialarope Least A Uklet Pomarine Jaeger ' ihiskered Auklet Parasitic Jeager Homed \iffin Glaucous-winged Gull lUfted (over) (JJ ^1 (5) III. Doves and Pigeons: Mourning dove warn White-winged dove warn

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle NONE Duck hawk Peregrine Common Horned owl NONE Magpie Rare Raven Common Crow NONE mm Sagle Conmon r^orthem Stirike ilnconmon

Reported by INSTRUCTIONS [1) Species: Use the correct names as found" in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro­ priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes; II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

3) Peak Numbers: The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

6) Total: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. 3-17» Form iMi\-2 UPLAND G.-w ufi BIRDS 1613 (April 1946 Refuge, ATHTTTAi^ T SLA MPS ?M Months of ^tf^mr

(i) (2) (3) U) (5) (6) (7) Young Sex Total Species Density Produced Ratio Removals Remarks

43 Estimated i 9 number Pertinent information not Acres •H •§> O using specifioally requested. Cover types, total per fn O I o - O -P Common Name acreage of habitat Bird O CO Percentage Q) Refuge List introductions here. CO & o .as 0 tock Ptarraigan 1,300,000 Unkno- n Wcr ym 50-50 Im dgni] 'ican-; Unlciown The populations are isolated on each island or group of nearby islands and fluctuate independently,, «f; e have no way of estimtinF numbers.

riillow Ptarmigan 'Jhe only rillow .^tarmli'^n on the Refuge are on Unimak Island and the population is at nresent to/. INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS,* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible* Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas* Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks* (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat* U) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period* (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons* (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey* Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested*

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used*

1613 3-1 , GAME Form NR-3 r (June 1945) Refuse, AUOTIAN ISLANDS NWR .Calendar Year ^ 1965

(7) (1) (2) (3) (5) (6) Estimated (8) Species Density Young Removale Losses Introductions Total Refuge Sex Produced Population Ratio

Cover types, total t a o At period As of Common Name Acreage of Habitat Number u ui Source of Dec. «| U (0 «3 09 Greatest 31 o S* O use m o •> > ^1

Alaska Brown Bear "Tost abundant in 3 areas: 12 no 80 60 Unknown 1, Lazaref River 2, Urilia Bay 3, Swans on1 s Lagoon All marsh areas and comprises 200-300 sq. miles

Caribou Ranges over about 1,000 1200 1150 sq. miles of marshland and heath

Caribou Adak. Introduced in 1958 T0 i\drs on 110 100 UNKMOWN and 1959. Using about antlers 50,000 acres of marsh, grassland, and heath.

Reindeer Atka. Using about 300 sq. 50 2500 2300 UNKNOT miles of grassland and heath

nemarki:

Reported by INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-3 - BIG GAME

(l) SPECIES: Use correct comnon name; I.e., Mule deer, black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer. It is unnecessary to indicate sub-species such as northern or Louisiana white-tailed deer.

(?) DENSITY: Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge: once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to fur­ nish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(U) REMCVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the year.

(5) LOSSES: On the basis of known records or reliable estimates indicate total losses in each category during the year. • (6) INTRODUCTIONS: Indicate the number and refuge or agency from which stock was secured.

(7(3) TOTAYOUNLG REKJGPROCUCKDS : Estimated total number of young produced on refuge. POPULATION: Give the estimated population of each species on the refuge at period of its greatest abundance and also as cf Dec. 31. (g) SEX RATIO: Indicate the percentage of males and females of each species as determined from field observations or through removals. 11000s Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife

PUBLIC RELATIONS (See Instructions on Reverse Side)

Refuge AlffOTIAN ISLANDS NvTR Calendar Year 1965

1. Visits a. Hunting 700 b. Fishing 1.200 c. Miscellaneous 2^00 d. TOTAL VISITS M00 la. Hunting (on refuge lands 2. Refuge Participation (groups)

TYPE HUNTERS ACRES MANAGED BY NO. OF NUMBER IN NO. Of NUMBER IN Waterfowl TYPE OF ORGANIZATION 350 1.731.8^0 NOT wmw) GROUPS GROUPS GROUPS GROUPS Upland Game 300 1.731,840 NOT '"fANAGED Sportsmen Clubs 1 50 Big Game 50 1,382.400 RSP&V? Bird and Garden Clubs

Other Schools

Service Clubs Number of permanent blinds NONE Youth Groups Man-days of bow hunting included above •'01 P. 1 40 Professional-Scientific Estimated man-days of hunting on lands adjacent to Religious Groups refuge NOME State or Federal Govt. lb. Fishing (area open to fishing on refuge lands) Other TYPE OP AREA ACRES MILES 3. Other Activities Ponds or Lakes ENTIRE TYPE NUMBER TYPE NUMBER Streams and Shores Press Releases Radio Presentations 1c. Miscellaneous Visits Newspapers . Exhibits Recreation 2,S50 Official 100 (P.R.'s sent to) TV Presentations Est. Exhibit Viewers Economic Use t^Q Industrial

3-1756 ;Rev. M-/63) INSTRUCTIONS

Item 1: Total of a, and c, equal d.

"Visit" - definition. Any person who is on refuge lands or waters during a day or part thereof for the purpose of: hunting, fishing, bird-watching, recreation, business or economic use, official visit, or similar interest. INCLUDE - those who stop within the refuge while traveling on a public highway because of an interest in the area. EXCLLDH - persons engaged in oil or other industry not directly related to the refuge, persons using refuge as most direct route or principal avenue of traffic, and those boating on navigable rivers or the Intercoastal Canal, unless they stop to observe wildlife on the refuge.

Computing visits. Where actual counts are impractical, "sampling" is used with midweek and week­ end samples varied by season or weather. A conversion factor of 3-5 (of passengers per car) is used when accurate figures are not available. Each refuge will develop a conversion factor for boats based on range of usage. Count a camper once for each 24-hour period or fraction thereof.

Item la: Acres - of refuge open for each type of hunting.

Managed hunts require check in and out of hunters, issuance of permits, or assignment of blinds.

Other - INCLUDE crow, fox, and similar hunting.

Lands adjacent to refuge. Normally considered within 1 mile or less of boundary, unless established sampling procedures cover a wider area. For big game hunting, the distance may be greater.

Item lb: Acres of streams open to fishing, if practical; otherwise just miles open. Information on "shores" is primarily for coastal fishing.

Item 1c: Recreation. INCLUDE photography, observing wildlife, picnicking, swimming, boating, camping, visitor center use, tours, etc. TOTAL Recreation, Official, and Economic.Use visits under Item 1.

Industrial. INCLUDE persons engaged in industry, i.e., oil industry or factories. EXCLUDE these from Item 1.

Item 2: INCLUDE the "On Refuge" groups in Items 1c and 1. In "Off Refuge" column include only those group meetings in which refuge employees actually participate. EXCLUDE these from Items 1c and 1.

Item 3: Exhibits - INCLUDE displays, fairs, parades, and exhibits OFF the refuge; EXCLUDE those ON. 3-17^7 (1) Fom NR-7 (Rev. June I960) NONAGRICULTURAL COLLECTlOwS, RECEIPTS, AND PLANTINGS Refuge ALEUTIAN ISIA>]DS NWR Year 19 Jj5

Collections and Receipts Plantings (Seeds, rootstocks, trees, shrubs) (Marsh - Aquatic - Upland) Amount Amount (2) (3) Rate of Planted (Lbs., C Method Total Seeding (Acres or Amount and bus., or or Amount Location of or Yards of Nature of Cause Species etc.) R Date Source Cost on Hand Area Planted Planting Shoreline) Propagules Date Survival of Loss

(1) Report agronomic farm crops on Form NR-8 Remarksi (2) C « Collections and R = Receipts (3) Use "S" to denote surplus Total acreage planted:

Marsh and aquatic _^<^_-_^____ hedgerowsj cover patches """ Food strips, food patches Forest plantings

TERIOR — PORT LAN 3-1758 Form NR-8 Fish and Wildlife Service Branch of Wildlife Refuges (Rev. Jan. 1956) CULTIVATED CROPS - HATING - GRAZING Refuge ALEUTIAN ISLANDS NWR County COLD BAY State ALASKA

Perraittee1 s Government1 s Share or Return Green Manure, Cultivated Share Harvested Harvested Unharvested Total Cover and Water­ Crops Acreage fowl Browsing Crops Total Grown Acres Bu./Tons Acres Bu./Tons Acres Bu./Tons Planted Type and Kind Acreage

Fallow Ag. Land

No. of Permittees: Agricultural Operations Haying Operations Grazing Operations ^

Hay - Improved Tons Cash GRAZING Number AUM»S Cash ACREAGE (Specify Kind) Harvested Acres Revenue Animals Revenue U Cattle ^0 $150.00 2. Other

1. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation Hay - Wild 2. Acreage Cultivated as Service Operation DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING FORM NR-8 CULTIVATED CROPS - HAYING - GRAZING

Report Form NR-8 should be prepared on a calendar-year basis for all crops which were planted during the calendar year and for haying and grazing operations carried on during the same period. Separate reports shall be furnished for Refuge lands in each county"when a refuge is located in more than one county or State. Cultivated Crops Grown - List all crops planted, grown and har­ vested on the refuge during the reporting period regardless of purpose. Crops in kind which have been planted "by more than one permittee or this Service shall be combined for reporting purposes. Permittee* s Share - Only the number of acres utilized by the permittee for his own benefit should be shown under the Acres column, and only the number of bushels of farm crops harvested by the permittee for himself should be shown under the Bushels Harvested column. Report all crops harvested in bushels or fractions thereof except such crops as silage, watermelons, cotton, tobacco, and hay, which should be reported in tons or fractions thereof.

Government1 s Share or Return - Harvested - Show the acreage and number of bushels harvested for the Government of crops produced ty permittees or refuge personnel. Unharvested - Show the exact acreage and the estimated number of bushels of grain available for wildlife. If grazing is made available to waterfowl through the planting of grain, cover, green manure, grazing or hay crops, estimate the tonnage of green food produced or utilized and report under Bushels Unharvested column. Total Acreage Planted - Report all acreage planted, including crop failures. Green Manure. Cover and Waterfowl Grazing Crops - Specify the acre­ age, kind and purpose of the crop. These crops and the acreage may be duplicated under cultivated crops if planted during the year, or a dupli­ cation may occur under hay if the crop results from a perennial planting. Hay - Improved - List separately the kinds of improved hay grown. Annual plantings should also be reported under Cultivated Crops, and perennial hay should be listed in the same manner at time of planting. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation - Report total land area devoted to agricultural purposes during the year.

INT.-DUP. SEC, WASH. , D.C.917«7 3-1750 Form NR-1 (Rev. March 1953) WATERFOWL

REFUGE IZE^^BEK NWR MONTHS OF JANUARY TO APRIL , 19^5

^ Weeka of reporting period (1) Speciee Swans: Whistling 60 Trumpeter Geese: Canada Cackling Brant 100,000 White-fronted Snow Blue Other Qnperor 50,000 Ducks: Mallard 1^000 Black Gadwall Baldpate Pintail ^0,000 Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal Cinnamon teal Shoveler 1UU Wood Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scauft Greater 5.000 Goldeneye^ Common 1.000 Bufflehead Ruddy Other* Common eider 2.000 Kinr eider 2,000 Steller's eider 100,000 White-wir psd scotei 20,000 Xteot. liarlequin Corrrmn w ?n 000 Oldsquaw 10,00^•8880 • QJ (2) (5) ill 151 III. Doves and Pigeons: Mourning dove None White-winged dove

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle None RJKJSXXB$K Periprene HjcooBdwraEl falcai Coimon Magpie Uncommon Raven Common Crow None Gyrfalcon Comncn Northern Shrike Uncommon

Reported by.

INSTRUCTIONS (1) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro­ priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes; II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen: The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

(3) Peak Numbers: The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

(5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. INT.-DUP. SEC., WASH.. D.C. 3*1014 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov, 1945) (other than waterfowl) ANUARY APRIL Re fuge... I2S:1BEK..^. Months of zzT. to ....1 1

(1) (2) (3) (4) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Date Numbe r Date Colonies Nests Young Number I. Water and Marsh Birds Conmon loon Red-throated loon Red-necked prebe Fulmar Fork-tailed petrel WE HAVE f O BASIS FOR ESTIMJ TING NIMERS OP TFESE SPECIES. Leach's petrel Pelazic cormorant Sandhill crane

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns: Semipalmated plover Glaucousfwinsed efcLL American golden plovejr Mew gull Ruddy tumstone Black-le i^ed kittpjake VJhirrtorel Sabin's mil Wanderinp: tattler Arctic t ?m Greater yellowlegs Aleutian tern Rock sandpiper Homed p if fin Pectoral sandpiper Pomerine jaeger Dunlin Barasitljc Jaeger Short-billed dowitchejr Western sandpiper Northern phalarope WE HAVK ft) BASISC R BSiXMkSlHQ NUF^ERS OF TIESE SPEC 3SS«

(over) 3-1752 Form NR- ~ UPLAND GAMi. JlRDS 1613 (April 1946; Refuse IZEMBEK NWR Months of JATJUARY to APRIL 19QC_65

(1) (2) (3) U) (5) (6) (7) Young Sex Total Species Density Produced Ratio Removals Remarks

^3 o Estimated t3 number Pertinent information not Acres JH CQ - •H Cover types, total per Xi o - o 0 using specifioally requested. u o Common Name acreage of habitat Bird SOW Percentage p -p CO Refuge List introductions here. CO Rock otanrlpsan A few rock ntarmlgan Inhabit the alpine slopes of the Range, It is only during the most severe parts of the winter season when these descend to the lower levels.

Willow ptarmigai Heath and 50-50 Insinnifljant Unknown Presently rising from a low alder patches in the cycle; nurbers are low to moderate. INSTRWIONS F3rm)tNR-2 - UPLAND&fAto: BIRDS.* YHAUMAL

(1) SPECIES: Use correct conmon name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods^nor¥, ed^ Bsaole ©nlalB srid grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series ^rtlnub ylno al ^1 .arqnisF No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. .slevel iswol ectt brreoesh (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. (-4) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on wol B rvrt) ^nlali vl^noee*^ o^WDftft^^dlfitorfadble. Oe-O? fcriB rfctaeH nBshrutiq wolli aerio^eq TSMB (5) . j^iffi^M wol Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons. (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey* Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should bo used,

1613 3-1754 SMALL MAMMALS Form NR-4 (June 1945) Refuge_ IZEMBEK NWR Year ending April 30, 1965

(1) (2) (3) (U) (5) Species Density Removals Disposition of IVxrs Total Share Trapping « Popula­ u 3 CD I « i " u tt Cover Types & Total Acres « M « o © o tion us o u Per M O Permit a5 m *> t~> o O •> o © u to Comnon Name Acreage of HaMtat Animal I o Number o Shrew ^arsh-92,000 acres Arctic hare Heath, prassland, alders - 25( ,00|) aci 'es Ground squirrel Heath, grassland, ald4r - 300 000 acr* s Lenming Wmto - 92,000 acres Vole Heath, ^mssland, marih - 100 000 acr- 'S Jumping mouse HEtath, crrassland, marrh - 100 000 acr; 'S Porcupine Grassland, alders - 3( ,000 aac i es Wolf Grasslands, alders. : 1 rah - 3 0,0)0 ac res Red fox Grasslands, alders, mirsh - J ac res Weasel 000 Heath, marsh, grasslarid - 150: cLCVi 'S ^ink MMM - 80,000 acres i?olverine Heath, marsh, grassland and e^a bfeach^s - 100,0 )0 aces Land otter "larsh - 92,000 acres Sea otter Izembek Bay and Cold Ilay Uoil appear, r.g rtgulai'ly ih both.

• List removals by Predator Animal Hunter RIMA5KS:

Reported by INSTRUCTIONS

Fonn NR-U - SMALL MAMMALS (include data on all speciee of importance in the management program; i. e., muskrats, "beaver, coon, mink, coyote. Data on small rodents may "be omitted except for estimated total population of each species considered in control operations.)

(l) SPECIES Use correct common name. Esnmple: Striped skunk, spotted skunk, short- tailed weasel, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, white-tailed Jackrattbit, etc. (Accepted common names in current use are found in the "Field Book of North American Mammals" by H. E. Anthony and the "Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northeastern United States'* by David Starr Jordan.)

(2) DENSITY; Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs. Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This informa­ tion is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottom land hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures sub­ mitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) RIMOVALS: Indicate the total number under each category removed since April 30 of the previous year, including any taken on the refuge-by Service Predatory Animal Hunter. Also show any removals not falling under headings 11 sted.

{k) DISPOSITION OP 1UB: On share-trapped fare list the permit number, trapper's share, and refuge share. Indicate the number of pelts shipped to market, including furs taken by Service personnel. Total number of pelts of each species destroyed because of unprime- ness or damaged condition, and furs donated to institutions or other agencies should be shown in the column provided.

(5) TOTAL POPULATION: Estimated total population of each species reported on as of April 30.

REMARKS: . Indicate inventory method(s) used, size of sample area(s), introductions, and any other pertinent information not specifically requested. 76315 3-1750 Fom NR-1 (Rev. March 1953) WATERFOWL

REFUGE MONTHS OF __ 70 Aur^ust , 19 65

Weeks of —nn period (1) eportlng Species 1 10 Svanst Whistling Trumpeter Geeset Canada ^0 Cackling Brant 1,- . White-fronted : Snow Blue Other —- Ducks: Emperor Mallard Black -H- • Gadwall Baldpate Pintail Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal lteal shoveler _ Wood Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback rC^P* Greater Go^fye Conmon J L Bufflehead Rud

Other 01d3quaw Harlequin 1,000 , CoSteller s eider 30,000 xxxx Comnon eider 5,000 King eider 200 White-winged Scotm* LU (2) (5) (5) ^1 III. Doves and Pigeons: Mourning dove iione White-winged dove None

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle None Duck hawk Peregrine Corrmon Horned owl pjone Magpie UncaTmcb Raven Cannon Crow Hone Rou^h-lef^ed Hawk Uncorrmcfci Bald Eagle Common Mnfel Hawk Uncormdn Gyrfalcon Common Snowy Ml UncomrrKki Short-eared Owl Commai Northern Shrike Uncommcfei Reported by.

INSTRUCTIONS (1) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro­ priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen: The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

(3) Peak Numbers The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

(5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov. 1945 other than waterfowl) Refuge IZMBM.NWB. Months of & to August l^sx65

(1) (2) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Date Number Date Colonies' Nests Young Number

I• Water and Marsh Birds Conmon Loon Red-throated Loon Red-necked Grebe VJE MVE m BASIS FOR STMTINr NOMBERS CF THESE SPECIES Fulmar Fork-tailed Petrel Leach's Petrel Pelagic Cormorant Sandhill Crane

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns: Semipalmated Plover Pomarin

Refuge For 12=month period ending August 31s 1965 Reported by Title ITT— _ ^ Habitat Breeding Area or Unit lype Acreage Designation Population Production Crops Ducks IZEMBEK NWR Upland 200t000 Geese Marsh 00 Swans • Kyi ^TRi'lISH ACCURATE DATA HERE

Water Coots | Total 0 Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

Crops Ducks Upland Geese Marsh Swans Water Coots Total Total

(over) INSTRUCTIONS AH tabulated information should be based on the best available techniques for obtaining these datao Estimates having no foundation in fact must be omitjbedo Refuge grand totals for all categories should be provided in the spaces below the last unit tabulation0 Additional forms should be used if the number of units reported upon exceeds the capacity of one page© This report embraces the preceding 12-month period^ NOT the fiscal or calencEar year j and Is submitteci 'annually wiili'The May^August Ns^atiye Report 0

(1) Area or Units A geographical unit which5 because of size^ terrain

characteristics5 habitat type and current or antici­ —ro pated management practices^ may be considered an entity apart from other areas in the refuge census patterno The combined estimated acreages of all units should equal the total refuge area,, A detailed map and accompahying verbal description of the habitat types of each unit should be forwarded with the initial report for each refuge^ and thereafter need only be submitted to report changes in unit boundaries or their descrip­ tions « (2) Habitats Cro£s include all cultivated croplands such as cereals and green forage^ planted food patches and agricultural row crops ^ upland is all uncultivated terrain lying above the pTinF communities requiring seasonal sub­ mergence or a completely saturated soil condition a

part of each yearD and includes lands whose temporary flooding facilitates use of non-aquatic type foods| marsh extends from the upland conmunity to^ but not Including ^ the water type and consists of the rela= tively stable marginal or shallow=growing emergent vegetation type^, including wet meadow and deep marsh| and in the water category are all other water areas inundated mosSTor all of the growing season and extend­ ing from the deeper edge of the marsh zone to strictly open^water^ embracing such habitat as shallow playa

lakes5 deep lakes and reservoirs <, true shrub and tree

swamps^ open flowing water and maritime bays5 sounds and estuarieso Acreage estimates for all four types should be computed and kept as accurate as possible through reference to available maps supplemented by periodic field observationso The sum of these esti­ mates should equal the area of the entire unit© (3) Use-days; Use-days is computed by multiplying weekly waterfowl population figures by seven^ and should agree with information reported on Form NR-lo (U) Breeding Population; An estimate of the total breeding population of each category of birds for each area or unit© (5) Productions Estimated total number of young raised to flight age, interior Duplicating Section^ Washington, D© C© 27580 3-1752 Form NR-^ UPLAND GAM* BIRDS 1613 (April 1946 Refuge Months of "ay to Au^st 19 65

(1) (2) (3) (5) (6) (7) Species Density Young Sex Removals Total Remarks Produced Ratio

45 Estimated 1 o ^ m - number Pertinent information not Acres o r3 > o o- a using specifioally requested. Cover types, total per •H fn CO Common Name acreage of habitat Bird S O CO 3 O P O 0 Refuge List introductions here. Percentage PK« CO Fx, ftj S O s

Rock Ptarmigan 50-50 Ins .pxiif .cant Unknot . few Rock Ptamigan inhabit ;he alpine slopes of the lange. It is only during ;he nost severe parts of the winter seascn vjhen they iescend to the lo^r levels.

Jillow PtarmigfiJi Heath and 50-50 InsLgnif Leant Unknoim Presently rising from a low alder patches In the cycle; nunt>ers are 50,000 acres Low t moderate. INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name* (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. U) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available* (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons. (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey, Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1613 3-1750 Form NR-1 (Rev. March 19^3) WATERFOWL

REFUGE IZEMBEK MB MONTHS OF September TO 1 19

^ Weeke of reporting period (1) Speciee 10 Swans: Whistling 80 Trumpeter Geese: Canada Taverner's 100.000 Cackling 5.000

Brant 250f000 VJhite-fronted Snow in Blue

Other aTper»or Rn1nnn Ducks:

Mallard 20f000 Black Gadwall

Baldpate itoon Pintail 1^0,0Q0

Green-winged teal pnronn Blue-winged teal Cinnamon teal Shoveler Wood Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback

Scaup areater Un nnn Goldetfeye Cannon

Bufflehead 1anool Rudely Other Oldsquaw 2^000 Harlequin 5,000 King eicte 1,000 „ Steller's eider Coot: 30,000 '•rnite-win ;ed scoter 2,000 Common eider 10,000 :a t; son n>te r 2,000 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov. 1945' other than waterf Refuge. IZEMBEK MR Months of...^?ni5er lo .195.:.::.

(1) (2) (4) (5) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Number Date Number Date Colonies' Nests Young Number I. Water and Marsh Birds: Comnon Loon Red-tliroated Loon Red-necked Grebe Fulmar WE HAVE ^0 BASIS TOR ESTT ftTIMG NUMBERS OP THESE SPECIES Fork-tailed Petrel Leach's Petrel Pelagic Cormorant Sandhill Crane

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns: Semipalmated Plover Poroarine Jaeger American Golden Plover Parasiti< i Jaeger Ruddy Tumstone Glaucous--winged Gull Cannon Snipe New Gull VJhimbrel Black-le, 5ged Kittiwake Vfonderin?: Tattler Sabine's Gull Greater Yellowlegs Arctic T?m Lesser Yellowlegs Aleutian Tem Rock Sandpiper Conmon ''irre Pectoral Sandpiper Pip^ecffi G iillemot Dunlin Homed P if fin Short-billed Dowitcher Western Sandpiper OF T IESE SPECIES Northern Phalarope WE liAVE m MSIS FOR l^llMPUKM (over) LU 12. (5) 14. (6 III. Doves and Pigeons: Mourning dove Wone White-winged dove Hone

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle None Duck hawk Peregrin* Cannon Horned owl None Magpie UnCOTTTKHtl Raven Carman Crow Naie Hough-legged llawk Uncarmoi] Bald Eagle Common Marsh Hawk Uncarii r. Gyrfalcon Carmai Snowy Owl Unccxtmc^. Short-eared Owl CaTmai Northern Shrike Uncommah Reported by.

INSTRUCTIONS (1) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro­ priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and National significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes; II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriformes) (2) First Seen: The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

(3) Peak Numbers: The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

(5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. 3-1752 Form NR-^ UPLAND QAMb BIRDS 1613 (April 1946 Refuge. ivy; Months of Septomher to Qefi^her 19 65.

(l) (2) (3) (5) (6) (7) Species Density Young Sex Total Produced Ratio Removals Remarks

^3 Estimated i ^ number Pertinent information not Acres •H Cover types, total o - -P o § using specifioally requested. per u o Common Name acreage of habitat Bird o to Percentage o -P Refuge List introductions here. X o pK« (0

Rock ?tarmir*3n 50-50 Ins ^nif; .cant Uni

vailow Ptarmigar Heath and 50-50 Ins: .gnif: cant Unknown Presently rising from a lav Alder patches3 in the cycle; numbers are 50,000 acres low UJ moderate. INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS,* (1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. (2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. (A) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. (5) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period. (6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report pearled. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons. (7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey* Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

1613 3-1753 BIG w^IE Form NR-3 (June 1945) Refuge Igf.^KK .Calendar Year 1965

(1) (2) (3) (U) (5) (6) —rn— (8) Species Density Young Removals Losses Introductions Estimated Sex Produced Total Refuge Ratio Population

Cover types, total 44 o At period As of Common Name Acreage of Hatitat Number J? i a u Ua> Source of Dec. •H 43 to ^ o u to Greatest 31 O 4* u •H O use I CO Pi 3K

i Efear ilarsh areas, creeks, Unknown 30 20 UNKNOWN rivers, and heath

Caribou Marshland and heath UNKNCMM 175 125

Remarks:

Reported by INSTRUCTIONS Form NR-3 - BIG GAME

(l) SPECIES: Use correct common name; i.e., Mule deer, "black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer. It is unnecessary to indicate sub-species such as northern or Louisiana white-tailed deer.

(2) DENSITY: Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density tc be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to fur­ nish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Wildxife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED 1 Estimated total number of young produced on refuge.

(U) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the year.

(5) LOSSES: On the basis of known records or reliable estimates indicate total losses in each category during the year.

(6) INTRODUCTIONS: Indicate the number and refuge or agency from which stock was secured. (7) TOTAL REJUGE POPULATION: Give the estimated population of each species on the refuge at period of its greatest abundance and also as of Dec. 31.

(g) SEX RATIO: Indicate the percentage of males and females of each species as determined from field observations or through removals. neoot NR-6 Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife

PUBLIC RELATIONS (See Instructions on Reverse Side)

Refuge IZENBEK NWR Calendar Year

1. Visits a. Hunting 4,700 b- Fishing p^nOO c. Miscellaneous ij^non d. TOTAL VISITS injno

la. Hunting (on refuge lands' 2. Refuge Participation (groups)

TYPE HUNTERS ACRES MAMAOET) BY NO. OF NUMBER IN NO. Of NUMBER IN Waterfowl TYPE OF ORGANIZATION GROUPS GROUPS GROUPS- GROUPS 2tSJQ BSF&W :^Tv Upland Game Sportsmen Clubs 1.200 RAIsfGE BSF&W

Big Game Bird and Garden Clubs 990 mm BSF&W Other Schools TO

Service Clubs Number of permanent blinds 10118 Youth Groups Man-days of bow hunting Included above Professional-Scientific Estimated man-days of hunting on lands adjacent to Religious Groups refuge State or Federal Govt. lb. Pishing (area open to fishing on refuge lands) 1 40

Other TYPE OP AREA ACRES MILES

Ponds or Lakes 3. Other Activities TYPE NUMBER TYPE NUMBER Streams and Shores I Press Releases Radio Presentations 1c. Miscellaneous Visits Newspapers . Exhibits Recreation j^oSO Official 100 (P.R.'s sent to) TV Presentations Est. Exhibit Viewers Economic Use 20 Industrial; lone

3-1756 (Rev. ^/63) INSTRUCTIOMS

Item 1: Total of a, b, and c, equal d.

"Visit" - definition. Any person who is on refuge lands or waters during a day or part thereof for the purpose of: hunting, fishing, bird-watching, recreation, business or economic use, official visit, or similar interest. IKCLUDE - those who stop within the refuge while traveling on a public highway because of an Interest in the area. EXCLLDH - persons engaged in oil or other industry not directly related to the refuge, persons using refuge as most direct route or principal avenue of traffic, and those boating on navigable rivers or the Intercoastal Canal, unless they stop to observe wildlife on the refuge.

Computing visits. Where actual counts are impractical, "sampling" is used with midweek and week­ end samples varied by season or weather. A conversion factor of 3*5 (of passengers per car) is used when accurate figures are not available. Each refuge will develop a conversion factor for boats based on range of usage. Count a camper once "for each 2i4-hour period or fraction thereof.

Item la: Acres - of refuge open for each type of hunting.

Managed hunts require check in and out of hunters, issuance of permits, or assignment of blinds.

Other - INCLUDE crow, fox, and similar hunting.

Lands adjacent to refuge. Normally considered within 1 mile or less of boundary, unless established sampling procedures cover a wider area. For big game hunting, the distance may be greater.

Item lb: Acres of streams open to fishing, if practical; otherwise just miles open. Infomatlon on "shores" is primarily for coastal fishing.

Item 1c: Recreation. INCLUDE photography, observing wildlife, picnicking, swimming, boating, camping, visitor center use, tours, etc. TOTAL Recreation, Official, and Economic. Use visits under Item 1.

Industrial. INCLUDE persons engaged in industry, i.e., oil industry or factories. EXCLUDE these from Item 1.

Item 2: INCLUDE the "On Refuge" groups in Items 1c and 1. In "Off Refuge" column include only those group meetings in which refuge employees actually participate. EXCLUDE these from Items 1c and 1.

Item 3: Exhibits - INCLUDE displays, fairs, parades, and exhibits OFF the refuge; EXCLUDE those ON. 3-1757 (1) Form NR-7 (Rev. June I960) NONAGRICULTURAL COLLECTIONS, RECEIPTS, AND PLANTINGS Refuge IZgBSK NWH Tear 19 6S

Collections and Receipts PXantings (Seeds, rootstocks, trees, shrubs) (Marsh - Aquatic - Upland) Amount Amount (2) (3) Rate of Planted (Lbs., C Method Total Seeding (Acres or Amount and bus., or or Amount Location of or lards of Nature of Cause Species etc.) R Date Source Cost on Hand Area Planted Planting Shoreline) Propagules Date Survival of Loss HONE

(1) Report agronomic farm crops cm Form NR-8 Remarks: (2) G a Collections and R = Receipts (3) Use wSn to denote surplus Total acreage planted:

Marsh and aquatic ^m^,^m_^mmm^_m^_^m^m hedgerows. cover patches Food strips, food patches Forest plantings 3-1758 Form NR-8 Fish and Wildlife Service Branch of Wildlife Refuges (Rev. Jan. 1956) CULTIVATED CROPS - HATING - GRAZING Refuge T7.FMREK MWR County COLD BAY State ALASKA

Permittee1 s Government1 s Share or Return Green Manure, Cultivated Share Harvested Harvested Unharvested Total Cover and Water­ Crops Acreage fowl Browsing Crops Total Grown Acres Bu./Tons Acres Bu./Tons Acres Bu./Tons Planted Type and Kind Acreage

mm

Fallow Ag. Land

No. of Permittees! Agricultural Operations Haying Operations Grazing Operations

Hay - Improved Tons Cash GRAZING Number AUM»S Cash ACREAGE (Specify Kind) Harvested Acres Revenue Animals Revenue U Cattle

2. Other

1. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation Hay - Wild 2. Acreage Cultivated as Service Operation DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING FORM NR-8 CULTIVATED CROPS - HAYING - GRAZING

Report Form NR-8 should be prepared on a calendar-year basis for all crops which were planted during the calendar year and for haying and grazing operations carried on during the same period. Separate reports shall be furnished for Refuge lands in each county when a refuge is located In more than one county or State! Cultivated Crops Grown - List all crops planted, grown and har­ vested on the refuge during the reporting period regardless of purpose. Crops in kind which have been planted by more than one permittee or this Service shall be combined for reporting purposes.

Penalttee1 s Share - Only the number of acres utilized by the permittee for his own benefit should be shown under the Acres column, and only the number of bushels of farm crops harvested by the perraittee for himself should be shown under the Bushels Harvested column. Report all crops harvested in bushels or fractions thereof except such crops as silage, watermelons, cotton, tobacco, and hay, which should be reported in tons or fractions thereof.

Government1 s Share or Return - Harvested - Show the acreage and number of bushels harvested for the Government of crops produced tjy permittees or refuge personnel. Unharvested - Show the exact acreage and the estimated number of bushels of grain available for wildlife. If grazing is made available to waterfowl through the planting of grain, cover, green manure, grazing or hay crops, estimate the tonnage of green food produced or utilized and report under Bushels Unharvested column. Total Acreage Planted - Report all acreage planted, including crop failures. Green Manure, Cover and Waterfowl Grazing Crops - Specify the acre­ age, kind and purpose of the crop. These crops and the acreage may be duplicated under cultivated crops if planted during the year, or a dupli­ cation may occur under hay if the crop results from a perennial planting, Hay - Improved - List separately the kinds of improved hay grown. Annual plantings should also be reported under Cultivated Crops, and perennial hay should be listed in the same manner at time of planting. Total Refuge Acreage Under Cultivation - Report total land area devoted to agricultural purposes during the year.

INT.-DUP. SEC, WASH., D.C.917 67 Reprinted from Wildfowl Trust 16th Annual Report (1965), pp. 83-85

Returns from Steller's Eiders banded in Izembek Bay, Alaska ROBERT D. JONES, Jr. Aleutian Islands National Wildlife Refuge Summary The author has recorded observations of a large wintering population of Steller's Eiders in Izembek Bay for eight years. From 1957 through 1962 the birds arrived in early fall to complete the post nuptial moult in the Bay. Advantage was taken of the flightless period to band 833 of the eiders. Methods are described along with observations of the bird's behaviour. In 1963 and 1964 the moult was completed elsewhere on the migration route and the population arrived nearly three months later that before. Returns from the Soviet Bird-Ringing Centre indicate the moult to have taken place in Siberia, the principal nesting ground of the Steller's Eider. The remarkable fact is that in some years many of these birds migrate upwards of 3,200 kilometres before the post nuptial moult. Wintering populations of Steller's Eiders with about 30,000 Emperor Geese Anser Polysticta stelleri are known from the canagicus and 70,000 Black Brant Branta waters of Kodiak I sland west along the south bernicla orientalis. coast of the Alaska Peninsula and the The arrival date of the Steller's Eider eastern Aleutian Islands (Gabrielson and population in Izembek Bay in fall has Lincoln, 1959). This writer has observed proven strikingly variable. Some years them in the area of the western half of the most, if not all, of these birds arrive in Alaska Peninsula where they are known August to perform the post nuptial moult colloquially as 'Scotchies'. A considerable in the three lagoons of this area, while other segment of this population, aggregating years they arrive almost three months later, roughly 200,000 birds at its peak, moves in having completed the moult at some other and out of three large lagoons on the north point on their migration route. For six coast of the Peninsula, dependent on years, 1957 through 1962, the moult was freezing and thawing conditions. These are conducted in these lagoons but in 1963 and Nelson Lagoon, Izembek Bay, and Bech- 1964 only about 5% of the population evin Bay (at the north end of Isanotski appeared until after the moult. We do not Strait). These, together with the interven­ have a record of the arrival date for 1963, ing coast form the western end (about 125 but in 1964 between sunset 6th November miles) of the Alaska Peninsula, McKinney and midmorning of 9th the population (1959) has recorded his observations of appeared in Izembek Bay in an avalanche waterfowl in these areas. The peak popula­ migration. tion of the little Steller's Eider is reached in In 1961 we began banding these birds this area in April, when about half of them during the flightless period. At low tide are in Nelson Lagoon and the other half are Izembek Bay becomes a pattern of exposed divided between Izembek Bay and Bech- mud and sand bars with channels running evin Bay. The peak occurs on the eve of between them. We found that the flocks of spring migration when these lagoons are flightless eiders could be driven up these ice-free and all other water areas farther channels from the deeper portions where north are still frozen. In Nelson Lagoon they normally rest, into the shallow water these birds are associated in April with at the channel's head. Here they could be even larger numbers of King Eiders Soma- held in a compact flock while a trap was teria spectabilis, and several thousands of installed, generally upchannel. When all Common Eiders Somateria mollissima v- was ready, the flock could usually be driven nigra, Scoters Melanitta nigra americana into the trap. Anyone who has engaged in and M. fusca dixoni and Old Squaw Ducks this type of endeavour will recognise that Clangula hyemalis. In Izembek Bay and there is no certainty in capturing wild birds. Bechevin Bay they are associated in April These were day to day operations, taking

BANDING OF STELLER'S EIDERS 83 into account suitable weather, and sche­ strong in Nelson Lagoon and a roughly duled to complete the drive at about low equal number divided between Bechevin water. Large numbers of birds could not be Bay and Izembek Bay, the latter having the handled because the returning tide would larger number. flood trap and crew. The largest number In the fall of 1964 when again the large we ever captured was about 250, not all of numbers failed to materialise for the moult which were banded. The flocks are often we were more curious than concerned. By much larger, but we 'cut out' a group of this time we had received returns from the suitable size. Bird-Ringing Centre in Moscow, USSR We found that the males and females indicating that the bulk of the population tended to segregate in the moult, and our of Steller's Eiders wintering in the Alaska catches were therefore predominantly of Peninsula area nest on the coast of the one sex or the other. We also found a in Siberia, some of them as distinct difference in behaviour under these far west as the delta of the River . This conditions between the two sexes. The is not particularly remarkable in itself for males proved relatively easy to handle, for we have Nelson's (1883) account of large they generally did not struggle and re­ numbers about Cape Wankarem, Siberia, mained almost completely silent. The but it does seem remarkable that in six of females on the other hand struggled the eight recorded years some of these vigorously, squawking outrageously. When birds should travel upwards of 3,200 kilo­ we handled a flock of females our hands metres before the post nuptial moult. It became severely scratched by their strug­ also seems remarkable that this behaviour gling. is not constant from year to year. A modest total of 833 birds was banded Thus far seventeen returns have been in 1961 and 1962, but little was accom­ received here, not counting our own recap­ plished in the next two years because there tures (numbering 43) or those taken by were few birds available in the moult. hunters in the immediate banding area. Of Accustomed as we were to very large these seventeen, one was recovered at Point numbers of Steller's Eiders in Izembek Barrow, Alaska and the remainder came Bay during late August and early Septem­ from Siberia (Table I). The locations of ber we were dismayed when only about these recoveries in relation to the banding 10,000 appeared to moult in 1963. This site are shown in the map opposite. might seem to be enough for banding on Fourteen of the Siberian returns are our scale of operations, and indeed it would from birds taken in June and July, two if they were all in one channel conveniently in 1962, one in 1964 and the rest in 1963. located for our purposes. But the Bay is The remaining two were killed at Cape large and the birds did not make them­ Wankarem 15th September, 1963. These selves available. They did, however, appear two are of especial interest because by this in time for the Christmas Bird Count and date in the six preceding years the Steller's were present in April 1964 about 100,000 Eiders in Izembek Bay were nearing

Table I. Recoveries in Siberia of Steller's Eiders marked in Izembek Bay, Alaska. All banded as moulting adults.

Date marked recovery site date recovered Sept 3, 1961 M Near Nizhniye Kresty. 69°N, I570E. June 13, 1963 Sept 3, 1961 M 100 kilometres west of Khazach'ye. June 19, 1963 7i0N, I360E. Sept 5, 1961 F Delta of the River Lena. 730N, I270E. June 13, 1963 Sept 5, 1961 M Delta of the River Lena. 730N, I270E. June 13, 1963 Sept 5, 1961 F Delta of the River Lena. 730N, I270E. June 16, 1963 Sept 6, 1961 F Delta of the River Lena. 730N, I270E. June 16, 1963 Sept 6, 1961 M Near Nizhniye Kresty. 69°N, I570E. July 10, 1963 Sept 6, 1961 M Chetyrekhstolbowyy Island, Ostrova June 7, 1964 Medvezh'i, East Siberian Sea. 7i0N, I6I0E. Sept 19, 1961 M About 100 km east of Ambarchik, Magadan. July 4, 1962 700N, i620E. Sept 19, 1961 M Cape Schmidt, Magadan. 690N, I79°W. July 9, 1962 Sept 7, 1962 M Near Provideniya. 650N, I740W. July 5, 1963 Sept 7, 1962 M Near Wankarem. 68°^ I780W. July 24, 1963 Sept 7, 1962 M 80 kilometres east of Pevek. 70^, I700E. June 00, 1963 Sept 10, 1962 F Cape Wankarem. 680N, I780W. Sept 15, 1963 Sept 10, 1962 F Cape Wankarem. 680N, I780W. Sept 15, 1963 Sept 10, 1962 F Delta of the River Lena. 730N, I270E. June 12, 1963

84 THE WILDFOWL TRUST R. IEMA

completion of the post nuptial moult. late. One might suppose that this was also These returns suggest that the eiders true of Siberia. If so, it would explain the were moving eastward either slower or later late migration in 1964, but offers no than in the earlier years, but offer no clue explanation for the late one in 1963. as to why this disparity in behaviour should Clearly, if we are to answer these unknowns occur. In Alaska winter was slow to release we must look to a Soviet observer in its grip in the spring of 1964 and waterfowl Siberia. nesting was consequendy two to four weeks

References GABRIELSON, L N. and F. c. LINCOLN. 1959. The Birds of Alaska. The Wildlife Management Institute, pp. 212-214. MCKINNEY, F. 1959. Waterfowl at Cold Bay, Alaska, with notes on the Display of the Black Scoter. Wildfowl Trust 10th Ann. Rep.: 133-136. NELSON, E. w. 1883. The Birds of Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Cruise of the Revenue- Steamer 'Corzvin' in Alaska and the N.W. Arctic Ocean in 188z.

BANDING OF STELLER'S EIDERS 85 Made in United States of America Reprinted from JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY Vol. 46, No. 4. 30 November 1965 p. 702

SEA OTTERS IN THE , ALASKA Exploitation of the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) for furs in the 18th and 19th centuries led to their complete extinction from the Near Islands at the western extremity of the Aleutian Archipelago. A small population survived at Amchitka and in the Delarofs and has since expanded both east and west (Kenyon and Spencer, Sea Otter Population and Transplant Studies in Alaska, 1959. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Spec. Sci. Kept.— Wildl. 48, 29 pp., 1960). Other surviving populations in the Alaska Peninsula-eastern Aleutian Islands area have also expanded and sea otters have reappeared in all the Aleutian Islands except the Islands of Four Mountains and the Near Islands. The Near Islands are separated from Kiska and its large otter population by 125 miles of open sea, with only small midway between. The writer observed sea otters at Buldir in 1962 (Jones, Buldir Island, Site of a Remnant Breeding Population of Aleutian Canada Geese. 14th Ann. Rept. Wildfowl Trust, 1961-1962, pp. 80-84. 1963). Two recent reports of sea otters in the Near Islands have been received, the first from Mr. John Vania of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. In a letter of 15 August 1963 he reported a discussion with two fishermen who had seen a group of about 10 sea otters at Attn Island. The second report was received from Chief Warrant Officer Virgil L. Edmiston, USAF in a personal interview at Shemya AFB. CWO Edmiston had seen single sea otters at Shemya Island several times in the winter of 1963 and 1964. Our first opportunity to verify the presence of sea otters in the Near Islands came in the summer of 1964 while we were working in the area. The nature of our work required coastwise travel with a small boat that facilitates inshore observations in the most likely sea otter habitat. The entire coast of Agattu Island was visited and observed closely. A small portion of the coast of Attn Island, and the north coasts of both Alaid and Nizki islands were similarly observed. At Agattu Island we observed a total of seven sea otters including one pup. The first sighting was in Karab Cove on the south side of the island, 28 July. This same day we found on a beach at the head of Karab Cove a segment of the vertebral column of an adult sea otter. This included one thoracic and seven lumbar vertebrae. The specimen was marked and sent to the Laboratory of the Fish and Wildlife Service in Seattle, where its identity was confirmed. On 1 August three adult sea otters were observed in Otkriti Bay adjacent to Karab Cove, plus one subadult and an adult female with a pup along the coast about 3 miles west of Otkriti Bay. At Alaid Island on 11 August this writer observed an old adult sea otter. This animal was resting in a kelp patch on the north coast of the island, not far from Shemya. No sea otters were found in the small segment of the Attn coast we visited. Thus, a total of eight living sea otters, plus the remains of a ninth were recorded in the Near Islands.—ROBERT D. JONES, JR., Aleutian Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Cold Bay, Alaska. Accepted 27 June 1965.