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Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
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Title:
Population ecology of willow ptarmigan in Game Management Unit 13,
Study plan Section 10.17 : Initial study report -- Part A: [Sections] 1-6, 8-10
SuWa 223
Author(s) – Personal:
Author(s) – Corporate:
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
AEA-identified category, if specified:
Initial study report
AEA-identified series, if specified:
Series (ARLIS-assigned report number):
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 223
Existing numbers on document:
Published by:
[Anchorage : Alaska Energy Authority, 2014]
Date published:
June 2014
Published for:
Alaska Energy Authority
Date or date range of report:
Volume and/or Part numbers:
Final or Draft status, as indicated:
Document type:
Pagination:
ii, 13 p.
Related work(s):
The following parts of Section 10.17 appear in separate files:
Part A ; Part B ; Part C.
Pages added/changed by ARLIS:
Notes:
All reports in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document series include an ARLIS-
produced cover page and an ARLIS-assigned number for uniformity and citability. All reports
are posted online at http://www.arlis.org/resources/susitna-watana/
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
Population Ecology of Willow Ptarmigan in Game
Management Unit 13
Study Plan Section 10.17
Initial Study Report
Part A: 1-6, 8-10
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
June 2014
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page i June 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
2. Study Objectives................................................................................................................ 2
3. Study Area ......................................................................................................................... 2
4. Methods and Variances in 2013 ....................................................................................... 2
4.1. Capture and Radio-Tagging of Ptarmigan .............................................................. 2
4.1.1. Variances......................................................................................... 3
4.2. Relocation of Radio-tagged Ptarmigan ................................................................... 4
4.2.1. Variances......................................................................................... 5
4.3. Aerial Transect Surveys .......................................................................................... 5
4.3.1. Variances......................................................................................... 5
4.4. Analysis of Radio Telemetry Data .......................................................................... 5
4.4.1. Variances......................................................................................... 6
5. Results ................................................................................................................................ 6
5.1. Capture and Radio-tagging ..................................................................................... 6
5.2. Survival ................................................................................................................... 6
5.3. Relocation and Movement Patterns ........................................................................ 6
6. Discussion........................................................................................................................... 6
7. Completing the Study ....................................................................................................... 7
8. Literature Cited ................................................................................................................ 7
9. Tables ................................................................................................................................. 9
10. Figures .............................................................................................................................. 10
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page ii June 2014
LIST OF TABLES
Table 5.1-1. Demographic Characteristics of Willow Ptarmigan Radio-tagged in 2013. ...............9
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3-1.Willow Ptarmigan Study Area, 2013. ..........................................................................11
Figure 4.1-1.Willow Ptarmigan Capture Locations in 2013 and Planned Capture
Locations for 2014. ................................................................................................................12
Figure 4.1-2.Male Willow Ptarmigan equipped with an ATS 3950 Radio Transmitter.
[Photo by Graham Fry, 2013] ................................................................................................13
LIST OF ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS
Abbreviation Definition
ADF&G Alaska Department of Fish and Game
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
ATS Advanced Telemetry Systems
ATV all-terrain vehicle
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
GIS Geographic Information System
GMU Game Management Unit
GPS Global Positioning System
IACUC Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
ILP Integrated Licensing Process
ISR Initial Study Report
PRM Project River Mile
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
RSP Revised Study Plan
SPD study plan determination
UAF University of Alaska Fairbanks
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 1 June 2014
1. INTRODUCTION
On December 14, 2012, Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) filed its Revised Study Plan (RSP),
with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project (FERC Project No. 14241) which included 58 individual study plans (AEA 2012). RSP
Section 10.17, Population Ecology of Willow Ptarmigan in Game Management Unit 13, focuses
on collecting the necessary data to evaluate the potential effects of the proposed Project on
Willow Ptarmigan, the predominant species of upland game bird in the Project area and
surrounding areas. RSP Section 10.17 listed the goal, objectives, and proposed methods for
Willow Ptarmigan data collection and analysis.
On February 1, 2013, FERC staff issued its study determination (February 1 SPD) for 44 of the
58 studies, approving 31 studies as filed and 13 with modifications. RSP Section 10.17 was one
of the 13 studies approved with modifications. In its February 1 SPD, FERC recommended the
following:
Based on experience gained in capturing ptarmigan in the study area in 2012, Alaska
DFG recommends that the number of capture sites be increased to between 4 and 6 and
that capture of ptarmigan be conducted primarily by the use of Coda net gun and noose
carpets. Alaska DFG states that the additional capture locations would provide a more
comprehensive understanding on willow ptarmigan movement throughout the proposed
hydroelectric site and would not increase costs. Also, based on several overflights of the
study area, Alaska DFG is now confident access into areas previously thought to be
inaccessible will be feasible. Testing of the Coda net gun, mist nets, and noose carpets
found that both the net gun and noose carpets were very effective, efficient, and safe for
the birds, more so than mist nets. Therefore, Alaska DFG does not recommend using mist
nets for this study. Alaska DFG does not expect project cost will increase with the use of
net guns and noose carpets.
Alaska DFG’s recommended changes would ensure efficient use of resources, and its
proposed methods are consistent with generally accepted practices in the scientific
community (section 5.9(b)(6)) and should be adequate to collect the information
necessary to address project effects (section 5.9(b)(4)). Therefore, we recommend that
AEA modify the study plan to include Alaska DFG’s recommended modification.
Following the first study season, FERC’s regulations for the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)
require AEA to “prepare and file with the Commission an initial study report describing its
overall progress in implementing the study plan and schedule and the data collected, including an
explanation of any variance from the study plan and schedule.” (18 CFR 5.15(c)(1)). This Initial
Study Report on Population Ecology of Willow Ptarmigan in Game Management Unit 13 Study
has been prepared in accordance with FERC’s ILP regulations and details AEA’s status in
implementing the study, as set forth in the FERC-approved RSP and as modified by FERC’s
February 1 SPD (collectively referred to herein as the “Study Plan”).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 2 June 2014
2. STUDY OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study is to provide the necessary data to evaluate the potential effects of the
proposed Project on Willow Ptarmigan, the predominant species of upland game bird in the
Project area and surrounding areas. The area of interest consists of Game Management Unit
(GMU) Subunits 13A and 13E.
The study has four objectives, as established in RSP Section 10.17.1:
• Determine the seasonal distribution of Willow Ptarmigan in the Project area.
• Determine the seasonal migratory patterns of Willow Ptarmigan that occur in the Project
area.
• Estimate the abundance of Willow Ptarmigan in the Project area during the breeding
season and during the fall.
• Estimate seasonal survival of Willow Ptarmigan.
3. STUDY AREA
As established in RSP Section 10.17.3, the study area encompassed a 15-mile buffer around the
proposed dam site and reservoir and the access and transmission corridor alternatives. The study
area is composed of alpine and subalpine habitats in GMU Subunits 13A and 13E. Six areas
within the study area with relatively high breeding densities of Willow Ptarmigan were
preselected for capture (Figure 10.17-1). Aerial surveys occurred in appropriate habitats within
50 miles of the original capture locations.
4. METHODS AND VARIANCES IN 2013
4.1. Capture and Radio-Tagging of Ptarmigan
The study team implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of
variances explained below (Section 4.1.1).
During May 2013, the study team captured Willow Ptarmigan at two sites in GMU subunits 13A
and 13E (Figure 4.1-1) and fitted the birds with necklace radio transmitters. The study team
evaluated capture sites based on several criteria:
• Willow Ptarmigan abundance or habitat quality;
• Proximity to the proposed reservoir and alternative access routes;
• Ease of access using either fixed-wing or helicopter;
• Observed springtime conditions (e.g., snow depth and habitat availability) during
the capture time period.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 3 June 2014
During the breeding season in May, the study team deployed two, two-person teams to various
capture locations using highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or fixed-wing aircraft.
Teams located Willow Ptarmigan visually or by using a playback recording of a territorial male
(Peyton 1999; Savage et al. 2011, Merizon 2013). The teams used playback recordings
effectively with a PrimosTM“Alpha Dogg” electronic game call under low wind conditions (≤5
miles per hour) with no precipitation during early morning or late evening hours.
The study team tested and used three capture methods effectively during the May 2013 capture
effort. Under the first method, teams constructed noose carpets (Sutherland et al. 2010) from
5×10-cm welded wire poultry fencing with approximately 60 monofilament nooses tied to one
side. The teams placed carpets adjacent to a plastic pigeon decoy (Soar-No-MoreTM) painted to
resemble a male ptarmigan in spring breeding plumage. When placed in the territory of a
displaying male, the territorial male became defensive and when it attempted to make contact
with the “intruder” its feet became ensnared in the monofilament nooses. Under the second
method, the team used a Coda EnterprisesTM net gun with a 3-m2 net with 5-cm mesh. The net
was released with a caliber .308 rifle charge. Under the third method, the teams captured groups
of Willow Ptarmigan using an AvinetTM black nylon mist net that was deployed around willow
shrubs. Nets were 4.6 m long with 7.5 cm mesh.
At least two people were present for any single capture event to remove birds from the capture
device, handle, and release birds as quickly as possible. After capture, the teams restrained
Willow Ptarmigan in a cotton bag. The teams weighed each bird to the nearest gram and
instrumented each bird with an Advanced Telemetry Systems TM (ATS) necklace-mounted
A3950 VHF radio transmitter with a 25-cm whip antenna (Raymond 1999; Paragi et al. 2012;
Figure 4.1-2). The entire radio and necklace package weighed 10.7 g (approximately 1.5–2.0
percent of Willow Ptarmigan body mass). Radio tags transmit in the frequency range of 148–155
Mhz. The transmitter was secured by a rubber-sheathed wire fitted over the bird’s neck and
crimped on either end to ensure its fit (Figure 4.1-2). The transmitter was adjusted to compensate
for expansion of the bird’s crop. The team did not collect tissue samples from captured Willow
Ptarmigan.
The study team recorded age and sex, based on plumage characteristics (Bergerud et al. 1963;
Weeden and Watson 1967; Braun and Rogers 1971; Hudson 1986) for each captured bird. The
team used a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to record the location of capture. The
study team also recorded date, time, and weather conditions.
During August capture efforts, the study team deployed one, two-person team to various capture
locations using highway vehicles and fixed-wing aircraft. Teams located untagged Willow
Ptarmigan by relocating previously collared Willow Ptarmigan. When previously tagged
individuals were located, the study team used a net gun to capture the accompanying mate or
juveniles. Once a bird was captured, the study team used the same procedure (outlined above) as
during the May captures.
4.1.1. Variances
On March 26, 2013, the Denali Highway site was added as a capture location (Figure 3-1).
Investigators thought that this location would offer insight into a future access road proposed as
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 4 June 2014
part of the Project by examining Willow Ptarmigan movement and distribution relative to an
existing road corridor. As a result of the late spring in 2013, this location proved to be fortuitous,
because most other planned capture locations were inaccessible due to the persistent, deep snow
cover.
The spring of 2013 set records for late snow and persistent cold temperatures throughout much
of the state. Many wildlife species and populations statewide exhibited delayed migration,
delayed nesting, reduced survival, and overall unusual behavior. This phenomenon resulted in
study plan variances on the Willow Ptarmigan study during the spring and summer of 2013.
First, the desired radio-tag deployment goal was not reached due to inaccessibility of most of the
capture locations. Instead of the four to six capture sites in the FERC-approved Study Plan, due
to the late spring and persistent snow in 2013, only one of the proposed sites (Busch Creek) was
accessible. The inability to access most of the proposed capture locations will not affect the
ability of the study team to accomplish the study objectives. Investigators consider the spring of
2013 to be anomalous and expect to have easier access to road and off-road capture locations in
future field seasons.
Second, the late spring caused delayed nesting and subsequent small chick size (~200g) in
August, instead of the minimum mass (400 g) needed for tagging. Third, ground travel was
extremely difficult through May at the locations visited. All of these difficulties resulted in the
study team visiting only two capture locations, rather than the four to six proposed in the Study
Plan.
Due to the lack of access to most capture sites in the spring, the study team also attempted to
capture and radio-tag Willow Ptarmigan in August 2013. Additional radio tags were deployed in
August at the Denali Highway and Busch Creek locations on both adult and juvenile birds.
The study team used mist nets in very rare and specific situations during spring and summer
capture efforts. Extended winter weather in 2013 shortened the spring capture period. Methods
that depended on territorial defense behaviors of male ptarmigan became less effective as the
season progressed. Use of mist nets allowed the study team to capture a few more birds in an
attempt to boost the number of tagged subjects. This method did capture willow ptarmigan and
may be used in future capture efforts but will not be the primary method of capture.
4.2. Relocation of Radio-tagged Ptarmigan
ADF&G implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan, with the exception of
variances explained below (Section 4.2.1).
The study team located radio-tagged Willow Ptarmigan within 24 hours of capture to document
capture myopathy or other obvious handling-induced stress. All potential capture and marking
methods were fully evaluated and compliant with Alaska Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee (IACUC) certification (No. 441328-1). ADF&G ensured compliance with all IACUC
policies.
The study team relocated radio-tagged ptarmigan during fixed-wing flights. These flights
(minimum of six as specified in the study plan) took place in July, September, October, and
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 5 June 2014
December. The study team revised the schedule of aerial relocations to better estimate survival
during key life history stages: nesting, brood-rearing, juvenile dispersal, early winter, late winter,
pre-breeding. This variance was presented at the Technical Workgroup meetings in September
2013 and November 2013. This increase will improve the accuracy and precision of the
geospatial model.
While conducting summer capture work, field teams used ATVs to opportunistically locate
previously collared birds in hopes of collaring their mate or chicks. The locations for these
previously collared birds will be used as a relocation and used in understanding movement
patterns. The team used “four-wheeler” ATVs on established trails for this work. The study team
recorded location, habitat type, and status (mortality or alive) for all individuals. The study team
used an ATS R8000 receiver to locate radio-tagged birds; this receiver was more cost-effective
with no diminished capacity compared to the ATS 4520 receiver specified in the study plan. The
study team mounted a two-element Yagi antenna to each strut of the aircraft or used a single
antenna during ground locations. A handheld GPS receiver was used to record the location for
each data record.
4.2.1. Variances
No variances from the telemetry location methods described in the Study Plan occurred in 2013.
4.3. Aerial Transect Surveys
The study team implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan with the exception of
variances explained below (Section 4.3.1).
The study team flew aerial transect surveys in January, which were scheduled to occur in
September in the Study Plan, to assess the abundance and density of ptarmigan using line-
transect or repeat-count techniques (Royle and Dorazio 2008; Thomas et al. 2010). In addition to
abundance, these surveys were designed to provide data on the overall distribution of all
ptarmigan (not just radio-tagged individuals) in GMU Subunits 13A and13E.
4.3.1. Variances
The March 2013 aerial transect surveys did not occur, as was indicated in the Study Plan. This
was an oversight in the Study Plan, as ADF&G had not intended to start the aerial surveys until
September 2013. The study team moved the aerial transect surveys planned for September 2013
in the Study Plan to mid-November to mid-December 2013 because snow conditions improve
the success of this method (K. S. Christie, University of Alaska Fairbanks, personal
communication). Unfortunately, weather conditions precluded safe and effective aerial surveys
during the intended November–December transect survey period. The study team was able to
complete this survey in January 2014.
4.4. Analysis of Radio Telemetry Data
ADF&G implemented the methods as described in the Study Plan, with no variances. After each
survey, the study team transferred data to a Microsoft Access database for analysis. The study
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 6 June 2014
team created maps using Geographic Information System (GIS) software (ArcMAP) for each
aerial survey day, indicating the location of each relocated Willow Ptarmigan. These data were
cataloged for use in spatial analyses.
4.4.1. Variances
No variances from the telemetry analysis methods described in the Study Plan occurred in 2013.
5. RESULTS
5.1. Capture and Radio-tagging
As of September18, 2013, a total of 41 Willow Ptarmigan (24 adult males, eight adult females,
nine juveniles) had been captured and radio-tagged for this study (Table 5.1-1). A total of 22
ptarmigan were captured at Busch Creek and 19 were captured at the Denali Highway site.
Access to most capture locations was very difficult in the spring of 2013, making it impossible
for the study team to deploy the planned total of 120 radio-tags.
The capture locations were primarily mixed shrub and subalpine spruce habitats at moderate
elevations (850–1,230 m). Busch Creek, upper Fog Creek, and upper Jay and Coal creeks were
dominated by exposed, unvegetated rocky slopes and lower elevation riparian areas composed
primarily of dwarf arctic birch (Betula nana) and willow shrubs (Salix spp.). The Denali
Highway capture location was at slightly lower elevation (800 m) with less topographic relief,
vegetated primarily with white spruce (Picea glauca), black spruce (P. mariana), resin birch (B.
glandulosa), and willow shrubs.
5.2. Survival
As of September 18, 2013, eight radio-tagged adults (19 percent) and one juvenile (11 percent)
had died. At the Denali Highway site, seven radio-tagged adults (37 percent) had died and at
Busch Creek one (7 percent) had died. The juvenile mortality occurred at Busch Creek. Two
birds captured at the Denali Highway location were killed by hunters.
5.3. Relocation and Movement Patterns
As of September 18, 2013, the study team had conducted three aerial surveys and three ground
surveys to relocate radio-tagged ptarmigan. Most (85 percent) radio-tagged birds moved <1 km
from the capture sites, but one bird at Busch Creek moved >1 km (8.8 km) and five birds near
the Denali Highway moved >1 km (8.2 km, 6.6 km, 6.2 km, 4.2 km, 5.4 km). The movements of
>1 km in the latter area were all in directions away from the main road corridor.
6. DISCUSSION
Despite poor weather, limited access, and deployment of fewer radio tags than planned, the 2013
season was productive. The challenges faced during the work in 2013 are not expected to affect
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 7 June 2014
the overall outcome of the project or the ability to complete the objectives outlined in the study
plan. The study team believes that the spring of 2013 was unusual and expects to have easier
access to road and non-road capture locations in the next study season. Capture experience and
improved locational familiarity gained during pre-project pilot testing will also help ensure
sufficient number of tags will be deployed during the coming field seasons. Use of mist nets
provided a means of capturing additional ptarmigan after a very abbreviated spring breeding
season in 2013 and thus allowed the Study Team to increase the modest sample size.
Postponement of the early winter transect flight from fall to winter improved conditions for the
survey and shifted the season in which occupancy data were obtained. The variances adopted in
2013 will not adversely affect the ability of the study team to accomplish the objectives of the
study. The data obtained on habitat use will be provided for use in the Evaluation of Wildlife
Habitat Use (Study 10.19) after the next year of study.
7. COMPLETING THE STUDY
[Section 7 appears in the Part C section of this ISR.]
8. LITERATURE CITED
Bergerud, A. T., S. S. Peters, and R. McGrath. 1963. Determining sex and age of Willow
Ptarmigan in Newfoundland. Journal of Wildlife Management 27: 700–711.
Braun, C. E., and G. E. Rogers. 1971. The White-tailed Ptarmigan in Colorado. Colorado
Division of Game, Fish, and Parks, Technical Publication No. 27.
Hudson, P. J. 1986. Red Grouse: The Biology and Management of a Wild Gamebird. The Game
Conservancy Trust, Fordingbridge, UK.
Irving, L., G. C. West, L. J. Peyton, and S. Paneak. 1967. Migration of Willow Ptarmigan in
Arctic Alaska. Arctic 20:77–85.
Merizon, R. A. 2013. Status of grouse, ptarmigan, and hare in Alaska, 2013. Alaska Department
of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management Report, ADF&G/DWC/WMR-2013-3. Palmer,
Alaska.
Paragi, T. F., J. D. Mason, and S. M. Brainerd. 2012. Summer habitat selection by Sharp-tailed
Grouse in eastern interior Alaska. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Federal Aid in
Wildlife Restoration, Final Research Report ADF&G/DWC/WRR-2012-#, Grants W-33-
8 and W-33-9, Project 10.01, Juneau, Alaska.
Peyton, L. J. 1999. Bird Songs of Alaska. Library of Natural Sounds, Cornell Laboratory of
Ornithology, Ithaca, NY.
Raymond, R. L. 1999. Sharp-tailed Grouse habitat study in eastern Interior Alaska. Alaska
Department of Fish and Game, Juneau.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 8 June 2014
Royle, J. A., and R. M. Dorazio. 2008. Hierarchical Modeling and Inference in Ecology: The
Analysis of Data from Populations, Metapopulations, and Communities. Academic Press,
San Diego, CA. xviii, 444 pp.
Savage, S. E., K. J. Payne, and R. T. Finer. 2011. Willow Ptarmigan pilot study, Alaska
Peninsula, May 2011. Unpublished report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 40 pp.
Sutherland, W. J., I. Newton, and R. Green. 2010. Bird Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook
of Techniques. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
Taylor, W. P. 2013. Status of upland game within Alaska’s highway system: A comprehensive
report focusing on 2007–2011. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of
Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Management Report 2013-1, ADF&G/DWC/WMR-
2013-1, Palmer, Alaska.
Thomas, L., S. T. Buckland, E. A. Rexstad, J. L. Laake, S. Strindberg, S. L. Hedley, J. R. B.
Bishop, and T. A. Marques. 2010. Distance software: design and analysis of distance
sampling surveys for estimating population size. Journal of Applied Ecology 47: 5–14.
Weeden, R. B., and A. Watson. 1967. Determining the age of Rock Ptarmigan in Alaska and
Scotland. Journal of Wildlife Management 31: 825–826.
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9. TABLES
Table 5.1-1. Demographic Characteristics of Willow Ptarmigan Radio-tagged in 2013.
Capture Period Location
Male Female Unknown
Total Juvenile Adult Juvenile Adult Juvenile Adult
May Denali Highway 2 8 5 2 0 0 17
Busch Creek 1 11 0 0 0 0 12
August Denali Highway 0 2 0 0 0 0 2
Busch Creek 0 4 1 1 4 0 10
Total 3 25 6 3 4 0 41
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10. FIGURES
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 11 June 2014
Figure 3-1.Willow Ptarmigan Study Area, 2013.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 12 June 2014
Figure 4.1-1.Willow Ptarmigan Capture Locations in 2013 and Planned Capture Locations for 2014.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT POPULATION ECOLOGY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN
IN GAME MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 STUDY (10.17)
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FERC Project No. 14241 Part A - Page 13 June 2014
Figure 4.1-2.Male Willow Ptarmigan equipped with an ATS 3950 Radio Transmitter. [Photo by Graham Fry,
2013]