Demograhic characteristics of the common loon in the upper Great Lakes

Abstract

Capture, marking and release of birds began at the end of the 19^th century and has increased in application to better understand the natural history of birds. The method of leg banding (or "ringing" in Europe) is now widely accepted as the primary means for determining movements, longevity, and individual performance of birds. By recapturing birds or using remote identification methods through auxiliary marking techniques, investigators can follow individuals over time and even determine lifetime reproductive success (LRS). Although LRS studies are difficult (Newton 1992 identified only 23 major studies worldwide) shorter-term marking studies have provided extensive information for many birds species in North America.

Citation

Evers, David C.; Kaplan, Joseph D.; Reaman, Peter S. 2000. Demograhic characteristics of the common loon in the upper Great Lakes. In: McIntyre, J.W.; Evers, D.C., eds. Loons: old history and new findings, proceedings of a symposium from the 1997 meeting of the American Ornithologists'' Union; 1997 August 15; Minneapolis, MN. Holderness, NH: North American Loon Fund: 78-90.