This dataset includes tables summarizing image information and bird counts from the aerial digital images taken over open water at Izembek Lagoon in Alaska in fall 2017-2019. These summaries list one record per image and provide the camera parameters, latitude, longitude, altitude, and automated and manual counts representing the total number of birds in each taxon (brant, white-cheeked geese, emperor geese, gulls, and other birds) identified in the image. The original images (.JPG format) and annotations are provided in an accompanying USGS data release (Weiser et al. 2022).

The imagery and annotations presented here were generated while testing an aerial photographic survey design to improve repeatability, transparency, and estimation of variance for annual population estimates of geese staging at Izembek Lagoon, Alaska. This dataset includes 1) 131,031 .JPG images captured from a small fixed-wing occupied aircraft, usually at an altitude of about 457 m, over Izembek Lagoon; 2) annotations of objects (geese, ducks, and gulls) assigned by an automated algorithm, and 3) manually corrected annotations that were edited by project staff for only those photos automatically identified as containing geese of any species. The photos were captured at predetermined points to systematically sample the waterfowl present on the open water of the lagoon. The systematic sample included photo points over land around the periphery of the lagoon (at the beginning and end of each transect), but only photos that were triggered over open water were evaluated for the presence of waterfowl. The overland photos are included here for completeness, but were not processed and do not have associated annotations or count data. The photos and annotations are organized by year (2017-2019), date (one replicate of the survey [usually complete, but sometimes partial] was conducted on each date, with a total of three surveys in September/October of each year), and camera (two full-frame cameras were used on each replicate, providing non-overlapping images). The full dataset totals 1.82 TB. The EXIF data for each .JPG include the camera parameters and latitude, longitude, and altitude at which the image was captured. Most photos were captured at standard parameters (approximately 457 m altitude and 200 mm focal length, producing an average photo footprint of 4555 sq m [83.1 m × 54.8 m]), but some were captured at other altitudes or shorter focal lengths to evaluate the effect on identifying objects in photos. Photo locations were spaced 62 m apart along each transect; the footprints of photos taken at standard parameters rarely overlapped by approximately 1–2 m when the camera triggering system experienced a brief delay, but photos at lower altitudes or shorter focal lengths sometimes overlapped extensively. Annotations are provided as the coordinates (with pixels as the unit) of each object detected in the photo, with the automatically or manually assigned identification of each object (i.e., bird taxon), in one file per photo (.csv and .json versions). Summary data from the images, including all pertinent metadata and the automated and manual waterbird counts for each image, are available as an accompanying USGS data release (Weiser et al. 2022). The data are organized in three child items (one for each year), each with ZIP packages (< 50 GB) for download.

The imagery and annotations presented here were generated while testing an aerial photographic survey design to improve repeatability, transparency, and estimation of variance for annual population estimates of geese staging at Izembek Lagoon, Alaska. This dataset includes 1) 131,031 .JPG images captured from a small fixed-wing occupied aircraft, usually at an altitude of about 457 m, over Izembek Lagoon; 2) annotations of objects (geese, ducks, and gulls) assigned by an automated algorithm, and 3) manually corrected annotations that were edited by project staff for only those photos automatically identified as containing geese of any species. The photos were captured at predetermined points to systematically sample the waterfowl present on the open water of the lagoon. The systematic sample included photo points over land around the periphery of the lagoon (at the beginning and end of each transect), but only photos that were triggered over open water were evaluated for the presence of waterfowl. The overland photos are included here for completeness, but were not processed and do not have associated annotations or count data. The photos and annotations are organized by year (2017-2019), date (one replicate of the survey [usually complete, but sometimes partial] was conducted on each date, with a total of three surveys in September/October of each year), and camera (two full-frame cameras were used on each replicate, providing non-overlapping images). The full dataset totals 1.82 TB. The EXIF data for each .JPG include the camera parameters and latitude, longitude, and altitude at which the image was captured. Most photos were captured at standard parameters (approximately 457 m altitude and 200 mm focal length, producing an average photo footprint of 4555 sq m [83.1 m × 54.8 m]), but some were captured at other altitudes or shorter focal lengths to evaluate the effect on identifying objects in photos. Photo locations were spaced 62 m apart along each transect; the footprints of photos taken at standard parameters rarely overlapped by approximately 1–2 m when the camera triggering system experienced a brief delay, but photos at lower altitudes or shorter focal lengths sometimes overlapped extensively. Annotations are provided as the coordinates (with pixels as the unit) of each object detected in the photo, with the automatically or manually assigned identification of each object (i.e., bird taxon), in one file per photo (.csv and .json versions). Summary data from the images, including all pertinent metadata and the automated and manual waterbird counts for each image, are available as an accompanying USGS data release (Weiser et al. 2022).

The data in this table document the numbers of four species of shorebird counted during aerial surveys of coastal sites in western Alaska. Survey regions encompassed coastline between the mouths of the Kuskokwim and Yukon rivers, and the northern coast of the Alaska Peninsula from the mouths of the Kvichak and Naknek rivers to Nelson Lagoon. Surveys were flown from 7-9 September 2018 and 20-22 August 2019. Also provided are two Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files with the start and end points of the aerial survey transect segments, and copies of the aerial survey images from which the counts were derived.

The data in this table document the numbers of four species of shorebird counted during aerial surveys of coastal sites in western Alaska. Survey regions encompassed coastline between the mouths of the Kuskokwim and Yukon rivers, and the northern coast of the Alaska Peninsula from the mouths of the Kvichak and Naknek rivers to Nelson Lagoon. Surveys were flown from 7-9 September 2018 and 20-22 August 2019. Also provided are two Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files with the start and end points of the aerial survey transect segments, and copies of the aerial survey images from which the counts were derived.

This data release consists of one table of multi-year observations of Rock Sandpipers (Calidris ptilocnemis) and aerial photographs of Rock Sandpiper flocks at sites in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska, 1997-2014.

This data release consists of one table of multi-year observations of Rock Sandpipers (Calidris ptilocnemis) and aerial photographs of Rock Sandpiper flocks at sites in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska, 1997-2014.

This package contains seven tables of avian and habitat survey data from Bering Land Bridge National Preserve; part of the Arctic National Park Network (ARCN), Alaska. Tables include: 1) characteristics of bird survey sites, 2) vegetation classification at survey sites, 3) shorebird and predator detection surveys, 4) spot check bird surveys, 5) all bird species detection surveys, 6) taxonomic details of observed birds, and 7) point count habitat photos. Additionally, geospatial data corresponding to subsections, survey plots, and points are included with this data release in folder "montaneBirdInventory_geospatial_BELA". All data pertaining to the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is also released as part of a study on Bristle-thighed Curlew abundance and habitat use on the Seward Peninsula. Note: The data presented in this release were collected following an unpublished protocol (C. Handel et al. unpubl., USGS ASC, Anchorage, AK).

This package contains seven tables of avian and habitat survey data from Bering Land Bridge National Preserve; part of the Arctic National Park Network (ARCN), Alaska. Tables include: 1) characteristics of bird survey sites, 2) vegetation classification at survey sites, 3) shorebird and predator detection surveys, 4) spot check bird surveys, 5) all bird species detection surveys, 6) taxonomic details of observed birds, and 7) point count habitat photos. Additionally, geospatial data corresponding to subsections, survey plots, and points are included with this data release in folder "montaneBirdInventory_geospatial_BELA". All data pertaining to the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is also released as part of a study on Bristle-thighed Curlew abundance and habitat use on the Seward Peninsula. Note: The data presented in this release were collected following an unpublished protocol (C. Handel et al. unpubl., USGS ASC, Anchorage, AK).

This data package presents legacy data collected during 1985-1987 at Izembek Lagoon on the western end of the Alaska Peninsula. The data were collected in support of a multi-year study focused on aircraft disturbance of waterfowl, particularly Black Brant, Emperor Geese, and Cackling Geese. The study was conducted at Izembek Lagoon and included several study sites within the lagoon: Halfway Point, Grant Point, Outer Marker, Quarter Point, Applegate Cove, Norma Bay, Round Island, and Banding Island. The primary objectives were to 1) define the time periods that are most important for geese, 2) determine if certian portions of Izembek Lagoon are more important than other areas, 3) evaluate factors that influence distribution of geese within Izembek Lagoon, and 4) compare use by geese of Izembek Lagoon with use of other adjacent lagoons to determine relative importance. The raw data are provided in a .CSV format, however, PDF digital scans of original field data sheets, tables, figures, and maps are also available upon request.