Scientist holding an Yellow Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo is part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition program.
Alaska provides breeding habitat for more than 140 regularly occurring species of landbirds, half of which breed predominantly north of the U.S.–Canada border. The road-based North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides some data on population trends in Alaska, but most northern species are inadequately monitored by that continental program because of a paucity of roads.
Boreal Partners in Flight developed the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS) to monitor breeding populations of landbirds in the vast off-road areas of Alaska and to complement data collected from the roadside BBS.
The primary objective of ALMS is to monitor population trends of northern populations of landbirds using replicated point-count surveys in off-road areas to complement data collected by the roadside BBS.
Equally important, however, are similar surveys conducted for inventories or other purposes, which can be incorporated into analyses of distribution, habitat use, and population size (Figure 1 below). Most ALMS samples consist of a mini-grid of 12–25 points arrayed within a randomly shifted 10 km × 10 km grid across continental Alaska.
- Surveys for population trends are conducted biennially, with half of the samples surveyed in alternating years.
- Samples are stratified by accessibility and cost, and the initial stratum includes areas accessible by foot, vehicle, boat, or fixed-winged aircraft.
- The initial allocation of samples is concentrated in the Northern Pacific Rainforest and Northwestern Interior Rainforest Bird Conservation Regions, where landbird populations are most diverse and abundant.
- Additional samples have been allocated to Arctic and Western Alaska, and surveys in the remote Aleutian and Bering Sea islands are conducted by Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge biologists as logistics allow.
The updated (Handel et al. 2021) ALMS protocol specifies 10-minute point counts replicated once per breeding season, with bird detections recorded in time and distance intervals so that detection probability can be estimated.
- Associated data on habitat are collected the first summer point counts are conducted; thereafter, habitat surveys are repeated every 10 years or whenever a major disturbance has occurred.
- Long-term monitoring will enable analysis of change in bird populations in relation to fire, disease and insect damage, resource development, climate-related change, and other landscape-level disturbances.
ALMS has received broad backing from nine state, federal, and non-governmental agencies, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2005 supporting the program.
To find out more about how to participate in ALMS or add sampling sites, please see the additional information included on this site or contact the Program Coordinator.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Map with survey locations related to Bird Conservation Regions in AK
Figure 1. Locations of blocks and routes surveyed as part of the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS), North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR) monitoring program in relation to Bird Conservation Regions (US NABCI 2000) within Alaska.
- Solid markers are blocks and routes regularly surveyed for long-term bird population trends.
- Open markers show blocks and routes that have been surveyed irregularly or dropped (Other, Inactive).
Click on map for larger image
Additional information on ALMS
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
- Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey: Alaska Regional Protocol Framework for Monitoring Landbirds Using Point Counts (PDF 3414 KB)
- Revised protocol (Handel et al. 2021) for ALMS program on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands.
- Revised protocol (Handel et al. 2021) for ALMS program on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands.
- ALMS forms and reference materials (October 19, 2020; species' codes updated June 1, 2022)
- Data forms and reference sheets for collecting ALMS data in the field.
- Packing list of equipment and supplies needed when conducting ALMS surveys.
- A fillable form for completing a safety plan before heading to the field to conduct ALMS surveys.
- Supporting agencies—A memorandum of understanding supporting ALMS was signed in 2005 by nine federal, state, and non-governmental agencies.
- Original (2004) protocol for setting up and conducting surveys (PDF 828.26 KB)
- Original instructions (Handel and Cady 2004) for conducting ALMS surveys. See Handel et al. (2021) above for revised protocol.
- Original instructions (Handel and Cady 2004) for conducting ALMS surveys. See Handel et al. (2021) above for revised protocol.
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
Program coordinator
Steven M Matsuoka
Alaska Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
Anchorage, AK 99508
smatsuoka@usgs.gov
907-786-7075
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Boreal Partners in Flight
Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 45
Yellow Warbler in Alaska
Scientist holding an Yellow Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo is part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition program.
Juvenile Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Juvenile Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Juvenile Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Arctic Warbler in Alaska
Scientist holding an Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo is part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition program.
Scientist holding an Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo is part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition program.
Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska.
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gyrfalcons are present in Alaska too.
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gyrfalcons are present in Alaska too.
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska.
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska.
Closer view of Great Gray Owl in Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Closer view of Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada.
Closer view of Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada.
Great Gray Owl in Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Rufous Hummingbird in Bellingham, Washington
Rufous Hummingbird in Bellingham, Washington. Rufous Hummingbirds are present in southeast and some select southcentral locations in Alaska.
Rufous Hummingbird in Bellingham, Washington. Rufous Hummingbirds are present in southeast and some select southcentral locations in Alaska.
Close up of Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee in a bush
Black-capped Chickadee in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Seven Pine Siskins foraging for food on the ground in Juneau, Alaska
Seven Pine Siskins foraging for food on the ground in Juneau, Alaska.
Seven Pine Siskins foraging for food on the ground in Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Alaska provides breeding habitat for more than 140 regularly occurring species of landbirds, half of which breed predominantly north of the U.S.–Canada border. The road-based North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides some data on population trends in Alaska, but most northern species are inadequately monitored by that continental program because of a paucity of roads.
Boreal Partners in Flight developed the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS) to monitor breeding populations of landbirds in the vast off-road areas of Alaska and to complement data collected from the roadside BBS.
The primary objective of ALMS is to monitor population trends of northern populations of landbirds using replicated point-count surveys in off-road areas to complement data collected by the roadside BBS.
Equally important, however, are similar surveys conducted for inventories or other purposes, which can be incorporated into analyses of distribution, habitat use, and population size (Figure 1 below). Most ALMS samples consist of a mini-grid of 12–25 points arrayed within a randomly shifted 10 km × 10 km grid across continental Alaska.
- Surveys for population trends are conducted biennially, with half of the samples surveyed in alternating years.
- Samples are stratified by accessibility and cost, and the initial stratum includes areas accessible by foot, vehicle, boat, or fixed-winged aircraft.
- The initial allocation of samples is concentrated in the Northern Pacific Rainforest and Northwestern Interior Rainforest Bird Conservation Regions, where landbird populations are most diverse and abundant.
- Additional samples have been allocated to Arctic and Western Alaska, and surveys in the remote Aleutian and Bering Sea islands are conducted by Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge biologists as logistics allow.
The updated (Handel et al. 2021) ALMS protocol specifies 10-minute point counts replicated once per breeding season, with bird detections recorded in time and distance intervals so that detection probability can be estimated.
- Associated data on habitat are collected the first summer point counts are conducted; thereafter, habitat surveys are repeated every 10 years or whenever a major disturbance has occurred.
- Long-term monitoring will enable analysis of change in bird populations in relation to fire, disease and insect damage, resource development, climate-related change, and other landscape-level disturbances.
ALMS has received broad backing from nine state, federal, and non-governmental agencies, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2005 supporting the program.
To find out more about how to participate in ALMS or add sampling sites, please see the additional information included on this site or contact the Program Coordinator.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Map with survey locations related to Bird Conservation Regions in AK
Figure 1. Locations of blocks and routes surveyed as part of the Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey (ALMS), North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR) monitoring program in relation to Bird Conservation Regions (US NABCI 2000) within Alaska.
- Solid markers are blocks and routes regularly surveyed for long-term bird population trends.
- Open markers show blocks and routes that have been surveyed irregularly or dropped (Other, Inactive).
Click on map for larger image
Additional information on ALMS
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
- Alaska Landbird Monitoring Survey: Alaska Regional Protocol Framework for Monitoring Landbirds Using Point Counts (PDF 3414 KB)
- Revised protocol (Handel et al. 2021) for ALMS program on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands.
- Revised protocol (Handel et al. 2021) for ALMS program on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands.
- ALMS forms and reference materials (October 19, 2020; species' codes updated June 1, 2022)
- Data forms and reference sheets for collecting ALMS data in the field.
- Packing list of equipment and supplies needed when conducting ALMS surveys.
- A fillable form for completing a safety plan before heading to the field to conduct ALMS surveys.
- Supporting agencies—A memorandum of understanding supporting ALMS was signed in 2005 by nine federal, state, and non-governmental agencies.
- Original (2004) protocol for setting up and conducting surveys (PDF 828.26 KB)
- Original instructions (Handel and Cady 2004) for conducting ALMS surveys. See Handel et al. (2021) above for revised protocol.
- Original instructions (Handel and Cady 2004) for conducting ALMS surveys. See Handel et al. (2021) above for revised protocol.
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
Program coordinator
Steven M Matsuoka
Alaska Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
Anchorage, AK 99508
smatsuoka@usgs.gov
907-786-7075
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Boreal Partners in Flight
Welcome to the Alaska Landbird Resource Information System, the official web site for Boreal Partners in Flight! Thanks for taking the time to learn more about the Boreal Partners in Flight program and our efforts to understand and conserve northern populations of landbirds.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 45
Yellow Warbler in Alaska
Scientist holding an Yellow Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo is part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition program.
Scientist holding an Yellow Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo is part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition program.
Juvenile Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Juvenile Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Juvenile Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Arctic Warbler in Alaska
Scientist holding an Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo is part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition program.
Scientist holding an Arctic Warbler on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo is part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystems Boreal-Arctic Transition program.
Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Bluethroat on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska. This photo was taken on the Seward Peninsula as part of the Changing Arctic Ecosystem Boreal-Arctic Transition Zone program.
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Horned Owl in a tree in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Pygmy-Owl at night in Juneau, Alaska.
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gyrfalcons are present in Alaska too.
Gyrfalcon in a tree near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gyrfalcons are present in Alaska too.
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska.
Short-eared Owl in the Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl on a building in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska.
Northern Hawk Owl in a tree in Juneau, Alaska.
Closer view of Great Gray Owl in Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Closer view of Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada.
Closer view of Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada.
Great Gray Owl in Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Great Gray Owl on a fence post in Peace River, Alberta, Canada. This species of owl is present in Alaska also.
Rufous Hummingbird in Bellingham, Washington
Rufous Hummingbird in Bellingham, Washington. Rufous Hummingbirds are present in southeast and some select southcentral locations in Alaska.
Rufous Hummingbird in Bellingham, Washington. Rufous Hummingbirds are present in southeast and some select southcentral locations in Alaska.
Close up of Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee in a bush
Black-capped Chickadee in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Black-capped Chickadee perched in a bush. This species of chickadee is important in Alaska.
Seven Pine Siskins foraging for food on the ground in Juneau, Alaska
Seven Pine Siskins foraging for food on the ground in Juneau, Alaska.
Seven Pine Siskins foraging for food on the ground in Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
A Bald Eagle on Juneau Beach in Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.
Bald Eagle on a broken tree on shore of Juneau Beach, Juneau, Alaska.