Daniel R Ruthrauff, Ph.D.
Reproductive and migration ecology of shorebirds; shorebird population demography
My career in Alaska began in 1996, working as a seasonal technician on various bird studies. Today, my research broadly investigates the biotic and abiotic factors that affect bird populations. My projects primarily focus on shorebirds as study subjects, but I also have extensive experience studying landbirds and waterfowl. My work focuses on documenting the status and distribution of shorebirds, studying the migration ecology of shorebirds, and assessing the reproductive ecology of Alaska-breeding shorebirds. Because most of Alaska's shorebirds are migratory, I collaborate on international efforts on many of these same topics. My current research focuses on the interactive effects of climate change and rapidly expanding goose populations on shorebirds, landbirds, and their breeding habitats in Arctic Alaska.
Professional Experience
2015 - Present Research Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center
2002 - 2015 Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center
1999 - 2001 Biological Technician, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Bethel, Alaska
1996 - 1999 Biological Technician, U.S. Geological Survey / Alaska Science Center
1995 - 1996 Volunteer Field Assistant, various projects
1995 Groundfish Observer, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska
1991 - 1992 Freshwater Fisheries Extension Agent, United States Peace Corps, Togo, West Africa
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2014 University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Animal Ecology
M.S. 2002 Humboldt State University Arcata, California Wildlife Management
B.A. 1991 University of Colorado, Boulder Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Ornithological Society
Wader Study Group
Science and Products
Shorebird avoidance of nearshore feeding and roosting areas at night correlates with presence of a nocturnal avian predator
Survival of Western Sandpiper broods on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Additions to the avifauna of St Matthew Island, Bering Sea
Response of predators to Western Sandpiper nest exclosures
Spatial variation in shorebird nest success: Implications for inference
Densities of breeding birds and changes in vegetation in an alaskan boreal forest following a massive disturbance by spruce beetles
Science and Products
Shorebird avoidance of nearshore feeding and roosting areas at night correlates with presence of a nocturnal avian predator
Survival of Western Sandpiper broods on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Additions to the avifauna of St Matthew Island, Bering Sea
Response of predators to Western Sandpiper nest exclosures
Spatial variation in shorebird nest success: Implications for inference
Densities of breeding birds and changes in vegetation in an alaskan boreal forest following a massive disturbance by spruce beetles
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government