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
Coping with the cold: An ecological context for the abundance and distribution of rock sandpipers during winter in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska
Ecological correlates of variable organ sizes and fat loads in the most northerly-wintering shorebirds
Intercontinental migratory connectivity and population structuring of Dunlins from western Alaska
Identical metabolic rate and thermal conductance in Rock Sandpiper (Calidris ptilocnemis) subspecies with contrasting nonbreeding life histories
Small population size of Pribilof Rock Sandpipers confirmed through distance-sampling surveys in Alaska
Paired serologic and polymerase chain reaction analyses of avian influenza prevalence in Alaskan shorebirds
Geographic variation in morphology of Alaska-breeding Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) is not maintained on their nonbreeding grounds in New Zealand
Coelomic implantation of satellite transmitters in the bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica) and the bristle-thighed curlew (Numenius tahitiensis) using propofol, bupivacaine, and lidocaine
Ecological factors regulating brood attendance patterns of the western sandpiper calidris mauri
Inventory of montane-nesting birds in Katmai and Lake Clark national parks and preserves
The blind men and the elephant: Concerns about the use of juvenile proportion data
Inventory of montane-nesting birds in the Arctic Network of National Parks, Alaska
Science and Products
Coping with the cold: An ecological context for the abundance and distribution of rock sandpipers during winter in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska
Ecological correlates of variable organ sizes and fat loads in the most northerly-wintering shorebirds
Intercontinental migratory connectivity and population structuring of Dunlins from western Alaska
Identical metabolic rate and thermal conductance in Rock Sandpiper (Calidris ptilocnemis) subspecies with contrasting nonbreeding life histories
Small population size of Pribilof Rock Sandpipers confirmed through distance-sampling surveys in Alaska
Paired serologic and polymerase chain reaction analyses of avian influenza prevalence in Alaskan shorebirds
Geographic variation in morphology of Alaska-breeding Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) is not maintained on their nonbreeding grounds in New Zealand
Coelomic implantation of satellite transmitters in the bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica) and the bristle-thighed curlew (Numenius tahitiensis) using propofol, bupivacaine, and lidocaine
Ecological factors regulating brood attendance patterns of the western sandpiper calidris mauri
Inventory of montane-nesting birds in Katmai and Lake Clark national parks and preserves
The blind men and the elephant: Concerns about the use of juvenile proportion data
Inventory of montane-nesting birds in the Arctic Network of National Parks, Alaska
*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