"Ashkui" Vernal Ice-cover Phenomena and Their Ecological Role in Southern Labrador

Authors

  • Shauna M. Baillie Biology Department, P.O. Box 5000, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5
  • Corinne D. Wilkerson Biology Department, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 3X9
  • Tina L. Newbury 10 Highland Avenue, Corner Brook, Newfoundland A2H 2Y5

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v118i2.927

Keywords:

River Otter, Lutra canadensis, Common Goldeneye, Bucephala, clangula, Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, predator-prey interactions, staging waterfowl, ashkui, Labrador

Abstract

This is the first documented incident of River Otter (Lutra canadensis) feeding on Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) in a little studied region, southern Labrador. Our observations were made during spring staging when waterfowl aggregate at open water sites in frozen lakes and rivers, locally known as ashkui. We suggest that otters and raptors opportunistically forage on staging waterfowl at ashkui.

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Issue

Vol. 118 No. 2 (2004)

Section

Notes

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