Observations of geese foraging for clam shells during spring on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska.: An article from: Wilson Bulletin

This digital document is an article from Wilson Bulletin, published by Wilson Ornithological Society on September 1, 1998. The length of the article is 1723 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the author: We studied the behavior of geese on exposed river ice during spring on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. The predominant behavior while on the ice for both sexes was foraging; however, females foraged more than males. Visual inspection of the ice revealed no potential plant or animal food items. However, numerous small ([less than]20 mm) clam shells (Macoma balthica) and pieces of shell were noted. It appeared that geese were foraging on empty clam shells. This potential source of calcium was available to breeding geese just prior to egg formation and geese likely stored this calcium in the form of medullary bone for use during egg formation.

Citation Details
Title: Observations of geese foraging for clam shells during spring on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska.
Author: Paul L. Flint
Publication:Wilson Bulletin (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 1998
Publisher: Wilson Ornithological Society
Volume: v110 Issue: n3 Page: p411(3)

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