Shorebird surveys conducted to determine habitat types in Queen Elizabeth Islands, Canadian Arctic Archipelago

Shorebird surveys were conducted in three parts: 1. Aerial Surveys: Flight height = 30m, Flight speed = 80 km/h. We marked (GPS) locations along the route that were large patches of monotypic habitat (wetlands, uplands: dense vegetation, uplands: sparse vegetation, uplands: shrubs, unvegetated). 2. "Low and slow" Aerial Surveys: Flight height = 10-15m, Flight speed = 40 km/h. Surveys were conducted in large patches of monotypic habitat, particularly wetlands and uplands:dense vegetation. Habitat type was recorded and shorebirds were identified and recorded to species. Transect was marked (GPS) at the beginning and at the end. Transect width was 100m on each side. 3. Ground Surveys: Surveys were conducted in wetlands and uplands:dense vegetation, or fine patchworks of the two. Habitat type was recorded and each surveyor walked around for 20-30 minutes, radiating outward from the helicopter. All birds seen or heard were recorded. Start and finish times and an estimate of ground covered were recorded. Location where helicopter landed was marked (GPS). "Rope drags" were done at some ground survey locations. The area surrounding a wetland was systematically covered by both observers with a rope with soft trailers dangling from it stretched between them. [Note: There is no standardized selection process for "low and slow" flights or for ground surveys beyond the requirement for wetlands or areas where wetlands and uplands are present in a fine patchwork.]