The connectivity of spring stopover sites for geese heading to arctic breeding grounds.

This article discusses a study which examined the connectivity of stopover sites during the spring migration of Barnacle Geese. The estimated population of the Barnacle Goose during the study in Svalbard, Norway was 25,000. Particular focus is given to Norwegian staging areas, along with colony affiliation of the marked Barnacle Geese. An abdominal profile index was used to assess the body condition of ringed birds. Results of the study showed that majority of the birds were affiliated to the Kongsfjorden breeding colony. During 2003, 2004 and 2005, 241, 168 and 230 ringed Barnacle Geese with known colony affiliates were seen in Vårsolbukta, respectively.