Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) had two different seasonal patterns of occurrence at Yaquina Estuary. At embayment areas with eelgrass (Zostera marina), Brant typically arrived between October 22 and November 4, Brant numbers progressively climbed in November, Brant abundance in December-January was relatively constant, and Brant numbers often fluctuated greatly...
Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) distribution was monitored and eelgrass beds (Zostera marina) were mapped during the spring migration of 1976. Brant used eelgrass areas significantly, and human disturbance and tide height were important factors influencing Brant distribution and activity.