Rapid warming since the 19th century is transforming the Arctic, including its freshwater ecosystems as warmer temperatures and greater nutrient inputs from a greening landscape are increasing lake and pond productivity. However, nutrients from growing avian nesting colonies can have a much greater effect on aquatic primary production, as undisturbed Arctic catchments have relatively low nutrient inputs. Therefore, a more complete assessment of climate warming’s influence on Arctic aquatic primary production should consider how warming may influence avian population dynamics.