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5.6.2.4 Raptors
Previous and on-going wildlife surveys have documented several raptor species within the
wildlife survey area including the golden eagle (
Aquila chrysaetos
), bald eagle (
Haliaeetus
leucocephalus
), northern goshawk (
Accipiter gentilis
), red-tailed hawk (
Buteo jamaicensis
), and
prairie falcon (
Falco mexicanus
).
Surveys specific to bald eagles and northern goshawks were conducted within the survey area
in winter 2011/2012 and spring/summer 2012, respectively. In conjunction with those searches,
biologists were also watchful for other nesting diurnal raptor species including the Cooper’s
hawk (
Accipiter cooperii
), broad-winged hawk (
Buteo platypterus
), red-tailed hawk (
Buteo
jamaicensis
), and golden eagle (
Aquila chrysaetos
). All previously documented nests were
monitored by contracted biologists or the Forest Service to determine their nesting status
(active/inactive) and condition for the year. When possible, active nests were monitored during
the breeding season to document nest success and productivity. Some of the nesting raptor
species detected within the Project Area to date include the northern goshawk, red-tailed hawk,
Cooper’s hawk, and broad-winged hawk.
New nests were mapped and the tree was flagged with solid pink survey tape and marked
“Wildlife Tree.” The Wildlife Baseline Report will include a discussion of raptor use of the area, a
topographic map depicting all nest sites within the study area, and the nesting history of each
nest site, when available.
All raptor sightings were and will continue to be documented within the survey area throughout
the entire baseline study period. Seasonal raptor use of the survey area will be determined by
reviewing existing data, and compiling results from specific surveys and incidental observations.
Information detailing all raptor sightings within the survey area during baseline studies will be
provided in the Wildlife Baseline Report.
5.6.2.5 Other Migratory and Breeding Birds
Point-count transect surveys that follow the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory protocols (Hanni
et al., 2009) were conducted in spring 2012. Some of the other avian species detected from
those surveys and previous inventory efforts in the Project Area include the black-backed
woodpecker (
Picoides arcticus
), hairy woodpecker (
Picoides villosus
), brown creeper (
Certhia
americana
), dark-eyed junco (
Junco hyemalis
), downy woodpecker (
Picoides pubescens
)
,
American robin (
Turdus migratorius
), black-capped chickadee (
Poecile atricapillus
), gray jay
(
Perisoreus canadensis
), American dipper (
Cinclus mexicanus
), gray-crowned rosy finch
(
Leucosticte tephrocotis
), white-breasted nuthatch (
Sitta carolinensis
), red-breasted nuthatch
(
Sitta canadensis
), black-billed magpie (
Pica nuttalli
), blue jay (
Cyanocitta cristata
), crow
(
Corvus corax
), lazuli bunting (
Passerina amoena
), ovenbird (
Seiurus aurocapillus
), and
MacGillivray's warbler (
Oporornis tolmiei
). A variety of additional terrestrial avian species occur
in the Project Area and vicinity. All survey results will describe avian species richness and
relative abundance within each major habitat type in the survey area. All results from the point-
count surveys will be included in the Wildlife Baseline Report.
5.6.2.6 Reptiles and Amphibians
Specific surveys for reptiles and amphibians associated with wetland habitats were conducted
between May and September 2012. Reptile surveys included placement of 15 cover boards
located along riparian corridors and other favorable habitats for snakes. All boards were
checked biweekly during that period. Pedestrian surveys for amphibians were also conducted
once in May and once in August to search wetlands and riparian habitats associated with
drainages that extend into the proposed disturbance area (Beaver Creek, Whitetail Creek, and
Whitelaw Creek).
