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3.33 (Mustela vison), and beaver (Castor canadensis) are the most common forbearers associated with habitats occurring within the Ruedi study area. No bald eagle nests are known in the vicinity of Ruedi Reservoir and the Fryingpan River. The area between Ruedi Reservoir and Basalt receives sporadic winter use, with 1 or 2 eagles reported during aerial surveys each year from 1979 to 1981. Bald eagles are frequently sighted in the area in the winter, but their numbers are apparently low (erode, 1982). No communal night roosts and only 1 or 2 hunting perches have been reported along the Fryingpan River (Grode, 1982). Peregrine falcons do not nest in the area, but suitable nest sites are available. The river and associated riparian zones are considered hunting habitat (Craig, 1978). Falcons would be rare migrants in the area. Waterfowl occur in the section of the Fryingpan below Ruedi, primarily in the winter, and could supplement bald eagle diets. Nongame birds are abundant in the summer and could provide prey items for nesting falcons. Muskrat, beaver, and mink also occur in this section of the Fryingpan. A bald eagle nest was located along the Roaring Fork River between Basalt and Glenwood Springs, but has not been successful due to early abandonment (Northwest Colorado Wildlife Consortium, 1982b). Winter use is considerably greater on the Roaring Fork River than at Ruedi Reservoir or the Fryingpan River, with mid-winter counts of 16, 17, and 11 eagles recorded from 1979 to 1981, respectively. Although no communal night roosts have been reported, 4 to 6 hunting perches have been reported along the Roaring Fork River (Grode, 1982). No peregrine falcon nests are known from this section of the Roaring Fork River. It is, however, considered potential hunting habitat. Waterfowl are fairly common on the Roaring Fork River in the winter, and provide potential prey for bald eagles. Nongame birds are common and could provide prey items for nesting falcons. Muskrat, beaver, and mink also occur in the area. The Colorado River between Glenwood Springs and Cameo is a very important bald eagle wintering area. Several communal night roosts have been reported, and hunting perches are common (Grode, 1982). In 1981, 31 eagles were recorded during a January mid-winter count between New Castle and Palisade (Fisher et al., 1981). Although eagles are recorded along most sections of the river, a 30-mile segment between Rifle and the east entrance to DeBeque Canyon is considered a winter concentration area. One active nest has been reported along the Colorado River near Rifle, but it was unsuccessful in the 1980-81 season (Grode, 1982).