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the predominant group of waterfowl species which utilize aquatic habitat present on the study area. <br />Beaver ponds located in the upper Hubberson Gulch (Section 34, TSN, R88W) supported some duck <br />production in 1979, as three different mallard hens with young were observed to utilize thes ponds in <br />June. <br />Threatened or Endangeredpecies No Federally -listed Threatened or Endangered animal species are <br />likely to occur on the study area. The bald eagle is known to winter along the Yampa River and may <br />occasionally wander over the study area, but suitable habitat for wintering bald eagles is not present in <br />the Seneca IIW` study area. Although not listed as Threatened or Endangered, the golden eagle has been <br />given the same legal protection as the bald eagle by virtue of its inclusion in the "Bald Eagle Protection <br />Act". Golden eagles have been shown to utilize the study area, and one active nest was found in <br />Hubberson Gulch, as indicated in Table 11-10. <br />The Greater sandhill crane (Gnus Canadensis) is listed as a species of Special Concern by the State of <br />Colorado and may rarely wander onto the study area. Sandhill cranes are known to utilize portions of <br />the Yampa River Valley for migration and for dancing and staging areas. Wildlife Resources <br />Information (inventory maps) obtained from the CDOW classifies the Yampa River north of the Permit <br />Area as a migration zone. The area to the west of the confluence of Sage Creek and the Yampa River in <br />the vicinity of the Hayden Power Station is designated as a dancing and migration zone. Nesting by <br />approximately three sandhill cranes occurs below the Sage Creek Reservoir (CDOW Wildlife Resources <br />Information). <br />The status of the Greater sandhill crane was summarized by Bieniasz (1979). According to her <br />discussion, the Morgan Bottom area near Hayden Colorado is a traditional migration staging area for the <br />greater sandhill crane. The area is used by approximately 250 cranes during April, May, and September. <br />The birds roost at night in meadows adjacent to the Yampa River and disperse during daytime to <br />traditional congregation areas. One such area, used for feeding, loafing, and courtship activities, is <br />located near the Tie -Across Haulroad, between US Highway 40 and County Road 51A. Based on maps <br />(Bieniasz, 1979), the haulroad would pass within about 0.75 mile of the crane use area (Exhibit 11-1). <br />The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is classified as Endangered by both the USFWS and Colorado. <br />No suitable habitat exists for this species in the vicinity of the Seneca IIW area, however, peregrines <br />may travel through the area during their migration. <br />The Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) and Western yellow -billed cuckoo (Cuccyzus <br />americanus) are believed to occur in the general area, however, there have been no confirmed sightings <br />or occurrences of these two species within or in the vicinity of the Seneca IIW Permit Area. An area <br />along the Yampa River, west of Hayden has been identified as potential habitat for the yellow -billed <br />cuckoo, based on possible identification of a call during a general survey of characteristic habitat. <br />23 12/07/16 <br />