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predation evidence. Nests were identified as to species, based on nest configuration and <br />construction material and location(position in tree, shrub, or ground). <br />RESULTS AND DISCUSSION <br />Nest Survey <br />A total of two avian nests were identified (a number of squirrel nests were identified but <br />are not discussed here). Nests identified within the project site during the bird nest <br />survey were both attributed to magpies (Pica hudsonia) (Figures 2-4) based on the <br />geometry and construction of the loose twig and stick nests (Sibley, 2001, Bailey and <br />Niedrach, 1965). Neither of the nests was found to be active during our survey. Nests <br />were located in Chinese elm trees within the site. <br />A subsequent on-line investigation of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation <br />Commission web site map of special wildlife species (http://dnrwebmapgdev.state.co.us- <br />mg2012app/) identified bald eagle nests 1.76 miles east and 4.0 miles northwest of the <br />project site. A golden eagle nest site was identified 2.1 miles northwest of the project <br />site, and osprey nests to the southeast and northwest of the project site, ranging from 1.0 <br />to 4.6 miles from the project site(Figure 5). <br />Avian Project Site Use: Nesting,Foraging, and Migration <br />As described, the project site contains little in the way of significant avian habitat for the <br />majority of avian species. The uniform unstratified vegetation community contains few <br />shrubs and trees for use in courtship, nesting, loafmg, and foraging. Some prairie <br />passerines such as meadowlarks and kingbirds would fmd suitable resources for foraging, <br />while still lacking nesting habitat. Raptors would fmd foraging opportunities in the <br />pasture for rodents and small mammal prey. Those bird species utilizing water features <br />would fmd little in the project site that satisfies their requirements. <br />The same vegetation and topographic limitations would apply to migrating species. The <br />lack of trees and shrubs precludes significant resting and loafmg opportunities, as well as <br />Loveland Ready Mix Concrete Page 4 <br />2018 Knox Project Avian Nest Survey