2018-08-30_PERMIT FILE - C1982057 (3)

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the spring when many flowers were blooming. Near the mouth of Hubberson Gulch, • forbs, grasses, and sedges also provide small patches of streamside habitat where red -winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), western meadowlark (Sturnella ne lecta), American robin, and common snipe were observed. A:;pen stands on the study area support a large number and diversity of birds despite their limited areal extent. Twenty-five species of birds were observed in these habitats during the spring, but only 10 species were observed during the fall survey. The most common species in the spring were house wren (Troglodytes aeden), American robin, violet -green swallow (Tachycineta thalassina), gray -headed junco (Junco hyemalis), western wood pewee (Contopus soridulus), solitary vireo (Vireo solitarius), warbling vireo (Vireoig lvus), yollow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata), and MacGillivrary's warbler. House wrens were by far the most abundant. Spotted sandpipers (Actitis macularia) were also observed at beaver ponds near the aspen stands. No house wrens were observed in the aspen during the fall survey; instead black -billed magpie, black -capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus) and green -tailed towhee were the dominant species. Rock outcrops occupy a very small portion of the study area but provide habitats for a • number of additional bird species. As discussed previously, golden eagles were observed on the cliffs during the spring survey, as were white -throated swifts (Aeronautes saxatalis), rock wrens (Salpinctes obsoletus), cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), and violet -green swallows. During the fall survey, mountain bluebirds were abundant near the rock outcrops. During the spring, seven species were observed in close association with rock outcrops, five of which were not observed elsewhere. The majority of avian species occurring on the study area are only summer residents breeding on the area and migrating to distant wintering grounds. The lower number of species observed during the fall census indicates that migrations of certain species had commenced by late September. Most of the raptors, upland game birds, woodpeckers, crows, jays, and ravens are permanent residents which might, however, undergo local migration to lower elevations during winter. The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), mountain chickadee (Parus ambeli), and perhaps some finches (Carpodacus sp.) and waxwings (6ombycilla sp.) may occur only as winter visitants. Vleiterfowl. Opportunistic sightings indicate that puddle ducks such as mallard Was is platyrhynchos), green -winged teal (Anas creeca), and blue -winged teal (Anas discors) are 22