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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, loafing, and foraging. Some prairie <br /> passerines such as meadowlarks and kingbirds would find suitable resources for foraging, <br /> while still lacking nesting habitat. Raptors would find foraging opportunities in the <br /> pasture for rodents and small mammal prey. Those bird species utilizing water features <br /> would find 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 loafing opportunities, as well as <br /> limited hunting and foraging cover. Lack of water features precludes significant usage by <br /> shorebirds and waterfowl due to limited food sources and resting areas. Finally, the lack <br /> of agricultural refuse (seeds, insects) precludes foraging by birds such as geese, <br /> blackbirds, and cranes. With the Cache la Poudre River, open water reservoirs, <br /> agricultural fields, and riparian woodlands within short distances, it is anticipated the <br /> usage of the project site by migrating species is minimal. <br /> Bird species observed or heard during the field investigation included the following <br /> common species; western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), house sparrow (Passer <br /> domesticus), red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), Eurasian collared dove <br /> (Streptopelia decaocto), blue jay (Cyanoncitta cristata), robin (Turdus migratorius), and <br /> a dark phase raptor (likely a red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis). <br /> Loveland Ready Mix Concrete Page 5 <br /> 2019 Knox Project Avian Nest Survey <br />