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• Intense ground truthing of the area at the confluence of Hubbard Creek and the River failed to identify flycatcher nests of any kind. Access and visibility in this area was at its best on November 17, 1995, as all of the leaves on the willows had fallen. Due to the localized nature of this willow grove, the entire area was observed in detail. METHODS AND MATERIALS Standard methods for detection of bird species usually require both visual and auditory identification . Because this study was commissioned in the fall of the year, alternate methods for detection of avian species were utilized. In addition to visual sightings, aerial and ground studies were utilized to identify nesting loc~tions and appropriate nesting habitat for the species in question . Aerial Survey methods lend themselves well to location and identification of cliff nesting raptor species . Because this area possesses great topography, and various formations outcrop into shallow cliff formations, the opportunity for discovery of cliff nests was possible. In addition, the proximity of the area to perennial watercourses made it necessary to ascertain the existence of nesting locations along cliffs. In order to utilize natural boundaries to define limits of influence of the proposed project, Hubbard Creek to the East, East Fork of Terror Creek, to the west, the ridge crestline to the North, and the North Fork of the Gunnison River to the south seemed to provide logical, repeatable, well defined natural delimiters (Figure 1.). This would define the study area for aerial survey techniques, and subsequent ground truthing as well as supplemental observational data gathering. On October 23, 1995, Enviro25 flew 1.5 hours of methodical air survey utilizing a Cessna 172 STOL equipped aircraft. Minimum speeds of 58 mph and maximum speeds of 72 mph were employed to fly within 200 feet of most cliff outcrops within the study area. Some outcrops were in deep box canyons which did not view well from the air. These areas were noted and, where possible, visited on foot. Visual enhancement was accomplished through use of Leitz 8x26 binoculars. Several transects along the North Fork of the Gunnison, traversing approximately three miles of riparian river course on the north side of the #iver, were surveyed to locate potential willow/tamarisk habitats that may provide nesting opportunity for the southwestern Willow Flycatcher. On November 17, 1995, Enviro25 visited the study area by vehicle and on foot. Two cliff areas (of the three identified) were visited by road and foot, and all accessible areas of the rivercourse (much is private and much did not possess appropriate habitat components) were surveyed on the premise they may ~ontain appropriate Southwestern Willow Flycatcher nesting habitat .