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4-50 <br />what intermediate between the moist habitats near East <br />• Salt Creek and the dry habitats higher on the slopes. <br />Avian diversity undoubtedly bears some correlation to this <br />habitat gradient, as is suggested in Table 4.6-8 which <br />shows the fewest bird species for the driest site, the <br />mixed mountain shrub. <br />Although the valley floors within the lease area have the <br />greatest bird diversity, the rimrock on the higher slopes <br />are more important as nesting habitat for raptors, parti- <br />cularly golden eagles. Red-tailed hawks and golden eagles <br />were observed perched and hunting among the rimrock on a <br />number or occasions. Nests of these species, however, were <br />not located even though the cliff faces were carefully ex- <br />• amined. <br />Mourning doves were common in the lease area, although <br />they were not as numerous as long a proposed rail line <br />corridor route. Chuckar were seen only once, with a group <br />of five birds having been observed in July near East Salt <br />Creek. <br />Waterfowl and Water Birds <br />Waterfowl were not observed within the lease area, al- <br />though mallards probably occur occasionally. The spotted <br />sandpiper was the only species of shorebird observed. <br />. The open water habitat of East Salt Creek, although valu- <br />able to wildlife, is not a high quality habitat for semi- <br />aquatic birds. <br />