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• km). Twenty-four bird species have been observed in the reclaimed grass, fewer than in any other habitat. There are no species that have been found only on the reclaimed grass although there are two grassland species which were found in their highest abundance in the reclaimed grass: horned lark (Eremophilis al estris) and vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus). Gray-crowned rosy finches (Leucosticte tephrocotis) as winter residents, have been found in only the reclaimed grass and unreclaimed areas. Hawks are observed regularly, probably reflecting the high abundance of rodents in the reclaimed grass (see rodent section). In general, however, The non-topsoiled reclaimed grass area is considered to be the least valuable habitat for birds. Summer obundance in the reclaimed area, only recently replanted with grasses, is 17 percent of summer obundance in the Mountain Shrub; summer diversity and species richness are only 66 percent and 35 percent, respectively, of that in the Mountain Shrub. Description of the Bird Species A total of 128 species of birds were observed on and adjacent to the Edna Mine • Complex (Appendix 2.7-B -Table I). this total is made up of 33 permanent residents, 51 summer residents, 35 migrants and 9 winter residents. In addition to the total of 128 species observed on the mine complex, there are additional 107 species that have been observed in this area of Colorado in similar habitats and ore considered poienliol species on the mine complex (Appendix 2.7-B - Table 2). For purposes of discussion the bird species discussed in The study area have been divided into five categories: upland game birds, waterfowl, raptors, threatened and endangered species, and other species. These catagories are discussed below. Upland Game Birds - Six species of upland game birds were observed on the mine complex (Appendix 2.7-B - Table I). Blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) occurred in four habitat types: mountain shrub, aspen, sagebrush and unreclaimed. The highest abundances (0.2 per km) were in mountain shrub and aspen. Blue grouse are known to have two breeding areas within the permit area (Exhibit 2.7-2). In addition, several breeding areas were located on ridges around the property (Exhibit 2.7-2). It appears that these birds strut on all suitable locations in the area. Observations during The summer have resulted in numerous broods being observed in • the mountain shrub communities both on and off the permit area. These observations suggest that the mountasn shrub habitat type is important for nesting and brood rearing by these birds. 2.7-13