PERMFILE45266

• Permit No: C1980001A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/11/2001
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.7 FISH & WILDLIFE
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

• were observed as were flights from one end of a ridge to the other - a distance
commonly in excess of one mile. Whether these flights resulted in the birds
remaining in an area for long (3 or more days) or short (less than one day) periods
of time hos not been documented. Numerous observations showed that the birds flew
or walked into new areas just prior to dark. They would then burrow into the snow
to roost. Roosting sites appeared to be randomly selected and no sites were located
where roosting had occurred for more than one night.
It appeared that there was a tendency for flocks to remain intact throughout
the winter. Whether an exchange of individuals between flocks or wintering
complexes in the area occurs has not been documented.
The first courtship behavior was noted on 22 March 1980 on the proposed mine
area on the ridge in the NEI/q, Section 31, TSN, R85W. These birds probably utilized
the Perley Green lek (Exhibit 2.7-2) once courtship actually began. Lek attendance
was first documented 19 April 1980 (Table 2.7-2) with breeding first being observed
on I May 1980.
The four leking arenas were all located within two miles of the proposed permit
area (Exhibit 2.7-2). The Perely Green lek is the closest being located within one-
• fourth mile of the Moffat area. As shown on Table 2.7-2 This lek had the lowest
average attendance of the leks. Both the male and the female grouse appeared to
stay within I/q - I/g mile from the leking arena during The courtship. Foraging on
new vegetation and lounging all occurring within sight of the lek.
Trapping operations to capture and mark birds began on 23 April 1980 and
ended on 10 May 1980. Trapping success (Table 2.7-3) on oll four leks resulted in
29 marked grouse of which eleven were equipped with radio ironsmitters so their
seasonol movements could be monitored.
Observations and trapping efforts were staggered daily at each lek. The two
new leks (M oneotis and Hick) were located late in the spring. The attendance, and
trapping success, os well as bird movement from other leks (Exhibit 2.7-I) to the
Maneotis lek indicate that this lek may be the major source of population
recruitment for The Trout Creek drainage. The status of the other three leks and
their relationship to the population cannot be estimated at this time.
Nest site selection was limited to four known sites. Of the four nests located
three were occupied by marked hens. Two of the birds nested within one-half mile
of the lek where they were marked (numbers 2 and 5). The other marked hen
. (number I) moved a total of 14 miles to a point southwest of Hayden to nest. The
fourth nest (unmarked hen) was located withine one-fourth mile of an active lek.
2.7 - I S