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<br />• raptor nest locations observed during the big game aerial censuses were <br />also recorded. Specific raptor nest searches were employed between <br />Hay 29, 1979, and June 15, 1979. The nest searches consisted of scanning <br />the sandstone bluffs that occur along the western portions of the Foidel <br />Creek and Middle Creek drainages with the aid of spotting scope and <br />binoculars. All other sites which appeared suitable for raptor nesting <br />within the study area were also searched. In addition, the Colorado <br />Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (Hicks 1979 <br />and Conley 1979) were consulted concerning the existence of any known <br />raptor nest sites within the vicinity of the Eckman Park study area. <br />All raptor nest sites that were observed were checked, to the extent <br />possible, for nesting activity and their locations were plotted on maps. <br />2.2.2 Game Birds <br />Two aerial surveys were flown for the purpose of locating sage <br />grouse strutting grounds and sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds within <br />one mile of the Eckman Park study area. The flights were initiated at <br />sunrise on April 13 and 24 to correspond with the peak of breeding <br />activity. Transects flown were the same as those utilized for the <br />aerial big game surveys (see Figure 3.1.3-2, Section 2.1.3). Other <br />wildlife observations were also recorded during these flights. In <br />addition, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (Hicks 1979) was consulted <br />to obtain information on any known strutting or dancing grounds in the <br />vicinity of the Eckman Park study area. Gamebirds observed during other <br />aerial flights (see Section 2.1.3) and all field activities were recorded <br />as to species, location, and habitat. <br /> <br />