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Raptorial Birds. The results of raptor investigations at Seneca II mine <br />indicate that the study azea is used as both nesting and/or hunting habitat <br />for at least seven different species of raptors. Species positively <br />identified in the area were golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, <br />Swainson's hawk, Cooper's hawk, great-horned owl, and bald eagle. The <br />locations of raptor nests and potential nesting habitat on or near the study <br />area are shown in Appendix A, Map 2. Raptor occurrence, distribution, and <br />seasonal use of the study area and potential critical raptor habitat (i.e., <br />nesting sites) is discussed below for each species identified. <br />Golden eagles are year-long residents of the Seneca II study area as irriicated <br />by observations during 1979-1980 wildlife studies. Most of the eagles were <br />observed hunting or perching in mixed brush and Gambel oak habitat in the <br />vicinity of the rocky cliffs on and near the study area. Golden eagle <br />ntimibers were estimated at approximately 0.01/sq. mi. in the general vicinity <br />of the study area by a recent investigation (Texas Instruments, 1978). <br />• Three active golden eagle nests were located within ; mile of the study area <br />during the raptor skyline watches, May, 1979. All three nests were made <br />from sticks and were located on rock ledges of sheer cliffs. The rim height <br />of all three nests off the ground was between 15-20 meters. The three <br />nests contained a total of 5 young, which approximates the average reproduction <br />success of golden eagles. The location of the nests and number of young <br />identified for each nest are provided below: <br />Location <br />T6N R87W Section 26 <br />T5N R86W Section 6 <br />TSN R87W Section 13 <br /># of Nestlings <br />1 <br />2 <br />2 <br />u <br />-45- <br />