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location was plotted on a 1" = 2000' topographic map and the surround- • <br />ing habitat noted. <br />In spring and summer, biologists recorded all big game seen in <br />the area. These observations were made incidentally while conducting <br />other surveys. The objective of spring and summer observations was to <br />identify potential fawning/calving areas, and determine seasonal <br />habitat use. <br />UPLAND GAME BIRDS <br />During the winter aerial survey, observers looked for sharp- <br />tailed grouse (Tvmoanuchus ohasianellus) to identify any wintering <br />areas. On 14 February, two biologist snow-shoed much of the wildlife <br />survey area looking for grouse wintering areas. <br />Searches for sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and sharp- • <br />tailed grouse leks were conducted on 17 and 18 Apr11, and 1 and 2 May <br />1993. The lek survey area included the wildlife study area and its <br />1/2-mile perimeter, and a 1/2-mile buffer on either side of the haul <br />road corridor. Each morning, two biologists searched for leks pri- <br />marily from a vehicle. Surveys were started at first light and con- <br />tinued until 1.5 hours after sunrise. Searchers slowly drove through <br />the area looking for displaying birds. Frequent stops where made at <br />vantage points to scan and listen for grouse. Areas inaccessible by <br />vehicle, such as the haul road corridor, were searched on foot. <br />RAPTORS <br />The raptor survey area was the same as the big game survey area <br />shown on Exhibit 11-1. Guidelines recommended by Grier and Fyfe <br />(1987) were followed during nest searches and productivity checks to • <br />4 <br />