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• a literature search, the peregrine falcon, northern bald eagle and black-footed ferret could occur on the study area; therefore ground surveys were conducted to determine whether potential nesting, roosting or hunting habitat existed on the study area for these species (see Results, page 88). The methodology for these ground searches are described in detail below. The importance of the study area to bald eagles was ascertained by determining the presence and extent of all areas of open water with nearby tall trees. Large expanses of open water and nearby tall trees are required for success- ful nesting of bald eagles (Srxx~ 1973). Likewise, open water supporting waterfval throughout the winter season can serve as a food source for bald eagles during winter. Wintering bald eagles also feed extensively on carrion. Preferred nesting habitat of peregrine falcons generally o~nsists of cliffs that are quite high, often overlook water, and allow an extensive view of the surrounaing countryside (tlici:ey 1942). The area within a 5-mi::.e radius of the study azea was surveyed to identify potential peregrine nesting habitat. u Potential black-footed ferret habitat in tl7e form of prairie dog tams does exist on the study area. The techniques outlined by Henderson et al. (1974) were implemented to identify possible black-footed ferret activity at the project site. The initial ground observation of a prairie dog colony took place from a vehicle since prairie dogs are crore wary of a person on foot (Henderson et al. 1974). Fach colony was carefully observed through 8x35mr: binoculars for ferrets and to note prairie dog behavior. Their bei~avior could be an indicator of a ferret's presence in the crolony (Henderson et al. 1974). For e.~canple, if a ferret is at the entrance of a burrow, the prairie dogs will sit at their burrow looking in the ferret's direction. Prairie dogs will nerve excitedly towards a ferret that is above ground. If a ferret goes dawn a burrow, the prairie dogs will attempt to cover the entrance (Henderson et al. 1947). However, Clark (1978) suggested that prairie dog behavior is of mi.niural value in locating ferrets, since this excited behavior is also seen in towns which are freruented by hunters. If the initial observation from a vehicle did rot yield the possible presence of a ferret, the fawn was searched for • -12- lUN 1 1 1980