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~~ ---- - f ~i tSf ~Vs,. c sue. ~~r - _ <br />' IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII SQy~VICC COh~~tC' ~~ I'~7~7~ <br />2000 Mexican Spotted Owl Survey Results (BLM) <br />Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) surveys were conducted in the Pikes Peak area of <br />Colorado in ?000 on BLM lands. A total of 7 spotted owls were located at three locations ( 2 <br />pairs, 1 single, 2 juveniles). Only three canyons were monitored on BLM lands due to budget <br />and time constraints- The three canyons (Phantom Canyon, Red Creek Canyon and Milsap <br />Creek) have historically contained resuming adult pairs and have all successfully fledged young <br />owls in past years. Forest Service owl canyons were also searched and the results are reported <br />separately. <br />Surveys at canyon sites were conducted nocturnally to determine occupancy. When a spotted <br />owl was detected, a diurnal visit was conducted to locate roost sites and determine reproductive <br />status. All surveys were conducted in drainages with steep canyons and exposed rocky cliffs <br />containing old-growth mixed conifer forests. An interesting observation was noted this year <br />concerning canyon occupancy. The adults, in years of no reproduction, appear to spend more <br />time roosted in canyon ledges or potholes, rather than in trees on the canyon floor. Sign, such as <br />whitewash and pellets, are absent when adults have no young to attend to. When young birds are <br />present, they, along .vith the adults, are usually roosted along the canyon bottoms and abundant <br />whitewash and pellets are found in the vicinity. The absence of owl sign does not indicate a lack <br />of occupancy by birds. <br />Results <br />Phantom Canyon: This canyon was surveyed during two daytime visits in May and July. Day <br />visits were justified because the main roost and nest area is known and typically the birds are <br />found in this area. The survey acreage is 508 acres. During the May visit no birds were detected <br />in the roost area and ow] sign (whitewash and pellets) were absent except for a small amount of <br />whitewash under a single white fir in the canyon bottom. We expected to find the male in the <br />canyon bottom presumably near the nesting female. The lack of sign may indicate use in an <br />alternate location. Gn the Juiy visit an adult male spotted owl was heard calling (4-note bout) <br />from a west facins rocky cliff very near the top of the canyon. An attempt was made to locate <br />the bird until topography prevented further investigation. At this time of the year, juveniles <br />should be roosted with the parents in the canyon bottom. No sign was found in the area, <br />indicating the bit'ds were spending no time along the canyon bottom. We suspect no juveniles in <br />the area and the male is roosted out of the canyon bottom. No evidence of a female in the area <br />but no nighttime surveys were conducted which may have revealed the female. <br />Milsap Creek: The area was visited in May and June and consisted of a nighttime survey and a <br />day visit (June). The survey area consists of ?450 acres. During the nighttime survey the female <br />was heard solily calling at dusk after we initiated the 4-note hoot. The calling came from the <br />same lucation where the birds had previously nested. After dark the male owl was heard to the <br />