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• The lower density of elk in the southern portion of the survey area usually dilutes the overall density in the Seneca II-W area. UPLAND GAME BIRDS In 1998, a potential sharp-tailed grouse lek was found on a grassy knoll just south of the Seneca II-W haul road in NW'/o SE%4 Section 22, TSN, R87W. Topography and vegetation prevented remote observation of that site, thus generally restricting observers to flush counts. Four, three, five, and four grouse were flushed from the site in ] 998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 respectively. In 2002, when biologists checked the site, seven males and one female were observed during the 2 May 2002 count. Hereafter, that site will be classified as the Seneca II-W lek. In late April 2002, mine personnel reported seeing at least four sharp-tailed grouse displaying in reclamation in NE'/4 NE'/< Section I5, TSN, R88W. When biologists surveyed the area on 2 May, no sharp-tailed grouse were seen or heazd in the vicinity. The azea will be • monitored in subsequent years to determine if a ]ek is present. On 2 May 2002, two blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) were documented on the Seneca II-W permit area. One male grouse was heard calling From a draw in SE%< SWYa Section 11, TSN, R88W. Another lone male was observed walking along the berm of a mine road in NE'/a SW%4 Section 23, TSN, R88W. Blue grouse were also observed in the Seneca II-W area each spring from 1998 through 2000. GOLDEN EAGLE NESTING A cluster of five golden eagle nests exists on a cliff face above Hubberson Gulch in Sections 16 and 21, TSN, R88W (Exhibit 1). On 2 May, eagles were seen brooding one chick approximately ] 0-] 5 days old, at the southern-most nest. That territory has been monitored since 1996, and was known to be active during at least five of those seven years. No activity was documented in 1998 or 1999. 2002 Seneca 11-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 6