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drifting snow around oak, serviceberry, chokecherry, and larger <br />sage effectively limits use by most species. Use of the mine plan <br />area as a winter range by deer, elk, or sage grouse is directly in <br />response to the type of winter we have on the site. <br />A discussion of potential impacts on sage grouse is provided under <br />Section 2.05.6(2).. <br />Sharp-tailed grouse have rarely been observed south of the permit <br />area, but have not been known to nest in the area. <br />Blue grouse also utilize the area for nesting, but the population <br />is much smaller than the sage grouse population. Brood size <br />averaged 4.8 birds in 1975. Observations during the summer of 1980 <br />showed an average brood size of 3.6 birds. <br />/Vl OU r N 1 n~, <br />~MUrni.7rg -floves are occasionally observed during the summer months in <br />the mine vicinity; however, the infrequent observations indicate a <br />fairly low population. <br />Waterfowl <br />• A few species of ducks such as the Mallard and Green-winged teal <br />are occasionally observed on the stock ponds which are scattered <br />around the mine site; however, due to lack of adequate nesting <br />cover it is unlikely that any nesting occurs. Several species of <br />ducks, geese, and shorebirds have been observed on the Wilson <br />Reservoir which is located at the extreme northern end of the <br />permit area adjacent to State Highway #13. Most of the waterfowl <br />observations have been made at the Wilson Reservoir and are listed <br />in Table 11, Wildlife Species That Occur Or Are Likely To Occur In <br />The Colowyo Permit Area. <br />Non-Game Birds <br />A large variety of birds have been observed on the mine site. Most <br />species are migrants that either nest on or near the site during <br />the summer months, or are observed as they pass through the area. <br />The relative abundance of species that could possibly occur on the <br /> <br />2.04.11-40 <br />