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• Mourning doves were the most frequently encountered upland gamebird and <br />were observed in all habitat types, but most frequently in association with <br />shrublands or bottomland areas. This species is a resident of the Craig <br />Latilong and occurs in abundance (Kingery and Graul 1978). Mourning doves <br />nest in a variety of habitats including agricultural, shrubland, grassland, <br />and riparian areas. Mourning doves are hunted within the area (Table 4-4). <br />Harvest data are not available for the Danforth Hills study area. <br />Blue grouse were observed primarily in association with the mountain <br />shrubland habitat type, above 7,600 ft. Locations at which blue grouse <br />were observed are shown in Figure 4-4. Hens with broods were observed in <br />two locations during 1984 field studies (Figure 4-4). Most observations <br />were recorded in open stands of serviceberry or oak, or in grassy openings <br />in mountain shrub habitats where blue grouse were fairly common (less than <br />1 individual per 5 acres). In Colorado, blue grouse nest in a variety of <br />cover types (Hoffmann 1981). Within the study area, nesting probably <br />occurs in mature mountain shrub stands, in aspen forests with an open <br />• canopy, and in ecotones between mountain shrub and aspen habitats. Blue <br />grouse are closely associated with coniferous forests during winter. Most <br />grouse which summer in the study area probably migrate to Douglas-fir <br />stands at higher elevations since suitable winter cover is limited to less <br />than 4.4 ac (Harper and Associates 1985) within the proposed affected area. <br />Blue grouse are hunted within small game management Unit 16 (Figure 4-2), <br />although estimated 1982 harvest was low in comparison to other management <br />units within the area (Table 4-4). Blue grouse harvest within the study <br />area probably does not contribute significantly to the regional harvest of <br />this species. <br />Sage grouse were not observed within the proposed affected area during <br />ground or aerial surveys. An intensive search of all sagebrush shrublands <br />within the proposed affected area and all habitats along the alternative <br />transportation route No. 2 rail spur failed to yield a sage grouse <br />sighting. CDOW has identified and mapped several sage grouse leks <br />• (strutting grounds) which are occupied annually during courtship and <br />breeding (mid-March through April) in the Axial Basin. The location of <br />4-14 <br />