PERMFILE112394

• Permit No: M1980047
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Section_Exhibit Name: EXHIBIT H WILDLIFE INTRODUCTION
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

BIRDS
Appendix B of this Exhibit presents an annotated list of avian
species observed or expected to occur in the permit areas.. Addi-
tional information summarized in the appendix tables includes
seasonal status, relative abundance, and habitat affinity. The
following sections briefly discuss the more common or significent
avian species in the permit areas.
RAPTORS
Raptorial birds are important not only aesthetically, but ecolog-
ically as well. Their inhibitory effect on population levels of
a variety of insects and small mammals is especially important.
Less significant is their occasional predation on infant livestock
or big game. Raptors require large home ranges, ample prey sources,
privacy, and are at the top of their food webs. Therefore, birds
• of prey, particularly larger species, can be sensitive indicators
of habitat alteration or other ecosystem modification.
The diversity of vegetation types and the abundance of cliffs
make the Parachute Creek area particularly suitable for raptors.
Figures H-4 depicts potential raptor habitat on the Dow West
permit area.
The most common and widespread resident species include golden
eagles, red-tailed hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, marsh hawks, and
American kestrels. Less common or more restricted raptors include
turkey vultures, goshawks, Cooper's hawks, Swainson's hawks,
prairie falcons, and merlins. In addition, rough-legged hawks
and bald eagles are present, especially during the winter. The
bald eagles concentrate along the Colorado River throughout wes-
tern Colorado where they rely heavily on fish taken from ice-
free stretches.

H-7