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Section '79.20 (c) Continued. <br />Based on these observations it can be deduced that at least a <br />portion of the resident elk herd will continue to utilize the <br />permit area and the. calving area within until actual habitat is <br />removed by mine encroachment. This is evidenced by the fact that <br />pregnant cows have repeatedly given birth to calves within site <br />of the present dragline operation just to the east of the present <br />elk calving area. Equipment operators have reported that several <br />cows have given birth to calves within a few feet of the dragline <br />and stayed until their calves had gained sufficient s!re~gtt~, then <br />moved on with the balance of the herd. <br />Two other general conclusions concerning the elk herd within the <br />study area can be reached. One is that areas utilized as winter <br />range are in fair to good shape. Preferred browse indicated <br />moderate hedging, while other browse species had only received <br />light hedging. These results compare favorably with quantitative <br />• measurements taken during the summer of 1975 which concluded that <br />the condition of the elk winter range was fair to good (mostly <br />good). The second concerns the. health and vigor of individual <br />animals. Most close observations of animals revealed sleek coats, <br />rounded bodies and musculature (no protruding ribs or other bones), <br />and a general healthy appearance. At the present time the elk <br />herd appears to be healthy and relatively unaffected by the adjacent <br />mining activities. <br />Avifauna. 1979 Investigations. Table 51, Species of Birds that <br />Occur or are Likely to Occur in the Eckman Park Study Area, lists <br />the species of birds that are likely to utilize the habitats present <br />in the Eckman Park study area. Included and noted in this listing <br />are all avian species that were observed during the field surveys. <br />Avifauna populations of the study area are discussed below by the <br />following major categories: Raptors, Game Birds, and Songbirds. <br />• Raptors. A total of ten raptor species were observed during the <br />on-site field studies. Locations of all raptor sightings, except <br />779-168 <br />