PERMFILE129124 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• The flood plain communities provide excellent wintering habitat for the northern bald eagle, which probably relies heavily on canon and wounded waterfowl for a food supply. Hawks and owls show little variation throughout the year, with a high of about 19 percent relative abundance in September and a low of about 6 percent in May. Three species within this grouping, the marsh hawk, sparrow hawk, and the re- tailed hawk are the most frequently observed. The bobwhite quail and ringneck pheasant are present in the irrigated portions of the South Platte River Valley year-round, with populations peaking during the summer. These species reach a relative abundance of about 14 percent during the summer, decreasing to a low of about 2 percent during the spring. The pigeon and dove group is represented within the area by two species, the rock dove and the mourning dove. The mourning dove is an important seasonal species accounting for increases of doves noted during the summer months. The rock dove is present throughout the year. The jays, magpies, and crows are represented by the blackballed magpie, blue jay, and common crow. The magpie and blue jay are present throughout the year, with the magpie being most common. The crow is not a common species within • the area. The woodpecker group is represented within the area by the downy woodpecker and re-shafter flicker. These species are present yeaz-round, with the flicker being the more abundant species. The blackbird and oriole group is most commonly represented by the meadowlazk. Large populations of this species account for a high relative abundance of this group within the area. Transient populations of seagulls have been observed in the mine site area. B. Endangered and Threatened Species The official list of endangered species was published in the January 4, 1974, Federal Re 'ster (Volume 39, No. 3). The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Public law 93-205; 87 Stat. 884) provides a mean by which ecosystems upon which endangered or threatened species depend may be conserved. Section 7 of the act provides that all Federal agencies take care that their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of such endangered or threatened species by destruction or modification of habitat that has been determined to be critical to • such species. There are two such species that may occur near the project area, though no sighs of these species have been found in the area. These species are 95