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• GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORING Known golden eagle nests near the permit area were checked for activity on 5 May. A biologist observed the nests through a spotting scope from a vehicle pazked at a vantage point. Nests were watched until their status (active or inactive) could be determined. SANDHILL CRANES While traveling in the area and conducting surveys for other species, biologists watched and listened for sandhill crane activity. Particular attelttion was given to habitats most likely to attract cranes, such as drainages and meadows. RESULTS BIG GAME The sky was mostly clear during the aerial survey on 2 February. Snow. cover was complete, and approximately 4 feet in depth (range ~2 to 5 feet). About 6 inches of that snow was very fresh, and had fallen during a recent storm (31 January). In general, snow fall was • rather substantial in the area during winter 2000-2001. Visibility during the survey was rated as good. Eznanded Survey Area All wildlife observations from the aerial survey are listed in Appendix I. Big game observations are also illustrated on Exhibit 1. A total of 665 elk (7.4 /miz) in 113 herds were seen during the survey. Six herds of mule deer (31 animals) were also observed. Additional animals recorded included five sharp-tailed grouse and three coyotes (Canis latrans). Elk herds ranged in size from 1 to 32 animals, and averaged 5.9. Elk were widely distributed throughout the area, but were notably absent from the north-central portion. Elk were spazse in the southwest, southeast, and extreme northwest corners oI'the area (Exhibit 1). The predominant habitat types in those portions of the survey area, except in the southwest, are agricultural fields and flat grasslands. Ninety-four percent (627) of the elk observed were in mountain brush habitat. A few elk • were also observed in trembling aspen stands (22) and sagebrush grasslands (16). 2001 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3