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UPLAND GAME BIRDS <br />Three sharp-tailed grouse leks were discovered in the Yoast area during baseline studies <br />in 1993. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) has designated the leks as follows: <br />Annan's 20-mile 1 (in SEYe SE'/4 Section 9, TSN, R87W); Annan's 20-mile 2 (in SE'/< SE'/4 <br />Section 5, TSN, R87W); and Annan's 20-mile 3 (in SE% NW'/a Section 9, TSN, R87W). In <br />earlier Yoast annual reports, Annan's lek numbers 1, 2, and 3 had been referred to as lek STG-4, <br />STG-1, and STG-3, respectively. A fourth sharp-tail lek, the Yoast Mine Road lek (SW'/a <br />Section 28, T6N, R87W), was discovered in 2000. TWC biologists checked the four known leks <br />within approximately one hour of sunrise on 23'April 2005. Biologists drove or walked to a <br />vantage point near each lek to count all birds present. If vegetation or topography prevented a <br />complete count from a distance, the biologist walked out to the lek and flushed the birds for a <br />final count. <br />Searches for new leks on and near the permit area were also conducted from one-half <br />hour before to one hour after sunrise on 23 Apri12005. Biologists looked and listened for <br />displaying grouse while slowly driving through the area. Frequent stops were made at vantage <br />• points to scan and listen for birds. <br />GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORING <br />On 23 and 26 Apri12005, known golden eagle nests on or in the immediate vicinity of the <br />permit area were checked for activity. Biologists walked to a vantage point and viewed the nests <br />through a spotting scope. Nests were observed until their status (active or inactive) could be <br />determined. <br />SANDHILL CRANES <br />In 2005, biologists searched for sandhill cranes by walking and driving through portions <br />of the survey area where potential nesting habitat (i.e.,. marshes, reservoirs, and moist drainages) <br />exists. Biologists also watched and listened for crane activity while conducting other surveys <br />and traveling in the area. <br />U <br />2005 Yoas[ Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3 <br />