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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 SE'/4 SE'/< Section 9, TSN, R87W); Annan's 20-mile #2 (in SEYa SE'/4 <br />Section 5, TSN, R87W); and Annan's 20-mile #3 (in SE'/4 NW%4 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. Anew sharp-tail lek, the Yoast Mine Road lek (SWYa Section <br />28, T6N, R87W), was discovered in 2000. TWC biologists checked the four known leks within <br />approximately one hour of sunrise on 1 May 2003. The Yoast Mile Road lek was again checked <br />on 4 May. On those mornings, biologists drove or walked to a vantage point near each lek to <br />count all birds present. If vegetation or topography prevented a complete count from a distance, <br />the biologist walked out to the lek and flushed the birds for a 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 sumise on 1 and 4 May 2003. Field personnel looked for displaying <br />grouse while slowly driving through the area. Frequent stops were made at vantage points to <br />scan and listen for birds. <br />GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORING <br />On 2 May 2003, known golden eagle nests on or in the immediate vicinity of the permit <br />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 />5ANDHILL CRANES <br />In 2003, 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 />L J <br />2003 Yoast Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3 <br />