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present. If vegetation or topography prevented a complete count from a distance, the biologist <br />walked out to the lek and flushed the birds for a final count. <br />Searches for new leks on the Seneca II-W permit area were conducted from one-half hour <br />before to one hour after sunrise on 3 May 2003. Two biologists searched for displaying grouse <br />while slowly driving or walking around the permit area. Frequent stops were made at vantage <br />points to scan and listen for birds. <br />GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORING <br />Known golden eagle nests near the permit azea were checked for activity on 3 May 2003. <br />Biologists observed the nests through a spotting scope from a vehicle parked at a vantage point. <br />Nests were watched until their status (active or inactive) could be determined. <br />SANDHILL CRANES <br />In 2003, biologists searched for sandhill cranes by walking and driving through portions <br />of the survey azea 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 />RESULTS <br />BIG GAME <br />The sky was mostly clear during the aerial survey on I3 March 2003. Snow cover was <br />nearly complete, and approximately 3 feet in depth (range ~ 2 to 4 feet). Steeper south- and <br />west-facing slopes had minimal snow cover. In general, snow fall was average for the area <br />during winter 2002-2003. Visibility during the survey was rated as good. <br />Expanded Survey Area <br />All wildlife observations from the aerial survey are listed in Appendix I. Big game <br />observations are also illustrated on Exhibit 1. A total of 1,162 elk (13.0/miZ) in 103 herds were <br />seen during the survey (Figure 1). Six herds of mule deer (30 animals) were also observed. <br /> <br />2003 Seneca II-W Mine Wildlife Monitoring <br />Page 3 <br />F'lkltdYRYSRa'Z?~.'i$IISII£PtiC~h"k'bGE:.: ~YAII3.41i!.$1Th~PA.:~4iF:iY.: lY+~'$^1°:.4 !^a^R"5R': -v~K ^Y`.I~L4.~v~lPSii.TaR2Y5&LSfY6Y~_tifffRl`.@S:: SvAHabCtGM1I ..f~9..'.~BaXV -« tle.q+dlCf3~61'FEIY"2i4HCYlYn'S4N?M.2. <br />