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• of 26 April. During the two morning checks, a biologist first observed each lek from a <br />distance with binoculars. After all points of activity were identified and a preliminary count <br />of birds was made, the biologist walked toward the center of activity and made a flush count <br />as birds flew from the area. The biologist walked back and forth through the active area to <br />make sure all birds were flushed and counted. <br />Searches for new leks on the permit area were conducted on 27 and 29 April. Field <br />personnel looked for displaying grouse while slowly driving around the permit area. Frequent <br />stops were made a vantage points to scan and listen for dancing birds. <br />GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORIlVG <br />Known golden eagle nests on or within one mile of the permit area were checked for <br />activity on 26, 27, and 29 April. Each day, a biologist observed the nests through a spotting <br />scope from a vehicle parked at a vantage point. Nests were watched until their status (active, <br />inactive, alternate, etc.) could be determined. <br />• SANDI3ILL CRANES <br />No specific surveys were conducted for sandhill cranes in 1999. However, field <br />personnel attentively watched and listened for crane activity while monitoring grouse leks and <br />eagle nests, and while driving between locations on the permit area. Particular attention was <br />given to habitats most likely to attract cranes, such drainages and meadows. <br />RF,SITI.TS <br />BIG GAME <br />The sky was partly cloudy during the 24 February aerial survey. Snow fall was rather <br />minimal in the area during winter 1998-1999, and snow depth over the entire area was <br />probably less one foot in late February. Visibility during the survey was rated as fair to good. <br />Expanded Survey Area <br />A complete listing of all observations made during the aerial survey is given in <br />• Appendix I. All sightings are also plotted on Exhibit 1. A total of 748 elk (8.8/mil) in 67 <br />199Y Scuec~ n Minc Wildlife Moniluring Pagc 3 <br />