Laserfiche WebLink
Section 2) in reclamation between the first two leks. The Seneca 3 site is likely a satellite lek for <br />• both Seneca I and 2 and was located on a small bench at the top of a draw in reclamation. A <br />fourth lek (Seneca 4) was discovered along the roadside in SW% SE%a Section 1, TSN, R87W in <br />Apri12004. This lek is also likely a satellite of one or more of the nearby leks. All leks are <br />within 1.5 miles of each other (Exhibit 1). <br />All four sharp-tailed grouse leks were checked For activity on 26 Apri12005. Leks were <br />surveyed within about one hour of sunrise. On that morning, biologists drove or walked to a <br />vantage point near each lek to count all birds present. If vegetation prevented a complete count <br />from a distance, the biologist walked out to the lek and flushed the birds for a final count. <br />Searches for new leks on the permit area were also conducted from one-half hour before <br />to one hour after sunrise on 26 April 2005. Biologists searched for displaying grouse while <br />slowly driving through the area. Frequent stops were made at vantage points to scan and listen <br />for birds. Selected portions of reclamation were searched on foot. <br />GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORING <br />• Known golden eagle nests on or near the permit area were checked for activity on 23 and <br />26 Apri12005. Biologists observed the nests through a spotting scope from a vehicle parked at a <br />vantage point. Nests were watched until their status (active or inactive) could be 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 exists (i.e., marshes, reservoirs, and moist <br />drainages). Biologists also watched and listened for crane activity while conducting other <br />surveys and traveling in the area. <br />RESULTS <br />BIG GAME <br />The sky was mostly cleaz during the aerial survey on 3 February 2005. Snow cover was <br />patchy, with bare ground on southern and western slopes and approximately 1 to 2 feet of snow <br /> <br />2005 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3 <br />