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December 1994 and January 2000 surveys. Elk likely avoid grassland habitats (reclaimed or • <br />otherwise) when deep snow makes forage less accessible, and all elk observed in reclaimed <br />grassland during the February 2005 survey were on awest-facing slope with little snow cover. <br />Reclaimed grassland should be more attractive to elk during other seasons. <br />Other wildlife observed in the Seneca II area included 4 coyotes and 1 golden eagle. No <br />mule deer were observed within the Seneca II area in 2005. <br />UPLAND GAME BIRDS <br />The decline of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in Colorado has been attributed to the loss <br />and degradation of native grassland, sagebrush-grassland, and mountain brush habitats (Hoffman <br />2001). It has been recognized that post-mining reclamation provides suitable habitat for lek sites, <br />nesting, and brood reazing. Reclaniation at Seneca II boasts four leks (Exhibit 1). The total of <br />number of males observed attending leks within reclamation at Seneca II has increased every <br />year from 15 in 1995 to at least 78 males in 2005 (Table 1). <br />The Seneca 1 lek was active for the eleventh consecutive year in 2005. Fifteen grouse • <br />were observed on the lek when the site was visited on 26 April. Thirteen males were positively <br />identified; however, due to vegetation and grouse behavior, the sex of two other individuals <br />could not be determined (Table 1). The peak number of males attending the lek increased <br />slightly each yeaz from 1997 through 2000, with a substantial increase observed in 2001 (Table <br />1). Grouse numbers were lower from 2002 to 2004, but still exceeded those from most previous <br />counts. The 2005 total was one of the lowest counts recorded since observation began. This <br />decrease is likely related to increasing numbers of birds on other leks and the establishment of <br />additional lek sites in the azea. <br />The second lek, Seneca 2, was active for the eighth consecutive year during 2005. On 26 <br />April, 27 males and 3 females were documented at the lek. The sex of nine other individuals <br />could not be determined. Peak male attendance has increased since it was first discovered in <br />1998, by neazly three fold in 2002, and has averaged more than 20 males per year since 2000. <br />• <br />2005 Seneca tl Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 8 <br />