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That was almost 19% higher than the density on the expanded survey area. Four golden eagles <br />• were recorded in the vicinity of Seneca II Mine on 26 January. <br />As in the expanded survey area, almost all of the elk seen around Seneca II Mine were in <br />mountain brush habitat. Only two of the elk were in bottomland. The vast majority of elk <br />observed during surveys completed in 1994 and 1995 were also in mountain brush. Elk were <br />recorded in reclaimed grassland at the Seneca II Mine during the December 1994 survey, but none <br />were seen in that habitat during other surveys. <br />During each of the surveys completed since December 1994, elk density in the vicinity of <br />Seneca II was greater than the density recorded in the expanded survey area (Figure 1). <br />Apparently, the habitats in the immediate area around Seneca II are as attractive to elk as habitats <br />in other portions of the expanded area. <br />UPLAND GAME BII2DS <br />The Seneca II Mine reclamation lek was active again in 1996. The highest count made in <br />spring was 13 males and 3 females on 23 and 25 April, respectively. In 1995, 8 to 12 males were <br />• regularly counted at the lek in April; a high count of 15 males was made in May. <br />Although females attended the lek in both 1995 and 1996, no copulations were observed. <br />Despite that, the consistent presence of [Hales and females at the reclamation site indicates that it <br />is, indeed, a lek. In light of the declines due habitat loss throughout this subspecies' range, it is <br />a positive note that sharp-tailed grouse are able to occupy the Seneca II Mine area, and have <br />established a lek on reclaimed ground. <br />RAPTOR NESTS <br />Thirteen raptor nests have been located in the Seneca II Mine area during aerial and ground <br />surveys. All of the nests were in the 1-mile perimeter around the mine (Exhibit 1). Six nests <br />were in trees and probably had been built by either red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) or <br />Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperir). Those nests were situated at five widely scattered locations <br />over the area; just two of the tree nests were close to each other. Given their spacing, it is very <br />likely that the nests were in five different raptor territories. <br />u <br />1996 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 8 <br />