REP50946 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Section 2) in reclamation between the first two leks. The Seneca #3 site is likely a satellite lek for both Seneca #1 and #2 and was located on a small bench at the top of a draw in reclamation. All leks are within I.5 miles of each other (Exhibit 1). All three sharp-tailed grouse leks were checked for activity on 2 May 2003. Leks were surveyed within about one hour of sunrise. On those mornings, biologists drove or walked to a vantage point near each lek to count all birds present. If vegetation prevented a complete count from a distance, the biologist walked out to the lek and flushed the birds for a final count. Searches for new Leks on the permit area were also conducted from one-half hour before to one hour after sunrise on 2 May 2002. Biologists searched for displaying grouse while slowly driving through the area. Frequent stops were made at vantage points to scan and listen for birds. Selected portions of reclamation were searched on foot. GOLDEN EAGLE NEST MONITORING Known golden eagle nests on or near the permit area were checked for activity on 2 May 2003. Biologists observed the nests through a spotting scope from a vehicle parked at a vantage point. Nests were watched until their status (active or inactive) could be determined. SANDHILL CRANES In 2003, biologists searched for sandhill cranes by walking and driving through portions of the survey area where potential nesting habitat exists (i.e., marshes, reservoirs, and moist drainages). Biologists also watched and listened for crane activity while conducting other surveys and traveling in the area. RESULTS BIG GAME The sky was mostly clear during the aerial survey on 13 March 2003. Snow cover was nearly complete, and approximately 3 feet in depth (range ~ 2 to 4 feet). Steeper south and west facing slopes had minimal snow cover. In general, snowfall was average for the area during winter 2002-2003. Visibility during the survey was rated as good. 2003 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 3