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• Other wildlife observed in the Seneca II area included 19 coyotes and 2 golden eagles. <br />No mule deer were documented within the Seneca II area in 2007. <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 (Hoffinan <br />2001). It has been recognized that post-mining reclamation provides suitable habitat for lek sites, <br />nesting, and brood rearing. Mine reclaimed lands account for less than 4% of the occupied range <br />of sharp-tailed grouse in northwestern Colorado, yet supported 16% of the active leks observed <br />in 2007 (Yost 2007). <br />Reclamation at Seneca II boasts four leks (Exhibit 1) and one potential lek. The total <br />number of males observed attending leks within reclamation at Seneca II increased every year <br />from 15 in 1995 to at least 78 in 2005 (Table 1). Counts were lower at every lek in 2006, but <br />when checked in 2007, numbers observed at all but the Seneca I lek had increased to levels <br />• previously documented. Although annual counts at leks can be biased by factors such as weather <br />conditions during surveys, the number of site visits, and vegetative features (which can obscure <br />observation), previous years weather events and conditions are an important factor driving <br />observed fluctuations in sharp-tailed grouse populations and consequently the number of grouse <br />at leks. In years following drought, lower numbers of males per lek are generally observed, <br />where as increased numbers of males per lek generally occur following years of average to above <br />average precipitation or when spring and summer moisture falls at the optimum time to <br />maximize reproduction and brood survival. <br />The Seneca 1 lek was active for the thirteenth consecutive year in 2007. A total of six <br />grouse were observed on the lek when the. site was visited on 22 April. Five males were . <br />positively identified; however, due to vegetation and grouse behavior, the sex of other individual <br />could not be determined (Table 1). The peak number of males attending the lek increased <br />slightly each year from 1997 through 2000, and then more substantially in 2001 (Table 1). <br />Grouse numbers were lower from 2002 to 2004, but still exceeded those from most previous <br />counts. Numbers have continued to decrease annually and the 2007 total was the lowest count <br />• recorded since observation began. <br />2007 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 9 <br />