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METHODS <br />The survey included a field reconnaissance of the entire project area with concentrated surveys <br />around prairie dog colonies associated with the adjacent property boundaries and a one-half mile <br />buffer. The Balsam Avenue corridor was also checked for any sign of burrowing owls as they <br />frequently sit on telephone wires or fence posts early in the morning. Any surrounding trees, <br />poles, or burrows were inspected for signs of castings (coughed-up calcium pellets) or white- <br />wash (guano) around the perimeter of the trees, poles, or burrows, or actual sightings of <br />individuals. <br />RESULTS <br />The following discussion presents the results of the survey for burrowing owls within the project <br />area and those adjacent areas that may be used by the birds. <br />Sign,. Castings and white-wash were not found underneath any branches of the mature trees <br />found adjacent to the project area, around telephone or fence poles, or on burrow edges within or <br />adjacent to the project area. White-wash was found in association with several telephone poles <br />along Balsam Avenue and Eighth Street but was probably produced by red-tailed hawks working <br />the prairie dog colony for a preybase. The castings are left as the birds tend to perch on these <br />poles and rest or eat their prey. <br />Si htin s. During the field reconnaissance, several birds of prey were observed within and <br />adjacent to the project area. These birds included red-tailed hawks and kestrels. These birds of <br />prey are very common along the front range of Colorado and live here year-round. No <br />burrowing owls were observed during the four days of surveys. The following offers a <br />discussion of each species observed during the field reconnaissance. <br />Red-tailed hawks (Buteo iamaicens' This species is a common spring and fall migrant and <br />winter resident on the eastern plains occupying riparian forests, agricultural areas, and grasslands <br />with scattered trees (Andrews and Righter 1992). The western subspecies is the bird most likely <br />occurring within the project area. It is a resident throughout most of Colorado. This bird <br />formerly wintered in greater numbers than at present due to the decline of prairie dogs. <br />American Kestrels (Falco warverius) The kestrel is a resident throughout most of Colorado and <br />is most numerous in migration. It is a common spring and fall migrant in western valleys, the <br />San Luis Valley, and on the eastern plains. It is uncommon to fairly common in mountain parks <br />and uncommon in the foothills and lower mountains. This species is most often observed in <br />agricultural areas, grasslands, riparian forest edges, and urban areas. It is also observed in <br />virtually all other habitats, especially in migration.