2012-01-06_PERMIT FILE - C1982057A (2)

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• Sharp-tailed grouse prefer grassy or cultivated areas interspersed with shrub cover (Rodgers, 1969) and are not likely to be common on the study area. On the other hand, sage grouse rely heavily on sagebrush for food, cover, and nesting (Rodgers, 1964) and are more likely to be found on the study area due to the presence of sagebrush habitat. Although no sage grouse were observed on the study area, several groups of sage grouse were observed to the north and south of the study area during the January 1979 aerial big game surveys. Table 11-11 lists the number and locations of these observations by aerial transect. Passerines. All passerine birds observed on the Seneca II-W property during data collection periods have been indicated on Table 11-9. A total of 64 bird species have been recorded utilizing the Seneca II-W area. Twenty-five of these bird species were recorded within the Seneca II-W study area during the September 25, 1974 field survey (Table 11-12). The relative abundance of each species is given by habitat type. Information obtained during the spring and fall avian surveys provide a basis for the following discussion of habitat relationships. • The mixed brush association of serviceberry, chokecherry, sagebrush, and Cambel oak comprises a substantial portion (587 acres) of the study area. This habitat supports a large number of bird species; 24 species observed within study area boundaries in the spring and 17 species observed in the fall. Dominant spring species were the green-tailed towhee (Pipilo chlorura), mourning dove, MacGil livray's warbler (Oporo rnis tolmiei), American robin (Turdus migra torius), and black-billed magpie (Pica pica) while dominant fall species were black-billed magpie, American robin, and mountain bluebrid (Sialia currucoides). The sagebrush type has nearly as extensive coverage as the mixed brush on the study area (707 acres). The diversity of bird species, however, was considerably lower in this habi- tat during the spring survey with only ten species of birds observed. Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri), vesper sparrow (Pooecetes 9ramineus), mountain bluebird, and broad- tailed humni ngbird (Selasphor us platycerc us) rvere dominant at that time. During the fall survey, forb areas were included in the sagebrush category. Dominant . species during the fall included American robin, mountain bluebird, and vesper sparrow. Areas dominated by fortis had a considerable population of broad-tailed humningbirds in 21