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during all ground activities were recorded on standard wildlife observation <br /> forms. All raptor observations and nest site locations were carefully mapped <br /> on wildlife distribution maps. <br /> Upland &b7e Birds. Upland game birds observed during passerine transect <br /> surveys and other wildlife studies, were recorded by species, number, habitat, <br /> location, and date. In addition, brood production surveys were conducted in <br /> July, 1979 to determine the number of young birds and adults by species and <br /> habitat. These surveys utilized the 0.5 km walking transacts established for <br /> passerine breeding bird surveys (see Results, page 38) . <br /> Waterfowl. Qualitative surveys to determine waterfowl nesting activity and <br /> nest production at study area wet areas were conducted during mid-July, 1979. <br /> wet areas were visited during early morning hours and numbers of young birds <br /> and adults were recorded by species and location (see Results, page 39) . <br /> IM,igratory waterfowl and shorebird species are protected by the Migratory <br /> Bird Treaty Act; therefore, an in-portazt objective of the waterfowl program <br /> was to identify and map all areas that are critical to waterfowl survival in <br /> the study area (if any) so that all such areas can be monitored during mining <br /> operations. <br /> BIG GLME SURVEYS <br /> Ground survey techniques and existing DCW data were utilized to determine the <br /> presence, abundance, and heavy-use areas of mule deer on the study area <br /> (see Results, page 40) . All mule deer observations (and other wildlife <br /> observations) obtained during all field activities were listed on wildlife <br /> observation forms. Mule deer use areas identified during surveys and through <br /> a compilation of observations and existing DOW data were studied on the <br /> ground to determine what characteristics of the site made it more attractive <br /> to mule deer than other sites. An example of site characteristics studied <br /> at sites heavily utilized by (if any) mule deer follows: <br /> 1. Topographic characteristics <br /> a. Slope aspect and degree of slope <br /> b. Protection offered by topographic conditions <br /> -8- <br /> J U N i i sea <br />