1980-06-11_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A

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a literature search, the peregrine falcon, northern bald eagle and black-footed ferret could occur on the study area; therefore ground surveys were conducted to determine whether potential nesting, roosting or hunting habitat existed on the study area for these species (see Results, page 48) . The methodology for these ground searches are described in detail below. The L-rportance of the study area to bald eagles was ascertained by determining the presence and extent of all areas of open water with nearby tall trees. Large expanses of open water and nearby tali trees are required for success- ful nesting of bald eagles (Snow- 1973) . Likewise, open water supporting waterfowl throughout the winter season can serve as a food source for bald eagles during winter. Wintering bald eagles also feed extensively on carrion. Preferred nesting habitat of peregrine falcons generally consists of cliffs that are q'Ld to high, often overlook water, and allow an extensive view of the surrounding countryside (ii' key 1942) . The area within a 5-mi:e radius of the stagy area v.as surveyed to identify potential peregrine nesting habitat. Potential black-footed ferret habitat in the form of prairie dog towns does exist on the study area. The techniques outlined by Henderson et al. (1974) were iirplerented to identify possible black-footed ferret activity at the project site. The initial ground observation of a prairie dog colony took place from a vehicle since prairie dogs are more wary of a person on foot (Henderson et al. 1974) . Each colony was carefully observed through 8x35rmn binoculars for ferrets and to note prairie dog behavior. Their behavior could be an indicator of a ferret's presence in the colony (Henderson et al. 1974) . For e_x&7ple, if a ferret is at the entrance of a burrow, the prairie dogs will sit at their burrow looking in the ferret's direction. Prairie dogs will move excitedly towards a ferret that is above ground. If a ferret goes down a burrow, the prairie dogs will attempt to cover the entrance (Henderson et &I. 1947) . However, Clark (1978) suggested that prairie dog behavior is of minimal value in locating ferrets, since this excited behavior is also seen in towns which are frequented by hunters. If the initial observation from a vehicle did not yield the possible presence of a ferret, the town was searched for -12- JUN ! ! 1980