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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 Game Birds. Upland came birds observed during passerine transect <br />surveys and other•wi.ldlife studies, were recorded by species, number, habitat, <br />location, and date. In addition, brood production surveys were conducted in <br />.Yuly, 1979 to determine' the number of young birds and adults by species and <br />habitat. These surveys utilized the 0.5 km walking transects 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 wad-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 35). <br />Migratory waterfowl and shorebird species are protected by the Migratory <br />Bird Treaty Act; therefore, an important objective of the waterfowl program <br />was to identify and tap 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 GAME SURVEYS <br />Ground survey techniques and existing DOW 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 characteristic's of the site made it more attractive <br />to mule deer than other sites. An example of site characteristics sty }cued <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 />J U H 1 1 1580 <br />