Laserfiche WebLink
Important Wintering Passerine Species. The white - crowned sparrow was the most <br />abundant species encountered during *the winter passerine surveys, averaging <br />14.3 individuals/km over all transects. This species was observed in the <br />alfalfa field, juniper and riparian habitats and exhibited a definite affinity <br />for the riparian type. White- crowned sparrows are usually found in thickets <br />adjacent to fields or open areas (Bobbins et al. 1966). <br />The Oregon junco was the second most abundant species observed averaging <br />8.0 individuals/km over all transects. The Oregon junco was observed in the <br />juniper and riparian types and exhibited an affinity for the riparian type. <br />This species is usually abundant in coniferous forests; however, in winter <br />the Oregon junco is common in farmyards and fields (Robbins et al. 1966). <br />The third Rost abundant species observed was the western meadowlark averaging <br />7.1 individuals/km over all transects. However, this species was obserAed only <br />in the alfalfa field habitat, where it was the most abundant species observed <br />(35.3 individuals/km). The western meadowlark is a year -round resident of <br />the study area. <br />Although the raven was not found in high numbers in any habitat type, it did <br />have a widespread distribution among habitats on the study area. It was found <br />in all types sampled and as a result of the low number of observations an <br />affinity for any one habitat was not apparent. <br />Qualitative Surveys. Qualitative surveys of areas not subjected to strip <br />census were conducted during all wildlife studies to compile a complete list <br />of birds occupying the study site. Passerine species observed during these <br />qualitative surveys but not encountered on transects were: rock wren, western <br />kingbird, and yellow warbler. These passerines were sighted during the summer <br />qualitative surveys. The western kingbirds are commonly found about farms <br />and along streams where scattered trees provide nesting opportunities. The <br />one western kingbird sighted on the study area was in a grove of trees at the <br />farmstead on the study area. <br />R o c k wrens are common in r o c k y areas. One rock wren was observed in t h e pin - <br />-36- <br />.i U N 1 1 1980 <br />