2012-09-06_REVISION - M2008070 (21)

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Passerine Species Habitat Selection & Breeding Records Yellow - billed Cuckoo Open woods, orchards and streamside willow /alder groves No records in Rio Blanco County Brewer's Sparrow Sagebrush shrublands, occasionally in other shrublands such as rabbitbrush and mountain mahogany Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco County Virginia's Warbler Dense shrublands and scrub forests of PJ, Gambel's oak, mountain mahogany. Nests on ground among dead leaves or with rock or log overhangs. Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco County Vesper Sparrow Grasslands and shrublands nester Confirmed breeding in Rio Blanco County Lark Sparrow Grasslands and shrublands; sagebrush is commonly used Nesting confirmed in sagebrush stands along Piceance Creek; no local data Green - tailed Towhee Common species in region; nests in variety of shrublands Confirmed breeder in Rio Blanco County County. Greater Sage- Grouse: This species is listed as a species of special concern by CDOW and BLM as their populations across Colorado have experienced steep declines over the past 20 years. They require extensive stands of continuous sagebrush habitat that generally lacks an overstory of other shrubs or trees. Patch size of sagebrush habitat required by Sage- Grouse in the Roan/Piceance area is not well - understood, but it is known they prefer ridge tops and thought to spend little time on steep hillsides and in the bottom of gulches and draws. Habitat for this species is very widely dispersed in the Piceance Basin and interrupted by steep, mountainous terrain and extensive stands of pinyon juniper woodland. There are no known occurrences of sage grouse on the study area. Table 3: Neo- Tropical / Passerine species habitat selection and breeding records for Rio Blanco Golden Eagle: Golden eagles are listed as a species of concern by the USFWS. They are common in the Piceance Basin, preferring to nest on sandstone bluffs and rock outcrops scattered throughout the region, and rarely nest in the relatively short, scrubby trees of the Piceance Basin. Golden eagles are commonly viewed along RBCR 5. Prairie Falcon: Prairie falcons are listed as a species of concern by the USFWS. They are known to utilize the high bluffs north along RBCR 5 for nesting as well as similar cliff habitat features throughout the Piceance Creek basin. This species returns to breeding Environmental Solutions, Inc. Page 15 of 30 March 09