2012-10-01_REVISION - M1979094HR (15)

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The Western Meadowlark is a common breeding bird in the big sagebrush habitat but leaves for the winter. The Brown - headed Cowbird is not a year -round resident of the area and probably does not nest there. The black- headed Grosbeck is common and breeds in the area but leaves for winter. The House Finch and the American Goldfinch are common year -round residents in the area. The Rufous -sided Towhee is a year -round breeding resident of the pinion juniper woodlands. The Lark Bunting is present in late summer during migration. The Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, and Brewer's Sparrow all commonly nest within the big sagebrush habitat and migrate out of the area for the winter. The Dark -eyed Junco and Gray- headed Junco are winter residents and do not breed within the area. A complete list of birds using these habitats year round and seasonally is included in Exhibit U — EPP. H.5 Mammals The pinion juniper woodlands and the big sagebrush shrub lands support a diverse mammalian population with the pinion juniper habitat having higher population levels for most species, with the exception on the Desert Cottontail which is more abundant in the big sagebrush habitat. The Black- tailed Jackrabbit is common within these habitats. Chipmunks were present but uncommon in the pinion juniper forest. The Rock Squirrel is considered common in both habitats. Gunnison's Prairie Dog and Ord's Kangaroo Rat are found in areas of stunted shrub land and grass land and are uncommon in the vicinity of the JD -7 site. The Deer Mouse and the Pinion Mouse are common in the pinion juniper habitat with the Bush Mouse being uncommon there. The White- throated Woodrat and the Mexican Woodrat are present but uncommon in both habitats. The porcupine is present but uncommon in the pinion juniper habitat. The Coyote, the Badger and the Mule Deer are common in the project area. The American Elk, the Bobcat, the Grey Fox, and the Mountain Lion have been observed near the project area by the local conservation officer. The Mule Deer and the American Elk migrate into the area during the winter and move to higher elevations during the warmer months. The other mammals are considered year -round residents of the area. Table H.5 -1 lists the Mammals of Montrose County. A complete list of mammals using these habitats year round and seasonally is included in Exhibit U — EPP. JD -7 Exhibit H v7 H -3