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<br /> <br />J' <br />rf __ <br />~ <br />~~ <br /> II <br />~~~~I~~~I~~I~~ <br /> sss <br />1999 MEXICAN SPOTTED OWL SURVEYS <br />Mexican Spotted Owl (Srrix occidenruiis lucidu) surveys were conducted in the Pikes Peak <br />(central) and Wet Mountain (southcentral) Areas of Colorado in 1999 on USFS and BLM <br />]ands. A total of 7 Spotted Owls were located at three locations (3 pairs and 1 fledgling). <br />Eleven canyons were chosen to be surveyed in the PikelSan Isabel NF and Canon City BLM <br />regions based on previous detections of owls and/or the presence of suitable habitat. Four oc- <br />curred on BLM, five on the San Isabel National Forest, and two on the Pike National Forest. <br />One new area was chosen for survey (Maes Creek) based on the presence of suitable habitat <br />and unconfirmed reports of Spotted owls in previous years (Jim McCain, resident). Surveys at <br />canyon sites were conducted nocturnally to determine occupancy. When a Spotted Owl was <br />detected, a diurnal visit was conducted to locate roost sites and determine reproductive status. <br />All areas surveyed occurred in drainages with steep canyons and exposed rocky cliffs contain- <br />ing old-growth mixed conifer forests. Many of these canyons contained tributaries that are <br />characterized by very narrow, densely vegetated microhabitats which may contain a climate <br />more suitable for daytime roosting and increased protection from predators. <br />