MONITORING OF WILDLIFE CONTROL AREAS AND AVIFAUNA ON THE OLDMAN RIVER RESERVOIR

1994 Report Prepared For GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA

Alberta Environmental Protection

Edmonton, Alberta

Prepared by R.W.FYFE

AUGUST 31, 1994

Table of Contents

i

List of Tables .. iii

List of appendices iv

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY v

1.0 INTRODUCTION i

1. 1 Background and Rationale 1

2.0 OBJECTIVES 2

3.0 METHODS 4

3 . 1 Field Observations: 4

3.1.1 Monitoring Nesting Raptorial Birds in the Wildlife Protection Areas 4

3. 1 .2 Inventory of Breeding Birds of Prey 5

3.1.3 Banding 5

3.2 Inventory of Colonial and Sensitive Species 5

3.3 Monitoring the Effects of Human Disturbance 6

4.0 RESULTS 8

4. 1 Raptor Population Inventory 8

4.1. 1 Prairie Falcon Production........ 9

4. 1 .2 Ferruginous Hawk Production 9

4.1.3 Banding 9

4.2 Inventory of Colonial Birds and other Sensitive Species 10

4.3 Disturbance 12

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4.4 Artificial Nest Utilization.... 13

5.0 DISCUSSION 15

5. 1 Wildlife Control Areas 15

5. 1. 1 Prairie Falcons 16

5.2 Ferruginous Hawks 18

5.2 Colonial and Sensitive Species. 19

5.3 Disturbance 20

5.4 Artificial Nest Sites 22

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 25

7.0 LITERATURE CUED 26

8.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 28

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TABLE 1. 1994 IMMATURE PRAIRIE FALCON BANDING 10

TABLE 2. PRODUCTIVITY AND DISTURBANCE AT KNOWN PRAIRIE

FALCON BREEDING TERRITORIES 12

TABLE 3. ARTIFICIAL AND IMPROVED CLIFF NESTING SITES 14

TABLE 4. PRAIRIE FALCON BREEDING TERRITORIES 17

TABLE 5. FERRUGINOUS HAWK BREEDING TERRITORIES 1989-94 18

TABLE 6. PRODUCTIVITY AND DISTURBANCE AT KNOWN

FERRUGINOUS BREEDING TERRITORIES 21

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List of appendices

APPENDIX 1. Summary of Oldman Prairie Falcon Nest Data 32

APPENDIX 2. Birds identified in the study area 1989-94 33

Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015

https://archive.org/details/monitoringofwildOOfyfe

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Executive Summary

This report will focus on the effectiveness of the wildlife control areas, the incidence and severity of human disturbance and the occurrence of birds of prey and colonial nesting species in association with the Oldman River Dam.

The wildlife Control areas were established this year specifically to protect breeding pairs of Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus and Golden Eagle Aquila chrvsaetos nesting on the banks of the reservoir. These areas, the birds they contained and human activity were monitored throughout the breeding season. Less intensive monitoring was also carried out throughout the breeding season relative to Ferruginous Hawks Buteo rezalis, Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Common Loons Gavia immer, and colonial species known to be sensitive to human interference.

In the current year approximately 600 hours were spent in the field monitoring the control areas and observing and recording human activities and the effect of these activities on sensitive species. Breeding territories of eight Prairie Falcon, one Golden Eagle, four Ferruginous Hawk, one Osprey and one Common Loon were occupied and monitored during the 1994 breeding season. Each territory contained breeding pairs that attempted to nest in the current breeding season. Of these five pair of Prairie Falcons successfully fledged a total of 23 young, 18 were caught and banded, the one pair of Common Loons hatched one youngster and two pair of Ferrugious Hawks producing young. In addition nesting territories Oi seventeen, pair Oi ivC^-taii iriawic uUt£G }auiaiC£"uS is , one pair Oi Richardson's Meriin Faico coiumbarius richardsonu four pair of American Kestrel Faico spavenus, one pair of Marsh Hawk Circus cyaneus and one pair of Swainson's Hawk Buteo Swainsonii* were recorded in or adjacent to the study area. No transgressions into the Wildlife Control

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Areas were observed in over 200 recorded observations of boats and/or people approaching these areas. Correspondingly there was no indication of severe disturbance at any nest site once the breeding pairs were established Of specific interest was the fact that both the Prairie Falcon and Golden Eagle territories delineated by buoys were subjected to regular activity of fishermen and motor boats passing immediately beyond the buoys with no apparent effect on the breeding birds. Although the Golden Eagles were not successful in fledging young, field observations suggest that the nesting failure of the eagles was a natural event and not the result of human interference. This is the first season since our monitoring began during which we have not recorded severe disturbance in relation to raptor nest sites. However, disturbance remains a concern as indicated by the fact that the two Prairie Falcon territories in close proximity to the Dam were subjected to considerable human activity immediately prior to the establishment of territories and although birds were observed in the territories no nesting attempt was recorded

Seven artificial holes were occupied during the 1994 breeding season, four by Prairie Falcons, two by Great Homed Owls Bubo virsinianus and one by Canada Geese Branta canadensis.. Four nesting platforms were also utilized, one each by Ferruginous Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Canada Geese and Osprey. Several nest boxes were occupied by American Kestrels, Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica, Mountain Bluebirds Sailia currucoides, and Tree Swallows Tachvcineta bicolor.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background and Rationale

The construction and subsequent flooding of the Oldman River Dam impacted adversely on raptorial birds and other sensitive species nesting in, or adjacent to the reservoir. During the construction phase several pair of raptorial birds nesting in and adjacent to the Oldman, Crowsnest and Castle River valleys were displaced by human activity and habitat alteration associated with the construction and subsequent flooding of the Oldman River Dam1 . In 1991-92 environmental hearings were held by a Federal Environmental Panel throughout the province. Several concerns were addressed and recommendations were made. This project has been initiated in response to concerns that were voiced and in response to the recommendation that the monitoring should be continued, relative to the newly created Wildlife Control Areas.

With the completion of the dam the majority sensitive species have now relocated to alternate natural and/or artificial nest sites in the area. In addition newly created nesting and feeding areas have attracted numbers of sensitive colonial water birds2 .

Following the completion of the dam, human activity has increased significantly and camping, fishing and other water-oriented recreational activities have the potential to subject the

1 Prairie Falcon Falco mexjcanus. Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis. American Kestrel Falco spaverius and Great Homed Qwi Bubo virginianus.

2 All of the following species have been observed on the reservoir and could begin to colonize: Canada Goose Branta canadensis. Common Tern Sterna turunda. Black Tern Chiidomas mqer. California Gull Larus calif amicus. Ring-billed Gull Larus aelawarensis. Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalism Eared Grebe Podiceps caspicus. Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax guntus, White Pelican Pelicamts ervthrorhvnchos.

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resident raptors, colonial birds, and other sensitive species to severe disturbance throughout the breeding season. As the potential for human interference is very real, Wildlife Control Areas were proposed in 1993 and put into effect in the spring of 1994. Further justification for the establishment of the Control Areas would include the following: a) the Oldman River Reservoir and surrounding area supports one of the principle concentrations of breeding birds of prey in Alberta,3 This population is unique because it is both readily accessible and observable and therefore potentially subject to considerable human interference during the nesting season, b) it was decided that it was necessary to determine how effective these exclusion areas would be in preventing human interference during the breeding season , and c) the successful mitigation of these birds and the documented evidence in 1993 indicating the sensitivity of these birds to human interference.

2.0 Objectives

1. To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Wildlife Control Areas in protecting breeding birds in designated areas associated with the Oldman River Dam and Reservoir.

2. To determine the occurrence and progress of nesting colonial waterfowl along the shoreline of the reservoir.

3. To document the incidence and severity of human disturbance associated with each nest and establish minimum acceptable tolerances of specific recreational activities adjacent to each nest.

3 The raptorial species breeding in the area include;Golden Eagle, Osprey, Prairie Falcons, Richardsons's Merlin, American Kestrel, Ferruginous Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Swainson's Hawks, Cooper Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Marsh Hawks, Great Homed Owls, Long-eared Owls, and Short-eared Owls. Peregrine Falcons formerly bred on the Castle River and Bald Eagles currently nest just north of the area.

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4. To record biological data relative to the breeding biology, phenology and response to disturbance by raptorial and colonial water birds nesting in and associated with the area impacted by the construction and flooding of the Oldman River Dam.

5. To maintain public support through good public relations, i.e. keeping the local public informed,

working closely with the government departments, the media, local committees, and where possible involving the public in activities related to the project.

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3.0 Methods

3.1 Field Observations:

3.1.1 Monitoring nesting raptorial birds in the newly assigned Wildlife Protection Areas

The primary focus of this project is to monitor the effectiveness of the exclusion areas in protecting breeding birds within these areas. Monitoring was carried out from the beginning of April through early July for both raptors and colonial species in order to provide data on initial occupancy and the extent of human interference at this critical time. Within the Wildlife Control Areas once nesting territories were established and nesting was initiated we made daily visits (weather and roads permitting) to observe the breeding birds and to record any instance of disturbance. All known nest sites were visited regularly and relevant observations recorded and problems investigated. Specific attention was paid to areas with high recreational traffic and all observed interaction recorded

To measure the effects of human interference the frequency, timing, duration, and location of each type of recreational activity carried out near nesting areas of sensitive species was documented. All instances of human interference were recorded as well as data relative to the response of the breeding birds to specific types of disturbance. Also noted when possible were the effects of the various types of human activity in relation to the breeding birds with specific reference to the nature of the activity, the relative distance from nest sites and the response of these birds in relation to the timing in the breeding cycle.

In order to provide the necessary biological data, data was kept on all bird species observed in the area This documentation included; arrival dates, initiation of nesting, egg laying, hatching and fledging dates and interaction with other species. .

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Immature Prairie Falcons and were banded and field monitoring was continued until the fledging of the young.

3.1.2 Inventory of Breeding Birds of Prey

Raptor breeding inventories and behavioural studies have been carried out each year from March through July in 1989 through 1994. These field investigations were carried out specifically to locate breeding pairs, non breeding pairs and individuals occupying known breeding territories, or suitable nesting habitat within 16 km. of the proposed reservoir boundaries.

3.13 Banding

Banding of Prairie Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks in the study area began in 1989 using standard USF&W numbered aluminium bands has continued to the present . In 1989 and 1990 the falcons in the study area were also banded with combinations of red, blue and black coloured bands, however banding in 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994 banding has been carried out using only the standard USF&W aluminium bands.

32 Inventory of Colonial and Sensitive Species

Throughout the season colonial and other sensitive species were also inventoried and their nests plotted. With the influx of other species into the area, species composition is somewhat volatile

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and considerable time was spent monitoring new arrivals. Particular attention was paid to those species attempting to nest in the area for the first time.

3 J Monitoring the effect of Human Disturbance

One of the objectives of the current study has been to determine the effects of disturbance on the Prairie Falcons and Golden Eagles nesting in the Control Areas. This is of particular relevance as earlier studies have documented adverse affects on these two species resulting from various types of disturbance (Fyfe and Olendorff 1976, Call 1978, White and Thurow 1985, Grier and Fyfe 1987).

In order to determine the effect of human disturbance three priorities were set:

1. To determine initial occupancy of the nesting falcons and eagles in the Control Areas. This period is the most critical time for the establishment of territories by raptors and for the initiation of colonization by colonial species.

2. To document the general biology and to monitor natural disturbance affecting the breeding birds. When possible early in the nesting season these areas were monitored daily,.. This monitoring was carried out intensively through hatching of the young and less intensively through fledging for all sites in the control areas. Less intensive monitoring was also carried out throughout the breeding season relative to Ferruginous Hawks Buteo resalis, Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Common Loons Gavia immer. and colonials species known to be sensitive to human interference.

3. To document interaction with humans in or adjacent to the Control Areas regardless of the nature of the interaction. Specifically we attempted to determine the relative response by breeding birds

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to various types of activities in relation to the time in the birds breeding cycle and in relation to such aspects as distance, timing, duration and nature of the activity. When possible early in the nesting season these areas were monitored daily, and following hatching on alternate days. Less intensive monitoring was also carried out throughout the breeding season relative to Ferruginous Hawks Buteo rezalis. Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Common Loons Gavia immer. and colonials species known to be sensitive to human interference.

During the current season the most intensive monitoring was done in relation to the control

areas while other areas were monitored to a lesser degree.

All observed instances of disturbance and the subsequent behaviour have been documented

since 1989. Our procedures have been the same each year and we have simply taken every

opportunity to document any disturbance that we observed that could be associated nest desertion.

We did not attempt to stop any disturbance encountered nor to interfere with any observed problem.

Our observations of the activities and the subsequent results were simply documented and reported.

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4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Raptor Population Inventory

Prairie Falcons were observed in ten of thirteen available nesting territories during the 1994 breeding season, however, no attempt was made at nesting in two known territories although birds were observed at or near these territories very early in the season.

Four of six Prairie Falcon territories located in the Wildlife Control Areas were occupied during the current year. These include all of the territories still available on the reservoir itself. Three of the four were successful in fledging young. One site foiled when the young were approximately three weeks of age. Four of six additional known prairie Falcon Territories in close proximity to the reservoir were occupied this year.

The Golden Eagle territory located in the Wildlife Control Area was occupied again this year. The pair were observed during courtship, nest building and incubation through hatching.

Ferruginous Hawks were observed in one territory adjacent to the reservoir and in three of four nesting territories outside of limits of the proposed reservoir but within the study area. Four pair occupied territories and nested two pair were successful in hatching young.

In addition nesting territories of seventeen pair of Red-tail Hawk, one pair of Richardson's Merlin, four pair of American Kestrel, one pair of Marsh Hawk and one pair of Swainson's Hawk, were recorded in or adjacent to the study area.

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4.1.1 Prairie Falcon Production

Twenty three young Prairie Falcons were produced by five productive pair (Table 1.) for an average of 3.8 young per productive pair, or an average of 2.8 young for eight nesting attempts. One nest failed possibly due to predation. Our observations suggest that it is possible that the two pair of falcons immediately below the dam made no attempt at nesting as a result of the human activity in the area just prior to the nesting season..

4.1.2 Ferruginous Hawk Production

During the current year four pair of Ferruginous hawks were found breeding. One pair was found nesting in one of the platforms that had been erected adjacent to the reservoir. It is believed that this pair had simply relocated roughly 2 km. from a former nesting territory. This pair was observed on several occasions and although the exact number of young could not be identified it was definite that there were young on the nesting platform in late June. Two pair succeeded in producing young.

4.13 Banding

Eighteen nestling Prairie Falcons were captured and banded using regular USF&W lock-on bands (Table 3.). This brings the total to one hundred ninety Prairie Falcons that have been banded in the

past five years with ninety seven colour marked (Table 4.). caught and individually marked

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The total includes the nineteen adults

TABLE 1.

	1994 IMMATURE PRAIRIE FALCON BANDING.
Location	Male	Female	> Date-'
Days	816-16067 816-16068 816-16069		06-18-94
Langs	816-16071	987-46359 987-46360 987-46361	06-18-94
1st Porcupine	816-16070		06-18-94
Buffalo Jump	816-16060 816-16061 816-16062 816-16063 816-16064		06-18-94
Castle	816-16065 816-16066	987-46356 987-46357 987-46358	06-19-93

No young Ferruginous were banded in the current year. Small young were observed in two nests but rain and difficult climbing conditions made it impossible for us to band these young when we did our banding run.

4.2 Inventory of Colonial birds and other Sensitive Species.

In the current year the following colonial species were observed in the area:

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Western Grebes were first observed on April 26 and were subsequently observed in several areas of the reservoir. During the current year they remained for only a few weeks at most. We did not observe any attempt at nesting.

Double-crested Cormorants were first observed flying over the reservoir on April 28 and were seen almost daily thereafter throughout the breeding season. The majority of these birds were non breeders and although no attempt at nesting was observed a single bird was observed carrying sticks in late June and considerable time was spent on the dead trees at the east end of Stevick's. As Cormorants are known to nest in trees it is possible that they will attempt to nest here in future years. Although some time was spent on the rocky islands there was no indication of courtship or nest building.

White Pelicans were first observed flying over the reservoir May 29, although seen on and flying over the reservoir it is believed these were non-breeding birds or birds breeding elsewhere and coming to the reservoir to feed

The one sensitive species of note was the Common Loon. These birds were first observed on the reservoir on May 2. Individuals were observed in several areas on all three arms of the reservoir and one pair established a breeding territory and nested on one of the Stevick Ponds. California Gulls, Common Terns, and Black terns were observed on the reservoir on different occasions but appeared to be using the area as a loafing and or feeding area only. 43 Disturbance

As in other years all breeding pairs were subject to a wide range of natural disturbance and varying degrees of human related disturbance. However, following the implementation of the

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Wildlife Control Areas and the placement of the signs we did not record a single instance of j transgression into the areas that had be marked as off-limits to the public. The implementation of the Control Areas restricted direct access to nesting birds, power boats, fishermen, and picnickers but I

otherwise people were free to move wherever they wished

TABLE 2.

PRODUCTIVITY AND DISTURBANCE AT KNOWN PRAIRIE FALCON BREEDING TERRITORIES FOR 1994
NEST SITE	1985 NEST#	PRODUCTIVE IN 1994	DISTURBANCE
	( Young et al. 1986
Old Bridge	#48	N	Minimal
Mercury	#45	N	Severe1
Dam1	#42	N	Severe1
Buffalo Jump E.	#40	Y	Minimal
Buffalo Jump W.2		N	Minimal
Fairbrother		N	Minimal
Lang		N	Minimal
Days		Y	Moderate
1st PorcupineR		Y	Minimal
MalorT	#12	N	Minimal
Castle*2		Y	Minimal

1 suspected relocation from former #42 PRODUCTIVE * Indicates whether a nest site was productive or not in the 1 994 season

: second nest site within an established territory DISTURBANCE = relative level of documented disturbance R pair relocated from Days. NEST SITE = Names given to known breeding territories

# = Corresponds to nest numbers given in earlier reports by Young

In contrast to 1993 the incidence of disturbance to breeding raptors was greatly reduced Our observations suggest only minimal to moderate disturbance at any nesting site on the reservoir. In

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contrast those nest sites just downstream of the dam were subjected to considerable human interference prior to the nesting season and both failed to nest It was interesting to note that falcons were again observed at both nests prior to the breeding season but apparently made no attempt to nest in 1994.

Ferruginous Hawks were observed at three previously occupied territories and also in one new territory in the study area in 1994. Pairs were observed at nests in all four territories early in the season, however only two of the four pair in the study area were successful during the 1994 breeding season As in the past three years the Ferruginous in the study area have been subjected to little human interference and our observations suggest that their production has not been influenced by disturbance.

4.4 Artificial Nest Utilization

Table 7. summarizes the utilization of the artificial cliff nesting sites since 1989. Seven artificial holes were occupied during the 1994 breeding season, four by Prairie Falcons, two by Great Homed Owls and one by Canada Geese. Three of the four Prairie Falcons and both the geese and the owls nested successfully. One pair of falcons deserted due to unknown causes.

Prior to the 1991 breeding season nineteen nest platforms were constructed and placed on tree stumps or poles in selected sites along the banks of the reservoir or on areas destined to become islands with the flooding of the reservoir. In 1994 three platforms were used successfully, one by a breeding pair of Red-tailed Hawks and two others by Canada Geese. In addition a pair of Osprey

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made a definite attempt at nesting on one platform and were subsequently observed regularly on this platform and the other three platforms at Stevick's throughout May, June and into early July.

Table 3. ARTIFICIAL AiND IMPROVED CLIFF NESTING SITES 1999-1994
	Artificial hote . :	Falcons	Utilized by other " species	• Occupied V
Available in 1989	15	1	1 Raven 1 Canada Goose	3
Available in 1990	+32 = 47	3	I Canada Goose 1 G.H.Owl	1
Available in 1991	+3 = 50	4	2 Canada Geese I G.H. Owl	7
Available in 1992	50	3	1 Canada Goose 1 G.H. Owl I Raven	6
Available in 1993	+1 =51	5	1 Canada Goose 1 G.H.Owl	7
Available in 1994	= 51	4	1 Canada Goose 2 G.ROwl	7
Total	51	20	15	35

Although we were not able to monitor all of the nest boxes we did document Kestrel pairs using three boxes, and observed Barrow's Goldeneye investigating several boxes. Lone drakes were later observed loafing near several boxes suggesting that the Barrow's Goldeneye did indeed nest in some of the boxes.

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5.0 DISCUSSION

5.1 Wildlife Control Areas.

Following the desertion of nesting Golden Eagles and Prairie Falcons due to human interference in 1993, seven Wildlife Control Areas were proposed for the Oldman River Reservoir. This proposal was put forward to protect nesting birds of prey (specifically Prairie Falcons and Golden Eagle) and other wildlife nesting on the banks of the reservoir or immediately downstream of the Dam itself.

Six of seven control areas on the Oldman River Reservoir were established specifically to protect nesting birds of prey. Tn 1994 the areas were demarked, legislation was put forward and this project was subsequently undertaken to determine their effectiveness in protecting the breeding birds of prey. Four of the control areas were utilized in the 1994 breeding season, three by Prairie Falcons and the fourth by the pair of Golden Eagles. In addition the pair of Prairie Falcons normally utilizing the cliffs at the Stevick's East Control Area relocated approximately 1 km. south and nested in an artificial hole just outside of the area included in the control area designation.

Of the over 200 observations of boats and/or people near the designated areas we did not observe a single transgression into the areas that were delimited by the buoys or markers. Although the pair of eagles did fail to fledge young there is no evidence to indicate the failure was due to human interference. Our observations confirmed that the pair occupied the territory, built a new nest, copulated and laid. Incubation progressed through hatching despite frequent movements of boats passing just outside the buoys. Within a day or so of hatching it appears the youngster died of natural

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causes and we became aware of the death when we observed the strange behaviour of the adult chasing a magpie from the side of the nest We did not see the magpie on the structure but observed several attempts to get at something in the nest The behaviour of the adult eagle indicated that clearly it no longer had either eggs or a live chick in the nest as it moved normally from one side of the nest to the other chasing the magpie. Had their been an egg or live chick the adult eagle would have been inhibited by the innate limp-footed behaviour each time they approach either eggs or chicks. The adult eagle did not exhibit this behaviour suggesting that the chick was already dead and that the magpie was attempting to get what appeared to be a piece of carrion. We later verified that there had been a chick by viewing the nest from about 10 meters with binoculars and observing two pieces of skin with attached down in the nest 5.1.1 Prairie Falcons

Prairie Falcons were observed in all of the control areas where nesting territories had been known previously. However, pairs established in only four of these areas (including the pair that relocated just outside of the control area at Stevick's) Three of the four pair successfully fledged young during the current breeding seasoa

For the entire study area Prairie Falcons were observed in a total of ten territories in the 1994 breeding season. Eight territories were occupied by breeding pairs but only five succeeded in fledging young. Production was excellent for these few productive pairs. The resulting fledging success of 3.8 young per successful pair of Prairie Falcons is well above what is normally considered good fledging

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TABLE 4. PRAIRIE FALGQK BREEDING TERRITORIES 1989^ 199%, 19911992^1995099
NEST SITE	■ PRS* <-■■ s 89909192994;	; 899* 929S9*	court 8990 9192 9394^	: 8990919293 94*	EGGS- 89 90 9T 92 939*	xYNGEk. • — ... ^•89^091 92.9*94:
Old Bridge	Y Y Y Y Y Y		Y Y Y Y Y Y	Y Y Y	5 5	4 4 5
Mercury	Y Y Y YA		Y Y		4 4	4 3
Dam1	Y	Y	Y
Buflklo Jump E	Y Y Y Y Y Y		Y Y Y	Y Y	5	4 5 4 5 5
BuffiiioJump W.	Y Y Y Y Y		Y Y Y Y Y	Y Y Y Y	3 3 3
1 Fatrbrothor	Y Y Y Y Y Y		Y Y		5 5	3 3 3 5 5
Bitango Eagle	Y		Y			4
Bitango Bridge	Y Y		Y			5
Tennessee Creek	Y Y Y	Y			4	4 4
Lang.	Y Y Y Y Y	Y Y	Y Y Y	Y Y	3	I 5 4
Weisch	Y Y Y	Y	Y Y		4	4 4
Day*	Y Y Y Y Y		Y	Y	5	2 3 3 ]
1st PorcupmeR	YY Y Y Y		Y Y Y	Y		5 4 5 5 1
Double Ox-bow	Y Y Y	Y	Y		Y1
Horseshoe	Y Y Y Y		Y	Y	5 4	4 4 3 5
Horsesboe#2	Y					2 2
Maioff	Y Y Y Y YY		Y Y	Y	4	3 4 I
Stevick	Y Y	Y Y Y			5	5 5
Castle Dairy	Y Y Y Y		Y	Y	5 5 5	4 4 4 5

1 suspected relocation from former #42

: second nest site within an established territory

R pair relocated from Days

1 female observed incubating

v alternate site in same territory

NEST SITE - Names given to known breeding territories

PRS = pairs observed on territory

END - individual birds observed to remain in a territory

COURT = courtship behaviour observed

COP = copulation observed

EGGS = number observed, most nests not climbed in incubation YNG FL = number of young known to have fledged

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success ( 3. 1 or 3.2 per successful pair as reported in Idaho by Ogden and Homocker (1977) and the Pawnee Grassland in Colorado by OlendorfF (1973)). Unfortunately the overall production is down to 2.8 with only six of the eight nesting attempts succeeding. Fortunately neither of the two nest failures appears to have been related to human interference as both sites are relatively inaccessible and at no time during the season did we observe people at or near the nests. 5.1.2 Ferruginous Hawks

In 1985 a single pair of Ferruginous hawks was recorded nesting in the area to be impacted by construction activity. After relocating twice, this pair has nested each year since 1989 at a site approximately four kilometres from the dam. In 1990 and 1991 Ferruginous were recorded at two other locations within the study area but away from the reservoir. Then in 1992 and again in 1993 new pairs established territories and nested within the study area but again away from the reservoir. This brought the total Ferruginous nesting in the study area to rive all nesting some distance from the reservoir.

TABLE . 5 FERRUG IKOUS HAWK BREEDING TERRITORIES 1989U9*»f 199 f ; 1992; 19930994

NEST SITE	PRS	' JND	COURT:	COP V .•	YNOFL
	89 9S 919293 9*	899a9i 9299	899091929*94	8990919293 94-	8» 9091192:93' 94
Feedk*	Y	Y		Y
Highway ... :	YYYYYY		Y	Y Y		3 2 2 3 2 J
IStForcupme^	Y Y Y Y		Y	Y Y	Y Y Y	3 Y
PoicupineJl	Y Y Y Y Y		Y	Y Y	Y	3 4 4 4 Y
Porcupine #3	Y		Y
Porcupine #4	Y Y Y				2

I this pair appears to have relocated from 1st Porcupine to this platform beside reservoir.

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Then in the 1994 field season a pair of Ferruginous Hawks were observed utilizing one of the nest platforms immediately adjacent to the reservoir. It appears that this pair relocated roughly 1.5 km from their former nesting territory on 1st Porcupine. Three other pair of Ferruginous were located in former nesting territories within the study area. Of the four nesting pair located in 1994 two succeeded in producing young and two pair failed and deserted the territories in mid June. Adverse weather conditions and the difficulty of access prevented any attempt at banding Ferruginous Hawk young this year.

As in the previous three years our observations indicate that the Ferruginous Hawks within the study area have been subjected to a minimum of human disturbance. We have found no evidence to suggest that human interference has in any way affected the nest success of these birds during the past four years.

5.2 Colonial and Sensitive Species

During the 1994 breeding season Western Grebes, Double-crested Cormorants, Common Tern, Black Tern, White Pelicans and Common Loons were all observed on or adjacent to the reservoir. Of these only the Common Loon and Double-crested Cormorants remained throughout the breeding season and both species, loons and cormorants, were observed at several locations on the reservoir. However, they were primarily associated with the ponds at Stevick's and it was here the Common Loons were found nesting. The pair were incubating in June and we believe we observed a single young with an adult early in July. The success of this pair is encouraging since it is

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the first year these birds have attempted to nest on the reservoir because they were subject to some disturbance during incubation and remained to successfully hatch a single youngster.

The majority of the Cormorants birds were non breeders and no nesting attempts were observed However, these birds spent considerable time on the dead trees at the east end of Stevick's and on one occasion in late June a single bird was observed carrying sticks. As Cormorants are known to nest in trees it is possible that they will attempt to nest here in future years.

The White Pelicans observed flying over the reservoir were probably non-breeding birds, or birds that were breeding elsewhere and were simply coming to the reservoir to feed

The California Gulls, Common Terns and Black terns observed on the reservoir appeared to be using the area as a loafing and/or feeding area only..

53 Disturbance

In the 1989 report I suggested that next to the actual destruction of nest sites by flooding, the most serious problem for both the Prairie Falcon and the Ferruginous Hawks would probably be disturbance. Unfortunately until this year in each of the subsequent years, disturbance was demonstrated as the most serious problem for these and other sensitive species nesting in the study area. As in previous years during the current year we have taken every opportunity to document any disturbance that could be associated to nest desertion, however as in the past we did not attempt to stop such disturbance when encountered nor to interfere with any observed problem. Our observations of the activities and the subsequent results were simply documented and reported.

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Our observations suggest that in general, human interference was minimal during the current year, and I am pleased to be able to report that for the first time since 1989 we can report that we did not record a single desertion by raptors or other sensitive species as a result of human interference. Our observations suggest that the public respected the Wildlife Control Areas during the extent of the breeding season and our field observations indicate that both the falcons and eagles nesting in the control areas were not subjected to any serious disturbance from people.

TABLE 6. PRODUCTIVITY AND DISTURBANCE AT KNOWN FERRUGINOUS BREEDING TERRITORIES v
	m mu 1992; 1993499*
f NESTSTIE	1985NEST*	NEST SUCCESS:	DISTURBANCE
		1989 199a I99t 1992: 199*
Feedlot		not occupied	Minimal
Highway1	#47	Y Y Y Y Y	Minimal
Porcupine Hill		N N Y Y	Minimal
Porcupine #2		Y Y Y Y Y	Minimai
Porcupine #3		Y N	Minimal
j Porcupine #4		N	Minimal

1 suspected relocauon from fonner #42

J second nest site within an established territory

NEST SITE - Names given to known breeding tern tones # = Corresponds to nest numbers given in earlier reports by Young et al 1986 NEST SUCCESS - Indicates whether a nest site was productive or not DISTURBANCE = relative level or' documented disturbance

During the current breeding season, the most serious human interference affecting raptors occurred unwittingly prior to the breeding season at the two sites immediately downstream from the dam.

Some disturbance occurred relative to nesting loons and the non breeding cormorants at Stevick's.

22

Both are sensitive species and both species were inadvertently flushed on several occasions as a result of people fishing or walking at the edge of the western lakes. I do not think this was serious disturbance as the cormorants were still present and utilizing the trees for perching at that time and we believe we observed a single chick with one of the adult loons in early July.

5.4 Artificial Nest Sites

As noted in 1993, following the flooding of the reservoir several of the original nest sites are no longer available. However, for those territories where nest sites have remained or where artificial sites are available the breeding pairs returned and utilized both natural and artificial holes in their original territories. Other pairs either relocated or returned to old territories outside of the reservoir. A total of seven artificial holes were occupied during the current breeding season, four by Prairie Falcons, one by Canada Geese and two by Great Homed Owls.

Four nesting platforms were also utilized for nesting in 1994, one each by Ferruginous Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Canada Geese and Osprey and several others were utilized as feeding platforms and hunting perches Ospreys were observed frequently using the poles as perch points in May and early June of the current year.

Wooden nest boxes placed adjacent to the reservoir provided suitable nests for American Kestrels, other hole nesting species, and several species of tree nesting waterfowl. We did not make a serious attempt to monitor all of the nest boxes in the 1993 breeding season. .. Several nest boxes were occupied by American Kestrels, Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica. Mountain Bluebirds Sailia currucoides, and Tree Swallows Tachvcineta bicolor . We did document Kestrel pairs at three

23

boxes and we observed lone drake Barrow's Goldeneye near others. It is probable that all represented nesting females using the boxes.

As stated in my 1992 report "It is my opinion the most serious impact on not only the raptors but on any colonial nesting waterfowl or other sensitive colonial nesting birds is yet to come. I believe this impact will come from human disturbance resulting from unrestricted recreational activities on the reservoir". While this may still be the case I am pleased to note that the implementation of Wildlife Control Area had a very definite influence on the activities of the public as noted we did not record a single transgression by the public into these areas. It is also evident that if people stay in their boats and away from sensitive areas they do not pose a threat and even the very sensitive species tolerated activity outside of the exclusion areas. Hopefully the implementation of these areas will have averted the very real possibility that the majority of the more sensitive species will abandon the area. This would to some extent have nullified the mitigation work and would certainly have resulted in the loss of the breeding pair of Golden Eagle, several pair of Prairie Falcons, Ferruginous Hawks and Long-billed Curlew and would have virtually ehrninated the potential for establishing several of the colonial species.

24

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. I recommend that, if possible, the two Wildlife Control Areas below the Dam be enforced no later than March 15 through the end of April each year. This would provide the prairie falcons the opportunity to establish territories as a result of freedom from disturbance during this critical period Once the birds have established and nested, the regulations could be relaxed and people could travel and fish on the opposite side of the river. I believe this would provide sufficient time for the birds to establish and would allow them to complete the breeding cycle.

2 In order to provide a relatively disturbance free environment during nesting and incubation for the falcons, osprey, loons and cormorants. I recommend that public access be restricted to the existing roads and to post a sign asking the public to refrain from walking beyond the top of the hill behind the picnic site .

3. Where possible, it would be desirable to co-ordinate planned recreational activities to rninimize disturbance and maximize the recreation and educational potential of the breeding raptors and colonial species.

4. I recommend the establishment of an observation shelter and information board in one of the recreational areas, where the public can observe the Prairie Falcons, Osprey or Red-tailed Hawks through spotting scopes.

25

7.0 LITERATURE CITED

Call, MAV. 1978. Nesting habits and surveying techniques for common western raptors. Tech. Note

316 U.S. Dep. Inter., Bur. Land Manage., Denver, Colo/ 115pp. Fyfe, R.W., and R. Olendorff. 1976. Minimizing the Dangers of Nesting Studies to Raptors and other Sensitive Species CWS Occasional Paper Number 23. 17pp. Grier J.W. and R.W. Fyfe 1985. Preventing Research and Management Disturbance.

pp. 173-182. In Millsap, B.A., K.W. Cline, B.A. Giron Pendleton and DM Bird (eds). Raptor Management Techniques Manual. National Wildlife Federation Washingtoa 419pp. Ogden, Verland T. 1973. Nesting Density and Reproductive Success of the Prairie Falcon in South- western Idaho. MS. Thesis, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. 43pp Olendorff, Richard R, 1973. The Ecology of Nesting Birds of Prey in North-western Colorado. Grassland Biome Ecosystem Analysis Studies. U.S. International Biological Program. Technical Report No. 21 1. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 233pp. White, CM. and T.L. Thurow. 1985. Reproduction of Ferruginous hawks exposed to controlled disturbance. Condor 87: 14-22.

26

Young D.A^ D.A. Weidl, LJVL Allison and HJ. RusselL 1986. Oldman River Wildlife Investigations - Spring and Summer, 1985 Prep, for The Delta Environmental Management Group Ltd.

The Alberta Environment, Planning Division of Environmental Management Associates and Salix Enterprises Ltd 92pp and App.

27

8.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to acknowledge the assistance and contributions of Mr. John Campbell Jr. in the raptor banding; of my wife Lorraine as a field assistant and typist. Mr. John Mahoney and Mr Dennis Magowan for their patience and assistance in providing the support necessary to get the job done.

Appendix 1. Summary of Oldman Prairie Falcon Nest Data

28

OLDMAN RIVER PRAIRIE FALCON NEST OCCUPANCY 1968 - 1994

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

80

85

87

90

91

92

OB

ME

DAM

BJE

BJW

BBR

BEA

TEN

LAN

WEL

HOI

H02

MAL

CD

STE

DAY

IP

DOX

FA

F F F

	4	5	3	4		4	5	5
#S						!
#o			2	1	1	1	2	I

6	6	4	8	57	47
	I	1	1	I
1	•

15

F - Pair of Prairie Falcons on territory

S - A single Prairie Falcon on territory

O - Pair of Great Horned Owls nesting in the territory

Shading - 7 Prairie Falcon territories flooded by the reservoir

29

APPENDIX 3. Birds identified in the study area 1989-94

Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps srisesena

Eared Grebe Podiceps caspicus

Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias

Whistling Swan Cvznus columbianus

Trumpeter Swan Cvznus buccinator

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Snow Goose Chen hvperborea

Mallard Anas platvrhvnchos

Gadwail Anas strepera

Northern Pintail Anus acuta

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors

Cinnamon Teal Anas cvanoptera

American Widgeon Mereca americana

Shoveler Spatula clvpeata

Wood Duck Aix sponsa

Canvasback Avthva valisineria

Ring-neck Duck Avthva collaris

Lesser Scaup Avthva afiinis

Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clam>ula6

Buftlehead Bucephala albeola

White-winged Scoter Melanitta dezlandi

Ruddy Duck Oxyura iamaincensis

Common Merganser Merxus mersanser

Red-breasted Merganser Merzus serrator

Hooded Merganser Lophodvtes cucullatus

Sora Rail Porzana caroling

American Coot Fulica americana

Kiildeer Charadrius vociferus

Greater Yellowlegs Trinsa melanoleuca

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia

Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa

Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus

Wilson Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor

Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus

California Gull Larus californicus

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Black Tern Chlidonias nizer6

Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus

Cooper Hawk Accipiter cooperii

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo iamaicensis

Swainson Hawk Buteo swainsoni

Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lasopus

Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus

Peregrine Falcon Falco pereqrinus

Richardson's Merlin Falco columbarius richardsoni

American Kestrel Falco spaverius

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Mourning Dove Zenaida marcroura

Rock Dove Columa livia

Great Horned Owl Bubo virsinianus

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

Long-eared Owl Asio otis

Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia

Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor

Ruby-throated Huinmingbird Archilochus colubris

Belted Kingfisher Cervle alcvon

Common Flicker Colaptes cafer

Hairy Woodpecker Dendrocopos villosus

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphvrapicus varius

Eastern Kingbird Twannus twannus

Western Kingbird Twannus verticalis

Say's Phoebe Savornis sava

Western Wood Pewee Contoous sordidulus

Least Flycatcher Emvidomax minimus

Homed Lark Eremophila alpestris

Tree Swallow Tachvcineta bicolor

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelsidoptervx serripennis

Bank Swallow Ripana riparia

Bam Swallow Hirundo rustica

Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

Common Raven Corvus corax

Common Crow Corvus krachvrhvnchos

Black-billed Magpie Pica pica

Gray Jay Perisoreits canadensis

Clark's Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana

Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus

Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis

Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus

House Wren Troglodytes aedon

Catbird Dwnetella carolinensis

American Robin Tardus migratorius

Veerv HvUx:ichla fuscescens

Mountain Bluebird Sialia curmcoides

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula

Sprague's Pipit Anthus spragueii

Bohemian Waxwing Bombvcilla garrulus

Cedar Waxwing Bomvcilla cedrorwn

Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor

Starling Sturm vulgaris

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia

Common Yellowthroat Geothlvpis trichas

Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus

Yelow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cvanocephalus

Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta

Common Grackei Ouiscalus quiscula

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater

Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus

Savannah Sparrow Passer cuius sandwichensis

Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hvemalis

Pine Siskin Spinus pinus

American Goldfinch Spinus tristis

32

APPENDIX 3. Dates of first sighting of Migrants 1989 -1994

Species	198a	1990	1991	1992	199&	1994	Early Arrival
Common Loon				May 15	June 16	May 2	May 2
Western Grebe		May 1	May 4		May 17	April 26	April 26
Eared Grebe		May1	April 27				April 27
Homed Grebe				April 20		April 26	April 20
Double-crested Cormorant		May 15				April 28	April 28
Golden Eagle *	April 6	Feb 27	March 18	March 21	April 4	March 11	Feb 27
Bald Eagle		Feb 27	April 6	March 25		March 29	Feb 27
Osprey		April 19	April 22	May 29	May 18	April 13	April 13
Prairie Falcon *	March 9	Feb 26	March 18	March 21	April 4	March 11	Feb 26
Richardson's Merlin *	March 9	April 17	April 18		April 4	March 12	March 9
American Kestrel	March 25	April 16	April 7	March 31	April 4	April 18	March 25
Red-tated Haw*	March 10	April 3	April 6	March 24	April 4	March 11	March 10
Ferruginous Hawk	March 31	April 17	April 13	March 27	April 4	March 29	March 27
Swamson's Hawk	May 1	April 24	April 22			April 15	April 22
Rough-legged Hawk *	March 31	April 25	April 13			March 11	March 11
Goshawk*	March 25		April 8				March 25
Sharp-shinned Hawk		April 30	April 23	April 15			April 15
Northern Harrier	April 5	April 16	April 7	March 31	April 8	March 29	March 29
Burrowing Owl				May 26			May 26
Short-eared Owt						April 30	April 11
Canada Goose *	March 9	March 6	March 18	March 21	April 4	March 11	March 6
Snow Goose	May 1		May 4			April 29	April 29
Whistling Swan	March 10				April 4	April 10	April 4
Trumpeter Swan					April 14		April 14
Common Merganser	March 30			March 29	April 4	March 29	March 29
Red-breasted Merganser	April 7				April 4		April 4
Hooded Merganser				May 13	May 17	April 18	April 18
Lesser Scaup		May1		May 14			May 1

33

wUvvlCd	19891	• *	1991	1992	1993	1994	Early Arrival
Ring-necked Duck		July 1 1				April 26	April 26
White-winged Scoter		July 1 1					July 1 1
Common GoWeneye			April 13	March 25	April 4	March 29	March 25
Barrow's Goideneye				April 14	April 12	April 17	April 12
Bufftehead Duck			April 13	March 29	April 4	April 27	March 29
Canvasback			May 16	April 20	May 18		April 20
Redhead Duck						April 26	April 26
Mallard Duck *			April 6	March 21	April 4	March 11	March 11
Pintail Duck	April 5		April 6	March 21	April 4	March 28	March 21
American Widgeon		May 1	May 6	March 25	April 4	March 28	March 25
Green-winged Teat				April 6		April 17	April 16
Blue-winged Teat		May 1	April 25			April 19	April 19
Cinnamon Teat		May 1	April 19				April 19
Shoveler				April 20	April 4		April 4
GadwaJi		May 1	May 16	May 14			May 1
Wood Duck	April 15		May 15	May 14	April 29		April 14
Ruddy Duck		July 1 1				April 26	April 26
Great-blue Heron	April 6	April 25	April 7	April 5	April 18	March 30	March 30
California Guil	March 25					April 10	March 25
Long-bilfed Curfew	May 2	April 18	April 20	April 16	April 28	April 24	April 16
Wiflet	May 12						May 12
Wilson PhaJarope			May 1				May 1
KilWeer Rover	March 25	March 26	March 18	March 25	April 7	March 11	March 11
Spotted Sandpiper	May 10	June 12					May 10
American Coot				May 14			May 14
otacK rem				May 14			May 14
Belted Kingfisher	May 2	April 19			May 19	April 28	May 2
Bohemian Waxwtng	April 5				April 7		April 5
Cedar Waxwing		June 7					June 7

34

Species	198&	1990	199$	1992	1993	1994	Earfy Arrival
Ruby-trtroated Humrrarigbird	May 10					May 14	May 10
Mourning Dove	May 12						May 12
Flicker		March 17	April 20		April 4	April 19	March 17
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	May 10						May 10
Starling		March 27		March 21	April 4	March 11	March 11
Crow			April 7	March 21	April 4	April 10	March 21
CIark,s Nutcracker	April 5	July 11					April 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch		June 6					June 6
Mountain Bluebird	April 7		April5		April 4	March 29	March 29
Homed Lark *	March 9	Feb 26	March 18	March 21	April 4	March 11	March 9
Robin	March 9	March 17		March 21	April 4	April 10	March 9
Catbird		June 6					June 6
Veery		June 7					June 6
Tree Swallow			May 14	April 14	AprilH	April 11	April 11
Off Swallows			May 14			May 14	May 14
Rough-winged SwaHow	April 13			April 18			April 13
Bank Swallow		July 11			April 19		April 19
Bam Swallow	May 2				May 9		May 2
House Wren		June 7				May 14	May 14
Rock Wren		June 6					June 6
Eastern Kingbird	May 12				May 31		May 12
Western Kingbird				April 15	May 17		April 15
Say's Phoebe	April 14	June 6	April 14	April 16		May 4	April 14
Western Wood Pewee		June 6					June 6
Common Grackle	May1	May1					May 1
Red-winged Blackbird	May 1		April 25		April 11		April 11
Brown-headed Cowbird	May 2	May 2					May1
Meadowlark	May 1	April 16		March 24	April 4	April 20	March 24
Brewer's Blackbird			May 6	May1		May 15	May1

35

	1989	1990s	19&t	I 1.992: J	199&	1994	Eartv Arrival
	May 12		II... 4 C May 15		May 8	April 23	April 23
		June 28					June 28
Dark-eyed Junco ■ ~*r-\y.-.				Marcn ou		April 1U	Marcn ou
Savannah Sparrow				May1		April 23	April 23
^•VfcsperSjpar^^	May 2			May 1		April 23	April 23
Gotdfincfr		June 6					June 6

* Possibly winter resident or visitant

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