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OLDMAN RIVER DAM RAPTOR MITIGATION PROGRAM

1992 Report Prepared For:

GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, SUPPLY AND SERVICES

Edmonton, Alberta

Prepared by R.W. FYFE

JUNE 30, 1992

Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from University of Alberta Libraries

https://archive.org/details/oldmanriverdamra1992fyfe

OLDMAN RIVER DAM

RAPTOR MITIGATION PROGRAM

1992 Report Prepared For:

GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, SUPPLY AND SERVICES

Edmonton, Alberta

Prepared by R.W. FYFE

JUNE 30, 1992

Table of Contents

List of Tables i

List of appendices ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background and Rationale 1

2.0 OBJECTIVES 2

3.0 METHODS 2

3.1 Field Observations: 2

3.1.1 Inventory of Breeding Pairs of Prairie Falcon and Ferruginous

Hawks 2

3.1.2 Inventory of Breeding Pairs of other raptors and Long-billed

Curlew 3

3.1.3 Banding 3

3.1.4 Disturbance 4

3.1.5 Artificial Nest Construction . 5

4.0 RESULTS 7

4.1 Population Inventory 7

4.1.1 Prairie Falcon Production 7

4.1.2 Ferruginous Hawk Production 9

4.2 Banding and Colour Marking 10

4.3 Disturbance 13

4.4 Artificial Nest Utilization

15

5.0 DISCUSSION

17

5.1 Prairie Falcons 17

5.2 Ferruginous Hawks 17

5.3 Disturbance 19

5.4 Artificial Nest Sites 21

5.5 Multiple Use Potential 22

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 25

7.0 LITERATURE CITED . 28

8.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

30

List of Tables

TABLE 1. PRAIRIE FALCON BREEDING TERRITORIES 8

TABLE 2. FERRUGINOUS HAWK BREEDING TERRITORIES 9

TABLE 3. 1992 IMMATURE PRAIRIE FALCON BANDING 10

TABLE 4. PRAIRIE FALCON BANDING SUMMARY 1989-1992 11

TABLE 5. 1992 IMMATURE FERRUGINOUS HAWK BANDING 12

TABLE 6. PRODUCTIVITY AND DISTURBANCE AT KNOWN PRAIRIE

FALCON BREEDING TERRITORIES 14

TABLE 7. ARTIFICIAL AND IMPROVED CLIFF NESTING SITES 16

TABLE 8. PRAIRIE FALCON AND FERRUGINOUS HAWK NESTING

SUMMARY 1989-1992 18

TABLE 9. PRODUCTIVITY AND DISTURBANCE AT KNOWN

FERRUGINOUS BREEDING TERRITORIES

19

11

List of appendices

APPENDIX 1. Summary of Oldman Prairie Falcon Nest Data 31

APPENDIX 2. Dates of first sighting of Migrants in 1992 66

APPENDIX 3. Birds identified in the study area 1989-92 69

APPENDIX 4. Locations of platforms and nest poles 72

APPENDIX 5. Definitions of terms used in report.

73

Ill

Executive Summary

This is the fourth report on the raptor mitigation project implemented in response to concerns relative to the impact of the Oldman River Dam on breeding populations of Prairie Falcons Falco mexicanus and Ferruginous Hawks Buteo regalis. Both species occur and nested in areas impacted by the construction and flooding of the dam.

In the current year approximately 500 hours were spent in the field observing these birds. Eleven Prairie Falcon and four Ferruginous Hawk breeding territories were occupied and monitored during the 1992 breeding season. Nine pair of Prairie Falcons nested, seven successfully fledged thirty one young, the four pair of Ferruginous Hawks fledged twelve young. Twenty six Prairie Falcons and twelve Ferruginous Hawks were caught and banded. In addition eighteen Red-tail Hawk Buteo jamaicensis nests were recorded within the study area.

As in 1991 severe disturbance was documented in two nesting territories in the 1992 breeding season. Both territories were in close proximity to the Dam and were subjected to intense human activity. No falcons have been observed at either site this year.

Six artificial holes were occupied during the 1992 breeding season, three by Prairie Falcons, and one each by Canada Geese Branta canadensis. Great Horned Owls Bubo virginianus and Ravens Corvus corax. Two nesting platforms were utilized by Red-tailed Hawks and nest boxes were occupied by American Kestrel Falco spaverius, Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica. Wood Duck Aix sponsa. Mountain Bluebirds Sailia currucoides and Tree Swallows Tachycineta bicolor.

IV

Two additional raptor species, Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos and Richardson's Merlin Falco columbarius richardsoni nested in the study area on the banks of the Reservoir. Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia and Sharp-shinned Hsiv/ks Accipiter striatus were observed near the reservoir but were not found nesting.

Concern expressed relative to the abundance of the Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus resulted in a brief survey of the area for these birds. Thirteen pair were located, most in the adjacent grassland just outside of the study area.

1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background and Rationale

This is the fourth year of the project specifically developed to mitigate for breeding Prairie Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks impacted by the construction and/or flooding of the Oldman River Dam. The rationale remains unchanged from that outlined in the 1989 report with the Mitigation predicated on the necessity of understanding the affects of construction and the subsequent flooding on this population of birds of prey.

Since the two principal limiting factors for birds of prey are an adequate food supply and the availability of suitable nest sites, the initial investigations assessed the relative significance of these factors in relation to this population of birds. The results suggest that it is doubtful the dam will adversely impact on the availability of prey since both the Prairie Falcons and the Ferruginous Hawks primarily hunt in the upland at varying distances from the proposed reservoir. In contrast it was evident that suitable nest sites and nesting habitat in the study area were limited for Prairie Falcons. It was also noted that several of the available sites would be lost and the resident pairs displaced with the flooding of the dam. Initial mitigation therefore centered on providing suitable alternate nest sites in areas not currently occupied by territorial pairs of these species. Field studies have continued and every attempt has been made to initiate and maintain good public relations and to develop interest and awareness for the long term welfare of these birds.

2

20 OBJECTIVES

The principal objective of this project remains unchanged in that we have attempted to minimize possible adverse effects from the construction and subsequent flooding of the Oldman River Dam on the resident populations of Prairie Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks. To achieve this objective we have monitored the effects of disturbance on the two species for the past four years and have implemented mitigation procedures which we believe will minimize the impact on these populations.

Additional specific objectives were described in the original contract #Fyfe 89-01 and are as follows:

a) To provide supervisory services relative to the construction of raptor nesting sites,

b) To supervise the tagging and identification of raptors during the year,

c) To observe and record the movement of raptors during the breeding season.

3 0 METHODS

3.1 Field Observations:

3.1.1 Inventory of Breeding Pairs of Prairie Falcon and Ferruginous Hawks

As detailed in my earlier reports the initial raptor inventories relative to the Oldman River Dam were carried out as part of the Oldman River Wildlife Investigations in the spring and summer of 1985. These inventories located four breeding pair of Prairie Falcons and one pair of Ferruginous Hawks within the proposed reservoir boundaries. Three additional pair of falcons and two pair of Ferruginous Hawks were located upstream and downstream of the proposed reservoir. (Young et al. March 86). Further inventories of breeding pairs within the proposed reservoir were carried out in 1986 and again in 1987. These inventories were somewhat cursory in that they were of short duration, their timing

3

precluded the collection of data on the establishment of territories and the surveys were restricted to nests located within 1.6 km of construction related activity (Young, 1988).

A more comprehensive inventory was required in order to determine the total population, the affects of construction and flooding of the dam, and to locate potential alternate breeding locations. Therefore raptor breeding inventories and behavioral studies have been carried out from March through July in 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992. 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.

3.12 Inventory of Breeding Pairs of other raptors and Long-billed Curlew

Incidental to the monitoring of Prairie Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks other raptor species were inventoried and their nests plotted for future investigation. In addition as a result of concern expressed relative to the status of the Long-billed Curlew a limited survey was carried out in the current field season to locate pairs of these birds in and adjacent to the study area.

3.1.3 Banding

In order to verify the effects of construction and/or flooding of the dam on the resident Prairie Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks, it was deemed necessary to be able to distinguish residents from migrants or transients of the same species. Since most individuals of both species are virtually identical in size and colour, it was necessary to catch individuals and mark them with an external marking device which could be identified later. Since they were to be most directly affected by the construction and flooding, color marking was

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restricted to Prairie Falcons. In 1989 and 1990 Falcons in the study area were banded with standard USF&W numbered aluminum bands together with combinations of red, blue and black coloured bands. In 1991 and 1992 following the two years of colour banding all young have been banded with the standard USF&W aluminum bands. The single pair of Ferruginous Hawks identified in the area of the proposed reservoir were found to have relocated outside of the area and none of the Ferruginous pairs currently nesting in the study area will be displaced by activities related to the construction and/or flooding of the dam.

3.1.4 Disturbance

One of the objectives of the current study has been to determine the effects of disturbance resulting from the construction and flooding of the dam on both Prairie Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks. 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). From the beginning it has been evident that since several of the Prairie Falcon and Ferruginous Hawk nesting territories encompass areas that are impacted by or adjacent to the dam, it is inevitable that resident birds will be disturbed to a greater or lesser degree by activities associated with construction and/or flooding. Therefore all observed instances of disturbance and the subsequent behaviour were documented during the 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992 breeding seasons.

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3.1.5 Artificial Nest Construction

As indicated in the 1990 report one Ferruginous and eight Prairie Falcon nesting territories have been adversely impacted as a result of dam construction and/or flooding. Following the flooding of the reservoir, seven of the eight pair of falcons will be displaced permanently since the nesting habitat previously utilized will no longer be available. It is expected that the remaining pair of falcons which formerly nested at the dam site will return to nest in its original territory following construction when human activity immediately beneath and adjacent to the site has abated.

Field observations and the good production in each of the past three years suggest that foraging areas and the availability of an adequate prey base is not a concern at present. Therefore as outlined in earlier reports our mitigation has been directed towards providing suitable alternate nesting sites. In 1989 and 1990 following the breeding season an ambitious program of nest site construction and modification was undertaken in and adjacent to the proposed reservoir. For the most part, these sites are situated near existing territories and will not be directly impacted by the flooding of the reservoir. AiS a result of this mitigative action, I believe the availability of suitable nest sites should no longer be a limiting factor. As a consequence birds displaced as a result of construction and/or flooding have alternate unused nesting sites available for occupancy.

Although surveys indicated that there would be no shortage of trees to provide suitable nest sites for the relocation of Red-tailed Hawks or other stick nesting raptors, it was decided to provide artificial nest platforms as potential alternate nest sites adjacent to the reservoir. We believe that these platforms will not only provide sites for surplus buteos

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in the area, but may also be used by Canada Geese and at the same time may attract Osprey Pandion haliaetus and Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus to the reservoir. The decision was also made to provide suitable nest boxes for displaced American Kestrels Falco spaverius and other hole nesting species, including tree nesting waterfowl such as Wood Duck Abe sponsa. Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus, Bufflehead Bucephala albeola and Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica observed in the study area.

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40 RESULTS

4.1 Population Inventory

Prairie Falcons were observed in twelve of seventeen documented nesting territories during the 1992 breeding season with one new nesting territory identified just outside the study area. One site was again occupied by a single male with two females utilizing separate nest sites within that male's territory. Prairie falcons did not attempt to nest in two known territories and were not observed near these territories during the 1992 breeding season.

The initial flooding of the dam in 1991 eliminated six nesting sites and nesting habitat that had been used one or more times during the past three years. Four of these sites were again available following the lowering of the reservoir in the winter of 1991-92. All four were occupied by lone females in the spring of 1992, two of these attracted mates and nested, however only one fledged young.

Ferruginous Hawks were observed in four nesting territories outside of limits of the proposed reservoir but within the study area. All four pair occupied territories and produced young during the current year. It should also be noted that Ferruginous hawks have not been observed at any time during this study in the area of (Fer #17) as described by Young et al. (1986).

4.1.1 Prairie Falcon Production

Thirty one young Prairie Falcons were produced by seven productive pair (Table 1.) for an average of 4.42 young per productive pair, or an average of 2.58 young for twelve nesting attempts. One nest site failed possibly due to predation or slumping, and at a second site four of five young were killed by a racoon. The remains of one of the young was

TABLE 1

. PRAIRIE FA3XOH BREEDING

TERRITORIES

1989, 1990, 1991,

1992

NEST SITE

PRS

IND

COURT

COP

EGGS

YNG

FL

89

90

91

92

89 90 91 92

89 90 91

92

89 90 91 92

89 90 91

92

88

90

91

92

Old Bridge

Y

Y Y Y

Y

Y Y Y

5

4

5

Mercury

Y

Y Y

4 4

4

3

Dam*

Y

Buffalo Jump E.

Y

Y Y

Y

Y Y

5

4

5

4

5

Buffalo Jump W.

Y

Y Y Y

Y

Y Y Y Y

3

Fairbrother

Y

5

3

5

Bitango Eagle

Y

4

Bitango Bridge

Y

5

Tennessee Creek

Y

4

Lang

Y

Y Y

Y

Y Y

3

1

5

Welsch

Y

4

Days

Y

5

2

1st Porcupine®

Y

Y Y

Y

5

4

5

Double Ox-bow

Y

Y‘

Horseshoe Canyon

Y

5 4

4

3

5

Horseshoe#2

Y

2

Maloff

Y

Y Y

Y

4

3

4

1

Stevick

Y

Y Y Y

5

Castle Dairy

Y

5 5

5

4

‘ suspected relocation from former #h2 ^ second nest site within an established territory “ pair relocated from Days ‘ female observed incubating

NEST SITE = Names given to known breeding territories PRS = pairs observed on territory

IND = 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

9

found at the site. In 1992 only one territory was documented where a single male was observed mating with two females which resulted in two nesting attempts, only one of which was successful in fledging young. As in the two previous years in this territory the second female deserted during incubation.

4,12 Ferruginous Hawk Production

Twelve young were produced at the four nest sites located outside of the proposed reservoir (Table 2.). The light phased pairs produced eight light phase young whereas the mixed pair at the edge of the Porcupine Hills (a dark phase male and light phase female) produced one dark phase and three light phase young.

	TABLE 2. FERRUGINOUS HAWC BREEDING TERRITORIES	1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
NEST SITE	PRS	INO	COURT	COP	EGGS	YNG FL
	89 90 91 92	89 90 91 92	89 90 91 92	89 90 91 92	89 90 91 92	88 90 91 92
Feedlot	Y	Y		Y
Highway	Y Y Y Y		Y Y Y			3 2 2 3
iSt Porcupine	Y Y Y		Y Y	Y Y		3
Porcupine #2	Y Y Y		Y Y	Y		3 4 4
Porcuoine #3	Y					2

NEST SITE = Names given to known breeding territories PRS = pairs observed on territory

IND = 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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4.2 Banding and Colour Marking

TABLE 3. 1992 IMMATURE PRAIRIE	FALCON BANDING
Location	Male	Female	Date
Fai rbrothers	816-34436	987-24336	06-11-92
	816-34437	987-24337
	816-34438
1st Porcupine	816-34439	987-24338	06-11-92
Buffalo Jump East	816-34440	987-24339	06-11-92
	816-34441	987-24340
	816-34442
Stevick	816-34443	987-24341	06-11-92
	816-34444	987-24342
	816-34445
Old Bridge	816-34446	987-24343	06-11-92
		987-34344
		987-34345
Horseshoe Canyon	816-34447	987-24346	06-11-92
	816-34448	987-24347
	816-34449

As this project ends this year it was felt that the young should only be banded with regular aluminum bands. Twenty six nestling Prairie Falcons were captured and banded using regular USF&W lock on bands (Table 3.). This brings the total to one hundred fifty

11

four Prairie Falcons that have been banded in the past three years with ninety seven colour marked (Table 4.). The total includes the nineteen adults caught and individually marked. All were banded with numbered USF&W bands and those that were colour marked were also given one or more coloured anodized aluminum bands. Young birds in the first two years were banded with a single colour band coded as to the year of production.

Table 4. PRAIRIE FALCON BANDING SUMMARY 1989 - 1992
	Adults	Immatures	Total	Field
						Identified
	Color	USF&W	Color	USF&W
	and		and
	USF&W		USF&W
1989	13		31		44
1990	6		47		53	5
1991				31	31	8
1992				26	26	5
Total	19		78	31	154	18

Since the young will not be part of the breeding cohort prior to the flooding of the dam they are marked only so that at some later date it is possible to determine if recruitment is

12

from this population unit.The primary objective of the banding is to help us to locate and identify individuals that move or are displaced. However, since it is not always possible to catch the breeding birds, each adult bird that we have caught has been specifically colour marked so that individuals can be identified in the field by the use of a spotting scope. Incidental to our regular field observations this year we were able to identify five of the breeding adults by reading the band colour combinations.

		TABU	: 5.	1992 IMMATURE FERRUGIiraUS HAWK BAIKJIHG

locat van					Fetnaie	Date
Porcupine	Ferruginous		608-90008 608-90010 608-90011	608-90009	06-18-92
Highway Ferruginaus			608-90012 608-90013	608-90014	06-18-92
1st 1	Porcup	ine Ferruglnaus ;	608-90017	608-90015 608-90016	06-28-92
Porcupine	Ferruginous #2		608-90018 608-90019		06-28-92

It should be noted that it was originally proposed that Ferruginous Hawks nesting within the boundaries of the proposed reservoir would also be individually marked. Unfortunately no Ferruginous have been color marked as none have nested within the boundries of the reservoir in the past four years. However, each year they have nested in the study area and

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13

in both 1991 and 1992 (Table 5.) the young in the study area were banded for future reference.

4.3 Disturbance

Each year in the study area all of the breeding pairs of both species were subject to a wide range of natural disturbance and varying degrees of human related disturbance. During the current breeding season, human disturbance was greatly decreased at most of the nesting territories. With the completion of the dam, construction or recreation related disturbance was pretty much limited to those nest sites near the reservoir and to one area on the upper end of the flooded area of the dam on the Castle River (Table 6.).

In general, in comparison to the previous two years the incidence of disturbance to breeding pairs of Prairie Falcons was greatly reduced. Our observations suggest moderate to severe disturbance was restricted to two nesting territories. However, both territories were subjected to disturbance for extended periods of time throughout the breeding season and no birds were observed in either territory.

As in 1991 severe disturbance was documented the two sites in close association with the final construction at the Dam site. Unfortunately at one of these sites in 1991 we recorded the third nest desertion associated with the construction of the Dam and directly related to human disturbance. This occurred at the Mercury Nest Site on May 10, 1991 as a direct result of human activity. The pair subsequently deserted the area and have not been observed in the territory to date.

The territory immediately to the south of the Dam was the second area where a high level of disturbance was recorded. As in the past four years intense activity was observed

14

TABLE 6. PRODUCTIVITY AND DISTURBANCE AT KNOWN PRAIRIE FALCON BREEDING FOR 1992	TERRITORIES
NEST SITE	1985 NEST # ( Young et al . 1986	PRODUCTIVE IN 1992	DISTURBANCE
Old Bridge	#48	Y	Minimal
Mercury	#45	not occupied	Severe
Dam’	#42	not occupied	Severe
Buffalo Jump E.	#40	Y	Ml nimal
Buffalo Jump W.^		N	Mi nimal
Fai rbrother		Y	Minimal
Bitango Eagle		not occupied	Mi nimal
Bi tango Bridge	#37	not occupied	Mi mmal
Tennessee Creek		N	Mi nimal
Lang		N	Mi nimal
Wei sch	#22	N	Mi nimal
Days		not occupied	Minimal
1st Porcupine"		Y	Minimal
Double Ox-bow	#18	N	Mi nimal
Horseshoe Canyon	#15	Y	Mi nimal
Horseshoe Canyon^		not occupied	Mi nimal
Mai off	#12	Y	Mi nimal
Stevick		Y	Moderate
Castle Dairy		Y	Minimi al

suspected relocation from former #42 ^ second nest site within an established territory pair relocated from Days

NEST SITE = Names given to known breeding territories # = Corresponds to nest numbers given in earlier reports by Young

PRODUCTIVE = Indicates whether a nest site was productive or not in the 1990 breeding season. DISTURBANCE = relative level of documented disturbance

almost daily in and near this territory. This activity during the past four years appears to have resulted in at least the temporary desertion of this site by the Prairie Falcons.

Four pair of Falcons failed in 1992. The first two resulted as two females occupied territories and were unsuccessful in attracting males. Both females maintained the

15

territories but appear to spend increasingly less time at the nesting cliffs. We believe the third failed as a result of predation as the pair defended aggressivley a couple of days earlier and simply flew off silently on our banding visit. TTie fourth failed as a result of the desertion during incubation of the second female in the triangle in the Buffalo Jump Territory.

Ferruginous Hawks were observed at three previously occupied territories and also in one new territory in the study area. Pairs were observed at nests in all four territories early in the season and all four pair in the study area were successful during the 1992 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. Six artificial holes were occupied during the 1992 breeding season, three by Prairie Falcons, and one each by Canada Geese, Great Horned Owls and Ravens. All nested successfully.

Prior to the 1991 breeding season nineteen nest platforms were constructed and placed on tree stumps in selected sites along the banks of the reservoir or on areas that will become newly created islands with the flooding of the reservoir. In 1992 two platforms were used successfully by a breeding pair of Red-tailed Hawks and others were utilized as hunting perches. In addition two Osprey were observed on the platforms in late May.

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16

Table 7. ARTIFICIAL AND IMPROVED CLIFF NESTING SITES 1989 -]	1992
	Artificial	Util ized by	Uti 1 i zed by other	Total
	hoi es	Prairie Falcons	species	Occupied
Available in	15	1	1 Raven	3
1989			1 Canada Goose
Available in	+32 = 47	3	1 Canada Goose	5
1990			1 G.H.Owl
Available in	+3 = 50	4	2 Canada Geese	7
1991			1 G.H. Owl
Available in		3	ICanada Goose	6
1992			1 G.H. Owl
			1 Raven
Total	50	11	10	23

Although we were not able to make a serious attempt at monitoring all of the nest boxes we did document Kestrel pairs using four boxes, and Wood Ducks and Barrow's Goldeneye in individuals boxes. Lone drake Barrow's Goldeneye were also observed resting adjacent to three nest boxes on successive days. This suggests that at least three additional

boxes were used in 1992.

17

5 0 DISCUSSION

5.1 Prairie Falcons

Prairie Falcons were observed in twelve territories in the 1992 breeding season. All territories were occupied by mid March, seven by pairs, four by lone females and one by a single bird that was not identified as to sex. During the next month the lone females were observed attempting to attract males into the territories. Two were successful. The resulting nine breeding pairs nested successfully but only seven succeeded in fledging young. Production was excellent for the productive pairs. The resulting fledging success of 4.4 young (Table 8.) per successful pair of Prairie Falcons is actually up from previous years and well above what is normally considered good fledging success ( 3.1 or 3.2 per successful pair as reported in Idaho by Ogden and Flornocker (1977) and the Pawnee Grassland in Colorado by Olendorff (1973)).

In contrast to previous years the large number single female birds holding territories suggests either a decline in the normally extensive ground squirrel prey base or a loss of attachment to the nesting territory by the resident male as a result of the flooding of these sites in 1991. Our subjective field observations for mid March through mid-April support a general absence of ground squirrels at this time, however with the appearance of young ground squirrels in mid-May and June there is a large prey base available for those pairs that did breed successfully.

5.2 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 successfully

18

each year since 1989 at a site approximately four kilometers from the dam. Ferruginous have also been recorded at two other locations within the study area.

In the 1992 field season Ferruginous Hawks were observed in four nesting territories outside of limits of the proposed reservoir but within the study area. The four pair nested successfully and produced twelve young during the current year.

Table 8. Prairie Falcon and Ferruginous Hawk liesting SuBinary 1989 - 1992
	Prairie Falcon Nest Success	Ferruginous Hawk Nest Success
	1989	1990	1991	1992	1989	1990	1991	1992
Occupied Terri tori es	15	15	13	12	3	3	3	4
Nest Attempts	12	15	12	11	1	3	2	4
Fai 1 ures	3^	2	4“	4	1	1
Successful nests	9	13	8	7	1	2	2	4
Young Fledged	31	47	31	31	3	5	6	12
Production per nest attempts	2.58	3.33	2.58	2.81	1.5	1.66	3	3
Production per successful pair'"	3.44	3.85		4.4	3	2.5	3	3

Two of these failures were attributed to human disturbance.

^ One of these failures was attributed directly to human disturbance. Good Prairie Falcon nesting success as per studies in Idaho and Colorado = 3.1 to 3.2 per successful pair.

19

As in the previous three years our observations during this study indicate that the four pair of 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 production of these birds during the past three years.

TABLE 9. PRODUCTIVITY AND DISTURBANCE 1989, 1990,	AT KNOWN FERRUGINOUS BREEDING TERRITORIES 1991, 1992
NEST SITE	1985 NEST #	NEST SUCCESS 1989 1990 1991	1992	DISTURBANCE
Feedl ot		not occupied			Minimal
Highway’	#47	Y Y	Y	Y	Mi nimal
Porcupine Hill		N N		Y	Mi nimal
Porcupine #2		Y Y	Y	Y	Minimal
Porcupine #3				Y	Minimal

‘ suspected relocation from former #42 ^ second nest site within an established territory NEST SITE = Names given to known breeding territories

# = 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 of documented disturbance

5.3 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 resulting from the construction of the dam and roads, as well as from clearing and other habitat modification.

During the past four years we have taken every opportunity to document any disturbance that could be associated with the development of the Dam. We did not attempt

20

to stop such disturbance when encountered nor to interfere with ongoing construction or activities. Our observations of the activities and the subsequent results were simply documented and reported. As stated in the 1991 report, in general our observations demonstrate that the Prairie Falcons observed in this study are remarkably adaptable and tolerant to some types of disturbance. Indeed the most remarkable aspect of the field study has been the tolerance of the Prairie Falcons to many types of disturbance.

Two observations were made this summer which highlight the problems related to disturbance. For the most part intensive human activity was limited to road construction, and the construction of recreation areas. As a direct result of this and the low water levels, human disturbance was greatly restricted and the only areas of conflict with nesting sites were those immediately downstream of the Dam. Daily activity was noted close to the two deserted prairie falcon sites in this area and no falcons were observed in the area at any time during the breeding season. In sharp contrast in those areas removed from the dam site and the activity, the falcons forced from their nests in 1991 by the flooding of the reservoir returned to occupy all of these territories in 1992. Of even greater significance however, is the increase from two to four pair of nesting Ferruginous Hawks and the arrival and successful nesting of Golden Eagles on the banks of the reservoir in 1992. Both of these species are notoriously shy of human activity and have been documented as readily deserting nest sites as a result of disturbance.

As stated in earlier reports, we have documented the three desertions during the past three years. In my opinion these came about directly as a result of people and/or heavy equipment approaching to within 20 meters of the nest sites and remaining in the area

■I

21

for extended periods of time. I believe that with suitable guidlelines and coordination with contractors such losses could be avoided. Just such an example occurred in 1990 with the successful intervention and cooperation at the Welsch site. Following a meeting with the contractor the work was carried out, meeting specific timing concerns relative to the welfare of this particular pair of birds. The construction work was completed successfully and the birds returned to mate and nest successfully. I believe that realistic guidelines must be in place in the future if such desertions are to be avoided. As indicated in my 1990 report these observations parallel those made in the recent study in Idaho by Holthuijzen (1989). On the strength of the data I think that realistic recommendations can and should be drafted relative to the potential effects of construction activities on breeding Prairie Falcons. 5.4 Artificial Nest Sites

Since the existing nesting territories were still intact at the beginning of the breeding season the majority of the breeding pairs including those utilizing artificial holes remained in their original territories. No new pairs were located in new nesting territories in the study area in 1992, A total of six artificial holes were occupied during the current breeding season, three by Prairie Falcons, one by a pair of Canada Geese, one by a Great Horned Owl and one by a Raven.

As noted in the 1990 report, suitable alternate nest sites are now available for most of the breeding pairs. The exception being the Bitango and Tennessee Creek nesting territories. As there were no alternatives, marginal habitat was selected and with permission from the land owners, two new sites were created near Tennessee Creek and two, south of the highway on a cliff adjacent to Pincher Creek. Unfortunately this means that good

!

I

22

alternate nest sites are limited within reasonable proximity of three sites flooded in 1991. Nineteen nest platforms were constructed and placed on tree stumps 1991, a small number of additional poles were erected in the fall of 1991 in selected sites along the banks of the reservoir or on what will be newly created islands ( Appendix. 4). These were put out to provide suitable nest sites for the relocation of Red-tailed Hawks or other stick nesting raptors or Canada Geese. At the same time we believe they may serve to attract Osprey and Bald Eagle to the reservoir. Two of the platforms were utilized for nesting in 1992, several others were utilized as feeding platforms and hunting perches. Ospreys were observed on two of the sites in mid-May of the current year.

Wooden nest boxes were also put out adjacent to the reservoir to provide suitable nest boxes for displaced American Kestrels and other hole nesting species, including tree nesting waterfowl. As in 1991 we did not make a serious attempt in the 1992 breeding season to monitor all of the nest boxes that were put up. We did document Kestrel pairs at four boxes and we flushed Wood Duck and Barrow's Goldeneye from others. It is very probable that several pair of Barrow's Goldeneye nested in others as lone drakes were observed sitting near nest boxes late in the season.

5.5 Multiple Use Potential

The opportunity for multiple use of the area is quite incredible. In particular aside from water sports and fishing there is a very real potential for the development of Eco- Tourism. There are few places on the prairies where you can in a single day observe such species as Long-billed Curlew, Wood Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye and up to ten species of

23

birds of prey including Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawks, Golden Eagle, Richardson's Merlin. The area is an excellent showplace for prairie wildflowers, and wildlife. Several species of mammals are found in the area including a large ungulate population with both Mule and White-tailed Deer, three species of ground squirrel and three carnivors including a healthy badger population. With good managment and planning I believe there is an excellent potential for tourism both by the general city dwelling public but also from the increasing nature and environmentally aware naturalists and birdwatchers. The relative innaccessiblity of the river valleys prior to the flooding is undoubtedly one of the primary reasons the area has maintained a good population of sensitive and uncommon raptors. Incredibly, just one year after construction the abundant food supply and lack of disturbance, has allowed both the Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks and a large number of Waterfowl to come into the area and nest successfully. In addition loons were observed late in the nesting season and a wide range of colonial waterbirds were present through much of the season both on the reservoir and adjacent ponds.

However 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. During this past field season we observed fishermen and/or recreational boaters in the reservoir daily since mid-May. Due to the low water levels they were restricted primarily to the reservoir proper and were unable to come into the more isolated river valleys. However as the water levels increased they immediately moved into the valleys to the edge of the flowing water. If these people stay in their boats and away

24

from sensitive areas they do not pose a threat, however with few exceptions they frequently came ashore for one reason or another.

I believe that it is essential that specific regulations and restrictions to access are put in place for at least the Castle River arm for the majority of the breeding season. I am convinced that if unlimited public access is permitted in this area and throughout the reservoir there is a very real possibility that the majority of the more sensitive species will abandon the area. This would to some extent nullify the mitigation work and would result in the loss of the breeding pair of Golden Eagle, several pair of Prairie Falcons, Ferruginous Hawks and Long-billed Curlew and would eliminate the potential for establishing several of the colonial species.

25

60 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. I recommend that serious consideration be given to closing and /or regulating the Castle River arm of the Three Rivers Reservoir to boating and general public access from January through June 30th each year. It is imperative that this should be done in full consultation with the other Govt. Departments, the local Committee and in cooperation with the local residents. This arm of the reservoir has unique potential for the development of echo tourism and the maintenance of the most threatened avifauna of the entire reservoir. This area presently provides nesting sites for eight species of raptors and with the flooding of the reservoir and the creation of the several islands will serve to attract several species of colonial birds.^

2. It is apparent that following flooding of the reservoir the majority of the breeding pairs of prairie falcons and several other species will be subjected to increased interaction with humans. Continued monitoring for three to five years following the completion reservoir is essential to determine a) the results of the mitigation and b) the effect of recreational activities on birds of prey, colonial birds and other designated species such as the Long-billed Curlew. It is possible that the very species which were mitigated for will be

^ In 1992 nesting birds of prey in this arm. alone included: 3 pair of Prairie Falcons,

1 pair of Golden Eagle, 4 pair of Red-tailed Hawks, 2 pair of Swainson's Hawks, 1 pair of Richardsons Merlins, 3 pair of American Kestrel, 3 pair of Northern Harrier, 1 pair of Long-eared Owl, and 1 pair of Great Horned Owl. The following colonial species have been observed on the reservoir and if left undisturbed could set up breeding colonies.: Western Grebe, Eared Grebe, Double Crested Cormorant, White Pelican, California Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Common Tern, and Black Tern. In addition some of the more interesting species observed in the area this year included 3 pair of Long-billed Curlew, 1 pair of Common Loon, several pair of breeding Barrows Golden-eye Ducks, 200+ Canada Geese, 400+ Mallard Ducks, and several sightings of Osprey and Bald Eagle.

26

lost as a direct consequence of increased human disturbance resulting from recreational activities on the reservoir. I would also like to suggest that the department should capitalize on the 19 years of accumulated data on this population of birds. These data provide the basis to:

a) evaluate the effects of disturbance,

b) to better understand the significance of habituation, and

c) to contribute to realistic guidelines for future construction and recreational projects.

In the light of the increased environmental concern by the public and environmental groups I believe that this is a unique opportunity to develop realistic guidelines for mitigating problems associated with future projects which have the potential for adversely affecting the environment.

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

4. Consideration should be given to drafting guidelines and realistic recommendations relative to the effects of construction and related disturbance on Prairie Falcons and other raptors. Our observations indicate that with a few exceptions, Prairie Falcons in particular are very tolerant of a wide variety of disturbances. Our findings support and parallel those made in the recent study in Idaho by Holthuijzen (1989). On the strength of these data, I think that realistic recommendations can be drafted relative to the

27

potential effects of construction activities on breeding Prairie Falcons and other raptor species.

5. 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. This should be manned by a summer student or retired biologist.

6. I recommend the establishment of information centres and/or displays in Pincher Creek, Cowley, and Public Lx^okout to inform the public of the raptor and wildlife mitigation work that is being carried out in association with the dam.

28

7 0 LITERATURE CITED

Call,M.W. 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., Campbell, J., Haysom, B.,and Hodson, K. 1969. Regional population declines and organochlorine insecticides in Canadian prairie falcons.

Can Field-Nat 83: 191-200.

. & Armbruster, H. 1977 Raptor research and management in Canada.

Proc. ICBP World Conf. on birds of prey,

Vienna, 1975: 282-293.

. 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 D.M. Bird (eds). Raptor Management Techniques Manual.

National Wildlife Federation Washington. 419pp.

Flolthuijzen M. A., 1989. Behaviour and Productivity of Nesting Prairie Falcons in Relation to Construction Activities at Swan Falls Dam.

Final Report. Idaho Power Co., Boise, Idaho. 77pp.

Marler, P. R., and W. J. Hamilton. 1966. Mechanisms of Animal Behaviour.

John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York, N.Y. 171pp.

29

Ogden, Verland T. 1973. Nesting Density and Reproductive Success of the Prairie Falcon in Southwestern Idaho. M.S. Tliesis,

University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. 43pp

Olendorff, Richard R., 1973. The Ecology of Nesting Birds of Prey in Northwestern Colorado.

Grassland Biome Ecosystem Analysis Studies. U.S. International Biological Program. Technical Report No. 211. Colorado State University,

Fort Collins, Colorado, 233pp.

White, C.M. and T.L. Thurow.1985. Reproduction of Ferruginous hawks exposed to controlled disturbance.

Condor 87:14-22.

Young D.A., D.A. Weidl, l.M. Allison and H.J. Russell. 1986. Oldman River Wildlife Investigations - Spring and Summer, 1895.

Prep, for The Delta Environmental Management Group Ltd.

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

Young D.A. 1988. A Monitoring Program to Evaluate the Effects of Oldman River Dam Construction Activities on Nesting Raptors.

Prep, for The Alberta Environment, Planning Division of Environmental Management Associates Ltd. 21 pp.

V- .1

( '

■ii

"■■■ h

30

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. I would also like to thank Ursula Banasch of CWS for her assistance in providing historical nest data from CWS files and Dave Hay and A1 Nilson for their patience and assistance in providing the support necessary to get the job done.

Appendix 1. Summaiy of Oldman Prairie Falcon Nest Data

OLDMAN RIVER NEST OCCUPANCY 1968 - 1992

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

80

85

86

87

89

90

91

92

OB

F

0

F

S

F

p

F

ME

F

S

F

DAM

F

S

F

0

BJE

F

S

F

h

F

BJW

U

F

BBR

F

0

BEA

U

F

TEN

U

S

F

LAN

F

0

U

F

S

WEL

F

0

F

0

F

U

F

S

HOI

F

S

F

u

U

F

H02

F

MAL

F

u

U

F

CD

F

0

STE

S

F

DAY

F

IP

F

DOX

F

S

FA

F

U

F

4 F	4	5	3	4	2	4	5	5	5	6	6	4	8	5?	4?	15	13	13	12
							1					1	1	1	1			3	1	3
				2	1	1	1	2	1	2	1	1							2	1

F - Pair of Prairie Falcons on territory S - A single Prairie Falcon on territory O - Pair of Great Horned Owls nesting in the territory

32

Old Bridge Nest Site. #48( Young et al.,1986)

History

This is one of the original nest sites documented in the late 1960's and monitored by CWS through the early 1980's. The nest was reported to be occupied in 1986 and 1987 (Young, 1988)

1989 Breeding Season

April 7, - A female was first observed doing courtship flying on April 7. One week later a pair were present and copulation was observed opposite the most easterly nest hole. From April 14 through May 22, falcons were observed on several occasions but there was no evidence of a nest attempt. When we attempted to trap the birds they were totally indifferent and simply left the area.

Disturbance

Trucks and men walking at the river edge were observed April 1 roughly 100m from the nest site and on the opposite side of the river. The back hoe arrived the next day and intensive activity was still ongoing April 7 with men active and clearly visible around the pumping station that had been set up. When I returned on April 14 the intensive activity appeared to have ceased and the pump house apparently is now only visited for short periods, apparently on a daily basis.

Results

No serious attempt was made to nest in 1989, possibly as a result of unacceptable disturbance during the initiation of the breeding cycle.

1990 Breeding Season

The female was first observed sitting in a tree opposite the cliff on March 6 and was observed at each visit to the site in. March. On April 24 both birds were observed the male perched in the trees opposite the cliffs and the female in one of the improved nest ledges. She appears to be incubating. One or more birds were observed at pretty well every visit in May and one was always on the nest. June 5 the female was perched opposite and at least three 3wk-old young were observed in the nest. On seeing me the female flew over and cacked. On June 18 four young were banded and both adults were trapped. The female was unbanded and the male was found to be the male that nested at Mercury in 1989.

Disturbance

Trucks and men walking at the river edge were observed early in March roughly 100m from the nest site and on the opposite side of the river. The activity apparently was limited to a couple of days merely setting up the pumping station. I did not observe the back-hoe. Men were observed rotovating straw into silt in the trees about 200M from the nest after the female was already incubating. They were there for three or four days and the female appeared to ignore them. Except for brief daily visits to check the pump there was little or no disturbance for the rest of the breeding season.

Results - 4 young fledged, both adults trapped

, l

rv Ml c/Ci'> I#,' ; <•> ' iduW' rS

33

OLD BRIDGE 1968 - 1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YNG	FLEDGE	BAND AD	BAND YNG
1968	YES	3
1969	YES	2
1970	GHO
1971	YES	5	5	5
1972	YES	5			5
1973	YES	5	4	4	4
1974
1975
1976
1977
1985	YES
1986	YES
1987	YES
1989		YES
1990	YES		4	4	mTr,fTr	4
1991	YES		5	5	5
1992	YES	5	5	5	4

1991 Breeding Season

The female was first observed on March 18, and again on April 8th. On both occasions she was observed on one of the tree perches used in previous years. On April 12 the female was already on the nest laying or incubating. One week later the female was definitely incubating and the male was perched in one of the favourite perch points in the trees opposite the nest site. A few days later the female was observed incubating and was later identified as the last year's female by her bands. On May 20 when the female flushed, five two week old young were observed in the nest. Nine days later the pair were cacking aggressively even though we were on the opposite side of the river from the nest. The five young appear to be about three weeks of age. Both adults were present on each of five visits to the territory in June. On June 12 the five young were banded.The young fledged on June 20.

34

Disturbance

Disturbance was minimal in 1991. Other than our visits to the opposite side of the river and our one visit to the nest site for banding I am not aware of any other human interference or disturbance.

Results - five young fledged and banded 1992 Breeding Season

Three prairie falcons observed flying in the area on April 5. A single bird then flew upriver to one of the modified nest sites. The female was next observed sitting on a cliff ledge to the west of the nest site. She was observed incubating April 16, at the same time the male perched in a tree opposite the cliff. One or more birds were observed at pretty well every visit and one was always on the nest. May 19 the female was off the nest and defended aggressively. On June 11 four of five young were banded. These young were ready to fly and were banded by going in at night. One of the young flew safely across the river and remained unbanded.

Disturbance

Disturbance was minimal throughout the breeding season.

Results - 5 young fledged, both adults identified.

Mercury Nest Site - #45 (Young et aL,1986)

History

This is one of the original nest sites documented in 1968 and monitored by CWS through the early 1980's. It is named "Mercury" because this nest had the highest level of mercury contamination of any Prairie Falcon nest sites sampled in Alberta in 1968. The nest was reported to be occupied in 1986 and 1987 (Young, 1988).

1989 Breeding Season

A pair of birds on territory March 9 and observed repeatedly throughout the remainder of the breeding season. The female was first observed incubating on April 14 and the first small young observed May 22. Both adults were trapped and banded on that day. Four young were banded June 19 and all four were fledged and observed perched near the site on July 6.

Disturbance

This pair is clearly habituated to the activity associated with the camp which is approximately 1km to the north on the opposite side of the river. They do not pay any attention to moving vehicles on the road a mere 150m away on the opposite side of the river, nor do they react to the presence or activity of the heavy equipment moving on or in association with the rock pile that is adjacent to the nest site. The first indication of disturbance was observed in April when fisheries biologists began working on the river in front of the nest.

35

MERCURY EYRIE 1968 - 1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND AD	BAND YOUNG
1968	YES	5	1
1969	YES
1970	YES	5	3	3	3
1971		YES
1972
1973	YES	5	5	5	5
1974
1975	YES	5	5	5	5
1976	YES	5	5	5	5
1977	YES
1978	YES
1980	YES
1985	YES
1986	YES		4	4
1987	YES		3	3
1989	YES		4	4	mTR,fTr	4
1990	YES		3	3	3
1991	YES	3?
1992	NO

The birds were clearly agitated and flew overhead caching continuously. However, the pair did not desert even though this activity continued for a few hours most days. My last observation of the fisheries biologists was made on May 2 with the female incubating. The only other major disturbance that was observed was on May 22 when some heavy equipment became stuck on the riverbank opposite the nest. Several additional pieces of equipment came to assist and several men were observed walking around the equipment. The birds appeared to have little concern other than to watch the proceedings.

36

Results - 4 young were fledged

1990 Breeding Season

A pair of birds on territory March 6 and observed repeatedly throughout the remainder of the breeding season. The female was first observed incubating on April 24 and still appeared to be brooding on June 11. Three young were banded June 21 and two were observed sitting in trees on July 11. The male was seldom observed at this site during the entire breeding season yet was present at banding and the young were successfully fledged.

Disturbance

As in previous years this pair is clearly habituated to the activity associated with the camp which is approximately 1km to the north on the opposite side of the river. They do not pay any attention to moving vehicles on the road a mere 150m away on the opposite side of the river, nor do they react to the presence or activity of the heavy equipment moving on or in association with the rock pile that is adjacent to the nest site. As in 1989 the first indication of disturbance was observed in April when fisheries biologists began working on the river in front of the nest. The birds were clearly agitated and flew overhead cacking continuously. However, the pair did not desert. It is possible that the repeated absence of the male was due to his lack of tolerance for disturbance.

Results - 3 young fledged

1991 Breeding Season

The female was observed perched about 15m away from the nest ledge on March 18th. She was also observed at the ledge on several occasions in early April. The male was observed only once perched some distance from the nest. Similar behaviour to 1990? By April 8 the female appeared to be either laying or incubating. Heavy equipment was working about 200m away and the fisheries biologists were on the river daily at this time. On April 21 the female was positively identified by her bands. She was observed incubating then and again on several occasions up to May 9. On May 10 severe disturbance resulted in the desertion of the nest site.

Disturbance:

As noted above severe disturbance apparently resulted in the desertion of this nest site. My notes are as follows:

At 09:10 a caterpillar with a blade was observed moving rocks and earth directly in front and below the nest. The female Prairie Falcon from the nest was circling and calling directly overhead. The operator was observed out of the cab for extended periods of time. I was advised that this activity continued for a period of approximately four hours. Apparently the female had been frightened from the nest and then remained in the vicinity for a couple of hours. By 09:45 she had departed from the area. When we returned the following morning the eggs were gone and there was no sign of the falcons. The pair subsequently deserted the area and we did not observe them at the site nor in the territory for the remainder of the 1991 breeding season.

•' - ' • fl®i^m»ii<»»<ptipiV«««^^^^^”<'»«»^

'tHk, ;#ife'wsM», am atm>$^ ^ jfeet s

ffgl Ill^£ih£k^ Itilil^

im-i >,1.

few.

. .v ■ ' - ■' : aid

■ .. x""":^'',,' w

ii‘. =' _ . , '.'/-JSSh*!' A’>".ik'.'.'‘ 1,

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^ 9l««»#1.sdi |1 It»^.|!p ^ Mi .ts m’eam m

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■ * ■' ■ ' ‘&,W»W8llw»il»Jb30*8Jfe#»«W,

M

37

Results - nest deserted 1992 Breeding Season

No birds observed throughout the breeding season. No birds have been observed at this site since they deserted as a result of disturbance in 1991.

Disturbance

Workmen were observed daily in front of the eyrie. As stated no birds were observed throughout the season.

Results - no nesting attempt

Dam Nest Site - Powerline Site (CWS files), #42 (Young et History

This is one of the original nest sites documented in 1970 and monitored by CWS through the early 1980's. The territory was reported to be occupied by a single adult in 1986. (Young, 1986) al.,1986)

1989 Breeding season

On March 24 first a single female then the pair was observed perched on the cliff opposite the original nest site. The female was observed sitting briefly in the artificial hole on the northeast side of the cliff. Courtship activity and nest displays observed on March 30 on the same cliff. The birds were then observed departing from the cliff during a period of intense disturbance on March 30. They were present on the following two mornings only to depart when the workmen arrived. No birds were observed again until a single female was observed on the cliff April 14. No further observations were made of birds at this cliff.

Disturbance

This pair of birds appear to be habituated to an incredible amount of disturbance including blasting less than 1km from the cliff, heavy equipment and trucks driving underneath the nest at a distance of about 50m and men walking around daily at about 1km from the nest site. Despite this they were not able to tolerate intense activity and the presence of human walking directly under the nest cliff at a distance of about 35m. At first the female did remain on the cliff and watch the activity but soon was forced to leave the area. For three days the birds returned each morning to the site but left when the workmen arrived. When I returned to the site three days later the pair had deserted the site but were observed in the territory briefly on 11 days later.

Result - No nesting attempted.

1990 Breeding season

Birds were not observed at or near this site at any time throughout the 1990 breeding

season.

38

Disturbance

Although in 1989 this pair of birds appeared to be habituated to an incredible amount of disturbance including blasting less than 1km from the cliff, heavy equipment and trucks driving underneath the nest they were not observed at the site in 1990.

Result - No nesting attempted.

DAM EYRIE 1970 -1992

YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND	BAND
						AD	YOUNG

1970 YES 2

1971 YES 4 2 2 2

1972

1973

1974 YES 4 4 4 fTR, 4

1975

1976

1977

1978 YES

1980 YES

1985

1989 YES

1990 NO

1991 NO

1992 NO

1991 Breeding season

No falcons were observed at or near this site at any time throughout the 1991 breeding season. A pair of Great Horned Owls did nest successfully in the old Raven nest on the cliff face.

Disturbance

Although in 1989 this pair of birds appeared to be habituated to an incredible amount of disturbance including blasting less than 1km from the cliff, heavy equipment and trucks driving underneath the nest they were not observed at the site in 1990 nor in 1991.

5 3 3

5 5 5 5

YES

39

Result - No nesting attempted.

1992 Breeding season

Birds were not observed at or near this site at any time throughout the 1992 breeding

season.

Disturbance

Although in 1989 this pair of birds appeared to be habituated to an incredible amount of disturbance including blasting less than 1km from the cliff, heavy equipment and trucks driving underneath the nest.No birds were observed at the site in 1990, 1991 or 1992.

Result - No nesting attempted.

Buffalo Jump East Nest Site - Raven site(CWS files), #40( Young et al. 1986)

History

This is one of the original nest sites documented in 1968 and monitored by CWS through the early 1980's. The territory was reported to be occupied in 1986 and again in 1987.

1989 Breeding season

The pair were observed in close association at the east end of the Buffalo Jump Cliff on April 2. A third bird which appeared to be a female was also observed near the fence line.The following day two pair were observed, with the fence line the rough demarkation of the territories. On April 6 a single male was present and was observed going into nest holes with both females. On the 14th the three birds were again present but the male now appeared to be attached to the eastern territory. The female appeared to be incubating by May 10 and is noted to be very shy. The male was trapped and banded May 17th and the four young caught and banded on June 20th.

Disturbance

Disturbance to this pair was minimal and other than our visits it is doubtful that these birds had any contact with human. The nearest road is .7km to the southeast and the traffic does not seem to influence the pair at all.

Results - 4 young fledged

1990 Breeding season

The pair were observed at this site on Feb 27 at the east end of the Buffalo Jump Cliff. The male was positively identified as last year's male by the colour band combination, the pair was observed copulating on April 17. The female was observed incubating on 24 and at the same time the same male was observed with a second female near the fence line. Male observed bringing food to five young in the nest on May 31. A female was perched near the fence line.

40

BUFFALO JUMP EAST 1968 - 1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND AD	BAND YOUNG
1968	YES	5	5
1969	YES	5	5	5		5
1970	YES	5	4	4		4
1971
1973
1974	YES	4
1975
1976	YES	5	4	4	mTr,frr	3
1977	YES
1978	YES	5	5	5		5
1980		YES
1985	YES
1986	YES
1987	YES
1989	YES		4	4	mTr,	4
1990	YES		5	5		4
1991	YES			4		4
1992	YES		5	5		5

Disturbance

Disturbance to this pair was minimal and other than our visits it is doubtful that these birds had any contact with human. The nearest road is .7km to the southeast and the traffic does not seem to influence the pair at all.

Recults - 5 young fledged

1991 Breeding Season

A lone falcon observed at the site on March 18. On April 9 two females observed at the cliff. One female at the BJE nest site the other near the fence-line. One April 9 a lone male was

41

observed at the cliff moving freely between the two females. The female in the east nest was either laying or incubating. She came from the nest when the male was near then went back into the hole after. This appears to be the same pair as in other years. The male was positively identified with his colour band and number, the female was just very shy as always. They raised and fledged four young. All banded

Results 4 young fledged

Disturbance - Minimal throughout 1991

1992 Breeding season

The female observed at this site on March 24. Copulation observed on March 26, the same day a third bird (a female) came into the area and was chased out of the territory by the male. The second female was also observed at Buffalo Jump West. Female appeared to be incubating on April 9. The same day the male was observed copulating with the female at Buffalo Jump West. The female was observed incubating on subsequent visits. Five young banded on June 11.

Disturbance

Disturbance to this pair was minimal and other than our visits it is doubtful that these birds had any contact with human. The nearest road is .7km to the southeast and the traffic does not seem to influence the pair at all.

Results - 5 young fledged

Buffalo Jump West Nest Site

History

This is a new nesting territory and results from the splitting of a long established territory at the Buffalo Jump Cliff. This male appears to be mating with two females.

1989 Breeding Season

A female was first observed here on April 1 at the same time as the pair were noted at the east end of the cliff. The situation was very confused as only three birds were observed on most visits. Courtship feeding,nest ledge behaviour and attempted copulation observed by the one male with both females. A second male was observed with this bird on April 3 and again on May 2. The female was flushed from the nest ledge where she was incubating three eggs on May 22. On June 19 no birds were present at the west end of the cliff. The three eggs remained in the nest but were cold and were found to be addled.

I

42

BUFFALO JUMP WEST 1968 - 1992

YEAR

PAIR

INDIV

EGGS

YOUNG

FLEDGE

BAND

AD

BAND

YOUNG

1989

1990

1991

1992

YES

Disturbance

Disturbance to this pair was minimal and other than our visits it is doubtful that these birds had any contact with humans. The nearest road is .7km to the southeast and the traffic does not seem to influence the pair at all.

Results - infertile eggs resulting in nest failure.

1990 Breeding Season

A second female was first observed here on April 24. At the same time the other female was incubating at the east end of the cliff. The situation appeared to be the same as in 1989 except that we were able to identify the male as the same bird that had mated with the female in Buffalo Jump East. Courtship feeding, nest ledge behaviour and copulation were observed by the same male with both females. The female was flushed from the nest ledge on May 15 where she was apparently incubating. That was the last time she was observed and no eggs were found when the ledge was checked later.

Disturbance

Disturbance to this pair was minimal and other than our visits it is doubtful that these birds had any contact with humans. The nearest road is .7km to the southeast and the traffic does not seem to influence the pair at all.

Results - (no young produced)

1991 Breeding Season

The female was first observed here on April 8. The female at BJE was also present. On April 9 the lone male was observed to copulate with this female and then fly and perch near the Buffalo Jump West nest site. The male as positively identified by colour bands.The female remained sitting on the outcrop near the large hole. On April 23 this female was flushed from the large hole. The male and other female flew off to the east as we approached the cliff. The female from the west flew out with deep slow courtship flying. She went to perch near the west hole and

43

wailed occasionally. She was not seen again and when the nest was climbed there was a deep nest scrape but nothing else. This seems to be pretty much a repeat of the other three years.

Results - (no young produced)

Disturbance -

Minimal throughout the breeding season 1992 Breeding Season

This female observed courtship flying over the west end of the cliff. Heard wailing then observed her at the large hole on the west end. Frequently observed at the large hole and heard wailing for the male. The normal pattern early in the season was for the male to mate with the female at Buffalo Jump East then to fly and perch near the female at Buffalo Jump West. On April 9 copulation was observed with the male from BJE. Nest hole checked April 18, three eggs female sitting at the west end of the cliff. No aggression A second female was first observed here on April 24. At the same time the other female was incubating at the east end of the cliff. The situation appeared to be the same as in 1989 and 1990. We were able to identify the male as the same bird that had mated with the female in Buffalo Jump East. Courtship feeding, nest ledge behaviour and copulation were observed by the same male with both females.

Disturbance

Disturbance to this pair was minimal and other than our visits it is doubtful that these birds had any contact with humans. The nearest road is .7km to the southeast and the traffic does not seem to influence the pair at all.

Results - (no young produced)

Bitango Eagle Nest Site

History

This is a new nesting territory not know to have been occupied prior to the 1990 nesting season. The nest site is an old Golden Eagle nest on the side of a cliff about 1km south of the Bitango Bridge nest site.

44

1990 Breeding Season

Birds were first observed during courtship on April 5. Thought to be an alternate site for Bitango pair and not observed further once the Bitango pair were on eggs. We were next advised of the presence of these birds on June 23 by a trucker who saw them as he hauled fill along the road under the nest. We visited the nest on June 25, the adults were present and the young were already fledged. Two were caught and banded.

Results " (four young fledged)

1991 Breeding Season

A single falcon was seen on the stick nest to the west of last year's nest site on March 1. On the next visit a Canada Goose was observed sitting on last year's nest and no falcons were observed in the area. That was the situation right up to the nest flooding.

Results - No birds observed.

Disturbance

Minimal disturbance prior to the flooding.

1991-92 Breeding Season

This nest site was flooded and no longer usable.

Bitango Bridge Nest Site - #37 (Young et aL,1986)

Histoty

This is a new nesting territory not occupied in the 1960 's. The territory is first described by Young (Young et al.,1986)

1989 Breeding Season

The pair were first observed on territory March 8 and were subsequently observed at every visit. Some courtship activity and a food transfer observed on March 23. The female was flushed from the nest on May 1st where she had apparently been incubating. The female was trapped and banded on May 1. Five young were caught and banded on June 18.

Disturbance

This pair were subjected to considerable disturbance and habitat alteration. Apparently the timing of the most severe disturbance was such that the birds were able to tolerate it. Tree removal took place prior to the breeding season and the bulk of the heavy equipment and gravel removal well into incubation and the rearing of young. In addition to this there was considerable human activity in the form of picnickers, and fishermen near the bridge and occasionally opposite the nest site itself. In general the pair were shy and nest success can best be attributed to the timing of the various activities.

45

BITANGO EYRIE 1985 - 1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDG E	BAND AD	BAND YOUNG
1985	YES
1989	YES			5	5	fTr	5
1990	YES
1991	NO
1992	NO

Results - 5 young fledged

Bitango Bridge Nest Site - #37 (Young et al.,1986)

1990 Breeding Season

The pair were first observed on territory Feb 27. Courtship and nest ledge behaviour observed on April 3 the female was identified as the same female as 1989 by observing the colour band combination. The female was observed incubating. On May 15, 17, and 23 the male was observed sitting at the east end on one occasion. The birds were gone on May 31. Clearly the nest was deserted, apparently due to the heavy rains of the previous few days. On later inspection, it was believed the nest was exposed and the eggs would have been sitting in water.

Disturbance

This pair were subjected to heavy equipment activity for most of the season, however there was no indication that the birds were disturbed. They courted, bred and nested despite the continuing long range disturbance. The pair did not appear to be affected by the activity or by the tremendous dust that was generated well into incubation.

Results - (nest desertion)

1991 Nesting Season

In April Great Horned Owls observed nesting in the 1989 nest hole. Two young were taken from this nest due to flooding and transferred to the rehabilitation centre in Coledale on May 9.

Disturbance

Minimal prior to flooding

1992 Breeding Season

The nest sites have remained flooded.

46

Tennessee Coulee Nest Site

TENNESSEE COULEE EYRIE 1989 - 1992

YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND	BAND
						AD	YOUNG

1989	YES
1990	YES		4	4	fTr,	4
1991	YES	5	4	4		4
1992	YES	•

History

This territory was first identified in 1989 when a female was flushed late in the breeding season. The condition of the nest site and the large accumulation of guano indicates that the territory is an old one with many years of occupancy. In 1990 the birds used a different site.

1990 Breeding Season

On April 5 a lone bird flew over the coulee at considerable height. I suspect this was the male. He was not aggressive and did not act territorial. When I returned on June 6th a female was heard caching and was very territorial. This was an odd pair in that the female was very tame and the male exceedingly shy. The nest was not actually located until just prior to banding and was less than 100m from the Red-tail nest. The young could not be seen from below.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would be minimal.

Results- 4 young fledged, adult female caught and banded.

1991 Breeding Season

A lone bird observed flying over the coulee on April 8. Female observed incubating in last year's nest hole on April 19 of this year. The Prairie Falcon and Red-tail were observed incubating on several occasions as I visited the coulee to keep track of the water level.On May 20 we collected the eggs. They were pipping when we collected them. We were not able to find a suitable nest to foster the eggs so they had to placed under a brooding chicken. The eggs were subsequently placed in Castle Dairy and four out of five hatched and were fledged.

Disturbance

Minimal prior to flooding. Following flooding a power boat was observed right in the coulee beside the nest. The eggs were collected the same day.

Results - 4 young fledged and banded at Castle Dairy.

47

1992 Breeding Season

On April 5 a lone bird flew over the coulee at considerable height. I suspect this was the male. He was not aggressive and did not act territorial. When I returned on June 6th a female was heard cacking and was very territorial. This was an odd pair in that the female was very tame and the male exceedingly shy. TTie nest was not actually located until just prior to banding and was less than 100m from the Red-tail nest. The young could not be seen from below. When we returned to band the young the adults left the area silently indicating that they were not successful.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would be minimal.

Results-unsuccessful

Lang Nest Site History

This a new site first recorded in 1989 it is about 2km east of CWS Cowley site documented in 1968

1989 Breeding Season

Three birds were observed at the site on March 31 and again on April 1. Nest ledge displays and courtship flying observed, the third bird just seemed to be staying in the area. Copulation observed on April 7 and the female appeared to be incubating on May 1st. The female was trapped on May 21 . The nest was checked again on June 18 and it contained one egg, a broken egg and a two-week old youngster. This bird was later banded on July 1.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would have been only moderate with a few fishermen about .5km upstream in June and some woodcutting downstream in May.

Results - 1 young fledged

1990 Breeding Season

First observed on March 26 with the male bringing food to last year's nest ledge. As in 1989, a second female was also at the site. Three birds were again observed at the site on April 5, after a brief encounter the second female left and one female remained and perched on the ground to the west of last year's nest and began wailing. The Male flew by and lit in a small hole under the cliff edge. Nest ledge displays and courtship flying observed. On April 17 female observed incubating in the new nest hole. Young observed May 30. Five banded on June 21, adult male caught and banded on June 25.

48

LANG'S EYRIE 1968 - 1992

YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND	BAND
						AD	YOUNG

1968 YES 5 4

1969 YES 4

1970 GHO YES

1971 GHO

1972 GHO

1973 GHO

1974 GHO

1975 GHO

1976 GHO

1977 GHO

1978 GHO

1980 GHO

1989 YES 3 1 1 fTr, 1

1990 YES 5 5 mTr 5

1991 YES

1992 YES

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would have been only moderate early in the breeding season. No birds were observed in the area at this time. Once the reclamation was complete we observed no outside disturbance and any disturbance would have been minimal.

Results - 5 young fledged, adult male caught and banded.

1991 Breeding Season

A single prairie observed over the cliff on March 18. No birds were observed at the site again until April 19. Two birds observed on the cliff, the female wailing and the pair going from ledge to ledge. On the 22nd when we arrived the prairies were absent but returned shortly. The female went to last year's nest ledge. She appears to be heavy with eggs. No birds at the site on the 25 when we arrived. Heard wailing and a single bird flew by and perched at the east end of the

49

cliff area. Raven on the nest. 09:23 the male was observed chasing a Raven then flew to perch in a sheltered area near last year's nest hole.

Female observed on a perch near the fence line, the male may have a red band on right leg (???). The male remained perched out of the wind preening. 09:30 the female flew to the nest hole 09:33 the female flew above the cliff and lit on the grass, she was followed by the male and they copulated. 09:37 male flew above the cliff and the female remained perched. Two prairies came in very high from the west, A male and a female. The male made a couple of passes at the female. Both came down in front of the cliff. The original female flew into the nest hole and perched at the mouth and eechipped as the others flew by. The male attacked the other female and then both went off to the east at great height, The female headed north after a couple of attacks by the male at one point they actually grappled. The original female flew out of the nest and perched above the cliff 09:57 female moved off to the left right out of the area.

No falcons were seen at the site again until May 23 when a lone male was on the cliff. A lone bird was observed again on June 1.

Results - nesting failed.

1992 Breeding Season

A lone female first observed on March 24 and almost daily from that time through April 14. Courtship flying observed over and in front of the nest ledge on April 14. She was not observed again despite several visits and long observation periods after that date.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would have been minimal throughout the breeding season.

Results - No nesting occurred.

Wdsch Nest Site - #22 (Young et al. 1986)

History

This appears to have been CWS Rapid Bend site, however, severe slumping along the cliff face have drastically changed the cliff. In its present condition it was first described by Young as #22 in his report (Young et al. 1986) in 1985.

1989 Breeding Season

The pair were first observed at the site March 9 and both birds were observed on most visits to the site. Other than a hint of courtship flying no other courtship activity was observed. The female was observed at the entrance of the nest hole on several occasions and appeared to be incubating on April 15. The pair were trapped and banded on May 21 and 4 young were caught and banded June 18. The young fledged successfully.

Disturbance

At the beginning of the breeding season disturbance was minimal. Although the main road was approximately 150m from the nest site the nest was on a cliff facing away from the road and the birds were largely unaffected by traffic. On April 5 heavy earthmoving equipment was observed

50

working about 2km. to the north and there was some evidence of activity on the hill above and behind the nest site. By April 7th the activity had accelerated and the earthmoving equipment was now dumping material above and behind the site. The activity was continuous, with the noisy earth moving equipment visible to the birds the majority of the time. When revisited on April 13 the activity was unabated and by the presence of the lights apparently was ongoing round the clock. The pair are still present and apparently incubating. The male was observed to fly in literally through the dust and land at the south end of the cliff. Some of the material that has been moved has actually been dumped so that it has come down the side of the cliff less than 50m to the north of the nest. The activity is very, very noisy and virtually continuous however, there are seldom people walking around and the birds do not seem to be overly concerned by the activity and noise. By May 1st construction work appeared to be completed. No additional activity was observed in direct association with the nest until July 7 when the earth moving equipment began to level an area directly opposite the nest site. The young fledged and moved off to the north.

Results - 4 young fledged

WELSCH EYRIE 1972 - 1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND AD	BAND YOUNG
1972	YES
1973	YES		5	4	4		4
1974	GHO	YES
1975	YES		5	4	4	fTr	4
1976	GHO
1977	YES		5			fTr
1978	YES		4
1980	YES		4	2
1985	YES
1989	YES			4	4	mTr,fTr	4
1990	YES			4	4		4
1991	YES
1991		YES

0m'

fV'-Vt. ' -s

Amii'j^mrtsM^i «fe?jr^ewia«fa{* »#ia»&b^s9o»-^4« si

51

1990 Breeding Season

The pair were first observed at the site March 6 and as in 1989 both birds were observed on most visits to the site. Nest ledge displays were observed in late March and early April. During the few days when the caterpillar was doing land reclamation opposite the site, at each visit the female was observed sitting at the extreme north end of the cliffs. The female apparently was incubating by April 16 so that the disturbance in no way affected normal courtship and nesting. April 15. Although we were not able to catch the pair in 1990 the female was identified as last year's female by her colour band combination. Four young were banded on June 19.

Disturbance

At the beginning of the breeding season, disturbance was minimal prior to the reclamation of the gravel area in front of the nest cliff. This was carried out during the first week of April and the birds simply perched at the north end of the cliffs. As soon as the reclamation was complete, the birds moved back to the nest area and normal nesting continued. Disturbance following the reclamation would have been minimal.

Results - 4 young fledged

1991 Breeding Season

The pair were observed on the cliff on March 18. On subsequent visits only a single bird was seen. On April 20 both birds were present and both were identified by their bands. On May 5 the female was observed incubating in a small hole about 15' to the left of the old nest site. Female incubating on subsequent visits, 5 eggs in the nest on May 20. June 9 small downy young in the nest. Large young in the nest on June 20. When visited by John Campbell a few days later the nest was empty. Predated??.

Disturbance - Minimal in 1991

Results - Nest failure

1992 Breeding Season

A pair first observed sitting on the cliff on March 21. We observed a bit of nest ledge display then copulation. That was the only time a pair was present. On several subsequent visits only the female was present and through April 17 we observed frequent courtship flights. On five separate occasions we observed her attract males to the ledges. She was not observed after April 17.

Disturbance

Disturbance was minimal at this site throughout the breeding season.

Results - No nesting attempt

]

1

I

52

Day Nest Site History

This is a new territory apparently occupied for the first time in 1989. A single bird was observed in this territory in 1988 and the pair were first observed in 1989 investigating a new artificial nest site. They chose a ledge about 50m to the north of the artificial nest hole.

1989 Breeding Season

On March 31st three birds were observed flying over the cliffs, one bird believed to be the female was observed at several ledges and the artificial nest hole. Courtship flying and copulation was then observed on April 7th. However, following this no birds were in evidence for several days and it appeared that the birds had left the cliff. Finally the incubating female was observed on a very small ledge about 50m to the north of the hole. Male trapped and banded on May 22. They were incubating five eggs. Three young were hatched, one disappeared and the remaining two were caught, banded and fledged.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site was minimal throughout the nesting season.

Results - 2 young fledged

Day's Eyrie 1989 - 1992

YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND	BAND
						AD	YOUNG
1989	YES		5	3	2	mTr	2

1990 NO

1991 NO

1992 NO

1990 Breeding Season

Courtship flying observed on March 6 and one bird seen at the modified artificial nest site. Again on March 26 a female was observed at the nest site and was observed flying out into the valley and returning to it frequently. On April 3 a lone Prairie was observed hunting in the area then flying directly up to cliffs on 1st Porcupine. On checking, no falcons were observed at 1st Porcupine. Other than incidental sightings there was no further indication of Prairie Falcon interest in the ledges at Day's in the 1990 breeding season.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site was minimal throughout the nesting season.

53

Results - See 1st Porcupine.

1991 Breeding Season

No prairies observed on any visit in 1991. Pair at 1st Porcupine. Disturbance

Disturbance minimal throughout the breeding season.

Results - no nesting attempt

1992 Breeding Season

No falcons observed near this cliff throughout the breeding season.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site was minimal throughout the nesting season. Results - See 1st Porcupine.

1st Porcupine

History

This site was first documented in 1990. Two artificial nest sites were created on the cliff and a third very accessible natural site was present.

			1st Porcupine Eyrie	1990 - 1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND AD	BAND YOUNG
1990	YES			5	5		5
1991	YES			6	6		6
1991	YES			5	5		2

1990 Breeding Season

No Prairies were observed on these cliffs at our first visits in March and early April. Then following the observation of the male flying toward the cliff on April 3 and the desertion of the Day site a Prairie Falcon was observed patrolling the cliff. This bird was observed investigating one of the artificial sites and appeared to have chosen it as a site. On April 17th territorial behaviour was noted as a bird flew out from the natural nest site. At one point three prairies were in the air or investigating ledges on the cliff. Considerable aggression and the third bird was chased from the

y

54

area. For the remainder of the breeding season there was considerable interaction with other species on the hill. Young were first observed on June 2nd and appeared to be at least 3 weeks of age. Five young were banded on June 18 and both adults were trapped. The male was last year's male from Days and the female had been previously banded and may have been the female from Days as she was not caught in 1989.

Disturbance

Human related disturbance at this site would be minimal.

Results - 5 young fledged

1991 Breeding Season

A female prairie observed on the dead tree in front of the cliff on March 18. On April 5 between four and five prairies working the cliff face. Some courtship flying and one of the females examining nest ledges and eechipping. On the 6th a pair present the male observed attacking a Bald Eagle that flew near the cliff. The female sat on the cliff and remained perched. By the 8th of April the female appears to have decided on the P.C. hole. The female observed wailing at the male and he ignored her. A pair of prairies observed at the cliff then the male came in and there was a changeover. The female went out to perch on the dead tree. Birds observed fairly regularly at the site through May 20 when we climbed the nest to check the age of the young. On the 21st we gave them 2 young from Fairbrother's. On the 23 a second female was observed on the cliff at last year's nest site. She then flew out in a beautiful series of slow courtship undulations and flying. Birds at the cliff on every visit until we went in to band the young on June 18.

Disturbance

Human disturbance would be minimal all season Results -6 Young fledged.

1992 Breeding Season

The pair were first observed perched on the dead tree on March 25. The male was identified as the same bird by his colour bands. On that day the Ferruginous arrived on March 31 and there was little aggression as the male appeared to be away a lot of the time and the female was spending time at the nest. By April 3rd the female was apparently incubating and was observed on the nest several times in the next month. On May 19 the female was observed feeding 2wk old young. When we attempted to band the young on June 1 1 all tried to fly out. Two were banded and the remaining three males flew well enough to get away.

Disturbance

Human related disturbance at this sight would be minimal.

Results - 5 young fledged

}

1

'I U : ' -

, ; : :;, ' 'f

. ■. -■ ■ ' / , ■''' iji ^ -' '/

. ^ ^ s hi

Double Ox-Bow Nest Site - # 18 (Young et al, 1986)

History

This territory was first described by Young (Young et al., 1986) and apparently was first located in 1985.

DOUBLE OX-BOW EYRIE 1985 - 1992

YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	B.AND	BAND
						AD	YOUNG

1985	YES
1989	YES	fTr,
1990	NO
1991	YES
1992	YES

1989 Breeding Season

The pair was first observed on April 15th. They were very placid and I could not decide if there was any nesting activity. This behaviour was also observed on my next visit several weeks later. On May 22 the female was flushed from the nest where it appeared she had been incubating. The female was very aggressive and was trapped and banded. The male could not be caught. When we returned to band young the nest was empty and both adults flew off silently suggesting a nest failure.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would be minimal as it is very difficult to visit.

Results - nest failure.

1990 Breeding Season

The site was unoccupied. Despite frequent visits the only observation was of a single bird flying in front of the cliff and out of the valley on June 5.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would be minimal as it is very difficult to visit.

Results - not occupied

56

1991 Breeding Season

On May 7 a female was observed in the nest ledge. She appeared to be incubating and remained on the nest for the half hour+ that we remained there. On our return visit in June to band the young the nest was deserted and there was no sign of eggs or young in the nest ledge.

Results - nesting unsuccessful

1992 Breeding Season

The site was occupied by a single bird observed April 7. When checked the ledge had been scraped out but there was no indication of nesting.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would be minimal as it is very difficult to visit.

Results - no nesting attempt.

Horseshoe Canyon Nest Site - #15 (Young et al.,1989)

History

Either this territory or Maloff's was reported to have been a historical Peregrine Falcon nesting territory, however neither were occupied when checked in the 1960's and 1970's. It was first recorded by Young (Young et.al.,1986) and apparently was occupied by Prairie Falcons in 1985.

1989 Breeding Season

A single bird was observed entering the Canyon on March 9 and a pair were observed on territory the following day. I was unable to visit the site until mid April however, no birds were observed from the opposite side of the river. On April 14 the female was flushed from the nest and was joined by the male. The pair remained nearby, they were relatively shy and silent. When we tried to trap the adults they ignored the owl and remained shy and relatively quiet. Four young were banded on June 18 and fledged young were observed in the area early in July.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would have been minimal.

Results - 4 young fledged

1990 Breeding Season

A single bird was observed flying out of the canyon and perching on the hill behind last year's eyrie. This year the birds selected the old original site recorded by CWS in 1974. The nest clearly has been improved apparently by the CWS crews. Female caught. A second female was flushed from a ledge about 100m to the south and was later found to be a second nesting female. The male was observed to be interacting with both females on two occasions and only one male was ever seen in the territory. On one visit, the female from the second nest was absent suggesting that she was perhaps out hunting.

57

HORSESHOE CANYON 1974 - 1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND AD	BAND YOUNG
1974	YES		4	4	4		4
1975	YES		5	4	4		4
1976	YES		5			fTr,
1977	YES		5	4	4		4
1978		YES
1979	YES
1985	YES
1989	YES			4	4		4
1990	YES			4	4	fTr,	4
1991	YES
1992	YES				5		5

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would have been minimal.

Results - 4 young fledged from the north site, and 2 from the second site.

1991 Breeding Season

A single bird was observed on March 18. The pair was first observed on April 5th and again later in the month. On both occasions they were near the original nest site. The female flushed from the nest and then returned with us very near. She stood briefly and then walked in to incubate. Same procedure the next time we visited the female was very tame and flushed when we were right beneath the eyrie only to return shortly and walked straight in to incubate. On May 15 the male flushed when we entered the coulee. Both birds were present and the female flew back to the nest after flying around once or twice. Went to the nest on May 20 and pulled the three 4-5 day old young placed them first in Fairbrother's then 1st Porcupine.

Disturbance - minimal prior to the flooding. The flooding resulted in the loss of the nest site. Results - three young fledged at 1st Porcupine.

1992 Breeding Season

A single bird was observed flying into then out of the canyon on April 2. The bird was next observed perching on the hill behind the alternate eyrie on the 7th of April and was frequently

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observed on this point on several visits. On April 15 the single bird was observed to fly to the alternate nest hole and perch there for a period of time before going back to the dead tree above the eyrie. On subsequent visits one bird which I believe was observed perching above the site or flying over the valley. Frequently it was observed to chase the eagles. Five young were banded on June 19.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would have been minimal.

Results - 5 young fledged.

Horseshoe Canyon B Nest Site

History

This nest site was first located this year within 100m of the existing nest site.

1990 Breeding Season

A single bird was observed flying out of the canyon and perching on the hill behind last year's eyrie. This year the birds selected the old original site recorded by CWS in 1974. The nest clearly has been improved apparently by the CWS crews. A second female was flushed from a ledge about 100m to the south and was later found to be a second nesting female. The male was observed to be interacting with both females on two occasions and only one male was ever seen in the territory. On one visit, the female from the second nest was absent suggesting that she was perhaps out hunting.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would have been minimal.

Results - 2 from the second site

1991 Breeding Season

No birds were seen at this nest site nor apparently looking at the site.

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Results - no occupancy.

1992 Breeding Season

No birds were observed at this site at any time during the breeding season.

Disturbance

Disturbance at this site would have been minimal.

Results - no breeding attempt.

Maloff Nest Site # 12 (Young et al.,1986)

History

This territory was reported to have been an historical Peregrine Falcon nesting territory, however, it was not occupied when checked in the 1960's and 1970's. This site was first recorded in 1974 by CWS and was monitored by them until the early 1980's. It was next described by Young (Young et.aL,1986) and apparently was occupied by Prairie Falcons in 1985.

MALOFF EYRIE 1974-1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND AD	BAND YOUNG
1974	YES	3
1975	YES
1976	YES	4	3	3		3
1977	YES	5	4	4	fTr	4
1978	NO
1980	NO
1985	YES
1989	YES	4			mTr
1990	YES		3	3	mTr,fTr	3
1991	YES
1992	YES		2?	1

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60

1989 Breeding Season

The pair were first observed on territory on March 9 and one or both were present on every subsequent visit to the site. The birds appeared to ignore the heavy equipment and men working about .5km to the west near the end of March. The female appeared to be incubating early in May. The male was trapped and banded on May 21st and an unsuccessful attempt was made to catch the female on the 24th. At the time there was one newly hatched chick and three unhatched eggs in the nest. It was a bitterly cold day and we gave up on our trapping attempt because we were concerned for the chick. Unfortunately the nestling subsequently died and the other eggs which failed to hatch appeared to be addled.

Disturbance

This pair of birds were habituated to a moderate amount of disturbance each breeding season just with the normal activity at the farm opposite the nest cliff. However, when this disturbance patter accelerated with the earth moving equipment they were apparently unconcerned and no unusual behaviour was observed.

Result - nest failure.

1990 Breeding Season

A falcon was observed defending the territory against a Golden Eagle on Feb 27. Then a single bird was observed at the nest ledge on March 6. The pair were first observed on territory on March 26. One or both were present on every subsequent visit to the site. The female appeared to be incubating on May 21. Three young were produced and were banded on June 21. The two adults were trapped on June 27. The female for the first time, the male was the same bird banded at the site in 1989.

Disturbance

In 1990 the disturbance throughout the nesting season would have been minimal.

Result - 3 young fledged

1991 Breeding Season

A pair of falcons over the cliff on March 18 observed attacking a Golden Eagle.Female observed going in to settle on the eggs on April 14. On April 23 two men were hunting "gophers" with rifles and a shotgun opposite the nest site. The female left the area when the shooting was going on and returned when they left. Female observed perched at the mouth of the nest occasionally going back inside. Suggests there are young in the nest. On June 4 three young were observed. Later 4 large young observed.

Disturbance

The female was frightened from the nest on April 23 by the two men hunting opposite the nest site. She did return after they left the area and fledged four young successfully.

Results - 4 young fledged.

61

1992 Breeding Season

A single falcon was observed perched on the cliff on March 21. The pair was then observed on April 2 and flew off defensively. TTie female was observed going into a new hole in a long crack in the rock face. On April 15 one of the birds flew out cacking as we drove by the cliff. One or the other or both cacked at us on every subsequent visit or as we drove by enroute Horseshoe Canyon. On June 10 two 3-4wk old young were visible in the long crack. When we climbed the cliff for banding it was deserted and then a single dead young was found eaten beneath the face. Apparently a racoon predated the nest. On June 19 a single young was observed on the cliff.

Disturbance

Disturbance throughout th^ nesting season would have been minimal.

Result - 1 young fledged Castle Dairy Nest Site History

This is a new site in an artificial nest hole which had been constructed earlier in the year.

Castle Dairy 1989 - 1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	BAND AD	BAND YOUNG
1989	YES		5	4	4	mTr	4 .
1990	YES			4	4		4
1991	YES			5	6 FOSTER		6
1992	NO

1989 Breeding Season

A female prairie that appeared to be in first year plumage was first observed on the cliff on May 1st. The bird acted territorial and was observed to perch near a hole just to the east of the raven nest. By May 10th the female appeared to be incubating and sat very close when I drove up to a point directly opposite the nest. We tried unsuccessfully to trap the female on May 21st however we were able to trap and band the male on the 24th and found the nest to contain 5 unhatched eggs. Four young were caught and banded on July 1st. They were observed again on July 7 and appeared ready to leave the nest.

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Disturbance

This pair experienced minimal to moderate disturbance primarily from the activity of people on the opposite side of the river. There was some evidence of picnicking and fishermen were on the river for much of the month of June.

Results - 4 young fledged.

1990 Breeding Season

The pair were observed at the east end of the cliffs on March 6 and one or both birds was present on each subsequent visit to the area. By March 26 it was clear that they had selected a new nest hole at the east end. On April 16 the female appeared to be either laying or incubating. On May 30th the male was observed to bring food to the cliff, pluck it and then go to the nest hole and begin to feed small young. Four young were banded on June 20 and although we were not able to catch the adults we did get an opponunity to identify the male as the same bird as that banded in 1989.

Disturbance

This pair experienced minimal disturbance. There was much less activity than in 1989. Results - 4 young fledged.

1991 Breeding Season

A male bird was observed examining nest holes on March 18. On April 6th a female was observed sitting in the central nest hole. Later a Canada Goose was observed examining the old raven nest and Horned Owls were found to be nesting in last year's prairie nest hole. On April 9 the female was observed incubating in the central nest hole. The female was observed incubating several on days. The male was seldom observed. Yet on April 17 the male was observed flying along the cliff face with food. Following the food transfer he was then observed flying to the nest wailing as he flew. The female was sitting on the fence-line feeding. Female observed incubating on every visit. On May 21 nest climbed , 5 eggs two just hatching. The two young taken to Fairbrother's and the eggs from Tennessee placed with this hen. On May 22nd county workmen were working at the gravel pile on the opposite side of the river(300m + ). The female seemed to ignore this and no harm was done. 6 young banded.

Results - 6 young fledged

1992 Breeding Season

Falcons were not observed on these cliffs at any time during the current field season. However, a pair of Great Horned Owls was observed in the holes at the east end.

Disturbance

There was minimal disturbance at this site during the 1992 breeding season.

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Results - no nesting attempt.

Stevick Nest Site History

This is a new territory created when we put in artificial hole in 1988.

1992 Breeding Season

The pair first observed on March 22 and were seen frequently at the thereafter. The female appeared to be incubating on April 5 and was seen in the nest hole on each visit. She was flushed off 5 eggs on April 18 and was observed feeding 2 week old young on May 18. Five young banded June 11.

Results - 5 young fledged

Fairbrother Nest Site History

This is one of the original nest sites documented in the late 1960's and monitored by CWS through the early 1980's. This site was not included by Young (Young et aL,1986) presumably because it is approximately 3km from the construction area and will not be affected by either the construction or flooding, I have included it because of its relative proximity and the fact that there is considerable interaction between these birds and those that will be affected by the dam.

1989 Breeding Season

A single bird was observed at the site on March 8th and 9th. The first observation of a second bird was made on the 23rd and then again on the 24th. Courtship activity was observed. The male was observed defending the territory against a Golden Eagle on April 6th. A single egg was found in the nest on April 15th. Five eggs were in the nest at the next visit when we trapped and

64

banded the adult birds. Three young were caught and banded on June 19th and were later observed fully fledged flying along the cliff face.

FAIRBROTHER'S EYRIE 1968-1992
YEAR	PAIR	INDIV	EGGS	YOUNG	FLEDGE	AD BAND	YOUNG BAND
1968	YES	4	1
1969	YES	4	4	4	mTr,fTr
1970	YES	6	4	4		4
1971	YES	5
1972	YES	5		1
1973	YES		5	5	mTr,fTr	5
1974	YES	5	3	3		3
1975	YES	5,4	2	2	fTr	2
1976	YES	5,4	4	4	mTr,fTr	4
1977	YES	3,4	4	4	mTr,frr	4
1978	YES	5	1	1
1980	YES		5
1989	YES		3	3	mTr,frr,	3
1990	YES		3	3		3
1991	YES		3	6 FOSTER		6
1992	YES		5	5		5

Disturbance

This pair would have be subjected to a minimal amount of disturbance by virtue of the sites relative inaccessibility.

Results " 3 young fledged.

65

1990 Breeding Season

The pair were observed at the site on Feb 27 and birds were only seen infrequently prior to our visit in June. We were unsuccessful in trapping the adults on June 6 but were able to band the three young later in the month.

Disturbance

This pair would have been subjected to a minimal amount of disturbance by virtue of the sites relative inaccessibility.

Results - 3 young fledged.

1991 Breeding Season

Pair first observed at the site on April 12. Female observed incubating on May 6. This pair are seldom seen from the road as we checked virtually every time we drove by and only rarely saw the female at the ledge. On May 20 we visited the nest and climbed it. Three newly hatched young and we added the three young from Horseshoe. On May 21 we returned, both adults present. All six young alive and healthy. Placed the two small young from Castle Dairy in with the others and took the two largest young out to place in 1st Porcupine. Several checks were made, both adults present and young fine.We then returned on June 18 and banded the six young.

1992 Breeding Season

A single bird was observed on the site on March 30. The next sighting was on April 8 when a single bird flew from the old Raven nest at the west end of the cliffs. The birds were seen infrequently during the season and only at the west end of the cliffs. On April 18 we flushed the female from the Raven nest and found her to be incubating 5 eggs. We were able to band the five young on June 11.

Disturbance

This pair would have been subjected to a minimal amount of disturbance by virtue of the sites relative inaccessibility.

Results - 5 young fledged.

I

APPENDIX 2. Dates of first sighting of Migrants in 1992

Species	1989	1990	1991	1992
Prairie Falcon ^	March 9	Feb 26	March 18	March 21
Golden Eagle *	April 6	Feb 27	March 18	March 21
Canada Goose *	March 9	March 6	March 18	March 21
Richarason ’s Merl i n *	March 9	April 17	Aoril 18
Whistling Swan	March 10
Flicker		March 17	April 20
Cal 1 form a Gul 1	March 25
GoshawK	March 25		Aoril 8
Pintail Duck	April 5		Aoril 6	March 21
Bohemian Waxwing	April 5
Red-breasted Merganser	Aoril 7
Mountain Bluebird	April 7		Aoril 5
Mallaro Duck *			April 6	March 21
Horned Lark *	March 9	Feb 26	Ma-ch 18	March 21
Starl i ng		March 27		March 21
Crow			April 7	March 21
Robi n	March 9	March 17		March 21
Meadowl ark	May 1	April 16		March 24
Red-tailed Hawk	March 10	April 3	Aoril 6	March 24
Ki 1 1 deer PI over	March 25	March 26	March 18	March 25
American Widgeon		May 1	May 6	March 25
Common Goldeneye			April 13	March 25
Ferruginous Hawk	March 31	April 17	Aoril 13	March 27
Buffi enead Duck			Aoril 13	March 29
Corrmon Merganser	March 30			March 29
Dark-eyed Junco			April 25	March 30
American Kestrel	March 25	April 16	Aoril 7	March 31
Northe'T. Harrier	April 5	April 16	Aoril 7	March 31
Great-olue Heron	April 6	April 25	Aoril 7	April 5
Rough-winged Swallow	April 13
Barrow’s Goldeneye				April 14
Tree Swal low			May 14	April 14
Sharp-shinned Hawk		April 30	Aoril 23	April 15

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67

Eastern Ki ngbi rd	May 12
Western Kingbird				Acnl 15
Long-bi 1 1 ed Curl ew	May 2	April 18	Apnl 20	Aor^l 16
Say’s Phoebe	April 14	June 6	April 14	Apnl 16
Bank Swallow				Aoril 18
Canvasback			May 16	Aonl 20
Eared Grebe		May 1	April 27
Horned Grebe				April 20
Belted Kingfisher	May 2	April 19
Rough-legged Hawk *	March 31	April 25	April 13
Shoveller				Aoril 20
Swainson’s Hawk	May 1	April 24	April 22
Western Grebe		May 1	May 4
Comnon Grackle	May 1	May 1
Red-winged Blackbird	May 1		April 25
Snow Goose	May 1		May 4
Brown-headed Cowbird	May 2	May 2
Barn Swallow	May 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	May 10
Ruby-throated Humningbird	May 10
Spotted Sandoiper	May 10	June 12
Willet	May 12
Mourning Dove	May 12
Yel 1 ow-rumped Warbler	May 12		May 15
Wilson Phalarope			May 1
Blue-winged Teal		May 1	April 25
Cinnamon Teal		May 1	April 19
Brewer’s Blackbird			May 6	May 1
Savannah Sparrow				May 1
Vesper Sparrow	May 2			May 1
Lesser Scaup		May 1		May 14
Gadwal 1		May 1	May 16	May 14
American Coot				May 14
Black Tern				May 14
Double-crested Cormorant		May 15

Wood Duck	April 15		May 15	May 14
Common Loon				May 15
Red-breasted Nuthatch		June 6
Rock Wren		June 6
Catbi rd		June 6
Western Wood Pewee		June 6
Gol df i nch		June 6
House Wren		June 7
Veery		June 7
Cedar Waxwing		June 7
Spotted Sandpiper		June 12
Yel 1 ow Warbl er		June 28
Ring-necked duck		July 11
White-winged Scoter		July 11
Ruddy Duck		July 11
Clarke Nutcracker	April 5	July 11
Bank Swallow		July 11
Burrowing Owl

Possibly winter resident or visitant

69

APPENDIX 3. Birds Identified In the study area 1989-92

Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

Eared Grebe Podiceps caspkus

Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias

Whistling Swan Cvgne siffleur

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 Abe sponsa

Canvasback Avthva valisineria

Ring-neck Duck Avthva collaris

Lesser Scaup Avthva affinis

Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula6

Bufflehead Bucephala albeola

White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi

Ruddy Duck Oxvura jamaincensis

Common Merganser Mergus merganser

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Hooded Merganser Lophodvtes cucullatus

Soar Rail Porzana caroling

American Coot Fulica americana

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia

Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa

Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus

Wilson Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor

Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus

California Gull Lams califomicus

Ring-billed Gull Lams delawarensis

Common Tern Sterna himndo

Black Tern Chlidonias niger6

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70

Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus

Cooper Hawk Accipiter cooperii

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis

Swainson Hawk Buteo swainsoni

Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus

Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis

Golden Eagle Aquila chrvsaetos

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Northern Harrier Circus cvaneus

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Richardson's Merlin Falco columbarius richardsoni

American Kestrel Falco spaverius

Grey Partridge Perdbc perdbc

Mourning Dove Zenaida marcroura

Rock Dove Columa livia

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus

Long-eared Owl Asio otis

Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia

Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris

Belted Kingfisher Cervle alcvon

Common Flicker Colaptes cafer

Hairy Woodpecker Dendrocopos villosus

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphwapicus varius

Eastern Kingbird Tvrannus tvrannus

Western Kingbird Tvrannus verticalis

Say's Phoebe Savomis sava

Western Wood Pewee Contopus sordidulus

Least Flycatcher Empidomax minimus

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris

Tree Swallow Tachvcineta bicolor

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidoptervx serripennis

Bank Swallow Riparia riparia

Bam Swallow Hirundo rustica

Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pvrrhonota

Common Raven Corvus corax

Common Crow Corvus brachvrhvnchos

Black-billed Magpie Pica pica

Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis

Clarkes Nutcracker Nucifraga Columbiana

Black-capped Chickadee Pams atricapillus

Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis

Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus

House Wren Troglodytes aedon

Catbird Dumetella carolinensis

American Robin Turdus migratorius

Veery Hylocichla fuscescens

Mountain Bluebird Sialia curmcoides

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula

Sprague's Pipit Anthus spragueii

Bohemian Waxwing Bomby cilia garrulus

Cedar Waxwing Bomycilla cedromm

Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor

Starling Stums vulgaris

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas

Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus

Yelow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

Brewers Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus

Western Meadowlark Stumella neglecta

Common Grackel Ouiscalus quiscula

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater

Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis

Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis

Pine Siskin Spinus pinus

American Goldfinch Spinus tristis

72

APPENDIX 4. Locations of platforms and nest poles Watson Coulee

A pole is located to the south of the dam.

Tennessee Coulee -

2nd Dam to North - one pole is located to north.

Group Home -

One pole is located in the ditch at the bend of the road.

Delents

One pole is located just below the upper dam on a small flat in a bend and a second on the side of the second dam.

Welsch

Three poles are located on the island.

West of J Crossing Construction Bridge

Two poles on the island.

Stevick

Five poles.

Additional Poles have been placed near several of the small dams

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73

APPENDIX 5. Definitions of terms used in report.

Nesting Territory - The area around a nest site that is normally defended by the pair of birds in residence

Courtship Behaviour - Activities associated with pair formation including the following: Courtship flying (flight displays)

Nest displays (individual and as pairs)

Nest selection (one of both birds of a pair)

Nest construction (in falcons the scraping a nest hollow)

Food exchanges (where the male brings food to the female)

Copulation or mating attempt

Alternate Nest - A suitable alternate nest site in or adjacent to a nesting territory that is available in the event of failure or loss of a nest site.

Artificial Nest - A man-made nest structure or nest hole that has been constructed specifically to provide suitable nest sites for resident breeding birds. In the context of this project artificial nest structures are being constructed for Prairie Falcons and Ferruginous Hawks and may be utilized by other raptors, geese or ravens.

Foraging Habitat - Habitat associated with a breeding territory that maintains an adequate abundance of accessible prey species.

Young Fledged - the young known to have successfully flown from a nest site.

Disturbance - disturbance is defined as something which disrupts or destroys the peace. In reference to breeding birds disturbance would be any activity which disrupts the breeding cycle. For the sake of discussion and comparison I have referred to disturbance as minimal, moderate, high and severe.

Minimal disturbance would include the incidental transgression of any predator, human,or vehicle into the territory of a breeding pair which may or may not elicit a territorial response. In such an instance, a pair would return to normal behaviour as soon as the transgression ceased.

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74

Moderate disturbance would include frequent transgression of a predator, vehicle, activity or humans in the territory of a breeding pair but at a sufficient distance from the nest site would not constitute a threat.

High disturbance is excessive disturbance which in my opinion would normally result in the desertion of a nest site for a given breeding season but which are tolerated either as a result of habituation or because the activity occurred relatively late in the breeding cycle.

Severe disturbance includes any activity which is threatening early in the breeding cycle, in particular during courtship and nest site selection. Such disturbance is very likely to result in desertion of a nest site or even a nesting territory for that breeding season.

Habituation - "the waning of a response to a repeated activity" (Marler and Hamilton, 1966) or in this application, the ability of individuals or pairs of birds to accept disturbance as a result of increased exposure to an activity which does not harm or threaten the individual or pair.