333.95416
F2TWI
1981
TcnniiSTKlAL WILDLIFE INVENTORY IN SELECTED COAL AREAS
Powder River Resources Area
T.'ina1 Report - Contract No. va-553-CTO-2^
RECEIVED
^^^ y. D lade
/^SOURCES & CONS£WAno«
STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION
OCJ 1 4 2003
HELENA MONTANA 59620
>v-«
♦ •k
1-*^'
Prepared by:
Peter R. Martin Krlsti DuBois Heidi B. Youmans
Sponsored by:
Bureau of Land r^anap;ement
Ecological Services Division December ^')''',\
Montana Departnent of Fish, Wildlife and Parkr/
iAR 9 2006
mill,
3 0864 |<H)2'"27ift
i
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Procedures 2
Game Mammals 2
Game Birds 2
Songbirds 2
Raptors 3
Nongame Mammals 3
Amphibians and Reptiles 3
Description of Study areas 3
Sweeney-Snyder 3
Greenleaf-Mlller 5
Foster Creek 5
Sand Creek 10
Birney 10
Kirby l6
Tongue River Dam 16
Vegetation Type Descriptions l6
Ponderosa Pine Series 21
Ponderosa Pine Subtype 21
Snowberry Subtype 21
Juniper Subtype 21
Creeping Juniper Subtype 21
Sagebrush Subtype 21
Skunkbush Suby tpe 24
Grassland Subtype. 24
Juniper Series 24
Sagebrush Subtype 24
Skunkbush Subtype 24
Grassland Subtype 27
Sagebrush/Grassland Series „ „ 27
Big Sagebrush Subtype 27
Silver Sagebrush/Greasewood Subtype « <, » . 27
Skunkbush Subtype o 27
Xeric Grassland Subtype 27
Riparian Series 30
Deciduous Tree Subtype 30
Deciduous Shrub Subtype 30
Riparian Grass Subtype 30
Pioneer Porb Subtype 30
Agricultural Series 33
Upland Subtype 33
Creek Bottom Subtype 33
Results and Discussion 33
Sweeney-Snyder 33
Mule Deer 33
Population characteristics 33
Distribution 36
Vegetation type usage 4l
Activity 4l
Use of topography 41
Use of exposure 41
Use of Slope 46
Antelope. . . . „ 46
Population characteristics 46
Table of Contents Continued
Distribution 46
Vegetation type usage 46
Activity 52
Use of topography 52
Use of exposure 52
Use of slope 52
Sharp-tailed Grouse 52
Sage Grouse 56
Merr lam ' s Turkey 56
Ring-necked Pheasant 56
Waterfowl 56
Songbirds 59
Raptors 59
Non-game Mammal s 64
Amphibians and Reptiles 64
Greenleaf-Mlller 64
Mule Deer 64
Population characteristics 64
Distribution 68
Vegetation type usage 74
Activity 74
Use of topography 77
Use of exposure 77
Use of slope 77
White-tailed Deer 77
Antelope 80
Population characteristics 80
Distribution 80
Vegetation type usage 86
Activity 86
Use of topography 86
Use of exposure 86
Use of slope 90
Sharp-tailed Grouse 90
Merr lam's Turkey 90
Ring-necked Pheasant 90
Gray Partridge 93
Waterfowl 94
Songbirds 94
Raptors 94
Non-game Mammals 102
Amphibians and Reptiles 102
Poster Creek 105
Mule Deer 105
Population characteristics 105
Distribution 105
Cover type usage 110
Activity 113
Use of topography 113
Use of exposure 113
Use of slope 113
" /
I
Table of Contents Continued
White-tailed Deer 113
Pronghorn Antelope 113
Population characteristics 113
Distribution 117
Cover type usage 122
Activity 122
Use of topography 122
Use of exposure 122
Use of slope 122
Birds o 122
Sharp-tailed grouse 122
Sage grouse 129
Other upland game birds 129
Waterfowl 129
Nongame birds 129
Raptors 133
Accipiters 133
Buteos 133
Harriers 138
Falcons 138
Owls 138
Nongame Mammals 138
Amphibians and Reptiles 1^0
Sand Creek 1^3
Mule Deer l'^3
Population characteristics 1^3
Distribution 1^5
Cover type usage l'^5
Activity I'^S
Use of topography 151
Use of exposure 151
Use of slope 151
White-tailed Deer 151
Pronghorn Antelope 151
Population characteristics 151
Distribution 151
Cover type usage 151
Activity 159
Use of topography 159
Use of exposure and slope 159
Birds 159
Sharp-tailed grouse 159
Sage grouse 159
Other upland game birds 159
Waterfowl 159
Nongame birds l65
Raptors I65
Accipiters I65
Buteos 165
ill
Table of Contents Continued
Harriers 1^5
Falcons I65
Owls 171
Nongame Mammals 171
Amphibians and Reptiles 171
Birney 173
Mule Deer 173
Population characteristics 173
Distribution 17^
Vegetation use 178
Activity 178
Use of topography l82
Use of exposure 182
Use of slope ..l82
Whitetall Deer l84
Distribution 184
Use of vegetation l84
Use of topography, slope, exposure 184
Antelope l84
Sharp-tailed Grouse I86
Ring-necked Pheasant I86
Turkey I88
Waterfowl I88
Songbirds I88
Raptors 198
Goshawk 198
Cooper ' s hawk 198
Golden eagle 198
Bald eagle 202
Prairie falcon 202
Merlin 202
Saw-whet owl 202
Other Special Interest Species 202
Nongame Mammals 203
Amphibians and Reptiles 203
Kirby o 205
Mule Deer 205
Population characteristics 205
Distribution o 205
Vegetation use 212
Activity 212
Use of topography 212
Use of exposures 212
Use of slope 215
Whitetall Deer ,• 215
Distribution 215
Use of vegetation 215
Use of topography, slope, exposure 215
Antelope 215
Distribution 217
Use of vegetation 223
iv
Table of Contents Continued
Activity 223
Use of topography 223
Use of exposure 223
Use of slope 223
Sharp-tailed Grouse 223
Ring-necked Pheasant 228
Turkey 228
Waterfowl 228
Other Possible Game Birds 228
Songbirds 228
Raptors 237
Goshawk 237
Cooper ' s hawk 237
Golden eagle 237
Bald eagle 241
Osprey 24l
Prairie falcon 241
Merlin 24l
Saw-whet owl 24l
Other special interest species 24l
Nongame Mammals 242
Reptiles and Amphibians 243
Tongue River Dam Area 244
Mule Deer 244
Vegetation use 246
Activity 252
Use of topography 252
Use of exposure 252
Use of slope 252
White-tailed Deer 254
Distribution 254
Use of vegetation 255
Antelope 255
Population characteristics 255
Distribution 257
Vegetation use 257
Activity 257
Use of topography. « 257
Use of exposure 257
Use of slope 257
Sharp-tailed Grouse 257
Ring-necked Pheasant 266
Turkey 266
Sage Grouse 266
Waterfowl , 266
Nongame Birds 266
Raptors 275
Goshawk 275
Golden eagle. „ 275
Bald eagle 275
Osprey 275
Table of Contents Continued
Prairie falcon 279
Other special Interest species 279
Nongame Mammals 279
Amphibians and Reptiles 279
Recommendat Ions 282
Literature Cited 284
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List of Tables
1. Average group size of mule deer in the Sweeney-Snyder study
area 35
Mule deer, antelope and coyote aerial observations per
hour in the Sweeney-Snyder study area 37
Mule deer population characteristics in the Sweeney-Snyder
study area 38
Seasonal use of vegetation types by mule deer in the
Sweeney-Snyder study area 44
Seasonal activity of mule deer in the Sweeney-Snyder study
area 45
Seasonal use of topography by mule deer in the Sweeney- Snyder study area 45
Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer in the Sweeney-Snyder.. study area 47
Seasonal use of slope by mule deer in the Sweeney-Snyder
study area 47
Average group size of antelope in the Sweeney-Snyder study
ar ea 48
Antelope population characteristics in the Sweeney-Snyder
study area 30
Seasonal use of vegetation types by antelope in the
Sweeney-Snyder study area 51
Seasonal activity of antelope in the Sweeney-Snyder study
area 54
Seasonal use of topography by antelope in the Sweeney- Snyder study area 54
Seasonal use of exposure by antelope in the Sweeney- Snyder study area 55
Seasonal use of slope by antelope in the Sweeney-Snyder
study area 55
Sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds in the Sweeney-Snyder
study area and numbers of males attending 57
Sage grouse strutting grounds in the Sweeney-Snyder study
area and numbers of males attending 57
Bird species observed on the Sweeney-Snyder study area 58
Bird species composition and frequency of occurrence from
five Sweeney-Snyder breeding bird surveys 63
Raptor nest sites on the Sweeney-Snyder study area °5
Mammals observed on the Sweeney-Snyder study area ^5
Results of small mammal trapping on the Sweeney-Snyder study area during the summer and fall of I98O 65
Amphibians and reptiles observed on the Sweeney-Snyder
study area 66
Average group size of mule deer in the Greenleaf-Miller
study area 66
Mule deer, antelope and coyote aerial observations per hour in the Greenleaf-Miller study area 69
Mule deer population characteristics in the Greenleaf- Miller study area 70
Seasonal use of vegetation types by mule deer in the Green- leaf-Miller study area 75
vii
List of Tables Continued
28. Seasonal activity of mule deer In the nreenleaf-Mlller
study area 78
29. Seasonal use of topography by mule deer In the Greenleaf-
Mlller study area 78
30. Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer In the Greenleaf-
Miller study area 79
31. Seasonal use of slope by mule deer In the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 79
32. Average group size of antelope in the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 8^
33. Antelope population characteristics in the Greenleaf-
Mlller study area 83
34. Seasonal use of vegetation types by antelope in the
Greenleaf-Mlller study area 88
35. Seasonal activity of antelope in the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 89
36. Seasonal use of topography by antelope in the Greenleaf-
Mlller study area 89
37. Seasonal use of exposure by antelope in the Greenleaf-
Mlller study area 92
38. Seasonal use of slope by antelope in the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 92
39. Sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds in the Greenleaf-
Mlller study area and number of males attending 93
40. Bird species observed on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area 96
41. Bird species composition and frequency of occurrence from
Greenleaf-Mlller breeding bird surveys 97
^2. Raptor nest sites on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area 101
43. Mammals observed on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area lOM
44. Results of small mammal trapping on the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area during the summer and fall of 198O 104
45. Amphibians and reptiles observed on the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 105
46. Observations by month and mean group size for mule deer
on the Poster Creek study area 110
47. Mule deer, antelope and coyote aerial observations per hour
on the Poster Creek study area Ill
48. Mule deer population characteristics on the Poster Creek
study area, 198O 112
49. Seasonal use of cover types by mule deer on the Poster Creek
study area 112
50. Seasonal activity of mule deer on the Poster Creek study areall5
51. Seasonal use of topography by mule deer on the Poster Creek
study area 115
52. Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer on the Poster Creek
study area II6
53. Seasonal use of slope by mule deer on the Poster Creek
study area II6
vlil
List of Tables Continued
5U. Observations by month and mean group size for antelope
on the Foster Creek study area 117
55. Antelope population structure on the Foster Creek study area.. 123
56. Seasonal use of cover types by antelope on the Foster
Creek study area 123
57. Seasonal activity of antelope on the Poster Creek study
area 12^
58. Seasonal use of topography by antelope on the Foster Creek
study area 12^
59. Seasonal use of exposure by antelope on the Foster Creek
study area 125
60. Seasonal use of slope by antelope on the Foster Creek study
area 125
61. Occurrence and breeding status of bird species observed
on the Foster Creek study area, 198O-8I 126
62. Locations of sharp-tailed grouse arenas on the Foster Creek
study area and male attendance 130
63. Locations of sage grouse arenas on the Foster Creek study
area and number of males attending, 1981 130
64. Bird species composition from five runs of the song bird
inventory route on the Foster Creek study area 131
65. Raptor nest sites on the Foster Creek study area 13^
66. Mammal species observed on the Foster Creek study area,
1980-81 1^0
67. Prairie dog town locations and survey results, Foster Creek
study area 1^1
68. Results of small mammal trapping on the Foster Creek
study area, summer and fall 1980 l'^2
69. Reptilian and amphibian species observed on the Foster
Creek study area, 198O-81 1^2
70. Observations by month and mean group size for mule deer on
the Sand Creek study area 1^3
71. Mule deer, antelope and coyote aerial observations per
hour on the Sand Creek study area l'^^
72. Mule deer population characteristics on the Sand Creek
study area, 198O 1^5
73. Seasonal use of cover type by mule deer on the Sand Creek
study area 150
74. Seasonal activity of mule deer on the Sand Creek study area... 152
75. Seasonal use of topography by mule deer on the Sand Creek
study area 152
76. Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer on the Sand Creek
study area 153
77. Seasonal use of slope by mule deer on the Sand Creek study
area 153
78. Observations by month and mean group size for antelope
on the Sand Creek study area 15^
79. Antelope population structure on the Sand Creek study area....l54
80. Seasonal use of cover types by antelope on the Sand Creek
study area 155
81. Seasonal activity of antelope on the Sand Creek study area.... 1^0
82. Seasonal use of topography by antelope on the Sand Creek
study area 1°0
Ix
List of Tables Continued
83. Seasonal use of exposure by antelope on the Sand Creek
study area I6I
8^, Seasonal use of slope by antelope on the Sand Creek
study area I6I
85. Occurrence and breeding status of bird species observed
on the Sand Creek study area, 198O-8I l62
86. Locations of sharp-tailed grouse arenas on the Sand
Creek study area and male attendance I63
87. Bird species composition from five runs of the song bird
inventory route on the Sand Creek study area I66
88. Raptor nest sites on the Sand Creek study area I67
89. Mammal species observed on the Sand Creek study area
1980-81 172
90. Results of small mammal trapping on the Sand Creek study
area, summer and fall 198O 172
91. Reptilian and amphibian species observed on the Sand
Creek study area, 198O-8I 173
92. Average group size of mule deer in the Birney area 17^
93. Mule deer, white-tailed deer, and coyote aerial obser-
vations per hour in the Birney study area 177
9^. Mule deer population characteristics in the Birney
study area 178
95. Seasonal use of vegetation by mule deer in the Birney
study area I8I
96. Seasonal activity of mule deer in the Birney study area,.l82
97. Seasonal use of topography by mule deer in the Birney
study area I83
98. Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer in the Birney
study area I83
99. Seasonal use of slope by mule deer in the Birney study
area I83
100. Average group size and vegetational use of white-tailed
deer on the Birney study area l84
101. Sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds in the Birney study
area and number of males attending in 198O and 198I....I86
102. Breeding status of the bird species observed on the
Birney study area 191
103. Species composition, frequency of occurrence, and numbers
of songbirds observed on the Birney road census route.. 193 10^. Total nutnbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds observed on the river bottom riparian census strip on the Birney study area 195
105. Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds observed on the intermittent creek riparian census strip on the Birney study area... 196
106. Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds observed on the ponderosa
pine census strip on the Birney study area 197
107. Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds observed on the sagebrush
census strip on the Birney study area 197
List of Tables Continued
108. Nest substrates and production data of raptor nests on
the Blrney study area 201
109. Mammals observed on the Blrney study area 204
110. Results of small-mammal trapping on the Blrney study
area 20h
111. Amphibians and reptiles observed on the Blrney study
area 205
112. Average group size of mule deer In the Klrby Dam area.... 208
113. Mule deer, antelope and coyote aerial observations In the
Klrby study area 209
11^, Mule deer population characteristics In the Klrby study
area 209
115. Seasonal use of vegetation by mule deer In the Klrby
study area 213
116. Seasonal activity of mule deer In the Klrby study area... 214
117. Seasonal use of topography by mule deer In the Klrby
study area 214
118. Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer In the Klrby
study area 2l4
119. Seasonal use of slope by mule deer In the Klrby study
area. 217
120. Average group size and vegetatlonal use of white-tailed
deer on the Klrby study area 217
121. Average group size of antelope In the Klrby study area...2l8
122. Antelope population characteristics In the Klrby study
area 2l8
123. Seasonal use of vegetation by antelope In the Klrby area. 224
124. Seasonal activity of antelope In the Klrby study area.... 225
125. Seasonal use of topography by antelope In the Klrby study
area 225
126. Seasonal use of exposure by antelope In the Klrby study
area 225
127. Seasonal use of slope by antelope In the Klrby study area?27
128. Sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds and number of males
attending In the Klrby study area 227
129. Breeding status of the bird species observed on the
Klrby study area 231
130. Species composition, frequency of occurrence and numbers
of songbirds observed on the Klrby road census route... 233
131. Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds observed on the riparian
census strip on the Klrby study area 235
132. Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds observed on the ponderosa
pine census strip on the Klrby study area 236
133. Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds observed on the grassland
census strip on the Klrby study area 238
13^. Nest substrates and production data of raptor nests on
the Klrby study area 238
xi
List of Tables Continued
135. Mammals observed on the Kirby study area 242
136. Results of small-mammal trapping In the Kirby study area. 243
137. Amphibians and reptiles observed on the Kirby study area. 243
138. Average group size of mule deer in the Tongue River Dam
area »fs*, 244
139. Mule deer, antelope and coyote aerial observations per
hour in the Tongue River Dam area 245
140. Mule deer population characteristics in the Tongue River
Dam study area 245
141. Seasonal use of vegetation by mule deer in the Tongue
River Dam study area 251
142. Seasonal activity of mule deer in the Tongue River Dam
study area 252
143. Seasonal use of topography by mule deer in the Tongue
River Dam study area 254
144., Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer in the Tongue
'"" River Dam study area 254
145. Seasonal use of slope by mule deer in the Tongue River
Dam study area 255
146. Average group size and vegetational use of white-tailed
deer on the Tongue River Dam area 255
147. Average group size of antelope in the Tongue River
study area 256
148. Antelope population characteristics in the Tongue River
study area 256
149. Seasonal use of vegetaton by antelope in the Tongue River
Dam study area 258
150. Seasonal activity of antelope in the Tongue River Dam
study area 259
151. Seasonal use of topography by antelope in the Tongue
River Dam study area 259
152. Seasonal use of exposure by antelope in the Tongue River
Dam study area 260
153. Seasonal use of slope by antelope in the Tongue River
Dam study area 260
154. Breeding status of the bird species observed on the
Tongue River Dam study area 267
155. Species composition, frequency of occurrence, and numbers
of songbirds observed on the Tongue River road census route 269
156. Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds observed on the riparian
census strip on the Tongue River Dam area 273
157. Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds on the ponderosa pine census strip on the Tongue River Dam area 274
158. Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent
composition of songbirds on the sagebrush census strip
on the Tongue River Dam study area 274
159. Nest substrates and production data of raptor nests on
the Tongue River Dam area 276
xii
List of Tables Continued
160. Mammals observed on the Tongue River Dam study area 280
161. Results of small-raamraal trapping the Tongue River
Dam area 280
162. Amphibians and reptiles observed on the Tongue River
Dam area 281
Appendix Table 1. Parameters recorded at each observation 288
xiii
List of Figures
1 . Sweeney-Snyder study area 4
2. Sweeney-Snyder study area vegetation map 6
3. Greenleaf-Mlller study area 7
k. Greenleaf-Mlller study area vegetation map 8
5. Poster Creek study area 9
6 . Poster Creek study area vegetation map 11
7 . Sand Creek study area 12
8 . Sand Creek study area vegetation map 13
9. Blrney study area l4
10. Blrney study area vegetation map 15
11 . Klrby study area 17
12. Klrby study area vegetation map l8
13. Tongue River Dam study area 19
Ih, Tongue River Dam study area vegetation map 20
15. Ponderosa pine-ponderosa pine vegetation subtype 22
16. Ponderosa pine-snowberry vegetation subtype 22
17. Ponderosa pine-Juniper vegetation subtype 23
18. Ponderosa pine-creeping Juniper vegetation subtype 23
19. Ponderosa pine-sagebrush vegetation subtype 25
20. Ponderosa pine-skunkbush vegetation subtype 25
21. Ponderosa pine-grassland vegetation subtype 25
22. Juniper-sagebrush vegetation subtype 26
23. Juniper-skunkbush vegetation subtype 26
24. Juniper-grassland vegetation subtype 28
25. Sagebrush/grassland-blg sagebrush vegetation subtype. .. .28
26. Sagebrush/grassland-silver sagebrush/greasewood veg-
etation subtype 28
27. Sagebrush/grassland-skunkbush vegetation subtype 29
28. Sagebrush/grassland-xeric grassland vegetation subtype.. 29
29. Riparian-deciduous tree vegetation subtype 31
30. Riparian-deciduous shrub vegetation subtype 31
31. Riparian-mesic grassland vegetation subtype 32
32. Riparian-pioneer forb vegetation subtype 32
33. Agricultural-upland vegetation subtype 34
34. Agricultural-creek bottom vegetation subtype 34
35. Spring mule deer distribution on the Sweeney-Snyder
study area 39
36. Summer mule deer distribution on the Sweeney-Snyder
study area 40
37. Fall mule deer distribution on the Sweeney-Snyder study
area 42
38. Winter mule deer distribution on the Sweenev-Snyder
study area 43
39. Antelope distribution on the Sweeney-Snyder study area.. 49
40. Sharptail and sage grouse dancing grounds and game
bird observations in the Sweeney-Snyder study area.... 53
41. Sweeney-Snyder songbird roadside survey route and
small mammal trapline locations 60
42. Sweeney-Snyder study area spring (resident) raptor
observat ions 61
xlv
List of Figures Continued
il3. Sweeney-Snyder study area summer, fall and winter
(migrant) raptor observations 62
44. Sweeney-Snyder study area prairie dog town locations 67
45. Spring mule deer distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 71
46. Summer mule deer distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 72
47. "Pall mule deer distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 73
48. Winter mule deer distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 76
49. Whltetall deer distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area 8I
50. Spring antelope distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area °2
51. Summer antelope distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller
study area o3
52. Pall and winter antelope distribution on the Greenleaf-
Mlller study area 87
53. Sharptall grouse dancing ground locations and game bird
observations 91
54. Greenleaf-Mlller songbird roadside survey route and
small mammal trapllne locations 95
55. Greenleaf-Mlller study area spring (resident) raptor
observations 99
56. Greenleaf-Mlller study area summer, fall and winter
(migrant) raptor observations 100
57. Greenleaf-Mlller study area prairie dog town locations. . .103
58. Spring mule deer distribution on the Poster Creek study
area IO6
59. Summer mule deer distribution on the Foster Creek study
area 107
60. Pall mule deer distribution on the Poster Creek study
area IO8
61. Winter mule deer distribution on the Poster Creek
study area 109
62. White-tailed deer observations on the Poster Creek
study area 11^
63. Spring antelope distribution on the Poster Creek study
area II8
64. Summer antelope distribution on the Poster Creek study
area 119
65. Fall antelope distribution on the Foster Creek study
area 120
66. Winter antelope distribution on the Poster Creek study
area 121
67. Sharptall and sage grouse arenas on the Poster Creek
study area 128
68. Poster Creek songbird Inventory route and small mammal
trapllne locations 132
69. Long-billed curlew sightings on the Poster Creek study
area 135
XV
List of Figures Continued
70. Resident raptor observations on the Foster Creek study
area 136
71. Migrant raptor observations on the Foster Creek study
area 137
72. Foster Creek study area prairie dog town locations 139
73. Spring mule deer distribution on the Sand Creek study area.. 1^6
74. Summer mule deer distribution on the Sand Creek study area.. 1^7
75. Fall mule deer distribution on the Sand Creek study area.... 1^*8
76. Winter mule deer distribution on the Sand Creek study area.. 1^9
77. White-tailed deer observations on the Sand Creek study
area 156
78. Antelope observations, spring 198O through winter 198O-81,
on the Sand Creek study area 157
79. Antelope observations, spring and summer 198I, on the
Sand Creek study area 158
80. Sharp-tailed grouse arenas on the Sand Creek study area 16^
81. Sand Creek study area songbird Inventory route and small
mammal trapline locations I68
82. Resident raptor observations on the Sand Creek study area... 169
83. Migrant raptor observations on the Sand Creek study area.... 170
84. Spring mule deer distribution on the Birney study area 175
85. Summer mule deer distribution on the Birney study area 176
86. Fall mule deer distribution on the Birney study area 179
87. Winter mule deer distribution on the Birney study area 1^0
88. White-tailed deer observations on the Birney study area 1^5
89. Sharp-tailed grouse breeding grounds and observations on
the Birney study area 187
90. Great blue heron rookery and turkey observations and
wintering grounds on the Birney study area 1°9
91. Birney study area songbird road survey route and songbird
census strip and small mammal trapline locations 190
92. Resident raptor observations on the Birney study area 199
93. Migrant raptor observations on the Birney study area 200
94. Spring mule deer distribution on the Kirby study area 206
95. Summer mule deer distribution on the Kirby study area 207
96. Fall mule deer distribution on the Kirby study area 210
97. Winter mule deer distribution on the Kirby study area 211
98. White-tailed deer observations on the Kirby study area 2l6
99. Spring antelope distribution on the Kirby study area. ...... .219
100. Summer antelope distribution on the Kirby study area 220
101. Fall antelope distribution on the Kirby study area 221
102. Winter antelope distribution on the Kirby study area 222
103. Sharp-tailed grouse breeding grounds and observations on
the Kirby study area 226
104. Turkey wintering area and observations on the Kirby study
area 229
105. Kirby study area songbird road route and songbird census
strip and small mammal trapline locations 230
106. Resident raptor observations on the Kirby study area 239
107. Migrant and wintering raptor observations on the Kirby
study area 240
108. Spring mule deer distribution on the Tongue River Dam
study area 247
xvl
List of Figures Continued
109. Summer mule deer distribution on the Tongue River Dam
study area 248
110. Fall mule deer distribution on the Tongue River Dam study
area ^^9
111. Winter mule deer distribution on the Tongue River Dam
study area 250
112. White-tailed deer observations on the Tongue River Dam
study area 253
113. Spring antelope distribution on the Tongue River Dam
study area 261
11^^. Summer antelope distribution on the Tongue River Dam study
area 252
115. Fall antelope distribution on the Tongue River Dam study
area 263
116. Winter antelope distribution on the Tongue River Dam study
area 264
117. Sharp-tailed grouse breeding grounds and observations on
the Tongue River Dam study area 265
118. Turkey observations and great blue heron and cormorant
rookery on the Tongue River Dam study area 271
119. Tongue River Dam study area songbird road survey route and
songbird census and small mammal trapline locations ..272
120. Resident raptor observations on the Tongue River Dam
study area 277
121. Migrant and winter raptor observations on the Tongue River
Dam study area 278
xvii
INTRODUCTION
In order to facilitate responsible development of national coal reserves with due consideration for other resources, inventory studies have been conducted on potential coal lease areas in southeastern Montana.
The wildlife inventory studies presented in this report were sponsored by the Bureau of Land Mana";ement . The study areas concerned are primarily privately owned lands overlaying federal coal deposits. Information furnished by these studies will be used by the Bureau of Land Management to (1) update BLM's land use planning system; (2) establish baseline data to assist in predicting impacts of coal development; (3) assess the reclamation potential of different habitats; and (4) determine habitats unsuitable for mining according to the Secretary of the Interior's "unsuitability criteria."
Wildlife studies sponsored by coal companies in the Colstrip, Rosebud Creek, Sarpy Creek, Spring Creek and Decker areas have added much information to the data base. Wildlife studies in coal field vicinities have been sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management. The Montana Department of Pish, Wildlife and Parks has also been active in gathering pertinent information. In spite of these efforts, which were initially directed toward game species, additional site-specific information is needed for each potential coal lease area for both game and nongame soecies. The primary game species found in the region are mule deer {Odocollzui he.mlonu6) , pronghorn antelope {AntZtocapn-a amQ.filc(inoi) , sharptailed grouse {Pzd-ioczte.6 phoi&-iamttuL&] , sage grouse [C(int>ioc.<Ln.zui& ufiopha.iianU'S) , and ring-necked pheasants {Phaslanai colchlau6) . White-tailed deer {OdocoA.Zzui vZ^g^.n-ianui] and wild turkeys {Mzle.agn.l6 gallopavo) also inhabit the area.
Information on nongame wildlife in the region is meagor. Range mans prepared by Stebbins (1966) indicate the occurrence of nineteen species of reptiles and amphibians in the area. Range maps of Hoffman and Pattie (1968) indicate the presence of 53 species of mammals. Skaar (1980) listed 255 bird species occurring in latilongs 33, 34, 43, and 44. Resident breeding status in at least one of the four latilongs concerned has been documented for 95 species. The bird inventory for the region is considered to be deficient.
These studies were begun in April I98O. Data gathered through the end of August I98I are included in this report. Species lists are not to be considered Inclusive, rather partial due to the extensive nature of this study.
PROCEDURES Game Mammals
Observations were made during low-level flxed-winp; aerial surveys in a super cub aircraft. Aerial surveys were conducted monthly and the data were compiled on a seasonal basis as follows: spring (March-May), summer (June-August), fall (September-November), and winter (December-February). Each studv area was completely covered by flying a grid transect at half-mile intervals, oriented oarallel to the major draina(5;e. Flight times were planned to coincide with feeding periods so that maximum animal numbers could be observed. This biased observations in favor of the more open habitat types. Observations were also recorded during -^vehicular surveys and while walking through the study areas. Access limitations introduced a further observation bias. At each observation the vegetation type, activity, tyoe of terrain, slope, exposure and time of day were recorded (Aopendix Table 1). Pertinent population data were also recorded. Each observation was assigned UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) grid coordinates to facilitate accurate mapping of animal distribution patterns.
Game Birds
The primary emphasis was directed toward locating sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds and sage grouse strutting grounds. The imoortance of these breeding grounds to these species cannot be understated. Grounds were located by driving, walking and by flying low over likely terrain features and either seeing the birds on their arenas or flushing them into the air.
Pheasant crow count routes were conducted during the spring breeding season to determine the density of cock pheasants (Kimball 19^9).
Ponds, sloughs, and creeks were visited regularly to obtain water- fowl observations.
3ongbirds
Species composition and relative abundance of songbirds were determined using a roadside windshield technique. A vehicle route 20 to 25 miles in length was established on each study area, with listening stops spaced at approximately one mile intervals. Bird songs heard during a three minute time period were recorded and mapped at each stop. Routes were selected to equally sample representative habitat types on each study area.
Ten walking census strips similar to those used by Hickey and Mikol (1979) and Martin (1980a) were set up, four on the Birney study area, and three each on the Kirby and Tongue River Dam areas, to determine songbird species composition by habitat type. Songbird use by habitat could not be determined by the road routes on these three study areas, due to the high inter-
spersion of the different habitat types along the road routes. Each census strip was approximately 1250 m long and 100 m wide, and within a single habitat type as much as possible.
Nomenclature follows the A.O.U. checklist (1957) and supple- ments (1973, 1976).
Raptors
Raptor nests were located using the methods described by Call (1978). Creek bottoms were searched in the early spring by airplane and from the ground for hawk and eagle stick nests. Suitable cliffs were examined by airplane and on foot for falcon aeries and eagle nests. Intensive aerial nest searches were conducted by helicopter during the spring of 198I. Observations of all raptors except kestrels were mapped during the breeding season to aid in delineating territories. Intensive foot searches were employed when highly defensive adults were encountered. Prairie dog towns were checked during July for burrowing owl broods .
Nongame Mammals
Nongame mammals were samnled on all study areas during July and August. Two traollnes were set in each of the three major habitat categories (riparian, ponderosa pine, sagebrush/grass land) and run for five consecutive days. Each trapllne consisted of 25 stations, placed at 10 m intervals. Each station included one Sherman live trap and three mouse snap traps, with a rat snaptrap at every fourth station. A mixture of peanut butter and rolled oats was used as bait.
Live traps and snap traps which were sprung, but empty, were subtracted from the total trap, nights.
Prairie dog towns were searched for sign of black-footed ferrets (Henderson et al. 197^, Martin 1978).
Amphibians and Reptiles
Observations of amphibians and reptiles on the study areas were noted in conjunction with other wildlife observations.
Description of Study Areas
Sweeney-Snyder
The Sweeney-Snyder study area (T?lgure 1) is located between Rosebud Creek and the Tongue River approximately 12 miles east of Colstrlp, Montana. It lies about 20 miles south of the Yellowstone River with over 93 percent of its 7^,000 plus acres located in Rosebud County. A small portion in the northeast corner of the area is located in Custer County.
County line County rood
Stream
River
Study area .
H 1-
Plp;ure 1. Sweeney-Snyder study area,
There are no major water-ways within the study area. Snyder Creek, Hen Creek, Cherry Creek and Eap;le Creek drain the west side of the study area as they flow into Rosebud Creek. Sweeney Creek and Beaver Creek rise in the northern portion of the study area and flow north to the Yellowstone River. Nine small drain- ages provide for run-off from the eastern portions of the area to the Tongue River.
The study area straddles the Rosebud Creek-Tongue River divide. Ponderosa pine subtypes dominate the area (Figure 2). Sagebrush-grassland subtypes occur along the edges of the study area near the two major flood plains outside the study area. Very small patches of riparian vegetation are found in the most mesic coulee bottoms and creek bottoms. It is by far the smallest of the vegetation types found on the study area. Cattle ranching is the only agricultural business conducted within the study area.
Greenleaf-Miller
The Greenleaf-Miller study area (Figure 3) is located west of the Tongue River approximately 6 miles south of Colstrip, Montana. All of its 58,000 plus acres are within Rosebud County. The southern boundary of the study area is the Northern Cheyenne Indian reservation.
Rosebud Creek flows through the northwest corner of the study area. Greenleaf Creek and Miller Creek are the major drainages in the study area. They rise on the reservation and flow northward into Rosebud Creek. Lay Creek, Bean Creek and Downey Coulee are also important drainages in the area.
The southern and eastern portions of the study area have significant stands of ponderosa pine (Figure H) . Although ponderosa pine is the largest vegetation type, most of the study area is covered by sagebrush-grassland vegetation subtypes. Most of the riparian vegetation is located in the Rosebud Creek flood plain. Isolated stands of deciduous trees and shrubs are found in the smaller drainages, especially Greenleaf Creek. Agricultural fields are practically all located on the lowland benches and flood plains. Alfalfa and small grains comprise the bulk of the crops produced. Livestock operations are the principal economic endeavor within the study area. Sandstone bluffs are very common in the central and southwestern portions of the study area.
Foster Creek
The Foster Creek study area (Figure 5) is located west of Pumpkin Creek and Highway 312, about 15 miles northeast of Ashland. It is adjacent to and north of the Custer National Forest and comprises approximately 62,720 acres in Custer and Powder River counties.
All drainages on the study area are intermittent and were devoid of flowing water during the study period. Foster Creek is the principal drainage of the central and northern portions. Drainages
County line . . County road . . .
Stream
River
Study area
Vegetation map
Ponderosa pine fH*
Sagebrush/ Grassland.
Riparian
•i »-
(P
f
Flcrurp 2. Sweenev-Snvder studv area vegetation man,
LEGEND
County road =-= —
St ream ^-xr^.i
C heyenne reservation . . . -7
Study area -* ^-
Flgure 3. Greenleaf-Mlller study area.
.r.
LEGEND
County road
S t ream ^a^ r
Cheyenne reservation . —
Study area -• ^
Vegetation map
Ponderosa pine.
Sagebrush / Grassland
Riparian
iB
Figure 'J. Greenleaf-Mlller study area vegetation map.
0 1 2 3 4 Mi
LEGEND
Cree k Channel Paved Road County Road Forest Boundary Study Boundary
H H
T<''ip:ure 5. Poster Creek studv area,
10
of the southern and eastern sections join Little Pumpkin Creek and finally Pumokln Creek, which Is the nearest perennial stream.
Most of the study area Is characterized by rolling terrain dominated by sagebrush and grassland habitats (Figure 6). Ponderosa pine breaks are prominent In the central, northeast and northwest portions. Terraces adjacent to Little Pumpkin Creek In the southeastern portion are cultivated. The remainder of the area is used predominantly for livestock grazing, with some agricultural development adjacent to larger drainages.
T.*
Landowner permission to conduct field investigation was not granted for a portion of the designated study area. Wildlife Inventory and baseline information cannot be considered complete on that Dortlon of the tract. Description of the affected area is as follows: Sections 15, 22, 27, 28, 33 and 3^ (TIN Ril8E) and Section 2 (TIS R48E).
Sand Creek
The Sand Creek study area (Figure 7) is located east of
Highway 312 and Pumpkin Creek, about 22 miles northwest of Broadus .
It comprises approximately 8, §60 acres in Custer and Powder River
counties.
Sand Creek, an Intermittent drainage which was dry during the study period, flows north through the center of the study area to join Mizpah Creek. The study area is situated on a plateau which drops off steeply along the southern and southeastern boundaries. The interior terrain, most of it cultivated, is flat to rolling (Figure 8). The remainder is characterized by sagebrush and grass- land habitats and is used for livestock grazing. The northwest corner section of the area is predominately ponderosa pine breaks.
Landowner permission to conduct field investigation was not granted for a portion of the designated study area. Wildlife inventory and baseline information cannot be considered complete on that portion of the tract. Description of the affected area is as follows: Sections 6, 7, 8, (W 1/3), l6 and 17 (TIS R50E) and Section 35 (TIN Ril9E).
Birney
The Birney study area is about 32,64o acres in size, located west of the Tongue River and south of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation near Birney, Montana (Figure 9). The topography consists of high, rugged hills rising 500 feet above the Tongue River. Vegetation is mainly ponderosa pine-Juniper forest with sagebrush parks on the slopes and sagebrush on the tops of Plateaus and along the larger creekbottoms (Figure 10). Deciduous tree and shrub riparian vegetation Is well-developed along the creekbottoms in the study area. Agriculture consists of hayflelds along the Tongue River.
11
4 Mi.
Klo;ure 6. Poster Creek study area vegetation map.
12
LEGEND
Creek Channel Paved Road County Road Study Boundary
A
0 1 2 3 4 Mi.
Flp:ure 7. Sand Creek study area.
13
COVER TYPES
Grassland Sagebrush
Shrub
Ponderosa pine Agricultura I
^
4 Mi
Picrure 8. Sand Creek study area vegetation map.
14
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
LE^zEND
Intermittent stream
River *=^^
Unpaved rood »:*:
Reservation boundary
Study area "a
Town \^
\
Figure 9. Birney study area,
15
LEGEND
iparian.... •...;..
Ponderosa pine
Juniper \=i
Grassland II
Agricultural IHII
Figure 10. Birney study area vegetation map
16
Klrby
The Klrby study area Is about 56,320 acres In size, located southwest of Blrnev between Rosebud Creek and the Tongue River (Flpjure 11). The eastern portion of the study area Is very rufTPiied, with hills rlslnp: 500 feet above the Tongue River to elevations of around 4000 feet. The western portion Is composed of high, less rugged plateaus reaching elevations of 4,700 feet. Ponderosa plne-.lunloer forest with sagebrush or grassland parks cover the rugged eastern portion of the study area (Figure 12). The western portion is primarily covered by grasslands and sage- brush, with small stands of ponderosa pine trees along some of the ridges. Riparian vegetation is poorly developed in the eastern portion of the study area, consisting of scattered cotton- wood trees along the Tongue River and the major creek bottoms. Riparian vegetation in the western portion consists of fairly dense stands of deciduous shrubs and trees in most of the drainages. Agriculture consists of hayfields along the Tonprue River and a few grain fields on the western plateaus.
Tongue River Dam
The Tonprue River Dam study area is located northeast of Decker, Montana around the Tongue River Reservoir (Figure 13). It covers about 23,500 acres, extending north from the reservoir along the river for about seven miles. The northern part of the study area is very rugged with hills rising 600 feet above the TonKue River. The southern portion around the reservoir consists of gently rolling hills and wide, flat valleys. Sparse ponderosa pine-Juniper forests with small sagebrush parks cover the rugged northern portion (Figure l4). The southern part of the study area is mainly covered by sagebrush, grasslands, and skunkbush- grasslands. The river bottoms and the shoreline of the reservoir are mainly covered by grasslands. Deciduous tree and shrub riparian habitat is poorly developed, except for dense willow thickets and woodlots at the southern end of the reservoir. Low water levels in late summer expose extensive mud flats which become covered with Runex sp. and other annual forbs. Agriculture consists mainly of hayfields along the Tongue River. Most of the study area is used for cattle grazing. The East Decker and West Decker coal mines lie partially within the study area. A housing development is under construction near the mouth of Spring Creek, within the study area.
VEGETATION TYPE DESCRIPTIONS
For the purposes of this study five broad vegetation types were identified. Four of these represent native vegetation and Include ponderosa pine, Juniper, sagebrush-grassland and riparian. The fifth type, agricultural, was defined as those areas where crops were being produced. Not all of these types were present on all seven study areas. See the appropriate study area sections for more detailed discussion concernins: the vegetation types and their Importance within the individual study areas.
17
LEGEND Intermittent stream.
River
Unpaved road
Study area
P'ip;ure 11. Klrby study area.
18
A>
\\\
LEGEND
Riparian ^B
Pondarosa pine I- 1
Juniper. l=i
Gratikind -^^X
Agricuhurd MI]
Plo-.ure 12. Kirby study area vegetation map,
19
0 .5 1 2 3
miles
LEGEND Intermittent stream .... ■'^''**^
River .^^^*=
Paved road •■•■
Unpaved road *-■-■
Coal mine .-
East Decker ED
West Decker WD
Study area — '—
Plprure 13. Tongue River Dam study area.
20
LEGEND
Riparian
Ponderosa pine.
Juniper.
Grassland ^^
Agricultural W
Strip mine
FlRure 1^, Tongue River Dam study area vegetation map,
21
Ponderosa Pine Series
This was the most diversified of the vegetation types with seven subtypes. It was defined as all areas in which ponderosa pine {Plnuii ponde.Ko6a] occurred. The subtypes were determined by the dominant shrub in the understory. Edwards (1977) described a Donderosa pine mosaic vegetation type with four subtypes based on categories described by Pflster et al. (197^) in the Horse Creek drainage west of Colstrlp. Martin (1980c) expanded that to six ponderosa pine vegetation subtypes in the Sarpy Creek drainage.
(1) Ponderosa Pine Subtype
This subtype (Figure 15) was defined as dense stands of Donderosa pine with sparse understory and ground cover. Krenzke (1976) referred to this subtype as "dog hair" thickets.
(2) Snowberry Subtype
This subtype occurred on meslc and north facing slopes (Figure I6). It had fairly dense stands of ponderosa pine with a very dense understory. Common snowberry {SymphoKX.ca.fipo 6 alba] and Western snowberry (S. 0 ccld(LntoitA,& ] were the dominant shrubs. Other common species Included rose (Ro4a spp.), chokecherry [?fianai> vA.figZnZana) , Oregon grape (8e.A.b&/^-c-6 ^epeni ) , green needle- grass [Stipa \}lfildata] and Kentucky bluegrass [Voa pK.atzni>'i&] .
(3) Juniper Subtype
Rocky mountain Juniper [3anlpzfiu.i> &copatofiam] was the primary understory species (Figure 17). The ponderosa pine overstory was generally open. Ground cover species were variable but Included bluebunch wheatgrass [kqiopyfion iplcatiim] and other forbs and grasses.
(4) Creeping Juniper Subtype
The ponderosa pine overstory varied from dense to fairly open canopy coverage (Figure I8). The understory was dominated by creeping .juniper ( Jun-cpeA.u.4 hon.-izoYitat-i6] and bluebunch wheatgrass. Needle-and-thread grass [Stipa. comata] is also present. Major forbs include cudweed sagewort [Kfito^m-iitia tudov-LC'ian.a] , western yarrow [Kdhittda mitZe,^oliam) , curly cup gumweed {Gfiindztia AquafLfLO^a] , white penstemon {P&n6t&mon atbidui) and several asters {A^tzH. spp.).
(5) Sagebrush Subtype
In this subtype, big sagebrush (Kfitzmi&la tfiide.ntata] was the dominant understory shrub (Figure 19) in open stands of ponderosa pine. It occurred on xerlc upland benches and plateaus. Bluebunch wheatgrass, blue grama grass {Boatzloua gfLaclZiA) , Japanese chess {EfLomui japoniau^] and broom snakeweed {Kanthoczpalum AafLothfiae.) were common grasses and forbs.
^iFMve 15. Ponderosa plne-Donderosa pine vegetation subtype,
f
Pipiure 16. Ponderosa pine-snowberry vegetation subtypes.
23
"*5W* |
, V |
|
*f |
"^' |
|
St-- |
»■' |
|
1 |
* |
|
Ti'if^ure 17. Ponderosa pine-Juniper vegetation subtype.
T^ip;ure I8. Ponderosa pine-creeping Juniper vegetation subtype,
2i|
(6) Skunkbush Subtype
This subtype Is characterized by open stands of ponderosa pine with skunkbush sumac {Rha6 tfi-itobata) as the dominant shrub (Flpcure 20). It usually occurs on steep south faclne; slopes. Martin (1972) described skunkbush vegetation associations in detail. On his sites bluebunch wheatpirass was the dominant f?;rass snecies. Other grasses associated with skunkbush stands in southeastern Montana Include cheatgrass (B/tomuA tzctofiam] , little bluestera [Schlzathyfilam i>copafi-ia6] , Japanese chess and Junegrass [Kotzfila (in.-i&t(xtci] . Fringed sagewort (A^^em-c^^a f^filQi.da.) was the primary forb species. Western yarrow, common salsify [TfidqopoQOYi dabla^] and broom snakeweed were also of some Importance.
(7) Grassland Subtype
The grassland subtype (Figure 21) occurred in open stands of ponderosa nine with no shrub development . Many different grass species were found depending on soil type, elevation and aspect to name a few variables. Some grasses associated with this savannah-like vegetation type Include bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue [Vtittvica ■idahozniX.A) , sldeoats grama [BoatzZoaa cun.tipzndata) , little bluestem, western wheatgrass [AgAopyfion imlth-iZ] , blue grama, needle-and-thread, red-leaf three-awn {Afiiit'Lda longl^zta) , and BfiomaS spp. Many forbs were found In this subtype.
Juniper Series
This vegetation type occurred primarily in the southern three study areas; Blrney, Klrby and Tongue River Dam. It had three subtypes. In each case, rocky mountain Juniper was the dominant shrub species. Subtypes were determined by the presence of other sub-dominant species. They were sagebrush, skunkbush and grassland.
(1) Sagebrush Subtype
The sagebrush subtype (Figure 22) was characterized by open stands of rocky mountain juniper and big sagebrush. Various grasses and forbs were present including blue grama, Junegrass, cheatgrass, fringed sagewort and salsify.
(2) Skunkbush Subtype
This subtype (Figure 23) occurred primarily as open stands of rocky mountain .juniper interspersed with skunkbush. Bluebunch wheatgrass, little bluestem, fringed sagewort and yucca [Yucca glauca) were also present in the .junlper-skunkbush subtype.
Figure 19.
sagebrush grassland.
Ponderosa Pine- skunkbush &
^Irure 20. Ponderosa Dine-skunkbush vegetation subtype,
m
^0^M |
*'^^' |
^**^^* |
\ ■'i*^^-^ |
^l^-^ |
|
leL^'mir^ |
|
^^.JKS^ |
V"?;^, ' |
^^^^, |
'^' ■ |
.^-.*t^''rA |
-v-^- » |
.^■■^>f-- |
^^y-;^-
"i I 1 ■* «...
Figure 21. Ponderosa pine- grassland vegetation subtype.
-.^:"f'\-i'.
:,:tri;-±.^
26
Pipiure 22. Juniper-sagebrush vee^etation subtype.
-«f-
^■?^::^!^Sv^^mm^^'^i^nt'm::<-'^
fi'lgure 23. Juniper-skunkbush vegetation subtype,
27
(3) Grassland Subtype
The .iuniner-prassland subtyoe (Figure 24) had no other shrub species present besides rocky mountain juniper. Its open stands were covered with a mixture of grasses and forbs, the primary species being bluebunch wheatgrass, little bluestem, blue grama, cheatgrass, broom snakeweed. Hood's phlox [Phlox hoo di-i) , fringed sagewort and cudweed sagewort [AfitzmA^ila P.iLdovA.C'iana) .
Sagebrush/Grassland Series
There were four subtypes defined in the sagebrush/grassland series. Big sagebrush and silver sage {A^tzmZ-dia cana) were the primary shrub soecies in two of the subtypes. Skunkbush was the dominant shrub species in the third subtype. Few to no shrubs were found in the xeric grassland subtype.
(1) Big Sagebrush Subtype
Big sagebrush was the dominant shrub in this subtype (Figure 25). It usually occurred on flat to medium slopes. Various grasses and forbs were found on this subtype Including Junegrass, blue grama, western wheatgrass, sedges (Ca^ex spp.), needle-and- thread. Japanese chess, cheatgrass, false-tarragon sagewort [KKtzmliila dfiacunculai) , field chlckweed [Czfia'dtium a^uen-6e), Hood's phlox, salsify and pale bastard toad flax [ComandfLa ambe.llata] .
(2) Silver Sagebrush/Greasewood Subtype
This subtype occurred on alluvial valley floors (Figure 26). On many study areas it was the most common lowland vegetation type. Almost all coulee bottoms and small valleys had silver sagebrush stands. Greasewood {SaH-cobatU't vzfimyicutatU'l,] stands were best developed along the Tongue River bottoms. Ground cover included occasional prairie rose {Ro&a afikaniana] stands. A variety of grasses and forbs including Japanese chess, cheatgrass, false tarragon-sagewort and salsify were found In the silver sagebrush/ greasewood subtype.
(3) Skunkbush Subtype
The skunkbush subtype (Figure 27), also referred to as the deciduous shrub subtype, occurred on rocky south facing slopes, where skunkbush was the dominent species. Other species present were yucca, fringed-sagewort , desert alyssum {AlyA6um de-4eA.to^um) , broom snakeweed, bluebunch wheatgrass, little bluestem, needle- and-thread and red leaf three-awn.
(4) Xeric Grassland Subtype
The grassland subtype (Figure 28) was open grassland with a few isolated shrub patches. Many grass species were found depending on soil and moisture conditions. Bluebunch wheatgrass, western
28
.flpf^^S^ ^
Fip;ure 2H . Juniper- ^ grassland vegetation subtype.
.m^
^i^mm
Figure 25. Sagebrush/
grassland-big sage- .^'!f'SJ|| brush vegetation k^r^^kSm^m subtype.
•^-jj,l.«l ■!
V
f^'igure 26. Sagebrush/
grassland-silver sage brush/greasewood vegetation subtype.
29
Fip;ure 27. Sagebrush/e;rassland-skunkbush vegetation subtype
Fls!;ure 28. Sagebrush/grassland-xerlc grassland vegetation subtype,
30
wheatgrass, Idaho fescue, needle-and-thread, blue grama, prairie sand reedgrass {Calamovlt^a toYiglf^otla.] , sedges and Junegrass were common grasses. Forbs included low ragweed [Kmbfiodla. afitzm^A-i^oZ-ia) , yarrow, sweet clover {HzZ-llotui o^^-icyinate.) fringed sagewort and many others.
Riparian Series
This vegetation type was found primarily along creekbottoms, river bottoms, and coulee bottoms. Four subtypes were defined within the riparian or creekbottom vegetation type. They were deciduous tree, deciduous shrub, riparian grass and pioneer forb subtypes. This vegetation type, because of its small size, abundant vegetation for food and cover, and proximity to water, is without doubt the single most important vegetation type found in these study areas.
(1) Deciduous Tree Subtype
All areas which contained any of the three tree soecies, plains Cottonwood {?opatu6 dzttold2.i>) , boxelder [Kczn. nQ.Qando] or green ash {V fiax-inai> pQ.nn6(jlvan-ica] , were designated deciduous tree subtypes (Figure 29). Understory vegetation Included hawthorn {Cfiatazga-i iuacu^^znta] , chokecherry, buffaloberry [Shzpe-fidia afigzntia] , snowberry, rose, currants (R^beA spp.) and many grasses and forbs.
(2) Deciduous Shrub Subtype
This subtype occurred as dense shrub thickets (Figure 30). Willow {Sallx spp.), chokecherry, wild plum {Pfianui ame/i-ccana) , hawthorn, buffaloberry, snowberry, rose, and currant were the primary species. None of the major tree species were present in this vegetation subtype. A variety of grasses and forbs were found.
(3) Riparian Grass Subtype
This vegetation type (Figure 31) had no tree or shrub overstory. It occurred in creekbottoms, river bottoms and other mesic areas. These grassy swales had many grass and forb species including Kentucky bluegrass, sedges, Canada wild-rye [Elymai canade.n6i6) and other EZymuA species, foxtail barley [Ho^dzam j'ubatam) , several rushes (JuncuA spp.), several Poa spp. and common cattail {Tijpha tatl^^otla] .
(4) Pioneer Forb Subtype
The "weed" community (Figure 32) was found in disturbed mesic areas. It tended to be best developed along river bottoms but was also found in washed out ponds in upland areas. Type of sites include roadsides, coal spoil piles, abandoned gravel pits and exposed mud flats. The species composition varies but
c
31
Figure 29. Riparian-deciduous tree vegetation subtype,
jie^m*^.
'^^L.^JK- H
i\'.'V > -.^^ji
•v-t?v<Y:'' -v
'''^::^u":s-:i.;-'^?^. ..V.
^%^*^~
Figure 30. Riparian-deciduous shrub vegetation subtype,
32
Figure 31. Riparlan-meslc grassland vegetation subtype.
T^igure 32. Rlparlan-ploneer forb vegetation subtype.
33
usually consists of Rumex spp. on mud flats and various mustard {CfLuclfiZfiaz) and legume ( Lcgum-tnoAae) family species on upland sites.
Ap:ricultural Series
This vegetation type occurred within the natural types. All active crop lands were included. Two subtypes were defined; the unland subtype and the creek bottom subtyoe.
(1) Upland Subtype
The primary crops produced on this subtype (Figure 33) were non- irrigated varieties of wheat, barley, oats and native grasses harvested either for hay or seed. This subtype occurred adjacent to subtypes within the ponderosa pine, juniper and sagebrush- grassland series.
(2) Creek Bottom Subtype
This tyoe occurred on irrigated or non-irrigated bottoms along the Tongue River and the larger creeks (Figure 34). Alfalfa hay was the primary crop. Some corn and small grains were also grown. These lands would have been riparian series vegetation subtypes were they in their original condition.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Each species or group of species is discussed separately for each of the seven study areas. Distribution mans are presented, with high use or critical areas delineated, for the important game species and the nongame species of special interest or concern. Care should be taken in interpretation of the tables and figures presented in this report as they represent observations made during a 17 month period covering all or portions of six seasons. The winter period was very mild with little snow cover. May and June of 1981 were the only months with appreciable precipitation. General drought conditions prevailed during most of the study.
Sweeney-Snyder
Mule Deer
Population characteristics: During the study 630 mule deer were observed in the Sweeney-Snyder study area (Table 1). Average group size ranged from summer lows of 2.0 in 198O and 2.1 in 198I to a high of 5.1 during the 198O-81 winter season. The same pattern was observed in several other wildlife studies conducted in southeastern Montana (Martin 1980a) and in the Bull Mountains of central Montana (Dusek 1978).
34
Fipiure 33. Agricultural-upland vegetation subtype.
Figure 3^^. Agricultural-creek bottom vegetation subtype.
^
35
Table 1 . Average group size of mule deer in the Sweeney-Snyder study area.
Number Total Year Month Observations peer Average
1980 April - «
May 21 90 ^^J
spring 2l 90 CTS
I
June 9 12 1.3
July 6 9 1.5
August 11 32 2.9
Summer Z5 53 270"
September 2 3 I.5 October 11 H2 3.8 November 19 i|8 2.5
Pan 32 93 279"
1980 December 10 60 6.0
1981 January 9 34 3.8 February 7 39 5.6
Winter TE 113 5TT
March 11 59 5.4
April 24 83 3.5
May 16 22 1.4
spring Si iFJ 372"
June 22 36 1.6
July 14 28 2.0
August 11 33 3.0
Summer T? 97 27T"
* No surveys conducted
I
36
Mule deer observations per hour of aerial survey (Table 2) show December to have the greatest concentrations of the five complete seasons. The fall, winter and spring 1980 seasons had similar indices of relative abundance (Odum 1959) with a rancje of only 3.0 deer observed per hour. This reflects the relatively mild weather conditions prevalent during the 9 month period. The increased number observed per hour in the 1981 summer season over the I98O summer season, a 7^.^^ increase, may indicate a rising trend in population numbers. General numbers observed are lowest during the spring, before the fawns are born, and summer, when the deer are still widely dispersed. Extreme drought conditions alter normal distribution patterns and force deer to concentrate near water. This occurred in May 1980 and shows up as the highest indicies of relative abundance figure observed in the Sweeney-Snyder study, 39.0 in May of 198O (Table 2). As the drought continued, many deer left the study area for the Rosebud Creek and Tongue River bottoms. The result was the low Indicies observed for June and July of 198O, the driest months of the study.
Mule deer population structure was determined during August, October and November. The I98O composite result shows 58.5 fawns per 100 does in the Sweeney-Snyder study area (Table 3). The number of fawns per 100 does increased by 38 percent from August 1980 to August 1981. These are good reproduction figures and indicate a healthy mule deer herd (Swenson 1978). In spite of several years of bucks only hunting, there were over twice as many bucks as does in the Sweeney-Snyder study area during August 1981. Bucks comprised over 50^ of the population in November 198O as well as August I98I. This may be explained by a different distribution pattern for bucks and does during the driest months. As more does migrate to the adjacent creek bottoms to have fawns, a higher percentage of bucks occurs in the uplands of the Sweeney- Snyder study area. The small percentage of fawns in the fall population, 21.6^, may indicate some problems in the future. Swenson (1978) estimated that mule deer in Region 7 could maintain stability with 30-35 percent fawns in the postseason period.
Distribution: Spring distribution is shown in Figure 35. Mule deer were found over the entire unit in small groups, only three observations being more than 8 head. A cluster of observations occurred in the northeast corner of the study area in the Miller and Cow Creek drainages. Another group was located on Hart Creek in the southern portion of the study area. The central region had many scattered observations.
The summer distribution (Figure 36) pattern was even more scattered and nearly 85% of the observations were of the 1-3 group size category. An anomaly was observed in that most of the observations occurred on the ridpces between drainage ways. The exceptions were the lower portions of Cherry, Hen and Snyder Creeks. These areas had available water while the other drainages were dry. This lack of water is probably the limiting factor for wildlife in the Sweenev-Snyder study area.
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39
County line County rood
Stream
River
Study area .
H 1-
Mule deer observations Group size l~3...ao 4- 8 A . o 9-15 A •
16+4 •
Year 1980 1981
Pinure 35. Spring mule deer distribution on Sweeney-Snyder study area,
County line County road
Stream
River
Study area .
H f-
■ ' Mule deer observations Group size
l"3...A...o
4- 8 A . o
9-15 A •
16+ A •
Year 1980 1981
Plo;ure 36. Summer mule deer distribution on the Sweeney-Snyder study area.
ill
T^all observations show the mule deer remaining in small groups and still widely dispersed (Pip;ure 37). The northeast and southern areas again had the most observations. Not even the lower portions of drainap;e-ways had enough water to support mule deer during the drought of the fall season.
Winter observations are shown in Figure 38. The mild weather is shown in the small group sizes as still nearly 30/S of the observations are in the 1-3 category and only one group larger than 8 was seen. No ma.-Jor concentration areas are apparent from this one season of observations.
Vegetation type usage: Examination of Table ^ shows that the Donderosa pine type received the most usage by mule deer in every season during the study. This is not surprising in light of the amount of area included in the ponderosa pine vegetation type (Figure 2). The sagebrush/grassland type followed in importance. This, combined with the sagebrush and grassland subtypes of the ponderosa pine type, may have proved most significant with a statistical evaluation due to the small portion of the area in the sagebrush/grassland type. Only in the summer of I98O were significant numbers of mule deer observed in the creek bottom subtynes. No mule deer were observed in agricultural vegetation subtypes simply because there are practically no agricultural developments within the study area borders.
Activity: The highest percentages of mule deer observed feeding occurred during the spring and summer seasons (Table 5). The lowest percentages were observed during fall and winter. This compares with observations made in other areas of southeastern Montana (Martin 1980b). During this period deer are recovering from the stresses of winter. If they are unable to build them- selves up at this time, especially as the stresses of summer increase, they will be in poor shape to survive the following winter season. By far the greatest percentage of deer observed laying down occurred during the winter months as they attempted to conserve energy.
Use of topography: The greatest numbers of mule deer were observed on dissected mid-slones or hillsides in every season of the study (Table 6). Only in the spring and summer of 198O was this topo- graohic feature used by less than 75% of the mule deer in the area. Mesa-butte tops or plateaus were utilized in every season. Winter and summer seasons sustained the greatest use in this category with the summer of 198I being the highest at l6%. The numbers of deer observed feeding ad.jacent to creek bottoms account for the high usage of the alluvium/terrace category in the spring and summer of 198O.
Use of exposure: Seasonal use of exposure is shown in Table 7. Usage of northerly slopes was highest in winter, 58/J, and lowest during the 198O spring, 12%. This reflects the light snow conditions during the winter. Southern slooe usage increased from 12% in the 1980 spring to H8% in the 198I spring. Easterly exposures received the most usage in the 198O spring and the least in the
il2
County line County road Stream . .
River
Study area .
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Mule deer observations Group size l"3..^i..o 4- 8 A. . o 9-15 A • 16+ A • Year 1980 1981 Figure 37. Fall mule deer distribution on the Sweeney-Snyder study area.
County line County road
Stream
River
Study area
H 1-
Mule deer observations Group size 1 -3 .£^. o 4 - 8 A. . . o 9-15 * • 16+ • • Year 1980 1981
Figure 38. Winter mule deer
distribution on the Sweeney- Snyder study area.
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1981 summer, ranging from 4l to 12 percent, respectively. Western slopes received ^3% usage during fall 198O and summer 1981. Numbers observed on flat lands were highest during the summer of 198O with 30^ of the mule deer observed. Fall and winter seasons were the lowest seasons for flat land usage with 6 and 5 oercent, respectively.
Use of slope: Plat and gentle slopes received the most usage during spring 1980, 73/K, decreasing to a fall low of 37%, and increasing again to 56^ in the I981 summer season (Table 8). The flat land categories, primarily olateaus and bottom lands, were least used during the fall and winter. Steep slopes were utilized most heavily during the fall and winter months with 15 and 25 percent, respectively. Medium and steep slope usage was highest in the fall, 635?, and lowest in the spring of I98O at 16^. The rougher terrain provides escaoe cover during the huntinpt season and protection from the wind during cold weather.
Antelope
Population characteristics: During the I6 months of the study only 112 antelope were observed on the Sweeney-Snyder study area. The rough, timbered nature of the studv area is not typical of good antelooe habitat. Average group size was lowest in June, 1.5 in 198O and 1.0 in 198I, and highest in March, 7.7 antelooe per observation (Table 9). Break-up of the winter herds occurred in April. No antelope were observed on the study area during the heart of the winter, i.e. December and January. Most likely the antelooe wintered north of the study area in the Sweeney Creek drainage. The greatest densities of antelope were observed in the spring (Table 2) when 5.0 and 4.9 antelope per hour of aerial survey were spotted in I98O and 1981, respect- ively.
Production data and population structures are shown in Table 10. The sample size is very small and thus carries little weight.
Distribution: All antelope observations are shown in Figure 39. Two major use areas are evident. One lies along Cherry Creek and includes the Tongue River-Rosebud Creek divide of the head of Coal and Ranch creeks. Cherry Creek had more spring observations while the upland area was primarily utilized during summer and fall. No winter observations were made within the Sweeney- Snyder Creek study area boundary. A second concentration of observations occurred along the northern edge of the area, primarily in the Sweeney Creek drainage.
Vegetation type usage: Antelope were found almost exclusively on sagebrush and grassland vegetation subtypes during the study (Table 11). The only exception was one winter observation. Just off the area, on a skunkbush [Rhus tfillobata) grassland site. The highest percentage observed on the ponderosa pine-grassland
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to
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CO
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CO
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0 r-{
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Summer 1981 |
w C rH •HOO CO |
Winter 80-81 |
tH O rH OO Cd CT\%^ |
0 O Eoo E ctn^?. CO |
Spring 1980 |
0 Ci. o rH CO |
OO OO rH rH m^
m
00^3- unco r-{ on.=r
in CM CTMn
^d- CM CM
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on on
on
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0 |
|
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|
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|
0 |
|
CO |
|
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|
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|
0 E |
|
rH 13 a |
rH |
-P -P "H 0 |
Cd |
Cd C -O 0 |
-P |
rH 0 0 4-> |
O |
fc C5 S CO |
Fh |
il8
Table 9 . Average group size of antelope in the Sweeney-Snyder study area.
Year
Month
Number Observations
Total Average
1980
April May
ijpring
3 T
11
11
3.7
3.7
A
June July August
Summer
2 2 2
T
3 H 8
15
1.5 2.0 il.O
2.5
September
October
November
2
1
1
X
11 6
6
5.5
6.0
6.0
T7?
Fall
^3
1980 1981
December
January
February
Winter
0 0
1
0 0
X
0 0
7.0
March April May
3
3
J-
23
10 6
7.7 3.3 2^
Spring
39
4.3
June July August
1 2 1
1 7
_1
1.0
3.5
3^
Summer
17
4.3
No surveys conducted
C
County line County road
Stream
River
Antelope observations |
|
Group size |
|
1-3 A |
o |
4-8 ^ |
o |
9-15 * |
• |
16* |
• |
Year 1980 |
1981 |
Figure 39. Antelope distribution on the Sweeney-Snyder study area.
50
0) |
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3 to |
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TO |
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51
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52
subtype was 73 and occurred during the 1980 spring season. The sagebrush/grassland vegetation type had antelope usage every season of the study and was highest, 100^, during the 198O-8I winter months. Antelope were observed on winter wheat fields during the spring and summer of 198I for the only agricultural type usage recorded during the study period.
Activity: All antelope observed were either standing or running (Table 12) at the moment of observation. Most of them were running. This is in stark contrast to other studies (Martin 1980a; 1980c) where significant numbers were observed feeding and laying down. Why these antelope were so flighty is uncertain.
•^Use of topography; Every antelope seen was utilizing the dissected mid-slope category (Table 13). Obviously these antelope are avoiding the mesa-butte complexes and the creek bottom and flood plain areas.
Use of exposure; Spring 198I was the season of greatest dispersion (Table l4) as antelope were observed on all eight aspects. No antelope were observed on northerly slopes during fall and winter. Greatest usage occurred during the spring of 198O when 73 percent were seen on northeastern exposures. Southerly exposures received their highest usage in the summer and fall of 1980 with 47 and 48 percent respectively. Easterly slopes were ( utilized in each season of the study and comprised 100^ of the observations in spring 1980, fall 198O and winter 198O-8I. Western aspects received their greatest usage during the summer seasons with 54 and 42 percent for 198O and 198I respectively.
Use of slope: Antelope avoided the flat and steep terrain features (Table 15) during all seasons of the study. Usage of the medium slopes was considerably higher in 198I than in 198O on the Sweeney-Snyder study area. Usage Increased from 0 to 67 percent from spring to summer respectively in 198O while increasing from 92 to 100 percent from spring to summer respectively in I98I . Usage of gentle slopes followed the opposite trend during the spring and summer seasons. Usapce of gentle slopes was much greater than medium slopes during fall and winter.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Fourteen sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds were located on or adjacent to the Sweeney-Snyder creek study area (Figure 40). Attendance by male birds at known grounds decreased from l4.5 in 1980 to 11.8 in 1981 (Table 16). This amounts to an I8.6 percent decrease in this population trend parameter. While no broods were observed on the study area in 198O, Knapp et al. (I98I) reports the average young/brood in PWP Region 7 to be a dismal 1.7 in 1980 compared to a 10 year average of 6.1. Obviously < reproduction was extremely poor in 198O. This Is most likely related to the lack of cover caused by the extended drought. Considering the lack of recruitement to the sharptail pooulation, the overwinter survival rate must have been quite high to have
53
Figure 40. ' Sharptall and sage grouse dancing grounds and game bird observations in the Sweenecy-Snyder. study area.
County I ine
County rood
Stream
River
Study area ...... h ^—
Grouse Sharptail Sage
Breeding grounds • a
Observations -^age Sharptail Turkey
Winter b p g
Spring © p •
Summer. o o •
Fall A A A
54
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55
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56
(
resulted in the 18.6 percent decline in the number of breeding males. One brood with 8 young was observed in 1981.
There are approximately 0.12 dancing grounds per square mile in the Sweeney-Snyder area. Schwarzkoph (198O) reported 0.12 grounds per square mile in the Colstrip area. Martin found 0.22 in the Otter Creek drainage (1980a) and .09 per square mile in the Saroy Creek drainage (1980c).
Observations of grouse not on dancing grounds (Figure 40) indicate the strong possibility of a dancing ground in or near Sand Coulee in the southwestern corner of the study area.
Sage Grouse
Three sage grouse strutting grounds were located on or adjacent to the Sweeney-Snyder study area (Figure 40). The number of male birds attending decreased from 7.0 in 198O to 6.3 in 1981 (Table 17). Drought conditions were most likely responsible for this decline. No broods were observed on the study area during the study.
The vegetation map (Figure 2), which shows the ponderosa pine type covering most of the study area, and very little sagebrush explains the paucity of sage grouse numbers in the area.
Merriam's Turkey
Several sightings of turkeys were made during the study (Figure 40) These occurred in the heads of the Cherry, Miller, Cow and Eagle Creek drainages. All were in the northeast portion of the study area, mostly during the spring months.
Ring-necked Pheasant
Ring-necked pheasants are found in small numbers on the study area primarily at the lower ends of the Rosebud Creek tributaries. The lack of water and agricultural development in the area severely limited pheasant distribution and numbers.
The Rosebud Creek bottoms are excellent pheasant habitat. A pheasant crow count was conducted along 15 miles of Rosebud Creek road Just to the west of the Sweeney-Snyder study area. The average number of calls per two minute stop in 198O was 21.9 and was 19.6 in 1981. This is slightly better than the 17.8 and 18.6 calls per stop for 198O and I98I, respectively reported for the lower 20 miles of Rosebud Creek (Knapp et al. I98I).
Waterfowl
Four soecies of waterfowl game birds were observed on the Sweeney-Snyder study area (Table I8). It is possible that all of them may breed in the area (Skaar 198O), however, no broods were observed during the two summers of this study. Extreme drought conditions in southeastern Montana resulted in the
L
57
Table l6.
Sharptalled grouse dancing grounds In the Sweeney-Snyder study area and numbers of males attending.
Ground Number
Location T R S
Number of Males Attending 1980 1981
1 2
3 H
5 6
7 8
9
10 11 12
13 14
Total males attending
Average males per active ground
4n |
45E |
28 |
NV/Ja |
4n |
44E |
25 |
NEJi |
3N |
44E |
2 |
SEii; |
3N |
45E |
19 |
SlVJi; |
3N |
44E |
21 |
NV/Jc |
2N |
44e |
4 |
SEJc |
2N |
44E |
20 |
NlV^c |
IN |
44e |
7 |
SEJi; |
2N |
44E |
21 |
SEJi; |
2N |
43E |
16 |
SEli; |
2N |
43E |
25 |
NWJt; |
3N |
44E |
6 |
NEJc |
IN |
44e |
5 |
NEii; |
IN |
44e |
2 |
SW^ |
20 30 14 8 8 7 4
25
116
14. 5
30 |
25 |
0 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
0 |
14 |
5 |
12 |
7 |
5 |
7 |
20 |
141 |
11.8 |
Table 17.
Sage grouse strutting grounds in the Sweeney-Snyder study area and numbers of males attending.
Ground Number
Location T R
Number of males attending 1980 1981
1 |
3N |
2 |
3N |
3 |
2N |
4 3E 9 SEiu
4 3E 34 NW^r; 44e 35 NEJt;
Total males attending Average males per ground
7 7
14 7.0
7 5 7
19 6.3
58
Table l8 . Bird species observed on the Sweeney-Snyder study area.
Breeding |
Breeding |
||||
Species |
Status* |
Species |
Status |
||
1 |
Pied-billed grebe |
b |
35 |
Pinyon Jay |
b |
2 |
Canada goose |
B |
36 |
Black-capped chickadee |
B |
3 |
Mallard |
B |
37 |
Red-breasted nuthatch |
B |
4 |
Gadwall |
B |
38 |
White-breasted nuthatch |
b |
5 |
Green-winged teal |
b |
39 |
House wren |
B |
6 |
Cooper's hawk |
B |
40 |
Rock wren |
B |
7 |
Red-tailed hawk |
B |
41 |
Brown thrasher |
B |
8 |
Rough-legged hawk |
t |
42 |
American robin |
B |
9 |
Ferruginous hawk |
b |
43 |
Mountain bluebird |
B |
10 |
Golden eagle |
B |
44 |
Townsend's solitaire |
b |
11 |
Marsh hawk |
b |
45 |
Cedar waxwing |
b |
12 |
Prairie falcon |
B |
46 |
Starling |
B |
13 |
American kestrel |
B |
47 |
Yellow warbler |
B |
14 |
Sharp-tailed grouse |
B |
48 |
Yellow-rumped warbler |
B |
15 |
Sage grouse |
B |
49 |
Common yellowthroat |
b |
16 |
Ring-necked pheasant |
B |
50 |
Yellow-breasted chat |
b |
17 |
Turkey |
B |
51 |
Western meadowlark |
B |
18 |
Killdeer |
B |
52 |
Yellow-headed blackbird |
b |
19 |
Upland sandpiper |
B |
53 |
Red-winged blackbird |
B |
20 |
Mourning dove |
B |
54 |
Northern oriole |
B ^ |
21 |
Great-horned owl |
B |
55 |
Brewer's blackbird |
B |
22 |
Common nighthawk |
B |
56 |
Common grackle |
B |
23 |
Common flicker |
B |
57 |
Brown-headed cowbird |
B |
24 |
Red-headed woodpecker B |
58 |
American goldfinch |
b |
|
25 |
Hairy woodpecker |
B |
59 |
Red cross-bill |
b |
26 |
Eastern kingbird |
B |
60 |
Rufous-sided towhee |
b |
27 |
Western kingbird |
B |
61 |
Lark bunting |
b |
28 |
Cassin's kingbird |
B |
62 |
Savannah sparrow |
b |
29 |
Say's phoebe |
B |
63 |
Grasshopper sparrow |
B |
30 |
Western wood pewee |
B |
64 |
Vesper sparrow |
B |
31 |
Horned lark |
b |
65 |
Lark sparrow |
B |
32 |
Violet-green swallow |
B |
66 |
Chipping sparrow |
B |
33 |
Black-billed magpie |
B |
67 |
Brewer's sparrow |
B |
34 |
Common crow |
B |
68 |
Field sparrow |
b |
* Breeding status from Montana Bird Distribution (Skaar 1980) for latilong 33 and 43.
B - hard evidence of breeding
b - circumstantial evidence of breeding
t - occurs, but no evidence of breeding
59
reservoirs and ponds being dry during most of the study. Only In May and June of 198I, too late for breeding purposes, did any appreciable rainfall occur.
Song Birds
Sixty-eight species of birds, including game birds, were observed on the study area (Table I8). The Cooper's hawk, ferruginous hawk, golden eagle, prairie falcon, upland sandpiper Brewer's sparrow and field sparrow were listed by Plath (1981) as species of special interest or concern. The ferruginous hawk, golden eagle and prairie falcon are also listed as migratory birds of high federal interest (U.S. D.I. 1979). All of these species are known or suspected to breed in the study are; (Skaar 198O).
;a
A total of 813 breeding bird observations (Table 19) were made along aoproximately 20 miles of trail (Figure 4l) during the spring breeding bird roadside surveys. The nine most common birds in the area were, from top to bottom, western meadowlark, lark sparrow. Brewer's blackbird, chipping sparrow, mourning dove, rufous-sided towhee, American robin, house wren and yellow warbler. All seven species had greater than 3.5 percent composition and 15 percent frequency levels in the survey (Table 19). The vesper sparrow, brown-headed cowblrd. Brewer's sparrow and kllldeer had percent frequency figures greater than 10.
Raptors
Eight species of hawks and one species of owls were observed on the study area (Table I8). Spring observations, which correlate closely with the breeding season, are shown in Figure H2. All other raptor observations are shown in Figure 43.
A pair of Cooper's hawks was observed in July 198I. They were very defensive and may have had a nest In the area. No other acclplters were observed on the study area.
Several buteo species were observed. Red-tailed hawks were by far the most common. Three inactive nests were located during a helicopter nest search (Figure 42). They were located in ponderosa pine and Cottonwood trees (Table 20). Several red- tails were observed during the breeding season but their nests were not found.
A transient rough-legged hawk was observed north of the study area in October. Two fe>rruginous hawk sightings were made during the study (Figure 43). Both were considered to be migratory birds.
Golden eagle sightings were made on the northeast, northwest and southern edges of the study area (Figure 43). They were always single birds. No nests were located.
Marsh hawks or harriers were observed over the open fields and sagebrush of the northeast portion of the study area. No nest
60
Figure 4l.
Sweeney-Snyder songbird roadside survey route and small mammal trapllne locations.
County line County road
Stream
River
Study area
H 1-
Songbird road route
a - 1980 b - 1981
Small mammal traplines:
Summer a Fall o
Vegetation types:
Riparian R
Ponderosa pine. P Sagebrush/ grassland S
^
61
County line County road Stream River
Study area
oA
■ ?■
-< ^-
Raptor observations
Red- tailed hawk R
Golden eagle E
Prairie falcon P
Great-horned owl , N
Raptor stick nests . , g
Plp;ure h?. Sweeney-Snyder study area spring (resident) rapt observations.
or
62
County line County rood Stream River Study area .
■.«.i
H 1-
aptor observations
Marsh hawk H
Coopers hawk C
Ferruginous hawk F
Red- tailed hawk R
Golden eagle G
Prairie falcon p
Great-horned owl N
Figure ^3. Sweeney-Snyder study area summer, fall and winter \ (migrant) raptor observations.
\\^
63
Table 191 Bird species composition and frequency of occurrence from five Sweeney-Snyder breeding bird surveys.
Tot |
al Obs |
ervations |
Percent |
||
Species |
1980 |
1981 |
Total |
Composition |
Frequency |
Western meadowlark |
102 |
100 |
202 |
24.8 |
83 |
Lark sparrow |
62 |
38 |
100 |
12.3 |
55 |
Brewer's blackbird |
29 |
42 |
71 |
8.7 |
23 |
Chipping sparrow |
32 |
17 |
49 |
6.0 |
36 |
Mournine dove |
18 |
21 |
39 |
4.8 |
25 |
Rufous-sided towhee |
14 |
17 |
31 |
3.8 ' |
25 |
American robin |
19 |
10 |
29 |
3.6 |
25 |
House wren |
20 |
9 |
29 |
3.6 |
23 |
Yellow warbler |
19 |
10 |
29 |
3.6 |
16 |
Pinyon Jay |
4 |
20 |
24 |
3.0 |
5 |
Vesper sparrow |
11 |
11 |
22 |
2.7 |
14 |
Brown-headed cowbird |
16 |
4 |
20 |
2.5 |
19 |
Red cross-bill |
— |
20 |
20 |
2.5 |
1 |
Eastern kingbird |
14 |
4 |
18 |
2.2 |
12 |
Brewer's sparrow |
10 |
6 |
16 |
2.0 |
13 |
Killdeer |
5 |
9 |
14 |
1.7 |
8 |
Say's phoebe |
7 |
3 |
10 |
1.2 |
8 |
Common grackle |
1 |
8 |
9 |
1.1 |
5 |
Ring-necked pheasant |
8 |
^ |
8 |
1.0 |
8 |
Cassin's kingbird |
4 |
4 |
8 |
1.0 |
4 |
Common flicker |
3 |
4 |
7 |
.9 |
7 |
Mountain bluebird |
6 |
1 |
7 |
.9 |
6 |
Violet-green swallow |
6 |
.. |
6 |
17 |
3 |
Northern oriole |
4 |
1 |
5 |
.6 |
4 |
V/estern kingbird |
2 |
3 |
5 |
.6 |
3 |
Brown thrasher |
4 |
4 |
.5 |
4 |
|
Yellov;-rumped warbler |
2 |
1 |
3 |
.4 |
3 |
Red-winged blackbird |
2 |
1 |
3 |
.4 |
3 |
Western wood peewee |
1 |
2 |
3 |
.4 |
3 |
American kestrel |
1 |
2 |
3 |
.4 |
2 |
Lark bunting |
_ |
2 |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Rock wren |
2 |
_ |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Field sparrow |
1 |
1 |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Black-billed magpie |
2 |
^ |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Black-caoped chickadee |
2 |
mm |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Grasshopper sparrow |
_ |
2 |
2 |
.2 |
1 |
White-breasted nuthatch |
^ |
1 |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
Savanah sparrow |
— |
1 |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
Upland sandpiper |
1 |
_ |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
Sharp-tailed grouse |
1 |
^ |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
Yellow-breasted chat |
1 |
_ |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
American goldfinch |
1 |
_ |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
Red-tailed hawk |
1 |
- |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
Total observations |
438 |
375 |
813 |
en
sites were located.
American kestrels were the most common falcon and raptor in the Sweeney-Snyder study area. They were so numerous that individual sightings were not recorded.
One prairie falcon aerie was located in the study area (Table 20) on a sandstone cliff. In 1980, the adults abandoned eggs in the nest. In 1981, one bird was fledged from four eggs which had been laid.
Several great-horned owl observations were made but no nests were found (Figures 42 and 43).
Non-game Mammals
Fifteen mammal species were observed on the study area (Table 21). The only non-game species of special interest or concern is the black-tailed prairie dog (Flath 198I). Five prairie dog towns were located primarily in the Cow Creek drainage (Figure 44 ). No sign of black-footed ferrets was discovered during examination of these prairie dog towns.
Results of summer and fall small mammal trapping are shown in Table 22. Three rodent species were captured. The deer mouse {Pe.xomyica& man^cutatu^] was the most common, occurring in all three habitat types both seasons. The house mouse (Mu4 ma.&calu&) was captured only during the summer season in the riparian habitat type. A single prairie vole [Mic^otai ochKoga6te.>i) was captured in the sagebrush-grassland fall season trap line. The number of captures per 100 trap nights was very low compared to those observed in similar habitat types in the Otter, Hanging Woman and Prairie Dog Creek areas (Martin 1980a) the previous year. The prolonged drought may have been responsible for the low rodent populations.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Two amphibian species and two reptilian species were encountered on the Sweeney-Snyder study area (Table 23). None of them are species of special interest or concern (Flath 198I).
Greenleaf-Miller
Mule Deer
Population characteristics; During the field surveys, 738 mule deer observations were recorded in the Greenleaf-Miller study area (Table 24), Average group size was greatest during the winter and spring seasons. No large groups were formed due to the mild weather conditions. December and March had the highest average group sizes with 11.5 and 10.2 mule deer per group respectively. As expected, the summer months saw the greatest dispersement and lowest group sizes. June was the lowest
65 Table 20. Raptor nest sites on the Sweeney-Snyder study area.
No. Species
Substrate
Activity
1 Red-tailed hawk
2 Red-tailed hawk
3 Red-tailed hawk k Prairie falcon
Ponderosa pine Cottonwood tree Ponderosa pine Sandstone cliff
Inactive
Inactive
Inactive
1980-abandoned eggs
1981-fledged 1 from ^ eggs
Table 21. Mammals observed on the Sweenev-Snyder study area,
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 Badger
2 Coyote
3 Red fox
h Black-tailed prairie dog
5 Thirteen-llned ground squirrel
6 Red squirrel
7 Deer mouse
8 Prairie vole
9 Muskrat
10 House mouse
11 Porcupine
12 White-tailed jackrabbit
13 Desert cottontail 1^ Mule Deer
15 Antelope
Taxldtta. taxii& CanaA loitfian'ii \Jatpz& ialsjo. Cynomyi tudovlclanui CltzlluA tfiA^dzdzmllmatai J amA.a& ci.afia& kiid& 0 ni.cu.& ?ZAomy6cu6 manlcat(xtixi> UZcfiotai ockn.oQCi&tzh. Ondatfia. z-ibzth-itu.& Ma-4 ma&dvitixi> En.ztklzon dofi&citam Izpai) toiMn&znd-i SyZ\)<.Zagu6 aadubonA, Odocoi-tzai) kzmlonii.& knti.to zavfici amzfilcan
Table 22. Results of small mammal trapping on the Sweeney-Snyder study area during the summer and fall of 198O.
Vegetation type Season
Riparian Summer Pall
HABITAT TYPE Ponderosa Pine Summer ?all
Sagebrush-Grassland Summer Pall
Total captures Trap nights
Captures/100 trap nights Number of species caught Species:
Pzfiomyicui man-LzaZatU'l,
Mti4 ma&aula6
M-cc-to-ta-i ozhfiOQd&tzfi
13
811 1.60 2
6 7
1 8^44 0.12
3 839 0.36
1
4
0.il8
1
4 836 0.48
1
11 842 1.31 2
10
1
66
Table 2 3 . Amphibians and reptiles observed on the Sweeney-Snyder study area.
f
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 Sagebrush lizard
2 Great plains toad
3 Painted turtle
4 Prairie rattlesnake
Ba^o cognatU'i, Cn.otata& v^n.<.da6
Table 24 . Average group size of mule deer in the Greenleaf-Miller study area.
Year
Number Obervations
Total
Average
1980 April May — spring
June July August
Jummer
4
-r
11
19
11
TT
27
16
44
3±
93
6.8
1.5 2.3
2.3
September
October
November
Pall
1980 December
1981 January February
Winter
March April May
Spring
June July August
Summer
11
18
29
2
11
6
19
9 16
20
8
13
13
56 11
139
23 68 4£. iW
92
113 49
25^
16 28 42
5.1
4.8
11.5 6.2 8.2
7.4
10.2 7.1 2.5
^6
5.6
2.0 2.2
2.5
* No surveys conducted
67
County line County road
Stream
River
Study area .
H 1-
Prairie dog town C^
Figure hh, Sweeney-Snyder study area prairie dog town locations,
68
with 1.5 and 2.0 mule deer per observation in 1980 and 198l respectively.
The most deer observed per unit of effort was 41.4 mule deer per hour of aerial survey in April 198I (Table 25). Pall and spring (1981) mule deer densities were nearly equal with 31.2 deer observed per hour. Winter densities were lower than expected due to the lack of snow and above average temoeratures.
Mule deer population structure and reproduction data is given in Table 26. In 198O, the number of fawns per 100 does observed increased from 29.4 in August to 70.8 in November. Obviously many young deer were not traveling with the adults in the earlier months of this survey. The number of fawns per 100 does was 115.9 in August 1981. This amounts to a nearly 400 percent Increase over the Auetust 198O data and over 16O percent above November^ data. The Greenleaf-Miller deer herd seems to have remained stable in 1980 as the percentage of fawns fell into the 30-35 percent range needed (Swenson 1978) for maintenance and apparently Increased in numbers in 198I as 52.4 percent of the population was composed of fawns in August. A very low percentage of bucks was observed in August I981, 2.4 percent. This is opposite the situation observed in the Sweeney-Snyder study area and is explained by the presence of the Rosebud Creek bottoms in ^ the northern portion of the Greenleaf-Miller area. Practically all of the fawns and does were observed on the creek bottom agricultural and "riparian" habitat types. As mentioned earlier, the Sweeney-Snyder study area had no creek bottom habitat which the doe-fawn segment of the population seems to prefer.
Distribution: Spring distribution is shown in Figure 45. A major concentration area is evident in the northwest portion of the study area alonp Rosebud Creek at the mouth of Lee Coulee. This area with its combination of creek bottoms, agriculture and adiacent uplands is exceptional mule deer habitat. In the southeast quarter of the study area along the upper portions of Miller, Creenleaf, Bean and Lay creeks is another important mule deer area. The deer were evenly distributed within this section of the study area. One third of these observations were in the 9-15 group size category. Two other areas, located in the northeast and southwest portions of the study, were clusters of smaller sized groups of mule deer. The center of the study area, along Miller and Bean creeks supported very few mule deer.
Summer distribution (Figure 46) again reveals the importance of the Lee Coulee-Downey Coulee-Rosebud Creek section of the study area. Mule deer density is extremely high in this vicinity. A band of observations was evident stretching across the area from the head of Downey Coulee to Greenleaf Creek. This includes the , buttes and represents the edge between the ponderosa pine uplands and sagebrush-grassland habitat types. Mule deer were widely dispersed across the remainder of the study area.
During the fall season (Figure 47), most mule deer moved out of the bottoms of Rosebud Creek. The major concentration of deer
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71
LEGEND
County road „^,„.,
S t ream , ^.'^.r^j
Cheyenne reservation..—
Study area -• ^
Mule deer observations Group size 1 ~ 3. . . .6. . . .o 4~ 8. . . . A. . . .o 9-15 A • 16+ A •
Year 1980 1981
Plp;ure 45. Spring mule deer distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area.
72
V
LEGEND
I I
County road
St ream. ^-xr^.i
Cheyenne reservation . ,—
Study area
Mule deer observations Group size 1-3^0 4~ 8. A. o 9-15 A • 16+ A •
Year 1980 1981
Figure 16. Summer mule deer distribution on the Greenleaf- Mlller study area.
73
X'
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I LEGEND
County road ^-^
Stream -x-y^i^.r
Cheyenne reservation...—
Study area -• *-
Mule deer observations Group size 1-3^.0 4"" 8. . . ^ . . o 9-15 A • 16+ A •
Year 1980 1981
Figure 47. Pall mule deer distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area.
7^
lav .lust to the west of the study area up Lee Coulee.
Mild weather resulted In mule deer remaining widely dispersed throuschout the I98O-8I winter (Figure 48). Large groups of deer were observed in the uplands between Lee and Miller Coulees and along West Fork Miller Creek.
Vegetation type usage: The highest usage of a vegetation subtype occurred in sprine 19b0 (Table 27). The tree subtype of the larger creek bottom vegetation type received 70$? of usage. This was followed by the 60^ figure observed during the summer of I98I in the agricultural-creek bottom subtype. The combined creek bottom subtypes equally 70^ of the mule deer observations in summer 1981. Obviously, the creek bottom types, which comprise a small percentage of the study area (Figure 4 ), are an extremely important component of the mule deer habitat in the Greenleaf- Miller study area.
The ponderosa pine vegetation type was the only one to receive use during every season of the study. Its highest usage was during the winter months, averaging 68^ of the mule deer observed (Table 27), falling to the lowest point, 14;?, during the summer of 1981. , ....
Fall 1980 was the peak season for usage of the sagebrush/grassland vegetation type with 50^ of the observed deer. Summer 198I was also the lowest point for this vegetation type.
Durincr the dry months, which are late summer and early fall in southeastern Montana, mule deer rely on the creek bottom habitat tyoes for sustenance and fawn rearinp;. The dependency of mule deer on this vegetation type has been statistically documented in the Sarpy Creek drainage (Martin 1980c), which lies approximately 15 miles west of the Greenleaf-Mlller study area.
Activity: Seasonal activity of mule deer at the moment of observation is shown in Table 28. The greatest percentage observed feeding was during summer I98I, 60?5, while the smallest percentage in this category, 9%, occurred during the fall months. This again points to the critical nature of the summer period.
* ® *" ^ The percentage of mule deer bedded down at observation was greatest during the winter surveys, 30^. No deer were observed laying down in spring 198I which was the season when the greatest numbers of deer (Table 28), were observed, 254.
The cautious nature of mule deer is evidenced by the fact that fewer deer were observed running than standing in every season of the study. The fewest observations of running deer occurred during the summer time with both 1980 and 198I registering 9% of the mule deer.
Most deer were standing, watching the observer, in all but one season of the study, summer 198O, when 26% were observed in that activity category. This represents the percentage of deer which had not been spooked prior to their being observed.
75
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76
1H^
MiUt
M
LEGEND
County road
St roam ^y^.^r^.t
Cheyenne reservation...—
Study a rea -• k
Mule deer observations Group size
1 ~ 3 ^ . o
4-8... A. o
9-15 A .
16+ A . Year 1980 1981
Figure 1.8. Winter mule deer distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area. '^j-xxcx
77
Use of topoRiraphy : Usae;e of dissected mid-slopes, i.e. hillsides, occurred in all six seasons and was (greatest durinp; the winter months, 95/S (Table 29). Spring, I98O, and summer 1981, saw the least use of the hillside category with 19 and 27 percent of the observations respectively.
The alluvium/terrace type received significant usage in spring 1980 and summer 1981 when 70 and 67 percent, respectively, of the mule deer were observed there. This category Is primarily associated with alfalfa fields adjacent to Rosebud Creek. The least amount of usage In the lowland categories occurred during winter when no observations were made in the flood plain or alluvium/terrace categories. A similar usage pattern was observed along Sarpy Creek (Martin 1980c).
The unland types, mesa- butte tops and steep slopes, had limited deer usage in every season (Table 29). The spring and summer of
1980 had the most with 11 and 19 percent respectively.
Use of exposure: Usage of northerly exoosures by mule deer in the Greenleaf-Mlller study area was greatest during the spring of 198O (Table 30), when 8l% of the mule deer were observed there. The winter season followed with 50% of the winter mule deer observations occurring on northerly slopes. Obviously snow cover was not a problem. Swenson (1981) reported the average dally snow depth at Miles City from November I6 through March 15 to be .07 Inches.
South slopes were most used during the fall of 198O and spring of
1981 with 42 and 50 percent of the mule deer observed respectively. Summer usage of southern slopes was low in both years of the study with 17 and 11 percent respectively.
Eastern slopes received more use by mule deer than westerly slopes during every season except fall 198O and spring 198I. Easterly slope usage ranged from lOjS in summer 198I to 89^ during the
1980 spring. Westerly slopes had much less usage and ranged from 2% in summer 198I to H2% during fall 198O.
Use of slope: Usage of flat lands was greatest during the summer months (Table 31). This corresponds to mule deer usage of the creek bottom vegetation subtypes and was 57^ in 198O and 72^ in 1981. Gentle and flat slopes were credited with more mule deer observations than medium and steeo slopes in every season except the I98O-8I winter. Even then k2% of the mule deer were observed on gentle slooes. Steep slopes received their greatest usage during soring months. Eleven percent in I98O and 1255 in
1981 were observed on steep slopes. Medium slooe usage ranged from h9% in winter 198O-8I to I8 and 19 percent during the summers
of 1980 and 1981, respectively. No observations were catagorized as medium during the spring 198O surveys.
White-tailed Deer
A small white-tailed deer population was found on the Greenleaf- Miller study area. These deer were concentrated along Rosebud Creek between the mouths of Miller Coulee and Miller Creek.
78
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Several observations were made alonp; the lower section of Miller Creek and in the upland area between Rosebud Creek and the lower section of Miller Creek (Figure ^9).
Only 20 white-tailed deer observations were recorded during the study period. No group was larger than eight animals. Analysis of this small amount of data would not have resulted in meaningful conclusions and was not done.
Antelope
Population characteristics: A total of 456 antelope were observed on the Greenleaf-Miller area during this six season study. Average eroup sl!2e ranged from a high of28.0 antelope per observation during November 1980 to a low of 1.6 in May 1981 (Table 32). Although no antelope were observed on the study area in February, the winter season had the highest average group size, 21.0 antelooe. Soring 1981, saw the erreatest number of antelope observed, 107, and the smallest group size, 3-3 antelope.
Apparently, antelope move off the study area during winter. This winter was very mild and weather should not have been responsible for the movement. This pooulation is significantly less dense than that observed on Hanging Woman Creek (Martin 1980a) where 197.1 antelope per hour were observed during the winter of 1979-80. Winter aerial surveys resulted in l4.7 observations per hour on the Greenleaf-Miller area in I98O-8I. Antelope were less abundant than mule deer in the Greenleaf-Miller study area (Table 25).
Population structure and production data are presented in Table 33. A large increase in fawns per 100 does was evident from I98O to 1981. In 1980 the average for June through August was 32.4 fawns oer 100 does while in I98I the average was 60.5 fawns per 100 does. Wentland (198I) reported a ran<?e from 40 to 75 fawns per 100 does in Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks H.D. 721 for 1972-1979. The Greenleaf-Miller study area is contained within hunting district 721. As a percentage of the population, fawns comprised 24.4$ in summer 198O and 31.0$ in summer 198I.
The percentage of bucks increased slightly from 15.6 in 198O to 17.9 in 1981 while the percentage of does decreased from 6O.O in 1980 to 51.2 percent in I98I.
Distribution; Antelope spring distribution is shown in Figure 50 , Observations were mostly confined to the northeast quarter of the study area. The biggest concentration occurred in an area encompass- ing the head of Bean Creek, the middle segment of Greenleaf Creek and the bend of Lay Creek. Most of the observations fell into the 1-3 and 4-8 group size categories.
During the summer months (Figure 51), antelope were found in the same general areas noted during spring. The primary use area increased in size somewhat and shifted slightly to the north. About half of the groups observed were in the 1-3 size category. The 4-8 and 9-15 size groups comprised about 30 and 20 percent of the observations respectively.
81
LEGEND
County road
St ream ^-fyj-r-j
Cheyenne reservation—
Study area -• ^
White -tailed deer observations: Group size: 1-3 4-8 9-15
Spring O O, ®
Summer a a a
Fall D .0 ®
Winter o Q b
Figure 49. Whltetail deer distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area.
82
^
^«
1
I » I «
-—hi
r^
^
• ■■ ■■ • >
LEGEND
"^
County road ^—
St ream .yvi^..r
Cheyenne reservation...—
Study area .-! *-
Antelope observations Group size
} ' 3. A Q
4 - 8. .A o
9 -15 A •
16+ A •
Year 1980 1981
r
~]
Figure 50, Spring antelope distribution on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area.
83
Miles
LEGEND
n
Figure 51.
County road
St ream ^^xr^j
Cheyenne reservation...—
Study area -*_ *-
Antelope observations Group size
1 '3.^0
4 - 8. . a o
9 - 15 A •
16+ A •
Year 1980 1981
Summer antelope distribution on the Greenleaf -Miller study area.
8i\
Table 32. Average group size of antelooe in the Greenleaf-Mlller study area.
Year |
Month |
Number of Observations |
Total |
Average |
1980 |
April May |
_« 2 |
8 |
4T0 |
Soring June July August |
2 11 5 3 |
8 34 34 23 |
4.0 3.1 6.8 7.7 |
|
Summer September October November |
19 2 |
91 26 56 |
4.8 6.5 28.0 |
|
1980 1981 |
Fall December January February |
5 2 2 0 |
82 42 42 0 |
13.7 21.0 21.0 0 |
Winter March April May |
9 11 12 |
84 51 37 19 |
21.0 5.7 3.4 1.6 |
|
_„ |
Spring June July August/ |
32 7 8 |
107 26 40 18 |
3.3 3.7 5.0 4.5 |
» No |
Summer surveys conducted |
19 |
84 |
4.4 |
85
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86
Winter and fall observations are found In Figure 52. The antelope were concentrated alons; Greenleaf Creek In relatively large herds. Seven of the ten groups observed were of nine or more antelope. No antelope were observed In February and the winter was mild with no snow cover to speak of. If the winter had been harsh, it is Dosslble that no antelope would have wintered on the study area.
Vegetation type usage: The importance of the sagebrush/grassland vegetation types to antelope in various sections of southeastern Montana has been documented (Martin 1980a, 1980c). The Greenleaf- Mlller area is no exception (Table 3^). The sagebrush/grassland type was heavily utilized in each season of the study, reaching 10055 in the fall and winter months. The lowest usage level was recorded in spring 1980 at 75^.
The ponderosa pine type received usage during spring and summer. Agricultural sagebrush/grassland subtype was used in the summer of 1981. No creek bottom usage was recorded.
Grassland subtypes suooorted more antelope than sagebrush subtypes in every season simply because there are more acres of grassland than sagebrush in the study area. That is the main reason the Greenleaf-Mlller area is not optimum antelope habitat. ..
Activity; The activity of antelooe at the time of observation is shown in Table 35. The propensity of antelope to run away when threatened is born out in the high percentages observed running during the fall, winter and summer of 198I seasons (68, 67 and 73 percent respectively). Summer I98O and spring I98I, with similar activity patterns, were the only seasons in which antelope were observed in all four activity categories. Substantial numbers were observed feeding, 26 and I8 percent respectively. The standing category, ^7% in both seasons, had the most antelope and were the only seasons in which antelope were observed laying down. No antelooe were laving down or feeding at the moment of observation during the fall and winter surveys.
Use of topography: Antelooe were found primarily on the dissected midslopes of the Greenleaf-Mlller study area (Table 36), reaching 100/J of the observations in the summer of 1980 and the winter months. Only in the spring of 198O when only 8 antelope were observed did any other topographic category receive more usage. The alluvium/ terrace category supported 75^ of the antelope observed In spring 1980 and 20/? in spring 198I. This usage coincided with green-up of agricultural fields. No antelope were eva' observed on the steep mesa-butte slooes nor on the brushy flood plains. One group was observed on a plateau top in the fall season.
Use of exposure: Antelope were observed on all eight aspects during both summer seasons and the spring of 198I (Table 37). Antelope were in small groups and widely scattered during these seasons. During winter and fall they were In large herds and were not observed using all aspects. Northerly slopes received
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Stream
Cheyenne reservation
Study area
Antelope observations group size
Fall Winter
H H
Figure 52. Pall and winter antelope distribution on the Greenleaf- Miller study area.
88
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their greatest usage during the spring and summer of 198I with 58 and 46 percent of the antelope observations respectively. Outside of spring 1980, antelooe most heavily used southern exposures during fall and winter, 65 and 67 percent respectively. No antelope were observed on eastern slopes during the fall and winter months. Western slopes supported 50% of the antelone observations during the winter months. Spring 19BI followed with kO%. Only during fall 198O, 135S, and summer 198I, 5%, were any antelope observed utilizing flat lands.
Use of slope: No antelope were observed using steep slopes (Table 3a) . During the fall season, more antelope were observed on medium slopes than on combined gentle slopes and flat lands, 65% and 3555 respectively. Gentle slopes supported more antelope during the spring seasons, 100 and 6I percent for I98O and 198I respectively. During the other three seasons, antelope were evenly distributed between medium and gentle slopes.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Twenty-one active sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds were located during the study (Figure 53). They are distributed fairly evenly except in the southwest portion of the study area, which is primarily ponderosa pine uplands.
While the total number of males observed remained constant (Table 39), the number attending active dancing grounds decreased from 17.8 in 1980 to 10.8 in I98I. This amounts to at least a 395? decline in the pre-nesting sharptail population. A similar decline for 44l sharptail dancing grpunds occurred in Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 7. Male attendance dropped from 16 per active ground in 1980 to 10 in 198I and a 50^ drop in the sharptail population was indicated (Knapp et al. 198I).
One ground located in 198O received no usage in 198I (Table 39). Sharp-tailed grouse have been documented to abandon grounds in other southeastern Montana studies (Martin 1980a; 1980c).
No broods were observed on the study area. Knapp et al. (198I) reoorted average brood size, in I98O to be 1.7 in FWP Region 7. Drought conditions, which caused a lack of adequate cover, resulted in either poor nesting success or lower brood survival.
Merriam's Turkey
One sighting of turkeys was made about 100 yards to the west of the study area in the Rye Grass Creek drainage (Figure 53). Turkeys may utilize the wooded, southwest portion of the Greenleaf- Miller study area.
Ring-necked Pheasant
Ring-necked pheasants were observed along creek bottoms
throughout the Greenleaf-Miller study area. Rosebud Creek supported
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Sharp- tailed grouse dancing grounds •
Game bird observations:
Sharptall grouse "^^"^ , *"T'' ^o" "^'S'*'
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Gray partridge ..o.ao.q
Figure 53. Sharptall grouse dancing ground locations and bird observations.
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Table 39. Sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds in the Greenleaf- Miller study area and number of males attending.
Ground Location Number T R S k
Number of Males Attending 1980 1981
1 2
3
4
5 6
7 8 9
10 11 12 13 lii
15 16
17 18 19 20 21
Total
IS IN IS IS IS IS IS IS IS IS IS IS 2S IS IS IN IS IN IN IS IN
42E 42E 42E 42E 42E 42E 42E 4 3E 4 3E 4 3E 4 3E 4 3E 43E 4 3E 42E 4 3E 4 3E 43E 42E 4 3E 4 3E
6 SE
31 SE
16 SW
14 NW
11 1
SW
SW
24 SW 6 NE
10 NE 9 SE
21 SE 36 NE
2 SW 29 NW 10 NE 29 SE
5 NE 33 NE 35 NE
22 SE 32 SW
Average per Active Ground
8 |
7 |
15 |
14 |
20 |
0 |
36 |
18 |
11 |
9 |
7 |
11 |
21 |
13 |
12 |
8 |
16 |
13 |
26 |
13 |
26 |
17 |
15 |
5 |
— |
11 |
— |
15 |
— |
11 |
- |
3 |
— |
7 |
— |
16 |
_ |
6 |
_ |
10 |
- |
8 |
213 |
215 |
17.8 |
10.8 |
the greatest densities of pheasants. Along a 10 mile route through the northwest portion of the study area, an average of 30.4 crows per two minute stops were recorded in the spring of 198O. This index showed a substantial reduction to 17.0 calls per stop in 1981. This was in contrast to the slight increase in pheasant density reported for lower Rosebud Creek, 17.8 calls per stop in 1980 to 18.6 in 1981 (Knapp et al. 198I).
A five mile segment of Greenleaf Creek saw a rise in pheasant density from 2.0 calls per stop in 198O to 6.2 calls per stop in 1981. Greenleaf Creek does not have the cover and diversity of vegetation types found along Rosebud Creek, thus it is poorer pheasant habitat.
Gray Partridge
A single group of gray partridge was observed south of Rosebud Creek in the northwest portion of the study area (Figure 53). The lack of large expanses of grain fields limits gray cartridge numbers on the study area.
qii
Waterfowl
Seven species of waterfowl game birds were observed on the Greenleaf- Mlller study area (Table 40). It is possible that some of them may at times breed within the study area boundaries. There are no large reservoirs on the area, only small stock ponds and creek bottoms. Drought conditions severely limited the amount of suitable nesting cover and brood rearing habitat during this study. One brood of four Juvenile mallards was observed on a spring-fed pond during the summer of 198I.
Songbirds
Eighty-six bird species, including game birds and raptors, were observed on the Greenleaf-Miller study area. The Cooper's hawk, golden eagle, bald eagle, prairie falcon, peregrine falcon, upland sand piper, clay-colored sparrow and Brewer's sparrow were listed bv Plath (1981) as species of special interest or concern. The golden eagle, bald eagle, prairie falcon and peregrins falcon are also listed as migratory birds of high federal interest (U.S. D.I. 1979). These species, except the bald eagle and peregrins falcon, known or suspected to breed in the study area.
A total of 1117 breeding bird observations (Table 4l) were made along approximately 20 miles of trail (Figure 5^) during the soring breeding bird roadside surveys. Only six species had a composition percentage greater than 3.0. They were, from the most to least common, western meadowlark, cliff swallow, lark bunting, lark sparrow, mourning dove and yellow warbler. The western meadowlark, with a 9^% frequency of occurrence among the stops, was by far the most common. Large flocks of cliff swallows and lark buntings resulted in their appearance at the top of the composition ratings. Ten additional species had composition percentages greater than 2.0. They included the red- winged blackbird, house wren, eastern kingbird, vesper sparrow, rufous-sided towhee, pinyon Jay, ring-necked pheasant, American robin, chipping sparrow and Brewer's sparrow. All of these, except the pinyon Jay, had frequency percentages greater than 11/J. The only other species with a frequency percentage greater than 10 were the western wood peewee and brown-headed cowbird.
Raptors
Ten species of hawks and one species of owls were observed on the Greenleaf-Miller study area (Table 40). Spring observations, which coincide with the breeding season, are shown in Figure 55 All other raptor observations are shown in Figure 56
Two Cooper's hawks were observed. Both were single birds in flight. One observation was in May 198O along Rosebud Creek and the other was in April I98I along Lay Creek. While no nests were found, both of these birds were possibly part of a nesting pair. No other accioiters were seen on the study area.
Four buteo species were observed; red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk, golden eagle and bald eagle. The red-tailed hawk was by
95
I
LEGEND
County road
Stream
Cheyenne reservation —•
Study area "^
Songbird road route
Small mammal traplines:
Summer ^
Fall o
Vegetation types:
Riparian R
Ponderosa pine P
Sagebrush/
grassland S
^^j'.'ii^j
Pip^ure 5^. Greenleaf-Mlller sonp;blrd road side survey route and small mammal trapllne locations.
q6
Table ^40. Bird species observed on the Greenleaf-Miller Study area.
Species
Breeding Status*
Species
Breeaing Status*
1 Pled-bllled
2 Canada goose
3 Great blue heron h Mallard
5 Green-winged teal
6 Blue-winged teal
7 American wlgeon
8 Northern shoveler
9 Buffle head
10 Turkey vulture
11 SharD-shlnned hawk
12 Cooper's hawk
13 Red-tailed hawk 1^ Rough-legged hawk
15 Golden eagle
16 Bald eagle
17 Marsh hawk
18 Prairie falcon
19 Peregrine falcon
20 American kestrel
21 Sharn-talled grouse
22 Ring-necked pheasant
23 Gray cartridge 2^4 Turkey
25 Killdeer
26 Unland sandpiper
27 Mourning dove
28 Great-horned owl
29 Black-billed cuckoo
30 Common nlghthawk
31 White-throated swift
32 Common flicker
33 Red-headed woodpecker
3^ Yellow-bellied sapsucker
35 Eastern kingbird
36 Western kingbird
37 Cassin's kingbird
38 Say's Dhoebe
39 Least flycatcher
40 Western wood pewee
41 Horned lark
42 Violet-green swallow
43 Tree swallow
t |
44 |
B |
45 |
B |
46 |
B |
47 |
t |
48 |
t |
49 |
t |
50 |
b |
51 |
t |
52 |
B |
53 |
t |
54 |
B |
55 |
B |
56 |
t |
57 |
B |
58 |
b |
59 |
b |
60 |
B |
61 |
t |
62 |
B |
63 |
B |
64 |
B |
65 |
B |
66 |
B |
67 |
B |
68 |
B |
69 |
B |
70 |
B |
71 |
b |
72 |
B |
73 |
b |
74 |
B |
75 |
B |
76 |
b |
77 |
b |
78 |
B |
79 |
B |
80 |
B |
81 |
b |
82 |
b |
83 |
b |
84 |
B |
85 |
B |
86 |
Bank swallow Rough-winged swallow Barn swallow Cliff swallow Black-billed magpie Common crow Pinyon Jay
Black-capped chickadee White-breasted nuthatch Red-breasted nuthatch House wren Rock wren Brown thrasher American robin Mountain bluebird Bohemian waxwlng Loggerhead shrike Solitary vireo Red-eyed vireo Yellow warbler Common vellowthroat Yellow-breasted chat Western meadowlark Yellow-headed blackbird Red-winged blackbird Northern oriole Brewer's blackbird Common grackle Brown-headed cowbird Black-headed grosbeak Evening grosbeak American goldfinch Red crossbill Rufous-sided towhee Lark bunting Grasshopoer sparrow Vesper sparrow Lark sparrow Dark-eyed J unco Chipping sparrow Clay-colored sparrow Brewer's sparrow Song sparrow
Breeding status from Montana Bird Distribution (Skaar 198O) for latilong 43:
B - hard evidence of breeding
b - circumstantial evidence of breeding
t - occurs, but no evidence of breeding
b b B B B b b B b B B B b B B t B B b
B r
b b B b B B B B B b t b b b B B B B B B b B b
V
97
Table ^1.
Bird species composition and frequency of occurrence from Greenleaf-Miller breedinp; bird surveys.
Total |
|||||
Observati |
ons |
Percent : |
|||
Snecies |
1980 |
1981 |
Total |
Composition Fr^ |
equency |
Western meadowlark |
140 |
79 |
219 |
19.6 |
94 |
Cliff swallow |
170 |
20 |
190 |
17.0 |
4 |
Lark bunting |
100 |
— |
100 |
9.0 |
1 |
Lark sparrow |
39 |
17 |
56 |
5.0 |
3i* |
Mourning dove |
16 |
27 |
43 |
3.8 |
30 |
Yellow warbler |
27 |
14 |
41 |
3.7 |
24 |
Red-winged blackbird |
14 |
18 |
32 |
2.9 |
12 |
House wren |
21 |
9 |
30 |
2.7 |
22 |
Eastern kingbird |
17 |
11 |
28 |
2.5 |
23 |
Vesper sparrow |
16 |
12 |
28 |
2.5 |
20 |
Rufous-sided towhee |
18 |
8 |
26 |
2.3 |
21 |
Plnyon .jay |
5 |
21 |
26 |
2.3 |
7 |
Ring-necked pheasant |
20 |
5 |
25 |
2.2 |
14 |
American robin |
17 |
7 |
24 |
2.1 |
18 |
Chipping SDarrow |
13 |
11 |
24 |
2.1 |
17 |
Brewer's sparrow |
10 |
14 |
24 |
2.1 |
15 |
Brewer's blackbird |
13 |
8 |
21 |
1.9 |
14 |
Western wood peewee |
18 |
2 |
20 |
1.8 |
17 |
C^ssin's kingbird |
7 |
7 |
14 |
1.3 |
7 |
Rock wren |
10 |
3 |
13 |
1.2 |
8 |
Brown-headed cowbird |
12 |
— |
12 |
1.1 |
11 |
Red crossbill |
2 |
10 |
12 |
1.1 |
3 |
Northern oriole |
7 |
4 |
11 |
1.0 |
8 |
Common flicker |
5 |
5 |
10 |
.9 |
10 |
Western kingbird |
9 |
_ |
9 |
.8 |
6 |
Killdeer |
6 |
3 |
9 |
.8 |
6 |
Sharo-tailed grouse |
8 |
1 |
9 |
.8 |
4 |
Mountain bluebird |
6 |
1 |
7 |
.6 |
6 |
American goldfinch |
2 |
4 |
6 |
.5 |
6 |
Least flycatcher |
4 |
1 |
5 |
.4 |
4 |
Red-headed woodpecker |
4 |
_ |
4 |
.4 |
4 |
Say's Dhoebe |
3 |
1 |
4 |
.4 |
4 |
American kestrel |
2 |
2 |
4 |
.4 |
4 |
Barn swallow |
4 |
_ |
4 |
.4 |
2 |
Rough-winged swallow |
3 |
1 |
4 |
.4 |
2 |
Yellowthroat |
2 |
_ |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Violet-green swallow |
2 |
_ |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Yellow-breasted chat |
2 |
. |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Brown thrasher |
2 |
. |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Black-headed grossbeak |
1 |
1 |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Tree swallow |
— |
2 |
2 |
.2 |
2 |
Upland sandpiper |
1 |
^ |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
Black-capped chickadee |
1 |
^ |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
Common crow |
1 |
- |
1 |
.1 |
1 |
98
Table '^l continued.
Species 1980 1981 Total Composition Frequency
White-throated swift Cooper's hawk Yeliow-bellled sapsucker Grasshopper sparrow Clay-colored sparrow Song sparrow Solitary vlreo Red-tailed hawk
Total Observed 783 33^ 1117
1-1 .1 1
1-1 .1 1
1-1 .1 1
-11 .1 1
-11 .1 1
1 1 .11
-11 .1 1
-11 .1 1
far the most common of these. Three active nests were located on the study area (Figure 55). Two of these nests were on sandstone cliffs and the other was In a pine tree (Table k2) . A pair of red-tails was observed along Miller Creek in the south-central portion of the study area. A nest was suspected to be in the area but was not located.
One Piolden eagle nest was located in the study area (Table 42). One .juvenile eagle was fledged from the nest in 198O. The nest was not used in 198I. Several eagles were observed on hunting perches or flying over the study area (Figure 55).
The bald eagle and rough-legged hawks observed were thought to be migrating through the area.
Eleven large stick nests were located during a helicopter nest search in 198I (Table 42). These nests were inactive at the time but may be used by red-tailed hawks, golden eagles or great- horned owls.
Marsh hawks were observed along Greenleaf, Lay and Miller Creeks during the spring (Figure 55) and other times of the year (Figure 56). While no nests were located, these birds undoubtedly nested in the area.
The most common raptor species in the Greenleaf-Mlller study area was the American kestrel. They were seen in all portions of the study area and were so numerous that individual sightings were not recorded.
Three prairie falcon aeries were located in the study area (Table 42). Only one of these was active and no fledglings were observed near it.
^
99
LEGEND
County road
St ream
Cheyenne reservation Study area
^■U^.Xr^.i
Spring raptor observations:
Marsh hawk H Rough-legged hawk
Cooper's hawk C Prairie falcon
Golden eagle E Peregrine falcon .
Bald eagle B Great-horned owl. .
Red-tailed hawk.R
L P D N
Raptor nests: active. . . . .•
inactive ©
Figure 55. Greenleaf-Mlller stud.y area spring (resident) raptor observations.
100
C
i>
LEGEND
County road Stream
. — r~\r^.(
Cheyenne reservation Study area
Raptor observations:
Marsh hawk %A A-. H
Sharp-shinned hawk. . . S
Golden eagle E
Red-tailed hawk R
Rough- legged hawk L Prairie falcon P
Figure 56. Greenleaf-Mlller study area summer, fall and winter (migrant) raotor observations.
101
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102
There are an abundance of likely looking nest cavities scattered among the sandstone buttes and cliffs In the study area. It would seem that more active prairie falcon pairs should have been located. Some other factor, perhaps lack of prey base. Is limiting the prairie falcon population in this vicinity.
A peregrine falcon was observed flying over ponderosa pine cover in the southwest portion of the study area. Since it was seen only one time it was assumed to be a migratory bird.
One great-horned owl nest with three fledglings was located during the helicopter survey (Table 42). It was in a ponderosa pine tree in the southeastern portion of the study area. Several great-horned owls were observed along the southern border of the study area but no other nests were found.
Nongame Mammals
Twenty-one mammal species were observed on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area (Table H3) . The black-tailed prairie dog was the only nongame species of special Interest or concern (Flath 198I). Pour prairie dog towns were located on the study area (Figure 57). The three smaller towns had no sign of black-footed ferrets or burrowing owls. The large town on the upper portion of Greenleaf Creek near the southern boundary of the study area was not visited because the landowner would not grant access.
The results of summer and fall small mammal trapping are presented in Table 44. Trapllne locations are shown in Figure 54. Only five rodent species were captured. The deer mouse was the most common, occurring in all three vegetation types in both seasons. The house mouse had the highest density of any species as 11 and 9 were caotured in the riparian summer and fall trap lines respectively, One masked shrew and one prairie vole were also captured in the rioarian summer trapllne. Two bushy-tailed wood rats [Uzotoma c-tne/iea) were captured in the ponderosa pine summer trap line.
No trap line had a success ratio greater than 2.0 captures per 100 trao nights. This very low density of rodents may explain the scarcity of raotor species in the Greenleaf-Mlller study area.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Two amphibian and four reptiles species were observed on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area (Table 45). None of them were listed by Flath (198I) as being snecies of special Interest or concern.
r
103
.*
[
-t »— — t — •-
-^
/
A
-H •— I >-
I
M
LEGEND
County road
St ream ^-^v^j
Cheyenne reservation —
Study area -• ^
Prairie dog town .L— ^
Figure 57. Greenleaf-Mlller study area prairie dog town locations.
10i|
Table 43. Mammals observed on the Greenleaf-Miller study area.
f
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 |
Masked shrew |
2 |
Raccoon |
3 |
Badger |
4 |
Striped skunk |
5 |
Coyote |
6 |
Red fox |
7 |
Black-tailed prairie dog |
8 |
Thirteen-lined ground squirrel |
9 |
Red squirrel |
10 |
Beaver |
11 |
Deer mouse |
12 |
Bushy-tailed woodrat |
13 |
Prairie vole |
14 |
Muskrat |
15 |
House mouse |
16 |
Porcupine |
17 |
White-tailed jackrabbit |
18 |
Desert cottontail |
19 |
Mule deer |
20 |
White-tailed deer |
21 |
Antelope |
P^ocyon totoh. Tax<.dza taxai Mepfi-ct-c.4 mzphitA,i Cain-i6 latnani Vulpz6 \)ulpe,6 Ctjnomy6 ZadovA,CA.an.a6 SpzfimophA,lu6 t^ide.ce.mZ'imata6 TamA.a6c<.ufLa-i hud6onA,cui CoL&ton. coLnad(iYi&l& PzfL0my6cu6 manicuZatu& ^zotoma C'imn.cL UZa^ota^t 0chfL0ga6te.f1 Ondatfia zi.bzthZca6 Ma6 mu6catu6 EfLZth^izon dofiiatam L&pui tou)n6e.nd'i SytvltdQuii audubonZ Odoco-ltza6 kzm<.ona6 0 do CO lt2.u.& vA-fLginZanai kntlto capfia amzfiicana
Table 44. Results of small mammal trapping on the Greenleaf-Miller study area during the summer and fall of 198O.
Ponderosa |
Sapcebrush- |
|||||
Vegetation Type |
Ripari |
an |
Pine |
Grassland |
||
Season Summer |
Pall |
Summer |
Fall |
Summer |
Pall |
|
Total captures |
16 |
15 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
10 |
Trap nights |
803 |
836 |
829 |
844 |
816 |
813 |
Caotures/lOO trap nights |
1.99 |
1.79 |
1.21 |
0.24 |
0.24 |
1.23 |
Number of species caught |
4 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
Soecles : |
||||||
?tfiomij6cu6 manlculata6 |
3 |
6 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
MuA mu6cala6 |
11 |
9 |
2 |
— |
1 |
3 |
SofLZx cine.fie.a6 |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
fMcfiotuA ochfLoga6tefL |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
- |
Neotoma clnefiea |
^ |
^ |
2 |
**" |
^ |
•• |
105
Table 45. Amphibians and reDtiles observed on the Greenleaf-Mlller study area.
Common Name
1 Saf?;ebrush lizard
2 Great plains toad
3 Painted turtle k Racer
5 Bull snake
6 Prairie rattlesnake
Scientific Name
ScztopofiaA g^a.a^06u6 Bu^o cognatui
Colube.fi CO n& tfiltto n. V-itaophl& catzn^io^fi Cfiotala& \}lHyidii&
Poster Creek
Mule Peer
Population characteristics: During the study period 3,249 mule deer were observed on the Foster Creek study area (Table 46). Mean group size was smallest during summer (2.1 to 2.3) and largest in winter (8.7). Mean number of observations per hour of aerial survey ranged between 21.2 (summer 1980) and 64.9 (winter I98O-8I) (Table 47).
Population structure, determined during September and October 1980, indicates a healthy herd with a fawn/doe ratio between 81.3:100 and 116.2:100 (Table 48). Combined observations from September and October I98O Indicate a fawn/doe ratio of 91.4 :100, with 4l.3% of the population composed of fawns. Production surveys conducted by the Montana Deot . of Pish, Wildlife and Parks prior to hunting season resulted in an average fawn/doe ratio of 82:100 for all 30 hunting districts in southeastern Montana, with 44% of the population comprised of fawns (Swenson 198I).
Distribution Figure 5a.
Spring mule deer distribution is illustrated in Most observations were in the area of Foster Creek,
in the central portion of the study area, and along Little Pumpkin Creek to the south.
Summer observations were even more noticeably associated with major drainages (Figure 59). Foster Creek, Little Pumpkin Creek and the Mullins Coulee area of Lav Creek appeared to be high use areas. These meslc habitats were particularly important to deer during severe drought conditions of 198O and 198I.
Pall mule deer distribution (Figure 60) was less concentrated than summer, but remained mostly associated with the Foster Creek drainage.
Winter observations (Figure 61) were dispersed over the study area. The winter of 198O-8I was extremely mild and of short duration, which made delineation of traditional winter concentration areas
106
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Table 46. Observations by month and mean group size for mule deer on the Foster Creek study area.
Year Observations Individuals Mean Group Size
1980 April 31 250 8.1 May 39 I8I 4.6
Spring To Ji31 575"
June 33 55 1.7
July 98 187 1.9
August 40 113 2.8
Summer ITT IF5 STT"
September 17 76 4.5
October 4o 205 5.1
November 39 201 5.2
Pall ^ W2 570~
December 28 224 8.0
1981 January 29 213 7.3 February 19 223 11.7
Winter 75 5"50 877
March 31 310 10.0
April 44 329 7.5
May 71 201 2.8
~SprTng TWE 8T0 57B~
June 64 125 2.0
July 96 202 2.1
August 52 154 3.0
Summer TH TOl TTT'
€
impossible. Although deer were observed in larger herds, they were able to range widely during the entire season.
Cover type usage: Seasonal use of cover types is presented in Table 49. Use of ponderosa pine habitats was undoubtedly underestimated for all seasons due to the difficulty of observing deer in coniferous cover. In spite of this observational bias, a lareje nroportion of observations occurred in this cover category all seasons. Ponderosa pine habitats appeared to be most heavily used during winter and soring.
Use of sagebrush and grassland habitats was fairly constant except during the spring seasons of I98O and I98I. Deer made more use of creek bottom habitats during the first spring and appeared to shift from creek bottom habitats to sagebrush/ grassland habitats the second soring. Succulent forage was even more scarce early the second spring than the first, causing livestock
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to concentrate on meslc areas. Competition with livestock may have been a significant factor in the observed change in habitat use between years. Use of creek bottom types increased again in summer 198I when livestock were more dispersed. In addition to providing succulent forage and water, favorable thermal conditions in mesic creek bottom habitats provide relief from high temp- eratures for deer.
Activity: Mule deer activity at time of observation is presented in Table 50. The largest proportion of deer were standing or feeding when first seen during all seasons except winter, when a large proportion of animals were bedded. Feeding activity at time of observation was most prevalent in spring and least common in winter.
Use of topography: Deer used the rugged mesa-butte features most during fall and winter (Table 51). Dissected mid-slopes were most heavily used in early spring when new plant growth appeared. Use of alluvium/terrace and flood plain categories was highest during summer and fall, as deer use of creek bottom habitats increased.
Use of exposure: The percentage of mule deer observations on flat terrain was highest during summer and fall seasons, coin- cident with high use of mesic lowland habitats (Table 52). Deer were observed on every aspect during all seasons. Heavy use of the northeast exposure occurred during the warm and dry spring of 1981.
Use of slope; Use of flat and gentle terrain categories was greatest during summer and fall seasons (Table 53). Use of steeper terrain features was highest in winter, when mule deer utilized ponderosa pine habitats on ridges and hillsides.
White-tailed Deer
Seventy-nine individual white-tailed deer were observed on the study area during the study period (Figure 62). Most observations were associated with deciduous habitats and hayfields along Little Pumpkin Creek, in the southern portion of the study area.
Pronghorn Antelope
Population characteristics: During the study period 4,046 antelope were observed on the Foster Creek study area (Table 54). Mean group size was smallest during spring and summer, peaking at 26.3 in winter. Mean number of observations per hour of aerial survey was highest during fall surveys (46.1) (Table 47).
Summer population structure is presented in Table 55. Fawn/doe ratios between 48.7:100 and 50.7:100 indicate rather poor reproductive success both years for this herd. Population trend surveys covering all of hunting district 74l between 1972 and 1977 indicated fawn/doe ratios between 55:100 and 85:100 for this area (Wentland 198I). The population is on its way to recovery following a decline during the severe winters of 1977-78 and 1978-79 (Wentland 198I).
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Table 5^ . Observations by month and mean group size for antelope on the Poster Creek study area.
Number of Total Year Month Observations Individual Mean Group Size
1980 April 10 22 2.2 May 58 198 3.^
Spring "T8 ?70 ' 372"
June 103 331 3.2
July 95 ^10 4.3
August 34 221 6.5
Summer ?I2 W^ 4.1
September 31 132 4.2
October 32 250 7.8
November 25 429 17.2
Fall TSTB 8T1 5T2
December 9 217 24.1
1981 January 4 122 30.5 February 5 135 27
Winter ~T8 WV\ 26.3
March 46 287 6.2
April 68 422 6.2
May 99 202 2.0
Spring ?T3 5TT 473
June 65 176 2.7
July 72 293 4.1
August 39 199 5.1
Summer TY^ ^ r JTB"
Distribution; Spring antelope distribution is illustrated in Figure 63. Observations were concentrated in the northeast corner of the study area (Lay Creek and South Pork Foster Creek) and along Lone Tree Creek and Little Pumpkin Creek in the east and southeast portions.
Summer antelope distribution was less concentrated than spring (Figure 64). Most observations occurred in the northwest and southeast portions of the study area, extending into the Poster Creek area. Clumped observations along Little Pumpkin Creek were partially due to frequent travel along that route.
Similar to spring distribution, fall antelope observations were concentrated in the northwest and southeast portions of the study area (Figure 65). Winter observations (Figure 66) followed the same pattern but were fewer and less concentrated. The winter of 1980-81 was extremely mild and of short duration, making delineation
118
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of traditional winter concentration areas impossible. Antelope were able to range widely during the entire season.
Cover type usage: The preponderance of antelope observations in sagebrush and grassland habitats Illustrates the dependence of this species upon these habitats (Table 56). Use of the sage- brush sub-category peaked during winter. Mesic creek bottom habitats received significant use during spring, summer and fall of 1980. But as in the case of mule deer, use of this habitat category was much less the following year. Agricultural types received significant use during the winter season.
Activity; Antelope activity at time of observation is presented in Table 57. The largest proportion of animals were standing alert or running when first observed. Feeding activity was most prevalent during spring.
Use of topography: Use of dissected mid-slopes remained high and relatively constant during spring, summer and fall seasons (Table 58). A shift to alluvium/terrace areas was evident in winter. Flood plain features were used more during I98O than 1981
Use of exposure: The greatest proportion of antelope observations were made on flat terrain during all seasons (Table 59). Antelope ( were observed using all exposures during every season except winter, when northeast, northwest and southeast aspects appeared to be favored.
Use of slope: Most antelope sightings occurred in habitats characterized by gentle slopes or flat terrain all seasons (Table 60). This trend was particularly evident in winter.
Birds
One hundred and twenty-seven species of birds were observed on the Foster Creek study area during the study period (Table 6I). Resident breeding was documented for 52 species. The goshawk. Cooper's hawk, ferruginous hawk, golden eagle, bald eagle, prairie falcon, peregrine falcon, merlin, long-billed curlew, upland sandpiper, burrowing owl, long-eared owl and field sparrow are all listed by Flath (198I) as species of special concern in Montana. The ferruginous hawk, bald eagle, golden eagle, burrowing owl, peregrine falcon, prairie falcon and long-billed curlew are also listed as migratory birds of high federal interest in the Powder River coal region (U.S. D.I. 1979).
Sharp-tailed grouse: Sharp-tailed grouse were abundant in the Foster Creek vicinity. Twenty-five sharp-tailed grouse arenas were located within the study area (Figure 67). Attendance by ("
displaying males on the 12 arenas located in spring of I98I averaged 9.^ (Table 62). Attendance averaged 22.1 in 198O and 11.7 in 1981 on the 13 arenas for which two years of data were obtained. The 50$ drop in attendance between years is consistent with poor sharptail oroduction documented throughout southeastern Montana for I98O (Knapp et al. I98I).
123
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126
Table 6l.
Occurrence and breeding status of bird species observed on the Foster Creek study area, 198O-8I.
3rec3.g5
Status
Species
Status
1 |
Common loon |
M |
51 |
Solitary sandpiper |
2 |
Eared grebe |
B |
52 |
Willet |
3 |
Western grebe |
M |
53 |
Greater yellowlegs |
H |
Pied-billed grebe |
B |
55 |
Lesser yellowlegs |
5 |
Great blue heron |
t |
55 |
Long-billed dowitcher |
6 |
American bittern |
b |
56 |
American avocet |
7 |
Canada goose |
t |
57 |
Wilson's phalarope |
8 |
Snow goose |
M |
58 |
Northern phalarope |
9 |
Mallard |
B |
59 |
California gull |
10 |
Gadwall |
B |
60 |
Ring-billed gull |
11 |
Pintail |
B |
61 |
Franklin's gull |
12 |
Green-winged teal |
B |
62 |
Black tern |
13 |
Blue-winged teal |
B |
63 |
Mourning dove |
14 |
American wigeon |
B |
64 |
Screech owl |
15 |
Northern shoveler |
B |
65 |
Great horned owl |
16 |
Redhead |
b |
66 |
Snowy owl |
17 |
Ring-necked duck |
t |
67 |
Burrowing owl |
18 |
Canvasback |
t |
68 |
Long-eared owl |
19 |
Lesser scaup |
t |
69 |
Short-eared owl |
20 |
Bufflehead |
t |
70 |
Poor-will |
21 |
Ruddy duck |
t |
71 |
Common nighthawk |
22 |
Common merganser |
t |
72 |
Belted kingfisher |
23 |
Goshawk |
t |
73 |
Common flicker |
24 |
Sharp-shinned hawk |
t |
74 |
Red-headed woodpecker |
25 |
Cooper's hawk |
t |
75 |
Hairy woodpecker |
26 |
Red-tailed hawk |
B |
76 |
Downy woodpecker |
27 |
Swainson's hawk |
t |
77 |
Eastern kingbird |
28 |
Rough-legged hawk |
M |
78 |
Western kingbird |
29 |
Ferruginous hawk |
t |
79 |
Say's phoebe |
30 |
Golden eagle |
B |
80 |
Least flycatcher |
31 |
Bald eagle |
t |
81 |
Western wood peewee |
32 |
Marsh hawk |
b |
82 |
Horned lark |
33 |
Prairie falcon |
B |
83 |
Violet-green swallow |
34 |
Peregrine falcon |
M |
84 |
Barn swallow |
35 |
Merlin |
t |
85 |
Cliff swallow |
36 |
American kestrel |
B |
86 |
Black-billed magpie |
37 |
Sharp-tailed grouse |
B |
87 |
Common raven |
38 |
Sage grouse |
B |
88 |
Common crow |
39 |
Ring-necked pheasant |
B |
89 |
Pinon Jay |
40 |
Gray partridge |
B |
90 |
Clark's nutcracker |
41 |
Turkey |
B |
91 |
Black-capped chickadee |
42 |
Virginia rail |
t |
92 |
Red-breasted nuthatch |
43 |
Sora |
t |
93 |
House wren |
44 |
American coot |
b |
94 |
Rock wren |
45 |
Killdeer |
B |
95 |
Gray catbird |
46 |
Black-bellied plover |
M |
96 |
Brown thrasher |
47 |
Common snipe |
t |
97 |
American robin |
48 |
Long-billed curlew |
B |
98 |
Mountain bluebird |
49 |
Upland sandpiper |
B |
99 |
Townsend's solitaire |
50 |
Spotted sandpiper |
t |
100 |
Loggerhead shrike |
M t M M M t b M t t t t B t B t B t T B B b B b b b B
P B
t
b
b
t
B
B
B
t
b
b
t
b
b
B
b
b
B
B
B
t
B
127
Table 6l • Continued,
Species Status
101 Starling B
102 Yellow warbler B
103 Yellow-rumped warbler t
104 Common yellow throat t
105 House sparrow B
106 Western meadowlark B
107 Yellow-headed blackbird B
108 Red-winged blackbird B
109 Northern oriole B
110 Brewer's blackbird B
111 Common grackle B
112 Brown-headed cowbird b
113 Black-headed grosbeak b
114 Lazuli bunting t
115 American goldfinch b
116 Red crossbill B
117 Rufous-sided towhee B
118 Lark bunting B
119 Savannah sparrow t
120 Grasshopper sparrow b
121 Vesper sparrow b
122 Lark sparrow B
123 Chipping sparrow B
124 Brewer's sparrow t
125 Field sparrow t
126 Song sparrow b
127 Snow bunting W
* Status:
B - hard evidence of breeding
b - circumstantial evidence of breeding
t - occurs, but no evidence of breeding
w - overwintering observation
m - migratory observation
128
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129
Poor nesting success and/or brood survival in I98O was a result of orevailing drought conditions.
Sage grouse: Two sage grouse arenas were located in the northeast Dortion of the study area (Figure 67). Attendance by displaying males was 12 and 7, respectively (Table 63). Average number of male sage grouse per arena declined in 198I, from a high in I98O, throughout eastern Montana (Knapp et al. 198I). One hundred and fifty-one individual sage grouse were sighted on the study area during the study period. Most observations were in the northeast portion and along the north and south boundaries. Additional sage grouse arenas are undoubtedly located in close proximity to the study area.
Other upland game birds: Seventy-one turkeys were observed in the vicinities of Foster Creek and Cameron Creek during the study period. A group including 4 adults and 11 young birds was sighted on Foster Creek in the summer of 198O. A group of about 30 birds frequented the Cameron Creek vicinity during the winter of 198O-81.
Pheasants are abundant and commonly seen on the study area, especially along Foster Creek and Little Pumpkin Creeks. Pheasant crow routes were not conducted during the study period due to time and weather constraints but frequent observations indicated that they are abundant wherever suitable habitat is present.
Gray partridge occur on the study area but were seen infrequently.
Waterfowl: In spite of severe drought conditions of 198O and 19bl, a large number and variety of waterfowl were observed on the study area (Table 6I). Most stock ponds dried up during both summers and others were completely dry both years. Species successfully breeding on the study area include the eared grebe, pied-billed grebe, mallard, gadwall, pintail, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, American wlgeon and northern shoveler.
Three large reservoirs in the southern portion of the study area
(Section 9, TIS, R48e) and their associated marsh habitats
support a large number and variety of resident waterfowl and
shorebirds. They served as a staging area for resident birds
late in the summer when many other ponds were dry and they attracted
migrant birds also. Flocks of as many as l4o Canada geese used
these reservoirs and adjacent fields during migration.
Nongame birds: Species composition of songbirds observed during roadside inventory surveys is presented in Table 64. Location of songbird inventory route stops is Illustrated in Figure 68. Observations of American kestrels were also recorded during these surveys. Meadowlarks made up approximately 30J5 of all birds observed. Meadowlarks, vesper sparrows and lark buntings together made up over 50% of the species composition. These data are probably biased in favor of species having the most conspicuous habits and loudest songs.
130
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131
Table 64* Bird species composition from five runs of the song bird inventory route on the Poster Creek study area.
Number |
Observed |
Percent Composition |
Percent Frequency |
||
Species |
15H0 |
1981 |
|||
Western meadowlark |
127 |
71 |
29 |
90 |
|
Vesper sparrow |
59 |
23 |
12 |
50 |
|
Lark bunting |
60 |
15 |
11 |
6 |
|
Mourning dove |
18 |
25 |
6 |
25 |
|
Brewer's blackbird |
15 |
13 |
4 |
14 |
|
Lark sparrow |
18 |
7 |
4 |
20 |
|
Red crossbills |
30 |
4 |
3 |
||
Chipping sparrow |
16 |
6 |
3 |
17 |
|
Killdeer |
8 |
12 |
3 |
17 |
|
Eastern kingbird |
7 |
10 |
2 |
9 |
|
Yellow warbler |
7 |
7 |
2 |
7 |
|
Common grackle |
8 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
|
American robin |
7 |
3 |
1 |
8 |
|
House wren |
7 |
3 |
1 |
9 |
|
Horned lark |
5 |
5 |
1 |
7 |
|
Red-winged blackbird |
6 |
3 |
1 |
7 |
|
Pinon .-Jay |
5 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
|
Grasshopper sparrow |
2 |
6 |
1 |
6 |
|
Common flicker |
2 |
H |
1 |
6 |
|
Song sparrow |
6 |
1 |
5 |
||
Say's phoebe |
i\ |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
American kestrel |
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
|
Brown headed cowblrd |
4 |
tr* |
3 |
||
Rock wren |
3 |
1 |
tr |
4 |
|
Upland sandpiper |
4 |
tr |
4 |
||
Black headed grosbeak |
3 |
tr |
2 |
||
Brewer's sparrow |
3 |
tr |
3 |
||
Black capped chickadee |
3 |
tr |
2 |
||
Least flycatcher |
2 |
1 |
tr |
3 |
|
Violet-green swallow |
2 |
tr |
1 |
||
American goldfinch |
2 |
tr |
1 |
||
Barn swallow |
1 |
1 |
tr |
2 |
|
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1 |
1 |
tr |
2 |
|
Western wood neewee |
2 |
tr |
2 |
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Lazuli bunting |
1 |
tr |
1 |
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1 |
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1 |
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1 |
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1 |
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1 |
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Northern oriole |
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132
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Long-billed curlews were commonly observed In an area immediately southeast of the study area (Fie;ure 69). The vicinity of frequent sightings is referred to as "Curlew Flats" by local residents. During the summer of 198O as many as 12 individuals were seen at one time in the vicinity. A significant decline in observations during 198I may have been due to effects of the worsening drought.
At one time the long-billed curlew occurred in large numbers over most prairie regions of the United States and southern Canada. Today, curlews are restricted to scattered populations in the West (Allen I98O). Although the curlew is a protected species throughout North America, their numbers continue to decline due to habitat destruction. "Curlew Plats" is a special wildlife feature that should be protected from habitat alteration.
Raptors : Twenty species of raptors were observed on the Foster Creek study area. Secretive species such as saw-whet owls probably occur on the area, but were not observed during the study period. For the purpose of identifying resident breeding birds, raptor distribution was mapped as follows: Birds observed during the months of May, June and July were considered resident breeders (Figure 70). All other raptor observations were recorded on a separate distribution map, including migrant and transient birds (Figure 71).
Accipiters; One sighting of a goshawk was made during the 198O breeding season. It may have nested undetected on the study area or in the imediate vicinity. Sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper's hawks observed in late summer and fall were considered migrant or transient birds.
Buteos : Red-tailed hawks were ubiquitous on the study area. Fifteen stick nests believed to be red-tailed hawk nests were located in spring of 198I (Table 65). Four of these were active in 1981. Red-tailed hawks were known to breed on the study area in 1980 but no nests were located that year. Individuals of both Krider's and Harlan's color phases occurred on the area.
Swainson's hawks were observed several times and may have nested within the study area undetected. Large numbers of rough-legged hawks were present in the vicinity during migration periods. Several sightings of a ferruginous hawk were made during the 1980 breeding season. This individual may have nested southeast of the study area.
Golden eagles were commonly observed during all seasons. Three of four known nests on the study area were active during the study period (Table 65). One nest fledged a single young in 1980 and another fledged two young in I98I. A third nest active in 1981 was unsuccessful, possibly due to wind damage sustained in June. It is probable that an additional nest was active in 1981. and escaped detection. This was indicated by August sightings of two fledglings on the study area, which known nests could not account for.
134
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A sighting was made of a migrant bald eagle In fall of 198O.
Harriers : Marsh hawks were common on the study area and undoubtedly nested there. Although young birds were observed, no nests were found,
Falcons : Kestrels were the most commonly observed raptor. Numerous nests were observed in snags, most often in ponderosa pine habitats.
A prairie falcon aerie was located in a scoria cliff Just southeast of the study area. Three young fledged from that aerie in 198I.
Four sightings of peregrine falcons were made on the study area during migration periods.
Two sightings of merlins were obtained during the study period. Merlins may have nested on the study area undetected. Three pairs of merlins nested on the adjacent Sand Creek study area in 1980.
Owls : Great horned owls were commonly seen on the study area. Three nest sites were located (Table 65), two in sandstone outcrops and a stick nest in a ponderosa pine tree. Three families of burrowing owls were observed during the summer of 1981, two of which resided in prairie dog towns (Figure 70).
A snowy owl was observed in the northern part of the study area during the 198O-8I winter. A single long-eared owl and single short-eared owl were seen on the Foster Creek study area in 1981.
Nongame Mammals
Twenty-one species of mammals, including game species, were observed on the Foster Creek study area (Table 66). The black- tailed prairie dog is listed by Flath (198I) as a species of special concern in Montana.
Twenty-three prairie dog towns are located with the boundary of the study area (Table 67). Mean town size is 36. 1 acres (1^.^ hectares) (Figure 72). Intensive foot surveys during July of 1980 and 1981 failed to reveal evidence of black-footed ferret activity on any of these sites, which are periodically subject to prairie dog control measures.
Results of small mammal sampling on the study area are summarized in Table 68. Location of traplines is illustrated in Figure 68. The largest number of captures was obtained in riparian habitat but only two species were caught. Poor trapping success in all habitats probably reflect depressed population densities of small mammals due to drought conditions.
Other species possibly occuring on the study area (excluding bats) include: masked shrew iSoxzx. clm/LZui] , mountain cottontail
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Table 66 . Mammal species observed on the Poster Creek study area, I98O-81.
No,
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 Striped skunk
2 Badger
3 Raccoon
4 Red fox
5 Coyote
6 Bobcat
7 Thirteen-lined ground squirrel
8 Black-tailed prairie dog
9 Least chipmunk
10 Red squirrel
11 Northern pocket gopher
12 Western deer mouse
13 Bushy-tailed wood rat
14 Muskrat
15 House mouse
16 Porcupine
17 White-tailed jack rabbit
18 Desert cottontail
19 White-tailed deer
20 Mule deer
21 Pronghorn antelope
Ue.phlt'ii mzph.itA,6
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\J(xtpz& \jalpz&
Canl'i> latfianA
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Spz^moph.lla'i, tnld(LC.Q.mlilnzataii
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Eata.ml(X& m-inlmixi
Tamla6CA,afiu.6 kadi 0 nA,ca6
Thomomy6 tatpo<.dz6
Pzn.omyAcu& man-icutatu6
hlzotoma ci-Yizfia.
Ondatfia zi-hzthlcai
Mu4 mu4ca£a.6
EfiztkA,zon dofL6atam
L^pU'i toLOn6e.nd-L
Sylvllagu^ audubon-i
Odocoltzixii vlfiQln.la.na&
Odoco^tzuL-S hzm-ionui
Kntllocapia. amzilcana.
[SytviZagui nuttalliZ) , Ord kangaroo rat [V^podomy^ on.dA,i.) , Wyoming pocket mouse {Pzfiognathui i^a^c^a^tai ) , meadow Jumping mouse (Zapu-4 hud6on^ca6) , western harvest mouse {RzithfLodontomy^ mzgatot<.6) , northern grasshopper mouse {0nychomy4> tzuaoga^tzx) , white-footed deer mouse {?zA.omyica6 tzucopu4>) , prairie vole (M-tc-^o^tu-i och^oga^tzn.) , meadow vole {H-icKotu-i pznniytvayi'icuii] , short-tailed weasel [Ma^tzla zfiminza] and long-tailed weasel [Ua&tzla. f^fiznata) (Hoffman and Pattle 1968, Plath 1981).
Amphibians and Reptiles
Occurrence of four species of amphibians and nine species of reptiles was documented on the study area (Table 69). The snapping turtle, plains hognose and mllksnake are listed by Plath (1981) as species of special concern in Montana. The plains hognose and milksnake are thought to be uncommon on the area as only one specimen of each was observed.
141
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Table 68.
Results of small mammal trapplnp; on the Poster Creek study area, summer and fall 1980.
Riparian
Ponderosa Pine
Sagebrush/ Grassland
Total caotures Trap nights Captures/100 trap nights Number of species caught |
26 1634 1.59 2 |
15 1658 0.90 2 |
11 1634 0.67 2 |
Species: P^fLomyAcui) man.'icutatuA |
21 5 |
14 1 |
10 1 |
Table 69. Reptilian and amphibian species observed on the Foster Creek study area, 198O-8I.
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 Rocky Mountain toad
2 Great Plains toad
3 Northern chorus frog
4 Leopard frog
5 Snapping turtle
6 Painted turtle
7 Short-horned lizard
8 Plains hognose snake
9 Racer
10 Bull snake
11 Milk snake
12 Plains garter snake
13 Prairie rattlesnake
Bu^o woodhoui&zl
Balo cognatu6
V & zadoLcfilit tfil/i (Lfi'Lata.
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143
Sand Creek
Mule Deer
Population characteristics: During the study period 963 mule deer were observed on the Sand Creek study area (Table 70). Mean group size was smallest during summer (2.2 to 2.3) and peaked at 8.6 in spring 198I. Mean number of observations per hour of aerial survey ranged between 22 (summer I98O) and 62 (winter and spring 1981) (Table 71).
Population structure, determined during September and October 1980, indicates a healthy herd with a fawn/doe ratio between 76:100 and 111.8:100 (Table 72). Combined observations from September and October 198O indicate a fawn/doe ratio of 90.5:100 with 37.2% of the population composed of fawns. Production surveys conducted by the Mont. Dept . of Fish, Wildlife and Parks prior to hunting season resulted in an average fawn/doe ratio of 82:100 for all 30 hunting districts in southeastern Montana with 44? of the population composed of fawns (Swenson I98I).
Table 70. Observations by month and mean group size for mule deer on the Sand Creek study area.
Year |
Month |
Number of Observations |
Total Individuals |
Mean Group Size |
1980 |
April May Spring June July August Summer September October November Fall December January February Winter March April May Spring June July August Summer |
4 11 |
37 68 |
9.2 6.2 |
15 20 27 15 |
105 39 55 49 |
7.0 2.0 2.0 3.3 |
||
62 5 13 13 |
143 11 55 62 |
2.3 2.2 4.2 4.8 |
||
1981 |
31 12 5 7 |
128 84 25 63 |
4.1 7.0 5.0 9.0 |
|
24 7 14 8 |
172 96 112 41 |
7.2 13.7 8.0 5.1 |
||
29 27 29 19 |
249 51 56 59 |
8.6 1.9 1.9 3.1 |
||
75 |
166 |
2.2 |
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145
Table 72. Mule deer population characteristics on the Sand Creek study area, i980.
Population Structure Number Classified Fawns: 100 Bucks;100 {%)
Month Total Bucks Does Fawns" Does Adults Does Bucks Does Fawns
Sept 57 13 25 19 76 50 52 22.8 43.8 33.3 Oct 45 9 17 19 111.8 73 52.9 20 37.8 42.2
Distribution: Spring mule deer distribution is illustrated in Figure 73- Most observations were in the northwest portion and along the southwest and southern boundaries.
Summer observations were more widely dispersed over the study area (Figure 74). Pall observations (Figure 75) were also scattered with some degree of concentration in the vicinity of ponderosa pine habitats (Figure 8). Winter observatins were clumped in the north- west and southwest portions of the study area (Figure 76). The winter of 198O-8I was extremely mild and of short duration, which made delineation of traditional winter concentration areas impossible, Lack of significant snow cover allowed deer to range widely during the entire season.
Cover type usage: Seasonal use of cover types is p^resented in Table 73. Use of ponderosa pine habitats was undoubtedly under- estimated for all seasons due to the difficulty of observing deer in coniferous cover. In spite of this observational bias, large proportion of observations occurred in this cover category all seasons. Ponderosa pine habitats occupy a very small proportion of the study area (Figure 4). Selection of ponderosa pine habitats was most evident in winter.
Use of sagebrush and grassland habitats was much greater during spring and summer of 198I than the preceding year, with a corresponding lesser use of creek bottom types. This trend was also noted on the Foster Creek study area. Use of creek bottom habitats peaked during fall and use of agricultural areas was greatest in spring.
Activity: Mule deer activity at time of observation is presented in Table 74. The largest proportion of deer were standing or feedinp; when first seen during all seasons except winter and spring of I98I. Bedding activity was most prevalent in winter. Feeding activity was most commonly observed during spring. Feeding activity was significantly more commonly observed during spring and summer of I98I than spring and summer of the preceding year. This trend suggests that it was necessary for deer to spend more time feeding during the 198I seasons. Drough conditions severely limited forage in early spring to a greater extent in 198I than in 198O.
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Use of topography: Deer appeared to use steep slopes to a greater extent In 19«0 than in 1981 (Table 75). Use of dissected mid-slopes peaked in winter when deer heavily used ponderosa pine ridges. Dissected mid-slope and alluvium/terrace features were used to a greater extend during spring and summer of 198I than 198O. A corresponding lesser use of flood plain areas was noted the second year.
Use of exposure; The percentage of deer observations on flat terrain was highest during summer of 198O and least in winter (Table 76). South exposures received disproportionately higher use than other aspects during summer of both years.
Use of slope; The majority of mule deer observations were made on areas characterized by flat terrain or gentle slopes in all seasons except winter (Table 77). A shift to terrain of medium and steep slope was evident during winter. Heavy use of medium slopes was also evident during the 198I spring season.
White-tailed Deer
Twenty-five individual white-tailed deer were observed on the study area during the study period (Figure 77). These observations were made primarily at the southwest boundary of the study area, in deciduous and ponderosa pine habitats.
Pronghorn Antelope
Population characteristics; During the study period 266 antelope were observed on the Sand Creek study area (Table 78). Mean group size ranged from 2.6 (summer 1980) to 17 (winter 198O-8I). Mean number of observations per hour of aerial survey was substantially higher during summer 1981 than in any previous season (Table 71). No antelope were observed on the study area during 1980 fall surveys.
Summer population structure is presented in Table 79. Small sample size limits the use of these figures for comparative purposes. Population trend surveys covering all of hunting district 7^^ between 1971 and 197^ indicated fawn/doe ratios between 21; 100 and 112:100 for this area (Wentland I98I). The 1979 survey revealed a fawn/doe ratio of 55:100, following a decline during the severe winters of 1977-78 and 1978-79.
Distribution: Antelope distribution during soring, summer and fall of 19«0 and winter of 198O-8I is illustrated' in Figure 78. Most observations occurred in sagebrush habitats of the northeast portion of the study area. Sightings in the southern half of the study area occurred on agricultural areas. Observations during 198I were clustered in sagebrush habitats of the northern half of the study area (Figure 79).
Cover type usage; The preponderance of antelope observations in sagebrush and grassland habitats illustrates the dependence of this species upon these habitats (Table 80). Agricultural types (grain fields) received substantial use during the summer season.
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Table 78. Observations by month and mean group size for antelope on the Sand Creek study area.
Year |
Month |
Number of Observations |
Total Individuals |
Mean Group Size |
1980 |
April May Spring June July August Summer September October November Fall December January February Winter March April May Spring June July August Summer |
1 .1 |
8 3 |
|
2 10 3 4 |
11 16 7 22 |
1.6 2.3 5.5 |
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45 23 2 |
■■ 2.6" 5.8 1.0 |
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1981 |
b 2 |
25 34 |
4.2 17.0 |
|
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34 20 5 24 |
17.0 10.0 1.7 6.0 |
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9 12 6 9 |
49 25 30 47 |
5.4 2.1 5.0 5.2 |
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27 |
102 |
3.8 |
Table 79. Antelope population structure on the Sand Creek study area.
Month |
Number |
Classified |
Popul; Bucks |
ation Structure ($) |
|||||
Year |
Tota |
rr |
Bucks |
Does |
Pawns |
Does Fawns |
|||
1980 1981 |
June July August June July August |
16 7 22 25 30 7 |
6 3 8 4 1 |
10 4 8 17 17 3 |
3 11 9 3 |
37.5 0 13.6 32.0 13.3 14.3 |
62.5 0 57.1 42.8 36.4 50.0 68.0 0 56.7 30.0 42.8 42.8 |
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Activity: Antelope activity at time of observation is presented in Table 8l. Small sample sizes durinp; some seasons limit the usefulness of seasonal comparisons.
Use of topography; Most observations were obtained on alluvium/ terrace features during; all seasons (Table 82). Use of dissected mid-slopes was highest in spring of 1980.
Use of exposure and slope: The greatest proportion of antelope observations were made on flat terrain during all seasons (Tables 83 and 84).
Birds
Seventy-eight species of birds were observed on the Sand Creek study area during the study period (Table 85). Resident breeding was documented for forty species. The Cooper's hawk, ferruginous hawk, golden eagle, prairie falcon, merlin, long-billed curlew, upland sandpiper, long-eared owl and field sparrow are all listed by Flath (198I) as species of special concern in Montana. The ferruginous hawk, golden eagle, prairie falcon and long-billed curlew are also listed as migratory birds of high federal interest in the Powder River coal region (U.S. D.I. 1979).
Sharp-tailed grouse: Sharp-tailed grouse were abundant in the Sand Creek vicinity. Ten sharo-tailed grouse arenas were located within the study area (Figure 80). Attendance by displaying males averaged l4.9 in 1980 and 12.8 in 198I, on arenas for which two years of data were obtained (Table 86). The drop in attendance between years is insignificant compared with the 50% decline noted on the Foster Creek study area. A significant drop in male attendance was documented on sharp-tail arenas throughout south- eastern Montana in I981 (Knapp et al. 1981). Poor nesting success and/or brood survival in I98O was a result of prevailing drought conditions.
An additional arena was found in spring 198I and an arena which had been used the previous year (#1) appeared to be abandoned in 198I.
Sage grouse: Although no sage grouse arenas were found on the study area, 43 individuals were observed during the summers of 1980 and 81. They were sighted in sagebrush habitats and cut hayfields.
Other upland game birds : One hundred seventy-nine turkeys were observed on the study area during the study period. Most sightings occurred in ponderosa pine habitats of the northwest corner section, in groups as large as 30 birds. Other observations were obtained along the west boundary of the study area.
Ring-necked pheasants were fairly common on the area. Gray partridge also occur but were seen infrequently.
Waterfowl: Waterfowl habitat on the Sand Creek study area is very limited. The few stock ponds on the area are small and were mostly dry 198O-8I. Successful breeding was documented for only mallard and gadwalls during the study period.
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162
Occurrence and breeding status of bird species observed on the Sand Creek study area, 198O-8I.
Species Status* |
Species |
Status |
|||
1 |
Great blue heron |
t |
40 |
Western wood peewee |
b |
2 |
Mallard |
B |
41 |
Horned lark |
b |
3 |
Oadwall |
B |
42 |
Barn swallow |
B |
i\ |
Pintail |
b |
43 |
Cliff swallow |
B |
5 |
Green-winged teal |
b |
44 |
Black-billed magpie |
B |
6 |
Blue-winged teal |
b |
45 |
Common crow |
b |
7 |
American wigeon |
t |
46 |
Pinon .jay |
b |
8 |
Red-tailed hawk |
B |
47 |
Clark's nutcracker |
t |
9 |
Cooper's hawk |
t |
48 |
Black-capped chickadee |
b |
10 |
Swainson's hawk |
t |
49 |
Red-breasted nuthatch |
b |
11 |
Rough-legged hawk |
M |
50 |
House wren |
B |
12 |
Ferruginous hawk |
B |
51 |
Rock wren |
b |
13 |
Golden eagle |
B |
.52 |
Gray catbird |
b |
14 |
Marsh hawk |
B |
53 |
Brown thrasher |
B |
15 |
Prairie falcon |
b |
54 |
American robin |
B |
16 |
Merlin |
B |
55 |
Mountain bluebird |
b |
17 |
American kestrel |
B |
56 |
Townsend's solitaire |
t |
18 |
Sharp-tailed grouse |
B |
57 |
Loggerhead shrike |
B |
19 |
Sage grouse |
B |
58 |
Starling |
B |
20 |
Ring-necked pheasant |
B |
59 |
Yellow warbler |
B |
21 |
Gray partridge |
B |
60 |
House sparrow |
B |
22 |
Turkey |
B |
61 |
Western meadowlark |
B |
23 |
Killdeer |
B |
62 |
Yellow-headed blackbird |
B |
24 |
Long-billed curlew |
b |
63 |
Red-winged blackbird |
B |
25 |
Uoland sandpiper |
B |
64 |
Northern oriole |
b |
26 |
Wilson's phalarope |
b |
65 |
Brewer's blackbird |
B |
27 |
Mourning dove |
B |
66 |
Common grackle |
B |
28 |
Great horned owl |
b |
67 |
Brown-headed cowbird |
b |
29 |
Long-eared owl |
b |
68 |
American goldfinch |
b |
30 |
Poor will |
B |
69 |
Red crossbill |
B |
31 |
Common nighthawk |
B |
70 |
Rufous-sided towhee |
B |
32 |
Common flicker |
B |
71 |
Lark bunting |
b |
33 |
Red-headed woodpecker |
b |
72 |
Grasshopper sparrow |
b |
34 |
Hairy woodpecker |
b |
73 |
Vesper sparrow |
b |
35 |
Downey woodpecker |
b |
74 |
Lark sparrow |
B |
36 |
Eastern kingbird |
B |
75 |
Chipping sparrow |
B |
37 |
Western kingbird |
b |
76 |
Field sparrow |
t |
38 |
Say's Dhoebe |
B |
77 |
Song sparrow |
b |
39 |
Least flycatcher |
t |
78 |
Snow bunting |
W |
Status:
B - hard evidence of breeding
b - circumstantial evidence of breeding
t - occurs, but no evidence of breeding
W - overwintering observation
M - migratory observation
163
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165
Non.g;ame birds: Species composition of songbirds observed during roadside inventory surveys is presented in Table 87. Location of songbird Inventory route stops is illustrated in Figure 8I. Similar to the Poster Creek study area, meadowlarks made up approximately 3055 of all birds observed. Meadowlarks, vesper sparrows and Brewer's black birds together made up 30% of the species composition. These data are probably biased in favor of species having the most conspicuous habits and loudest songs.
Raptors : Twelve species of raptors were observed on the Sand Creek study area. Secretive species such as screech owls and saw-whet owls probably occur on the area, but were not observed during the study period.
For the purpose of identifying resident breeding birds, raptor distribution was mapped as follows: Birds observed during the months of May, June and July were considered resident breeders (Figure 82). All other raptor observations were recorded on a separate distribution map, including migrant and transient birds (Figure 83).
Acclplters: A Cooper's hawk was seen in the spring of 198I and considered a migrant .
Buteos : Red-tailed hawks were the most commonly observed raptor on the study area. One active nest was found during the 1981 spring raptor survey (Table 88).
Swainson's hawks were observed several times during migration periods, Rough-legged hawks were also observed during migration.
Ferruginous hawks were observed on the study area in spring of 1980 and 1981, but were absent during summer. They may have made unsuccessful nesting attempts. A ferruginous hawk nest located in the southeast portion of the study area is in good repair and probably has been used in recent years. Numerous older ferruginous hawk nests are found on knolls and knobs in the vicinity of the southeast corner of the study area.
Golden eagles were frequently seen on the study area and an active nest was found in a ponderosa pine tree during the 198I spring raptor survey (Table 88). It fell from the tree during a wind storm in June.
Harriers; Marsh hawks are very common on the study area. No nests were found although it was evident that there were several breeding pairs present.
Falcons: Kestrels were seen fairly commonly. Prairie falcons were observed during the breeding season as well as migration, but suitable nesting habitat is hot found on the study area.
Three pairs of merlins nested on the area in 198O (Table 88). All three pairs utilized magpie nests in Donderosa pine trees. One of these nests fledged a single young; however, production data for the other two nests was not obtained. No nesting activity
166
Table 87. Bird species composition from five runs of the song bird inventory route on the Sand Creek study area.
Number |
||||
Observed |
Percent |
Percent |
||
Species |
I9BA |
19B1 |
Composition |
Frequency |
Western meadowlark |
90 |
56 |
31 |
85 |
Vesper sparrow |
31 |
17 |
10 |
37 |
Brewer's blackbird |
ni |
5 |
10 |
13 |
Red-winged blackbird |
21 |
17 |
8 |
12 |
Red crossbills |
3^1 |
7 |
3 |
|
Mourning dove |
11 |
18 |
6 |
23 |
Chipping sparrow |
9 |
2 |
2 |
12 |
Horned lark |
2 |
8 |
2 |
7 |
Eastern kingbird |
6 |
h |
2 |
11 |
Barn swallow |
8 |
1 |
2 |
H |
Brown-headed cowbird |
7 |
2 |
2 |
8 |
Lark sparrow |
7 |
2 |
2 |
9 |
American robin |
6 |
3 |
2 |
9 |
Grasshopper sparrow |
5 |
H |
2 |
11 |
Upland sandpiper |
3 |
k |
1 |
7 |
Yellow warbler |
3 |
i\ |
1 |
7 |
House wren |
6 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
Killdeer |
5 |
1 |
7 |
|
Rufous-sided towhee |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Common flicker |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
Say's phoebe |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
Western wood oeewee |
2 |
1 |
1 |
H |
Black-capped chickadee |
3 |
1 |
3 |
|
Song soarrow |
3 |
1 |
3 |
|
Common grackle |
2 |
tr» |
3 |
|
Pinbn ,1ay |
2 |
tr |
3 |
|
Brown thrasher |
1 |
1 |
tr |
3 |
Field sparrow |
1 |
1 |
tr |
3 |
Common night hawk |
1 |
tr |
1 |
|
Rock wren |
1 |
tr |
1 |
|
Yellow-rumped warbler |
1 |
tr |
1 |
tr = trace; a percentage less than 0.5.
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was observed on the study area in 1981. A decline in merlin nesting activity was also documented in the Long Pines area of southeastern Montana in 198I (Becker, pers. comm.).
Owls; Great horned owls were sighted on several occasions and it is very likely that they nested in the vicinity. A long- eared owl was observed during a migration period.
Nongame Mammals
Twenty species of mammals. Including game species, were observed • in the Sand Creek study area (Table 89). The black-tailed prairie dog is listed by Plath (1981) as a species of special concern in Montana. No prairie dog towns were present on the study area, but a transient individual was observed.
Results of small mammal sampling are summarized in Table 90. Location of traplines is illustrated in Figure 8I. The largest number of captures was obtained in ponderosa pine habitat but only three species were caught. Poor trapping success in all habitats probably reflect depressed population densities of small mammals due to drought conditions.
Other soecies possibly occurring: on the study area (excluding bats) include: masked shrew [Sofizx c■ine.A.^a6 ] , Mountain cottontail {SylvZlaga6 nattoLllll] , Ora kangaroo rat {Vlpodomii6 ofidll] , Wyoming pocket mouse (V(LfiOQna.thtx& f^ai,Q.iatai>] , meadow Jumping mouse (ZapLiA fcuci4on'tca4 ) , western harvest mouse {?.2.lthKodontomy& imgalotli) , northern grasshopper mouse iOnychomy6 lzacoQCi&t(Lfi] , white-footed deer mouse {PzA-omyicui £eacopu,4 ) , prairie vole (M-tc-^o-tu^ ochH.oga6tz.fL), meadow vole [Mlcn.ota6 pznni>ylvanl(i.Ui&] , short-tailed weasel [^a&tdla dfimlnzoi] and long-tailed weasel {l\ai>tzta iKZYiata] (Hoffman and Pattle 1968, Plath I98I).
Amphibians and Reptiles
Occurrence of two species of amphibians and five species of reptiles was documented on the study area (Table 91). None are listed as species of special concern in Montana (Flath 198I).
172
Table 89. Mammal species observed on the Sand Creek study area 1980-81.
('
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 Striped skunk
2 Badger
3 Raccoon
4 Red fox
5 Coyote
6 Bobcat
7 Thirteen-llned ground squirrel
8 Black-tailed prairie dog
9 Least chipmunk
10 Red squirrel
11 Northern pocket gopher
12 Western deer mouse
13 Bushy-tailed wood rat lA House mouse
15 Porcupine
16 White-tailed Jack rabbit
17 Desert cottontail
18 White-tailed deer
19 Mule deer
20 Pronghorn antelope
TcLxlddOi taxu6
Pfiocyon totofi
VaZpzii valpe,&
Can^-i Zatn.ani
Lynx fLa{^u6
SpzAmoph-ita^ tn.i.dQ.cQ.mtlne.<xta&
Cynomyi tudov^c<.anu6
Eatamycai mA.nima6
Tam^aiC'CUA.ai hud6onica6
Thomomy'i, tatpoldz^
?z.^omy6ca6 man^catatui,
Nzotoma cimfi^a.
Hu6 muicutai
EK'ith'izon dofi&atam
Lzpa6 townA^ndyLA.
Syt\}'itciQa& aadaboYui
Ododottzmii v-tA-g-cn-canaA
Octocoltza& h(imlona&
knt-itoca.pn.a. amzfLA,cana
Table 90. Results of small mammal trapping on the Sand Creek study area, summer and fall 1980.
Ponderosa Riparian Pine
Sagebrush/ Grassland
Total captures 16 22 8
Trap nights 1629 17^1 1715
Captures/100 trap nights .98 1.26 .47
Number of soecies caught 2 3 2 Species ;
Pe.fiomy&cu& man<.cutata6 12 20 7
.Ma4 mu6catu6 1
Eu-Cam-caA m-cn-tmu4 4 1
Spe.^mophA,la6 t^lde.czmlZmatu6 1
(
173
Table 91. Reptilian and amphibian species observed on the Sand Creek study area, 1980-81.
Common Name
1 Northern chorus frog
2 Leonard frop;
3 Painted turtle H Racer
5 Bull snake
6 Plains garter snake
7 Prairie rattlesnake
Scientific Name
Rana plplzn& ChfLy6e.my& p-icta ColuibQ.fl CO ni> tfilcto K
Thamnophi6 lad-ix CfLOtatui \jZn.-id-i&
Birney
Mule Deer
Population characteristics: During the study 48l mule deer were observed in the Birney study area (Table 92). Average group size ranged from 1.7 in summer 1981 to 6.5 In winter. January 198I had the highest average group size of any month. The pattern of larger groups during winter and spring, and small groups during summer and early fall is similar to that observed by Martin (1980a) on the nearby Otter Creek, Hanging Woman Creek, and Prairie Dog Creek areas.
Mule deer observations per hour of aerial survey were calculated to provide an index of relative abundance to compare the various study areas. Mule deer observations per hour on the Birney area ranged from 4.2 during summer 198I to 19.8 during winter (Table 93). The relatively heavily timbered nature of the study area contributed to these low figures. Biggins and Phillips (1979) estimated that only 17^ of the mule deer were observed in timbered areas, compared to 39^ in upland shrub types. Nevertheless, all of the figures (observations per hour, total number of deer observed each month, number of groups of deer) indicate a much lower mule deer population than on the Otter Creek, Hanging Woman Creek, Poster Creek, and Sand Creek study areas (Martin 1980a, 1980b). Many of the local landowners attribute the low deer densities to poaching. It is unclear whether poaching is higher on the study area than in nearby areas with higher deer densities. The sparse, dry vegetation and lack of good riparian (deciduous tree and shrub) vegeation may result in a lower carrying capacity for deer in this area.
Mule deer population structure was determined during October and November (Table 94). Pawn production was poor with only 4l.7 and 80.0 fawns/100 does observed. The 27.7 fawns/100 adults observed in October is far below the 405? fawn level necessary for a mule deer population to remain stable (Swenson 1978a). The November flight revealed a 50^ fawn level, but only 12 6eer were classified.
174
Table 92. Average group size of mule deer In the Blrney area.
€
Month
No. Groups
No.
Deer
Average
April May
Sprine;
June July August Summer
September October November Pall
December January February Winter
March April May
Spring
June July August Summer
7 14
21
5
7 6
18
12 6
18
1 9 8
18
13 19
39
10
3 2
15
35
6 16
35
47 17 64
7 65 45
62
85
18
165
17 5 4
26
5.0 2.8
3.5
1.2
2.3
.2^
1.9
3.9 2.8
7.0 7.2 5.6
4.8
4.5
2.6
JL.2_
1.7 1.7 2.0
This suggests the mule deer population in this area is either declining or stable, but not increasing.
Distribution; Spring distribution is shown in Figure 84. The deer sightings are scattered throughout the study area, but tend to be aligned along the tops of ridges, with very few sightings in the creek bottoms. No groups with more than 15 deer were observed. Most of the larger groups (9-15 deer) were located on the ridge between Zook Creek and Whitten Creek.
Summer distribution is shown in Figure 85. Only three sightings were of groups larger than 3 deer. Most of the sightings were located on the ridges in the southeastern part of the study area. No deer were sighted on Cook Creek or the ridges in the center of the study area during either year. Mule deer are extremely difficult
V
175
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
L£££ND
intermittent stream
River ^=^s:*
Unpoved road 3*=*=
Reservation boundary
Study area CaT
Town i^
Mule deer observations Group size
...D
...j0
1-3.. ..A. 4-8. ..A. 9-15. .A. 16t ..A.
Year: 1980 1981
Figure 84, Spring mule deer distribution on the Blrney Study area.
176
t4orthern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
miles
L£££ND Intermittent stream River
Unpaved road *=*^
Reservation boundary
Study area _A^
Town t^
Mule deer observations
Group size
^-2...£>. o
4-8.. ..A ©
9-15.. .A •
16+. ...A •
Year: 1980 1981
•rney
Figure 85. Summer mule deer distribution on the Birney study area.
177
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178
Table 94. Mule deer population characteristics iii the Rirney study area.
Number Classified
Population Fawns ; 100 Bucks: Structure (%)
Year Nfonth |
Ttotal |
Bucks |
Does |
Pawns |
Does |
Adults 100 Does |
Bucks |
Does |
Fawns |
1980 Oct Nov |
47 12 |
13 3 |
24 5 |
10 4 |
41.7 80.0 |
27.0 54.2 50.0 60.0 |
27.7 25.0 |
51.1 41.7 |
21.3 33.3 |
to observe during the sununer due to a tendency to "shade up" in more heavily wooded areas.
Deer groups during the fall were larger and located nearer to creek and river bottoms (Figure 86). More mule deer were observed along the Tongue River than in other seasons, and no deer were observed in the northwestern one-third of the study area.
Figure 87 shows the winter distribution of mule deer. Three main areas were used: 1) the ridge between Bull Creek and Whitten Creek, 2) the ridge between \iniitten Creek and Zook Creek, 3) the head of Coal Bank Creek. A group of nine deer beds were observed in the southwestern oart of the study area between Bull Creek and the head of Whitten Creek, but the herd was never located.
Most of the groups had more than three deer, but no groups of more than 15 deer were observed. This lack of large herds of mule deer during winter is in contrast with the Kirby and Tongue River Dam study areas and most other coal areas near Ashland (Martin 1980a).
The extent of winter range on the Birney area is uncertain due to the unusually mild winter. Most of the deer were on or near steep, sagebrush-covered south-facing slopes. These slopes, which are small and scattered throughout the study area, are probably the normal winter ranges.
Vegetation use; Mule deer made heavy use of sagebrush habitat during the entire study (Table 95). Ponderosa pine types were more heavily utilized in 198I than in 198O. Use of this type was certainly underestimated because of the difficulty of seeing deer in it. Very few deer were observed in deciduous tree and shrub habitats, except in fall when many mule deer moved down on the Tongue River. This low use reflects the small amount and poor quality of riparian habitat within the study area.
Activity : A high percentage of mule deer were observed feeding during spring and summer (Table 96). The highest percentages of standing and laying deer were observed during winter, the period of greatest stress. Martin (1980a) correlates the high feeding
179
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
miles
LEGEND
intermittent stream
River
Unpaved road *::*=
Reservation isoundary
Study area ._a
Town VnJ
Mule deer observations
Group size
1 -3....^
4- 8. ..A
9 -15... A
16+ A
Year: 1980
Flp:ure 86. Pall mule deer distributions on the Blrney study area.
180
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
L£££ND
Intermittent stream
River .-^....x.iy *=*!ss^
Unpaved rood *=*=
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Study area _A
Town t/Nl
Mule deer observations Group size
1 - 3 Ci
4 -8 A
9 -15 A
16+ ▲
Year: 1980-81
oaci
Pl(z;ure 87. Winter mule deer distribution on the Birney study area,
181
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182
activity in spring and summer with the building up of fat reserves. The timing of the aerial surveys also affects the activity observations. Aerial surveys were started at sunrise in spring, summer, and fall, coinciding with high feeding activity. The winter surveys were conducted later in the day, when deer are more apt to be bedded or inactive.
Table 96. Seasonal activity of mule deer in the Birney study area.
Activity
Spring 1980
i
Summer 1980
Fall 1980 %
Winter 80-81 %
Spring 1981
Summer 1981 %
Standing/sitting |
1 |
0 |
31 |
34 |
9 |
12 |
Running |
H |
3 |
9 |
26 |
28 |
8 |
Laying |
0 |
6 |
0 |
7 |
4 |
4 |
Feeding |
95 |
91 |
52 |
27 |
32 |
68 |
Walking |
0 |
0 |
8 |
6 |
27 |
8 |
Total Observed |
74 |
35 |
64 |
117 |
165 |
25 |
\
Use of Topography: The percentage of mule deer observed on mesa- butte tops was highest during the summer 198O and winter 198O-81, but was substantial during other seasons (Table 97). The lack of good riparian cover at lower elevations, and the very hot, dry weather may have caused the shift to higher elevations during the summer of I98O. During winter, 90^ of the mule deer were observed on mesa-butte tops or steep side slopes, reflecting the location of their winter range. High percentages of mule deer were observed on dissected mid-slopes during spring and summer. Use of alluvium/ terrace and current flood plain areas was highest during fall, reflecting the fall movement of mule deer down to the Tongue River.
Use of exposure: Use of flat areas (no exposure) was substantial during all seasons of the study, reflecting the high use of mesa- butte tops (especially in winter) and river bottoms in fall (Table 98). East and northeast exposures received heavy use during spring and summer. A total of 19/5 of the mule deer were observed on north, northeast, and northwest facing slopes during winter. This percentage probably would be lower during a normal winter.
Use of slope; The highest percentage of mule deer observed on steep side slopes was in winter (Table 99). This correlates with the high use of mesa-butte steep side slopes at this time of vear. More deer were observed on steep side slopes in 1981 than in 1980. Low rainfall in 1980 probably resulted in poor browse conditions on the sparsely vegetated steep slopes. Medium slopes supported 1/3 to 1/2 the deer observations, except in winter. Use of gentle slopes was highest during soring 198O, reflecting the high use of gently sloping sagebrush flats.
183
Table 97. Seasonal use of toDography by mule deer in the Birney study area.
Topography
Spring Summer Pall Winter Spring Summer
1980' 1980 1980 80-81 1981 1981
of of uf ul of of
10 10 lo 10 fo to
Mesa-butte top I8
Mesa-butte steep
side slope Dissected mid-slopes Alluvium/terrace Current flood plain
Total observed 7^
^3
14
51
35
64
117
19
165
24
0 |
0 |
2 |
39 |
28 |
16 |
82 |
51 |
52 |
10 |
47 |
56 |
0 |
6 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
0 |
5 |
4 |
25
Table 98. Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer in the Birney study area.
Soring |
Summer |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
|
1980 |
1980 |
1980 |
80-81 |
1981 |
1981 |
|
Exposure |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
No exposure |
||||||
(Flat) |
20 |
40 |
30 |
51 |
19 |
24 |
North |
4 |
9 |
6 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
South |
4 |
14 |
13 |
0 |
16 |
0 |
East |
40 |
23 |
28 |
0 |
10 |
16 |
West |
0 |
6 |
0 |
8 |
10 |
0 |
Northeast |
16 |
6 |
9 |
15 |
8 |
32 |
Northwest |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
8 |
Southeast |
0 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
9 |
8 |
Southwest |
14 |
0 |
9 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
Total observed |
74 |
35 |
64 |
117 |
165 |
25 |
Table 99. Seasonal use of slope by mule deer in the Birney study area,
Slope
Spring 1980
Summer 1980 %
Fall 1980
Winter 80-81
%
Spring 1981
%
Summer 1981
Flat Gentle Medium Steep
11 |
40 |
30 |
51 |
19 |
24 |
47 |
11 |
17 |
3 |
19 |
24 |
39 |
49 |
33 |
7 |
33 |
32 |
3 |
0 |
20 |
39 |
28 |
20 |
Total observed
74
35
64
117
165
25
184
Whltetall Deer
One hundred and thirty-nine whitetail deer were observed on or near the Birney study area. Average group size was lowest in summer (1.5) and highest in spring (4.i|) (Table 100). Fall observations were too few to obtain production data. Aerial observations per hour ranged from zero to 7.5 deer per hour (Table 93).
Table 100.
Average group size and vegetational use of white- tailed deer on the Birney study area.
Spring Summer Fall Winter
Number groups |
19 |
17 |
3 |
7 |
|
Number deer |
83 |
26 |
8 |
22 |
|
Average group size |
4.4 |
1.5 |
2.7 |
3.1 |
|
Vegetational types |
|||||
Riparian |
1% |
4251 |
OJS |
hi% |
|
Grassland |
23 |
12 |
38 |
18 |
|
Ponderosa pine/Jur |
liper |
4 |
0 |
0 |
41 |
Agricultural |
66 |
46 |
62 |
0 |
Distribution: Figure 88 shows the distribution of whitetail deer during the entire study. Most of the observations were actually outside the study area boundary, along the Tongue River. They were most often observed in the uplands within the study area during winter.
Use of vegetation; The vegetation data were lumped into four main vegetational types because of the small number of observations (Table 100). Most whitetail deer were observed in the agricultural tyoe, except during winter. All agricultural observations were in alfalfa hay fields. Winter sightings were mainly in types which provided shelter: ponderosa pine and riparian types. More specifically, most of these sightings were in the ponderosa pine- .juniper and deciduous tree cover types. Grassland areas received the highest use during fall. Most grassland observations were in greasewood flats adjacent to the river bottom.
Use of topogrpahy, slope, exposure: Nearly all of the whitetail deer were observed on flood plains or alluvium/terrace areas of flat or gentle slope. Whitetail deer use more rugged topography in other areas where they are not dependent on river bottom forests for food and cover (Dusek 198O),
Antelope
Twenty-five antelope were observed on the Birney study area during the study. Most of the study area is marginal or unsuitable for antelope. Observations centered in two areas: 1) The ridge between Bull and Cook Creek near the Cheyenne Indian Reservation
185
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
miles
LEGEND Intermittent stream..
River «=*&::^
Unpaved road ■=*=*
Reservation bouridary
Study area /\
Town l^
White -tailed deer observations: Group size: 1 -3 4-8 9-15
Spring 0 0. $
Summer c^ ^ a
Fall D ® e
Winter D 13 m
T?lP!;ure 88. White-tailed deer observations on the Birney study area.
186
In the northwestern part of the study area; 2) the northeastern corner of the study area. Just south of Cook Creek. All the observations were in spring or summer.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Nine sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds were located in or near the study area (Figure 89). Attendance by male birds at known grounds averaged 11.5 in 1980 and 9.2 in 1981 (Table 101). Comparisons between the two years on the two grounds located in 1980 indicates a decrease. This is consistant with the trend in the southeastern part of the state (Knapp et al. 198I).
There are aoproximately O.I8 grounds per square mile in the study area. This compares with 0.09 grounds per square mile in the Sarpy Creek drainage (Martin 1980a), 0.12 grounds per square mile in the Colstrip area (Schwarzkoph 198O) and 0.22 grounds per square mile In the Otter Creek area (Martin 1980b). However, the average attendance was much higher on grounds in the Otter Creek area (17.8 in 198O). No broods were observed in the study area.
Table 101. Sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds in the Birney study
area and number of males attending in I98O and 198I. V
rrTOnnH |
Location |
Males 1980 |
Observed |
||
Number |
T |
R |
S |
1981 |
|
1 |
6S |
42E |
4 SW^c |
5 |
5 |
2 |
5S |
4 IE |
29 NVPc |
18 |
10 |
3 |
5S |
illE |
17 SWJi; |
5 |
|
h |
5S |
42E |
27 NW^ |
25 |
|
5 |
6S |
42E |
12 SVPc |
3 |
|
6 |
6S |
42E |
22 NVA; |
3 |
|
7 |
6S |
42E |
19 SEk |
6 |
|
8 |
5S |
42E |
34 m\ |
8 |
|
9 |
5S |
40E |
24 NEic |
18 |
|
Ring- |
■necked Pheasant |
Ring-necked pheas ends of Bull, Whi was run along the were along the co the Birney study 1980 and 5.4 per due to foggy weat 16 eggs was found river bottom bird
ants occur along the Tongue River and the lower tten and Zook Creeks. A pheasant crow count
Tongue River south of Birney. Stops 1-6 unty road on the opposite side of the river from area. Crow counts averaged 2.1 per stop in stop in 1981. The low count In I98O was probably her during the two days of census. A nest with in deciduous tree and shrub cover along the census trip in 1981 (Figure 91). The nest was
c
187
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
.5 0 1
miles
L£QEND
Intermittent stream
River
Unpaved rood
Reservation boundory
Study area
Town
Sharp - tailed grouse:
Breeding grounds e
Observations:
Winter □
Spring O
Summer a
Fall o
i:^
Figure 89.
Sharp-tailed grouse breeding grounds and observations on the Blrney study area.
188
later destroyed by predators. A brood with six young was seen In Blrney In 1981.
Turkey
A flock of approximately 33 turkeys wintered on the Tongue River .just on the edge of the study area (Figure 90). Only a few scattered observations were made in the study area, mainly in spring and fall. One group of six young with one hen was seen. A rancher indicated that a flock of about 40 turkeys formerly wintered on Cook Creek (Figure 90). This was probably the same flock which now winters on the Tongue River.
Waterfowl
Thirteen species of waterfowl were observed on the study area (Table 102). The large pond near the head of Cook Creek in the northwestern corner of the study area produced three broods of mallards and one brood of American wigeon in 1980. A pair of Canada geese nested in the northern great blue heron rookery on the Tongue River in 1980. A brood of geese was observed on the Tongue River in 1981.
Below average precipitation during the fall and winter of 1979 and 1980 resulted in little or no water in most of the stockponds by fall of 198I. The cluster of ponds near the head of Cook Creek in the northwestern corner of the study area held water throughout the study period, although no broods were produced on them in 198I. These ponds were used frequently in the spring and fall by migrating waterfowl and shorebirds.
Songbirds
One hundred and eighteen species of birds including game species were observed on the study area (Table 102). Eighty-seven of these were either susoected or confirmed breeders on the study area. This list is not thought to be complete. A number of additional species were recorded durins: the baseline wildlife study for the Montco mine permit application (Olson-Elliott and Associates 198O). Their study area overlapped the Blrney study area by about 2 square miles on the northeast corner.
The songbird census road route (Figure 91) was run three times in 1980, but only once in 1981 due to bad weather, so the results were combined. The vegetation along the route was approximately 12% sage-grassland, 22% ponderosa pine and juniper, and 6/K riparian. A total of 5^6 birds and 46 soecies were observed (Table 103). Western meadowlarks, chipping sparrows, vesper sparrows, and lark sparrows were the most common, together making up 50% of the total number of birds counted. They were also observed more frequently than other species, indicating a wide- spread distribution with little clumping.
)
189
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
miles
LEzEND
Intermittent stream
River «sss^
Unpaved road a«=*»
Reservation boundary
Study area ._a
Town ^Ni
Great blue heron rookery . . . O lurkey:
Wintering area in 1981 ^
Former wintering area .'---'
Observations:
Group size: 1-3 4-8 9-15 16+
Spring O O 6 .•
Summer A A A A
Fall O .O .9 .•
Winter □ □ EB .■
Figure 90. Great blue heron rookery and turkey observations and wintering grounds on the Birney study area.
.Vv*
190
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
miles
LEGEND Intermittent stream..
River *=*as^
Unpaved road 3«=*2
Reservation boundary
Study area ._a
Town l^
Songbird road route.....
Songbird census strips .e
Small-mamnxil traplines:
Summer a
Fall o
Vegetational types:
Riparian R
Ponderosa pine/ juniper... P
Sagebrush S
Cliff jC
Figure 91. Birriey study area sonp;bird road survey route and song- bird census strip and small mammal trapline locations,
191
Table i02« Breeding status of the bird species observed on the Birney study area.
Species
Breeding Status*
Species
Breeding Status*
1 Double-crested cormorant
2 Great blue heron
3 Canada goose
4 Mallard
5 Gadwall
6 Pintail
7 Green-winged teal
8 Blue-winged teal
9 American wigeon
10 Northern shoveler
11 Wood duck
12 Redhead
13 Lesser scaup
14 Bufflehead
15 Common merganser
16 Turkey vulture
17 Goshawk
18 Sharp-shinned hawk
19 Red-tailed hawk
20 Rough-legged hawk
21 Golden eagle
22 Bald eagle
23 Marsh hawk 2^1 Osprey
25 Prairie falcon
26 Merlin
27 American kestrel
28 Sharp-tailed grouse
29 Ring-necked pheasant
30 Turkey
31 Killdeer
32 Common snipe
33 Uoland sandpiper 3^ Spotted sandpiper
35 Solitary sandpiper
36 Willet
37 Lesser yellowlegs
38 Semipalmated sandpiper
39 Wilson's phalarope
40 Rock dove
^41 Mourning dove
42 Yellow-billed cuckoo
43 Black-billed cuckoo
44 Screech owl
45 Great-horned owl
46 Poor-will
47 Common nighthawk
48 White-throated swift
49 Belted kingfisher
50 Common flicker
V |
51 |
B |
52 |
B |
53 |
B |
54 |
M |
55 |
M |
56 |
M |
57 |
M |
58 |
B |
59 |
M |
60 |
M |
61 |
M |
62 |
M |
63 |
M |
64 |
M |
65 |
b |
66 |
b |
67 |
b |
68 |
B |
69 |
W |
70 |
V |
71 |
W |
72 |
M |
73 |
M |
74 |
B |
75 |
M |
76 |
b |
77 |
B |
78 |
B |
79 |
B |
80 |
b |
81 |
b |
82 |
b |
83 |
b |
84 |
M |
85 |
M |
86 |
M |
87 |
M |
88 |
M |
89 |
V |
90 |
b |
91 |
b |
92 |
b |
93 |
b |
94 |
B |
95 |
b |
96 |
b |
97 |
b |
98 |
b |
99 |
b |
100 |
Red-headed woodpecker b
Lewis' woodpecker b
Hairy woodpecker b
Downy woodpecker b
Eastern kingbird b
Western kingbird b
Cassin's kingbird b
Say's phoebe b
Least flycatcher b
Dusky flycatcher b
Western wood pewee b
Horned lark b
Violet-green swallow b
Tree swallow b
Barn swallow b
Cliff swallow B
Black-billed magpie B
Pinon Jay b
Clark's nutcracker t
Black-capped chickadee b
White-breasted nuthatch b
Red-breasted nuthatch b
House wren b
Canyon wren b
Rock wren b
Gray catbird b
Brown thrasher B
American robin b
Wood thrush M
Mountain bluebird B
Townsend's solitaire b
Bohemian waxwing W
Cedar waxwing t
Loggerhead shrike b
Starling b
Solitary vireo b
Red-eyed vireo b
Warbling vireo b
Yellow warbler b
Yellow-rumped warbler b
Common yellowthroat b
Yellow-breasted chat b
American redstart t
Western meadowlark b
Red-winged blackbird b
Northern oriole b
Brewer's blackbird b
Common grackle b
Brown-headed cowbird b
Western tanager b
192
Table 102. Continued
Breeding Species Status*
101 Black-headed grosbeak b
102 Lazuli bunting b
103 Evening grosbeak W
104 Cassin's finch b
105 Pine siskin b
106 American goldfinch b
107 Red crossbill B
108 Rufous-sided towhee b
109 Lark bunting b
110 Vesper sparrow b
111 Lark sparrow b
112 Dark-eyed junco b
113 Tree sparrow w
114 Chipping sparrow b
115 Brewer's sparrow b
116 Field sparrow b
117 White-crowned sparrow M
118 Song sparrow b
B - confirmed breeding (nest or dependent young observed) b - suspected breeding (present during breeding season) V - Visitor (breeds nearby, but not on study area) t - present, but no evidence of breeding W - Winter resident and migrant only M - Migrant only
The walking census stops (Figure 91) were only run once each due to bad weather, so the results should only be used for general comnarlsons between habitats. River bottom riparian habitat was by far the most diverse and productive for songbirds (Table 104). The Intermittent creek riparian strip was along Whitten Creek where the deciduous cover was discontinuous and bordered mostly by ponderosa pine-Juniper habitat. It is not surprising that this census strip was similar in diversity and productivity to the ponderosa pine-Juniper census strip (Tables 105 and 106). The Intermittent creek riparian strip in the Kirby area, with thicker, more continuous deciduous cover adjacent to sagebrush flats, was similar to the river bottom riparian in diversity and productivity (Tables 104 and 105), Indicating a wide variation in productivity of Intermittent creeks. The sagebrush census strip had the fewest number of species and numbers of birds (Table 107). These results and other studies in southeastern Montana by Swenson (1978b), Hickey and Mlkol (1979), Martin (1980a), Herbert (1977), Matthews (1981),
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197
Table 106. Total numbers, numbers |
; of singing |
males, |
and |
percent |
||
composition |
of songbirds observed |
on |
the |
ponderosa |
||
pine census |
strip on the Birnev stud^ |
' area. |
||||
Singing Males |
All Birds |
|||||
No. |
Percent |
No. |
Percent |
|||
.qnpr>-l Ac; |
Observed |
Composition |
Ot |
)served |
Composition |
|
Chipping sparrow |
7 |
29 |
21 |
32 |
||
Yeliow-rumped warbler |
6 |
25 |
9 |
14 |
||
Red crossbill |
0 |
0 |
7 |
11 |
||
Western wood pewee |
H |
17 |
4 |
6 |
||
American robin |
0 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
||
Red-breasted nuthatch |
0 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
||
House wren |
2 |
8 |
2 |
3 |
||
Townsend's solitaire |
1 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
||
White-breasted nuthatch |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
||
Mountain bluebird |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
||
Pine siskin |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
||
Brown-headed cowbird |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
||
Dark-eyed junco |
1 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
||
Dusky flycatcher |
1 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
||
Solitary vireo |
1 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
||
Lark sparrow |
1 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
||
American goldfinch |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
||
17 species |
24 |
65 |
||||
Table 107. Total numbers, numbers |
; of singing |
males , |
and |
percent |
||
composition |
of songbirds observed |
on |
the |
sagebrush |
||
census strip on the Bl |
.rney study area |
L • |
||||
Singing |
Males |
- |
All Birds |
|||
No. |
Percent |
No. |
Percent |
|||
Species |
Observed |
Composition |
Ot |
iserved |
Composition |
|
Brewer's sparrow |
16 |
46 |
22 |
37 |
||
Lark sparrow |
6 |
17 |
14 |
24 |
||
Western meadowlark |
6 |
17 |
10 |
17 |
||
Vesper sparrow |
6 |
17 |
9 |
15 |
||
Rufous-sided towhee |
1 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
||
Mourning dove |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
||
Chioping sparrow |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
||
Mountain bluebird |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
||
8 species |
35 |
59 |
198
and DuBols (1979) all point out the importance of deciduous tree and shrub cover to songbirds. The presence or absence of water year- round mainly affects the songbird community indirectly by affecting the quantity and quality of deciduous tree and shrub (riparian) vegetation.
Raptors
Twelve species of hawks and two species of owls were found on the study area. Nine of these were known or suspected breeders. Thirteen nests, excluding the American kestrel, were located in or near the study area (Table 108 and Figure 92). This nest census is not considered complete. In addition, a turkey vulture roosting area was identified (Figure 92). About 15-20 turkey vultures used this roost throughout both summers. Red-tailed hawks, great- horned owls, and American kestrels were the most common breeding raptors.
Ten species of raptors were observed migrating or wintering on the study area. Observations of all except the American kestrel are shown in Figure 93. Two areas of high use by wintering bald eagles are delineated. The distribution of wintering bald eagles probably depends on the location of open water "holes" while the river is frozen. Bald eagles were observed eating fish next to these "holes" during the short period in January and February 1981 when the Tongue River was frozen. Livestock loss also provides food along river bottoms for wintering eagles.
The goshawk. Cooper's hawk, golden eagle, bald eagle, osprey, prairie falcon, and merlin are listed as species of special interest or concern by Flath (198I). The golden eagle, bald eagle, osprey, nrairie falcon, and merlin are also listed as species of high federal interest. The status of each of these within the study area is as follows:
Goshawk- One was observed on 2 June 198O, which is within the normal nesting period for this species. One sighting does not constitute good evidence for breeding; however, several unidentified accipiters (observed from too far for this observer to correctly Judge size and color) may have been goshawks, and some suitable habitat for nesting goshawks is present in the study area.
Cooper's hawk - One migrant was observed. This species may also be present as a breeder (see explanation under goshawk). Accipiters tend to nest in heavily timbered areas where they are easily overlooked in general wildlife surveys.
Golden eagle - This species is listed as a visitor. Several pairs of eagles appeared to have territories to the north, east, and southeast of the study area, but were rarely observed on the study area. Although these birds were mapped as "breeding" eagles on the breeding raptors map, the study area does not
199
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
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Town
Raptor nests .•
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Goshawk .G
Sharp - shinned hawk . . .S
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Gokien eagle E
Prairie falcon P
Great-horned owl N
Screech owl A
"Kirkey vulture roost.... V.-'
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Sirney
Figure 92. Resident raptors observations on the Blrney study area,
200
C
Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
C
.^
miles
Intermittent stream
River
Unpaved rood
Reservation boundary.
Study area
Town
Raptor observations:
Turkey vulture T
Cooper^ hawk .C
Red -tailed hawk R
Rough-legged hawk....L
Golden eagle E
Bald eagle B
AAarsh hawk H
Osprey. .O
Merlin M
Bald Eagle Wintering Area
c:>
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Figure 93. Migrant raptor observations on the Birney study area,
201
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202
support any major portion of an eagle territory. All fall and ^ winter observations of golden eagles were mapped as "nonbreeders" although some of these may have been resident eagles from surrounding territories. The reason why territorial golden eagles are absent on the study area, yet present in adjacent, similar habitat is not known. The absence of a sufficient prey base may be a factor. Prairie dogs, formerly abundant on the study area, have all been eliminated. They are often a major food source for golden eagles.
Bald eagle - As mentioned above, bald eagles occur throughout the winter, primarily along the Tongue River. They were present from about the end of October to mid-late April.
Osprey - Several ospreys were sighted along the Tongue River, They were all assumed to be migrants. The nearest osprey nest is located on the Tongue River Reservoir, about 20 miles to the south.
Prairie falcon- One orairie falcon aerie was located in the study area. It was active both summers of the study. Prairie falcons were sighted over the study area fairly far from the known nest. It is not known if these were members of that pair, visitors with aeries outside the study area, or territorial non-breeders. Another cliff in the study area with suitable potholes was checked for falcons, but none were found. This cliff was suspected to have been occupied by great-horned owls. Most of the cliffs in the study area did not have suitable potholes (,, or ledges for nesting prairie falcons.
Merlin - One merlin, assumed to be a migrant, was observed. Suitable habitat for nesting merlins does occur in the study area, so future nesting is a possibility.
Saw-whet owl - This species was not observed in the study area, but was suspected to occur in the marsh at the mouth of Cook Creek. Suitable habitat for them is also found on the upper ends of Bull Creek and Cook Creek.
Other Special Interest Species
The Brewer's sparrow, field sparrow, and upland sandpiper are also listed by Flath (198I) as species of special interest or concern. All three were suspected breeders on the study area. Upland sand- pipers were commonly observed on the ridge near sharp-tailed grouse ground number 2 (Figure 89). Brewer's sparrows were common in sagebrush habitat throughout the study area. One territorial field sparrow was observed on Coal Bank Creek during the breeding season.
The double-crested cormorant and Lewis' woodpecker are listed as migratory bird species of high federal interest for the Powder River Coal Region. The double-crested cormorants were visitors from a rookery located on the Tongue River Reservoir. Lewis' woodpeckers were occasionally seen on Cook Creek near the reservoir in the northwestern corner of the study area.
<.'
203
Two great blue heron rookeries were located on the Tongue River (Figure 90). They each had around 10-15 nests. Although not a special interest species^ Their nests are often used by raptors or waterfowl. A pair of red-tailed hawks nested in the southern rookery in 1981, and a pair of Canada geese nested in the northern rookery in 1980.
Nongame Mammals
Twenty-four species of mammals including game species were observed in the Birney study area (Table 109). This list is probably not complete. Thirteen small mammal traplines were run, seven during the summer and six during fall (Figure 91). Trapping success was higher in the fall (1.6 captures/100 trap nights, 5 species) than in summer (0.9 canture/lOO trap nights, 3 species). Table 110 lists the results of small-mammal trapping, separated by habitat. Although cliff habitat appears to have had the highest trapping success, only one trapline was run in this habitat. One fall trapline in riparian habitat had a success of 2.9 captures/100 trap nights, the highest success rate of any trapline. However, this high rate was offset by another fall riparian trapline which met with zero success. The other two riparian traplines were set in exactly the same location. The summer trapline had a success rate of 0.5 captures/100 trap nights, and the fall trapline had 1.7 captures/100 trap nights. This all suggests that generalizations about small-mammal productivity in different habitats cannot be made with sample sizes as small as ours because of: 1) large seasonal differences in trapping success on any one site; 2) large differences in trapping success between different localities.
A total of 57 coyotes were observed during the study. Coyote observations per hour of aerial survey reached a high of 3.8 obs/hr in January. Bobcat tracks were noted in several areas and one bobcat was trapped on Zook Creek by a local resident during the winter of 198O-8I. A mountain lion was seen along the Tongue River north of Birney by Dr. A. Hayes in May 198I, only about Ih miles outside the study area.
One mammal SDecies. observed during this study the western big- eared bat, is considered by Plath (198I) to be of special interest or concern. This bat was found in an old root cellar on Bull Creek, near the western edge of the study area.
Historically, extensive prairie dog towns were found along the Tongue River and most of the creek bottoms (Olson-Elliott and Associates 198O). There are presently no known active prairie dog towns on the Birney study area, although old mounds are still visible In areas along Bull Creek and Cook Creek.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Seven species of herpetiles were observed on the Birney study area (Table 111). This list is not considered to be complete. Racers and rattlesnakes were the two most commonly encountered reptiles.
20^4
c
Northern chorus frogs were rarely seen, but were heard along most of the creek bottoms early in spring.
Table 109. Mammals observed on the Birney study area.
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 Big brown bat
2 Western big-eared bat
3 Raccoon
4 Mink
5 Striped skunk
6 Coyote
7 Bobcat
8 Yellowbelly marmot
9 Thirteen-lined ground squirrel
10 Least chipmunk
11 Red squirrel
12 Northern pocket mouse
13 Wyoming pocket mouse IH Ord kangaroo rat
15 Beaver
16 Deer mouse
17 Northern grasshopper mouse
18 Bushytail woodrat
19 Muskrat
20 Porcupine
21 Desert cottontail
22 Mule deer
23 Whitetail deer
24 Pronghorn antelope
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T cimlci& c.-iafiuL6 had6onica6 TltomomyA talpo<.dzi ?zfiognatha6 f,a6c<.ata6 Vlpodomyit oKdl Coi&tofi canadzn6<.6 ?zKomy6ca6 man<.calatui Onychomys tQ,u.c.OQ<i&tzfi Uzotoma cZn^fiza Ondatfta zZbzth.<.cai Efizthlzon doK&atuim SylviZaguA audabonA,A. Ododoltduit hzmA.ona& OdocO'LZza6 v^figinA.ana6 KyitlZodcipfioL a.mtK'ica.na.
Q
Table 110. Results of small-mammal trapping on the Birney study area.
Ponderosa Sagebrush Pine Riparian Cliff
Total captures l6
Trap nights 1575
Captures/100 trap nights 1.0
Number of species caught 4 Species:
PzKomytcah manlcaZa.tu.ii 12
Eatami.a6 mA.nlmai>
?e.fiognathu4> ^a&clatu6 1
Thomomyi taZpo>Lde.6
Onychomyi Zzacogaitzu \
Hzotoma tlnzKza
Vlpodomyb ofidi 1
16 1610 1.0 3
13 2
21 1585 1.3 2
20
1
9
405 2.2 1
C
205
Table 111.
Amphibians and reptiles observed on the Blrney study area.
Conunon Name
Scientific Name
1 Leonard frog
2 Woodhouses's toad
3 Northern chorus frog
4 Painted turtle
5 Racer
6 Bull snake
7 Prairie rattlesnake
Hand pZpZe.n.6 Bu^o woodhoU'&Q.-i PizudacX-i-S tfiA.6 (Lfilata. CkKij&zmy& p-icta Colabzfi tonittfilctofi ?A^tu.ophi.6 mztoLYio tzacui CfiOtatuLi vln.i.diL&
Kirby
Mule Deer
Population characteristics: During the studv 1,325 mule deer were observed in the Kirby study area (Table 112). Average group size ranged from 1.9 in summer to 6.6 in winter. Deer followed the annual oattern of large groups during winter and early spring, and small groups during summer when they dispersed and moved to summer range.
Mule deer observations per hour of aerial survey ranged from 7.5 deer/hour in summer to 33.6 deer/hour in winter (Table 113). Many more deer were observed in the western half of the study area than in the eastern half, so these values represent the average of the two greatly different areas.
Mule deer population structure was determined during October and November (Table ll4). Fawn production was much better than on the Blrney area, with 93.5 fawns per 100 does observed in October, when 85 deer were classified. This population is probably stable or increasing slightly (Swenson 1978a).
Distribution: Spring distribution is shown in Figure 9^. Deer groups were scattered throughout the study area, but the largest groups were all located in the western half of the study area.
During summer mule deer were broken into small groups and dispersed throughout the study area (Figure 95). The groups tended to be more numerous in the western half of the study area, which is higher and wetter, with better developed riparian areas and more lush grassy cover than the eastern half. The western half appears to be much better summer range for mule deer than the
206
miles
L£G£hlD
Intermittent stream
River
Unpaved rood
Study area
Mule deer observations Group size 1 -3...A.....O
4 -8. ..A ©
9-15. A •
16t.....A •
Yean 1980 1981
c
Figure 9H, Spring mule deer distribution on the Klrby study area,
C
207
miles
LmEND
Intermittent stream
River
Unpaved road
Study area
Mule deer observations Group size
1 - 3. ..^^ o
4-8. A O
9 - 15 . A 9
16+ . A •
Year: 1980 1981
Figure 95. Summer mule deer distribution on the Klrby study area.
208
Table 112,
Average group size of mule deer in the Kirby Dam area.
Month
Aorll May
Spring
June July August Summer
September October November Fall
December January T^'ebruary Winter
March April May
Spring
June
July August Summer
FBT"
Groups
18 20 38
9 16
8 33
1 2H
23
48
11
7
7
25
27 Hi
112
36 39 17 92
No. Deer
157
62
219
12 32 19 63
5
82
80
167
56
47
61
164
160 258 118 536
63
71 42
176
Average
8.7 3.1 5.8
1.3 2.0 2.4 1.9
5 3.4
3.5 3.5
5.1
6.7 8.7 6.6
5.9 6.3 2.7 4.8
1.75 1.8 2.5 1.9
C^
eastern half. Several mule deer with radio collars were observed on and near the study area. These deer were collared during winter on the CX Ranch, East Decker, and West Decker mines during several years of trapping (Biggins and Phillips 1979). They appeared to summer on the west and east sides of Rosebud Creek, including the west edge of the study area.
During fall the groups were larger as the mule deer started
to congregate (Figure 96). Most of the larger groups were found
in two main areas in the western half of the study area.
Winter distribution is shown in Figure 97. Most of the mule deer were in groups of four or more, and located at higher elevations along the tops of ridges. The extent of critical winter range is uncertain due to the mild winter. The presence of large groups In the northwestern part of the study area suggests that the winter range may be located on the high ridges in this area. The
209
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Intermittent stream
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Year )980
Figure 96, Pall mule deer distribution on the Klrby study
area.
211
Figure 97. Winter mule deer distribution on the Klrby study area,
LEGEND
Intermitfent stream
River
Unpaved road
Study area
Mule deer observations Group size
1 - 3 £>
4 - 8 A
9 -15 A
16+ A
Year. 1980-81
212
key parts to this wintering area may be the high, wind-swept ridges and large deciduous shrub thickets in the draws to provide food and shelter.
It appeared that many more deer were observed in the western half of the study area, although both halves were covered roughly equally by plane, and much more time was spent in the eastern half on the ground. The difference in mule deer numbers between the two halves of the study area were estimated by dividing the area in half along the 357000 M.E mercator line and estimating area and deer numbers observed in each half. The eastern half contained approximately 52% of the study area. Roughly 25% of the deer observed (332 deer) were in the eastern half. The western half of the study area contained approximately 48$ of the area and 75$ of the observed mule deer (993 deer). Average group size for the totals of all seasons' observations were 4.2 in the western half, 2.9 in the eastern half, and 3.8 for all observations in the entire study area. The western half of the study area definitely has a higher mule deer population than the eastern half, probably due to the differences in vegetation discussed earlier.
Vegetation use: Mule deer made heavy use of ponderosa pine types during the entire study (Table 115). Numbers of deer observed in this type peaked during winter. Numbers of deer observed in grasslands were highest during both springs, and lowest in fall. High numbers of deer used riparian habitat, especially the deciduous shrub type, during the hot. dry summer of 1980. Use of riparian habitat was also high in summer 1981 and in fall 1980.
Activity: The majority of mule deer observed were feeding in all seasons except fall and winter, when they were usually standing or laying (Table 116). This is similar to the behavior of mule deer in other study areas. The highest numbers of bedded deer were observed in winter, when they tend to lay out in the sun. Bedded deer were probably underestimated during other seasons.
Use of topography: The majority of deer were observed on dissected mid-slopes (Table 117). The percent observed on dissected mid- slopes tended to be lowest in winter. Use of mesa-butte tops and steep side slopes was highest in winter and spring, agreeing with the findings of Martin (1980) in the Otter Creek area. The low use of the mesa-butte tops and steep side slopes during the spring of 1980 was probably due to the lack of sightings in March and early April, when deer are still on or near their winter ranges. Numbers of deer observed on the flood plain or alluvium/terrace features was highest in fall.
Use of exposures: Mule deer choice of exposures did not appear to follow a definite pattern (Table ll8). A large proportion of deer were observed on southwest exposures during spring of 198O. During summer, the highest percentage was observed on south-facing slopes. This may reflect the higher visability of deer on the dryer.
213
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214
Table ll6. Seasonal activity of mule deer in the Kirby Study area.
Activity
Spring Summer Fall Winter Spring Summer 1980 1980 1980 80-81 1981 198I % % 7) % % %
r
Standing/sitting |
0 |
0 |
35 |
23 |
9 |
12 |
Running |
9 |
5 |
12 |
5 |
15 |
23 |
Laying |
i+ |
2 |
1| |
37 |
4 |
0 |
Feeding |
85 |
75 |
40 |
33 |
70 |
61 |
Walking |
2 |
19 |
9 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
Total observed
201
63
167 164
536
176
Table 117. Seasonal use of topograohy by mule deer in the Kirby Study area.
Spring |
Summer |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
|
1980 |
1980 |
1980 |
80-81 |
1981 |
1981 |
|
Topography |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
Mesa-butte too |
5 |
5 |
3 |
18 |
20 |
14 |
Mesa-butte |
||||||
steep side slope |
1 |
19 |
7 |
32 |
23 |
14 |
Dissected mid-slope |
88 |
73 |
81 |
50 |
55 |
64 |
Alluvium/terrace |
4 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
Current flood plain |
2 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
Total observed |
201 |
63 |
167 |
164 |
536 |
176 |
Table II8. Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer in the Kirby Study Area.
Spring |
Summer |
Pall |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
|
1980 |
1980 |
1980 |
80-81 |
1981 |
1981 |
|
Exposure |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
No exposure (flat) |
11 |
5 |
8 |
13 |
12 |
9 |
North |
9 |
10 |
14 |
7 |
15 |
12 |
South |
5 |
29 |
12 |
7 |
14 |
22 |
East |
9 |
16 |
16 |
4 |
15 |
14 |
West |
1 |
6 |
10 |
2 |
10 |
7 |
Northeast |
5 |
6 |
20 |
46 |
16 |
12 |
Northwest |
2 |
11 |
13 |
5 |
2 |
10 |
Southeast |
11 |
13 |
7 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
Southwest |
47 |
5 |
1 |
15 |
13 |
10 |
Total observed |
201 |
63 |
167 |
164 |
536 |
176 |
215
more open south-facincr slopes, rather than a true picture of deer use. During fall roughly equal proportion of deer were found on all exposures exceot southwest exposures, which may have been too dry in this period. During winter a large proportion of deer were on northeast exposures, .just the opposite of what seems logical. The mild winter and lack of snow cover certainly allowed mule deer more freedom of choice of areas to feed in. Snring and summer 198I observations were scattered over all exposures, with no clear preferences.
Use of slope: The majority of mule deer observed were on medium slopes (Table 119). Numbers of deer on gentle slopes was highest in summer and fall and lowest in spring and winter. The proportion of deer on steep slopes was highest in spring and summer of I98I, and much lower in winter than on the Birney study area.
Whitetail Deer
Eighty-one whitetail deer were observed on the Kirby study area. Average group size was highest in spring and lowest in summer (Table 120). Fall observations were too few to obtain production data.
Distribution; Figure 98 shows the distribution of whitetail deer during the entire study. All of the observations were on or near the Tongue River.
Use of vegetation: The vegetation data were lumped into four main vegetatlonal types because of the small number of observations (Table 120). Most of the spring observations were in the ponderosa pine and Juniper series (mostly Juniper-sage) and the grassland series (all in sagebrush). Deer were observed in all four types during summer, but mainly in the riparian type. All of the obser- vations in fall were in riparian types. Only one group was sighted during winter, in Juniper-sage habitat. Undoubtedly many deer in deciduous tree and shrub riparian types were missed due to poor observability in these types.
Use of topography, slope, exposure: Nearly all of the whitetail deer were on flat or gentle slooes near the river where exposure is not imoortant. They often used alluvium/terraces near the river, but rarely used more rugged uplands.
Antelope
Four hundred and seven antelope were observed on the Kirby study area. Average group size ranged from 2.6 in summer to 29.5 in winter (Table 121). Dispersal from the large winter herds into small groups occurred in March and April. Antelope were most easily observed in December, when 23.6 antelope were observed per hour of aerial survey (Table 113). Fawn production appeared to be low in both years (Table 122), but this may be an artifact of the small sample sizes classified.
216
r
PlKure 98. White-tailed deer observations on the Kirby study area.
(
_ ^
.5 0 1
ITHiM
LEGEND
Intermittent stream
Rivtr *
Unpoved rood
Study area
White -tailed deer observations: Group size: 1-3 4-8 9-15
Spring O O $
Summer ^ & a
Fall o 0 e
Winter D Q s
217
Table 119. Seasonal use of slope by mule deer in the Klrby study area.
Spring Summer Pall Winter Spring Summer 1980 1980 1980 80-8I 1981 1981 Slope % % % % % %
Flat Gentle Medium Steep
Total Observed 201 63 167 l64 536 176
11 |
5 |
8 |
13 |
12 |
9 |
7 |
36 |
29 |
11 |
15 |
23 |
82 |
57 |
58 |
70 |
56 |
49 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
17 |
19 |
Table 120. Average group size and vegetational use of white-tailed deer on the Kirby study area.
Spring |
Summer |
Fall |
Winter |
||
Number groups |
8 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
|
Number deer |
42 |
21 |
13 |
5 |
|
Average group size |
5.3 |
2.3 |
4.3 |
5.0 |
|
Vegetational type |
|||||
Rinarian |
0% |
HS% |
100^ |
0% |
|
Ponderosa oine/ji |
anlper |
38 |
24 |
0 |
100 |
Grassland |
55 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
Agricultural |
7 |
19 |
0 |
0 |
|
Distribution: In spring most of the antelope were observed in the southwestern corner of the study area (Figure 99). Summer obser- vations were even more concentrated into the southwestern corner (Fipcure 100). Many newborn and young fawns were observed in this area in both years, indicating that this is used as a fawning area, Few antelope were seen in suitable antelope habitat extending to the north of this area.
Fall distribution is shown in Figure 101. Only a few large groups of antelope were observed in fall, mainly in the southwestern portion of the study area. Only two herds were observed in winter, both in December (Figure 102). No antelope were observed on the study area in January and February. Thus, it appears that antelope use the southwestern corner of the study area for fawning and summering, then move out of the area to winter.
218
Table 121. Average Piroup size of antelope in the Kirby study area,
r
Month
No.
Groups
No. Antelone
Averaee
Aorll |
7 |
35 |
May |
11 |
38 |
Spring; |
18 |
73 |
June |
9 |
22 |
July |
6 |
24 |
August |
4 |
15 |
Summer |
19 |
61 |
September |
1 |
1 |
October |
4 |
32 |
November |
1 |
9 |
Vail |
6 |
42 |
December |
2 |
59 |
January |
0 |
0 |
February |
0 |
0 |
Winter |
2 |
59 |
March |
7 |
70 |
April |
9 |
27 |
May |
12 |
28 |
Soring |
28 |
125 |
June |
9 |
19 |
July |
5 |
17 |
August |
4 |
11 |
Summer |
18 |
47 |
5.0 3.4 4.1
2.4
4.0 3.8 3.2
1.0 8.0 9.0 7.0
29.5
0
0 29.5
10.0 3.0 2.3 4.5
2.1 3.4 2.8 2.6
r
Table 122. Antelope population characteristics in the Kirby study area.
rfenth |
Number Classified |
Fawns : 100 Does Adults |
Bucks: 100 Does |
Population St Bucks Does |
ructure (% |
||||||
Year |
Tbtal |
Bucks |
Does |
Fawns |
Fawns |
||||||
1980 1981 |
June July August June July August |
16 22 15 19 17 11 |
6 12 6 4 5 5 |
9 6 7 13 9 5 |
1 4 2 2 3 1 |
11.1 66.7 28.6 15.4 33.3 20.0 |
6.3 18.2 13.3 11.8 21.4 10.0 |
66.7 200.0 85.7 30.8 55.6 100.0 |
37.5 54.5 40.0 21.1 29.4 45.5 |
56.2 27.3 46.7 68.4 52.9 45.5 |
6.3 18.2 13.3 10.5 17.6 9.1 ( |
219
lEQEHD Intermittent stream
River
Unpaved road
Study area
Antelope observations Group size
1 - 3...^^ D
4 -8. .A .©
9 -15,.. A 9
16+ A (•
Year: 1980 1981
Figure 99. Spring antelope distribution on the Klrby study area.
220
r
v^.
LEGEND IntermiHent stream
River
Unpaved road
Study area
Antelope observations Group size
1 - 3... ./a O
4 - 8.. .A ©
9-J5...A •
16t A •
Year 1980 1981
Figure 100. Summer antelope distribution on the Kirby study area,
221
miles
LEGEND
Intermittent stream
River
Unpaved road
Study area
Antelope observations Group size
1 - 3..,^^
4 -6...^
9 -IS. A
16+ A
Year: 1980
Figure 101. Pall antelope distribution on the Kirby study area,
222
<
.5 0
miles
L£QE11D
Intermitfwnt stream
River
Unpaved road
Study area AnteJope observations Group size
1 - 3 £>■
4 -8 A
9-15 ...A
\b* A
\fear: WeO-81
t
Plp;ure 102. Winter antelope distribution on the Kirby study area,
223
Use of vegetation: Nearly all antelope were observed in grassland habitats (Table 123). Xerlc grassland, big sage-grassland and skunkbush grassland may have been underestimated in spring 1980 because this type was not separated from xeric grassland during that season. Use of sagebrush was highest in spring and summer. Use of agricultural types was highest in fall.
Activity: Most of the antelooe were already running from the airplane when observed (Table 124). The proportion of antelope observed runnine; was partly dependent on the proportion of antelope observed during ground surveys (which were less likely to spook). Antelope which were farther from the aerial flight line were less likely to be running when spotted. Antelope were more likely to be stationary when observed during spring and winter. This agrees with the findings of Martin (198Ca) in the Otter Creek and Hanging Woman Creek areas.
Use of topography: Most antelope were observed on dissected mid- slooes or mesa-butte tops (Table 125). Antelooe were observed only on large, fairly flat-topped mesas which afforded them good visability. Alluvium areas along creek bottoms were occasionally used in spring and summer.
Use of exposure: Antelope were observed on nearly all exposures in every season exceot winter (Table 126). The 100% use of east exposures in winter cannot be considered significant, since only two herds were sighted in winter. Antelope choice of exposure is probably not significant on gentle slopes, which were heavily used during most seasons.
Use of slooe: The majority of antelooe were seen on flat or gentle slopes in all seasons except fall (Table 127), when the majority of observations were on medium slopes. Antelope were never observed on steep slopes.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Sixteen sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds were located in or near the study area (Figure 103). Attendance by male birds on known grounds averaged 11.8 in 1980 and 9.1 in 1981 (Table 128). These figures are nearly identical to attendance on grounds in the Birney study area (Table 101). Average attendance on the 13 grounds located in 1980 was 9.8 in 1981, indicating a decrease in numbers. Since the winter of I98O-81 was very mild, the decrease probably was caused by poor production and recruitment during the summer of 198O.
There are approximately 0.17 grounds per square mile in the
study area. This compares favorably with 0.I8 grounds per
square mile in the Birney study area, 0.12 grounds per square
mile in the Colstrip area (Schwartzkoph pers. comm) and 0.22 grounds
per square mile in the Otter Creek area (Martin 1980a). All
except two of the grounds were located in the western half of the
224
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225
Table 124. Seasonal activity of antelope in the Kirby study area.
Spring Summer Pall Winter Spring Summer 1980 1980 1980 80-81 1981 1981 Activity % % % %_ % %
Standing/sitting |
6 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
13 |
Running |
52 |
59 |
100 |
51 |
47 |
81 |
Laying |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
Feeding |
34 |
31 |
0 |
49 |
34 |
6 |
Walking |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
Total observed 67 58 42 59 125 4?
Table 125. Seasonal use of topography by antelope in the Kirby study area.
Spring Summer Pall Winter Spring Summer 1980 1980 1980 80-81 1981 1981 Topography % % % % % , %
Mesa-butte top I6 24 55 49 36 0
Mesa-butte
steep side slope Dissected mid-slooes Alluvium/terrace Current flood plain
Total observed 67 58 42 59 125 47
Table 126. Seasonal use of exposure by antelope in the Kirby study area.
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
76 |
76 |
45 |
51 |
61 |
98 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Spring |
Summer |
Pall |
Winter |
Soring |
Summer |
|
1980 |
1980 |
1980 |
80-81 |
1981 |
1981 |
|
Exposure |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
No exposure (flat) |
9 |
19 |
17 |
0 |
36 |
6 |
North |
3 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
South |
30 |
26 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
30 |
East |
12 |
7 |
21 |
100 |
6 |
17 |
West |
4 |
3 |
21 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
Northeast |
3 |
14 |
21 |
0 |
10 |
4 |
Northwest |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
Southeast |
21 |
3 |
17 |
0 |
20 |
19 |
Southwest |
18 |
16 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
Total observed |
67 |
58 |
42 |
59 |
125 |
47 |
226
mil*s
Intarmittent stream
Riv«r
Unpoved road
Study area
Sharp - tailed grouse:
Breeding grounds »
Observations:
Winter. a
Spring jO
Sumnwr ^
Foil O
c
Figure 103. Sharp-tailed grouse breeding grounds and observations on the Kirby study area.
227
Table 127. Seasonal use of slope by antelope In the Klrby study area.
Summer 'Pall 1980 1980 % %
Spring 1981 %
Slope
Spring 1980 %
Winter 80-81 %
Summer 1981
Flat Gentle Medium Steep
Total observed
9 |
19 |
17 |
0 |
36 |
6 |
60 |
52 |
17 |
100 |
37 |
66 |
31 |
29 |
67 |
0 |
27 |
28 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
67
58
i»2
59
125
47
Table 128.
Sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds and number of males attending in the Klrby study area.
Location
Males Observed
Number
T |
R |
S |
6S |
40E |
21 NWJa |
6S |
39E |
23 WEh |
6S |
39E |
22 SEiu |
6S |
40E |
31 NVft; |
7S |
39E |
2 SEJr, |
7S |
40E |
8 NEia |
7S |
39E |
12 SW5i; |
7S |
39E |
15 SEJc |
7S |
39E |
26 YiYh |
7S |
40E |
19 SVA; |
7S |
39E |
36 SVA; |
7S |
40E |
32 NEJi; |
7S |
4lE |
3 NWiu |
6S |
40E |
19 NW?^ |
6S |
39E |
26 SEJt; |
6S |
40E |
11 SEJc |
1980
1981
1
2
3 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
14 3 10 11 14 7 13 14 16
7 16 18 10
15
6
2
8
14
2
7
13
17
7
6
15
15
5
4
9
study area. If the grounds per square mile are calculated only for the portion of the study area west of the 357000 ME mercator line, the ground density rises to 0.32 grounds per square mile. It is apparent that the western half of the study area is excellent sharp-tail habitat. Only one brood was observed, in I98I. A hen was in the brush along the roadside and a chick was seen running across the road. The cover was too thick to locate any more chicks, if there were in fact any more.
228
Ring-necked Pheasant
Ring-necked pheasants occur along the Tongue River and Fourmlle Creek. A pheasant crowing count was run along the Tongue River south of Birney. Stops 6-12 were located in the Kirby area. Crowing counts for these stops averaged 2.2 per stop in 1980 and 3.1 per stop in 198I. The low count in 198O was probably due to the foggy weather during the count. The I981 count was lower than the count on the Birney area. One brood with 9 young was seen in 1981 in sagebrush habitat about 1/4 mile from the river.
Turkey
Seven groups of turkeys were observed in the study area (Figure 104). A brood with 5 young was observed in 198O and a combined brood with 3 hens and about 20 young was observed in 198I. Turkeys were hard to observe, preferring ponderosa pine habitats. No turkeys were observed during the winter of 198O-81, but landowners described two flocks, totaling about 76 turkeys which wintered on Fourmlle Creek during the severe winter of 1978-79.
Waterfowl
Nine species of waterfowl were observed on the study area (Table 129). Three of these were confirmed or suspected breeders. Mallard (^ broods were observed on the lower end of Canyon Creek near the ^ Tongue River, and in several ponds in the western half of the study area. Migrants were observed along the river and on most of the ponds which held water.
Other Possible Game Birds
Several landowners commented that Hungarian partridge were formerly fairly common in the western portion of the study area. One land- owner had also observed sage grouse on the upper end of Post Creek. Ruffed grouse have been sighted on the Rosebud Battlefield Just a few miles west of the study area. Landowners have seen ruffed grouse on a ridge Just on the northwestern edge of the study area. Stands of aspen, thick ponderosa pine timber, and deciduous shrub thickets favored by ruffed grouse are only widely scattered throughout the western half of the study area, providing only marginal habitat for them.
Songbirds
One hundred and seven species of birds, including game birds, were observed on the study area (Table 129). Eighty-nine of these were suspected or confirmed breeders on the study area. This list is probably not complete.
The songbird census road route (Figure 105) was run three times In 1980, but only once in I98I due to bad weather, so the results were combined. Vegetation along the route was 68$ sage-grassland, 22$ ponderosa pine and Juniper, and 10$ riparian. A total
C
229
Figure 10^
Turkey wintering area and observations on the Kirby study area.
LEGEND
Intermittent stream
River
Unpaved road
Study area
TurlMy:
Probable wintering area
Observations: Group size: 1-3 4-8 9-15 16-^
Spring O.....0 * •
Summer ^ A a A
FoN O 0....» •
Wmler D Q. ...S ■
230
r
Figure 105.
Klrby study area songbird road route and songbird census strip and small mammal trapline locations.
r
.5 0 1
LEGEND
Intermittent stream
River
Unpaved rood
Study area
Songbird road route
Songbird cemus strips »
Small-mammal tropiines:
Summer A
Fall O
Vegetationd types:
Riparian R
Por>derosa pine/ juniper... P
Sagebrush S
Grasslan^^;^.^ ®
231
Table 129. Breeding status of the bird species observed on the Klrby study area.
Species
Breeding Status
Species
tsreeaing Status
1 Double-crested cormorant
2 Great blue heron
3 Canada goose
4 Mallard
5 Pintail
6 Green-winged teal
7 Blue-winged teal
8 American wigeon
9 Northern shoveler
10 Ring-necked duck
11 Common merganser
12 Turkey vulture
13 Goshawk
ih Cooper's hawk
15 Red-tailed hawk
16 Rough-legged hawk
17 Golden eagle
18 Bald eagle
19 Marsh hawk
20 Osprey
21 Prairie falcon
22 Merlin
23 American kestrel
24 Sharp-tailed grouse
25 Ring-necked pheasant
26 Turkey
27 Sora
28 Killdeer
29 Common snipe
30 Spotted sandpiper
31 Mourning dove
32 Yellow-billed cuckoo
33 Black-billed cuckoo
34 Great-horned owl
35 Saw-whet owl
36 Poor-will
37 Common nighthawk
38 White-throated swift
39 Common flicker
40 Red-headed woodpecker
41 Lewis' woodpecker
42 Yellow-bellied sapsucker
43 Hairy woodpecker
44 Downy woodpecker
45 Eastern kingbird
46 Western kingbird
47 Cassin's kingbird
48 Say's ohoebe
49 Least flycatcher
50 Dusky flycatcher
V |
51 |
V |
52 |
b |
53 |
B |
54 |
M |
55 |
M |
56 |
M |
57 |
b |
58 |
M |
59 |
M |
60 |
M |
61 |
b |
62 |
b |
63 |
b |
64 |
B |
65 |
W |
66 |
b |
67 |
W |
68 |
b |
69 |
M |
70 |
B |
71 |
M |
72 |
B |
73 |
B |
74 |
B |
75 |
B |
76 |
b |
77 |
B |
78 |
b |
79 |
b |
80 |
b |
81 |
b |
82 |
b |
83 |
b |
84 |
b |
85 |
b |
86 |
b |
87 |
b |
88 |
b |
89 |
B |
90 |
b |
91 |
M |
92 |
b |
93 |
b |
94 |
b |
95 |
b |
96 |
b |
97 |
b |
98 |
B |
99 |
b |
100 |
Western wood pewee b
Horned lark b
Violet-green swallow b
Tree swallow b
Barn swallow b
Cliff swallow B
Black-billed magpie b
Pinyon Jay b
Clark's nutcracker t
Black-capped chickadee b White-breasted nuthatch b
Red-breasted nuthatch b
Brown creeper M
House wren b
Canyon wren b
Rock wren b
Gray catbird b
Brown thrasher b
Sage thrasher b
American robin b
Veery b
Mountain bluebird b
Townsend's solitaire b
Bohemian waxwing W
Cedar waxwing t
Loggerhead shrike b
Starling b
Solitary vireo B
Warbling vireo b
Yellow warbler b
Yellow-rumped warbler b
Common yellowthroat b
Yellow-breasted chat b
American redstart b
Western meadowlark b
Red-winged blackbird b
Northern oriole b
Brewer's blackbird b
Common grackle b
Brown-headed cowbird b
Western tanager b
Black-headed grosbeak b
Indigo bunting b
Lazuli bunting b
Cassin's finch b
Pine siskin b
American goldfinch b
Red crossbill b
Rufous-sided towhee b
Lark bunting b
232
r
Table 129. Continued
Breeding Species Status
101 Vesper sparrow b
102 Lark sparrow b
103 Dark-eyed J unco b lOiJ Tree sparrow W
105 Chippinc; sparrow b
106 Brewer's sparrow b
107 Sonp; sparrow b
* B - confirmed breeding (nest or dependent young observed)
b - suspected breeding (present during breeding season)
V - visitor (breeds nearby, but not on the study area)
t - present, but no evidence of breeding
W - winter resident and migrant only
M - migrant only
r
of 6l8 birds and ^7 species were observed (Table 130). Western
meadowlarks, chipping sparrows, yellow warblers, and house wrens
were the most common species, together making up ^0% of the total number
of birds counted. They were also counted more frequently than
other species of birds.
The walking strips (Figure 105) were only run once each due to bad weather, so the results should only be used for general comparisons between habitats. Creek bottom riparian habitat, composed mainly of boxelder-ash forest, was by far the most diverse and productive area for songbirds (Table 131). It was as productive as river bottom riparian habitat on the Birney study area (Table 10^). The deciduous tree cover, unlike that on the intermittent creek strip on the Birnev area, was thick and continuous along the entire census strio. The narrow riparian zone was bordered bv open silver sagebrush habitat along most of the strip, favoring edge species. Running water was present in the creek throughout the summer, however, intermittent creeks that are usually dry can also support high densities of songbirds (See Otter Creek area in Martin 1980a). The quality and quantity of cover is more Important than the presence or absence of water in determining songbird oroductlvlty.
The ponderosa pine census strip, located in the western part of the study area (Figure 105) was more diverse and productive than the ponderosa pine strip on the Birney study area, probably because it was located in more mesic ponderosa pine forest with a deciduous shrub understory (Table 132). The more xeric ponderosa pine in the eastern half of the Kirby area is probably very similar in oroductivity to the Birney strip (Table 106). The ponderosa pine
r
233
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|
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(U a o |
|
(D |
PL, CO o |
|
m |
||
X3 |
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o |
0) |
|
m |
o |
|
-O |
c |
|
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0) |
|
•H |
^H^ |
|
Xf |
tl rH |
|
bC |
:3 c« |
|
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O -P |
|
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census strip on the Prairie Dog Creek study area was located right along the border of the Kirby area. It supported 27 species and approximately 155 pairs of songbirds per 100 ha (Martin 1980a).
The grassland census strip supported the fewest number of birds Vesper sparrows made up 6l% of the birds observed. This strip was located in the western portion of the study area on a high ridge. Grassland and sagebrush habitat in the more xeric eastern part of the study area was probably more similar in productivity to the Birney sagebrush census strip (Table 133).
Raptors
Twelve species of hawks and two species of owls were found on the studv area (Table 129). Nine of these were known or suspected breeders. Fifteen nests, excluding American kestrels, were found on or near the study area (Table 13^ and Figure 106). This nest census is not considered complete. Red-tailed hawks, great- horned owls, and American kestrels were the most common breeding raptors .
Nine species of raptors, excluding American kestrels, were observed as migrants or wintering on the study area (Figure 107). The Tongue River along the east boundary of the study area and the southwestern corner of the study area received the highest use by non-breeding raptors.
The goshawk, Cooper:':s hawk, golden eagle, bald eagle, osprey, orairie falcon, merlin, and saw-whet owl are listed by Flath (I98I) as SDecies of special interest or concern in Montana. The golden eagle, bald eagle, osprey, prairie falcon, and merlin are also listed as species of high federal interest. The status of each of these within the study area is as follows:
Goshawk- One was observed on 27 August 198I. This bird was probably a migrant, although the area in which it was observed has dense stands of ponderosa pine which may be suitable for nesting goshawks. They are known to nest in the Wolf Mountains, approximately l4 miles to the southwest (Lockhart 1976).
Cooper's hawk - Several observations of adults were made during the breeding season in the northwestern corner of the study area. They probably had a nest located nearby, but an intensive nest search was not made.
Golden eagle - One pair had part of their territory on the western end of the study area. They probably had one or more nests located somewhere west of the study area. They were suspected not to have nested in 1981, because the pair was often seen together in the Kirby area in spring when the female should have been incubating eggs. Their nesting status in 198O was unknown. There are many suitable nest sites in the portion of their territory within the study area, so this pair should be checked in the future if coal development should take place.
238
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L£Q£ND
Intermittent stream
River
Unpaved road
Study area
Raptor n«sts .•
Observations:
Turkey vulture .T
Golden eagle E
Cooper\ hawk C
Red-tolled hawk R
Marsh hawk H
Prairie falcon P
Great - horned owl N
Saw-whet owl W
Figure 106. Resident raptor observations on the Kirby study area,
240
Figure 107. Migrant and wintering raptor observations on the Klrby study area.
LEQEND
Intarmittent stream
Rivtr
Unpavvd rood
Study area
Raptor obs*rvation»:
ited-taiM hawk R
Rough-l*9g«d hawk...l
Oolo#n #ciQi# E
Bold Msl* B
Morth hawk H
Otprn .O
Proiri* fokon P
fVwfiln nA
Oo»hawk.........<L O
241
Bald eagle - Bald eagles were observed as migrants and wintering along the Tongue River (Figure 107). One area was particularly favored by eagles. The river in the Kirby study area was not as heavily used as in the Birney study area.
Osprey - One migrant osprey was observed Just off the study area on the Tongue River. Several others, along with other bald eagles were observed on the stretch of river between the Birney and Kirby study areas. This stretch of river (mostly off the map in Figure 107) appeared to be another high use area or perhaps an extension of the one on the Birney area.
Prairie falcon - Two confirmed and one suspected prairie falcon nests were located. One nest fledged one young in 1980 and another fledged 4 young in 198I. Pair number 15 was present on the cliff both years during the breeding season, but did not appear to have nested. The pair was flushed from the cliff with the helicopter in late April 1981. A falcon was heard calling from a pothole on the cliff a week later, but no young were ever observed. One or both of these birds may have been too young to breed, or the nest may have failed due to interference from a pair of great-horned owls nesting on the same cliff.
Merlin - Several migrant merlins were observed, mainly along the Tongue River. The merlin sighting north of the studv area may have been of a nesting bird. There is a possibility that merlins might nest in the northwestern corner of the study area. The area could not be covered on foot in 198O, and no merlins were found in other parts of southeastern Montana (Youmans 198I, Becker I98I).
Saw-whet owl - A pair of saw-whet owls were heard calling on the North Fork of Canyon Creek in 198I. They were probably nesting there. They may be common in riparian habitat, but their secretive nature makes detection difficult.
Other special interest species - The Brewer's sparrow was also listed by Flath (1981) as a species of special interest or concern. They were common in sagebrush habitat throughout the study area. Upland sandpipers, another special interest species, were suspected to breed in the western part of the study area. Local landowners reported seeing them in past years on Dale Creek, ,1ust off the northwest corner of the study area. The pair was not observed in I981 by myself or the landowners.
In the past, there were extensive prairie dog towns covering the high ridges in the western part of the study area. They were probably also present along wide creek bottoms in the eastern part. Local landowners recalled seeing burrowing owls frequently on the prairie dog towns. No prairie dog towns exist in the study area today, and burrowing owls are no longer present.
242
The double-crested cormorant and Lewis' woodpecker are listed as species of high federal Interest. Double-crested cormorants were visitors along the Tongue River from the rookery on the Tongue River Reservoir. Lewis* woodpeckers were observed frequently along the county road on Leaf Rock Creek.
Nongame Mammals
Twenty species of mammals. Including game species were observed on the Klrby study area (Table 135). This list Is probably not comolete. Fourteen small-mammal trapllnes were run, eight In summer and six In fall (Figure 105). Trapping success was highest (3.2 captures/100 tran nights) In grassland and lowest (0.8 captures/100 trap nights) In riparian habitats (Table 136). Grass- land areas also yielded the highest number of species {^) . This low success In riparian habitat Is the opposite of trapping success on other study areas (Martin 1980a). Deer mice were the most abundant small-mammal In all habitats.
A total of seventy-six coyotes were observed on the Klrby area during the study. Coyote aerial observations per hour were highest In fall and the lowest In summer and winter (Table 113). Several bobcats were seen during the study.
Table 135. Mammals observed on the Klrby study area.
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 Masked shrew
2 Raccoon
3 Striped skunk k Coyote
5 Bobcat
6 Yellowbelly marmot
7 Thlrteen-llned ground squirrel
8 Least chipmunk
9 Red squirrel
10 Northern pocket gopher
11 Deer mouse
12 Northern grasshopper mouse
13 Bushytall woodrat
14 Muskrat
15 House mouse
16 Porcupine
17 Desert cottontail
18 Mule deer
19 White-tailed deer
20 Pronghorn antelope
PfLoayon toton. Ue.phZtl6 me.ph.<.t<.6 Can-tA latftanA Lynx fiafiUA
Hafimota ita.\}lvzn.tKli Spznmophlta& tfL-idzczmlA.mata^) Eatam<.a.{> m-cn-cmui TamA,aiciafLai, had6onica6 Thomomyi taitpo-idz& ?znomy&aai> manlautatai Onifchomy6 IzacogastzK !4e.otoma c.'inzKza. Onddtfia zlbz-thlcah Ma4 ma&c.utai> Efitthlzon doK&oitiim Syl-ivZaguA aadabonll 0doc0'it2.a& hzmlon.a& Odoc.olte.a6 vjLxglni.anu.h Kntltocapfia amzfilcoLna.
243
Table 136. Results of small-mammal trapping in the Klrby study area.
Total captures Trap nights
Captures/100 trap nights Number of species caught Species :
?e.^om(j6auA man.icaZa.ta6
Onychomyi tzacogoottzn.
Mu4 mai>c.ata&
Spzumopkltai) tn.ldzczmlA,Yizcita&
EatamZai m-cn^mai
Sofizx c.lnzfiza&
Ponderosa Grassland Sagebrush Pine Riparian
22 681
3. 4
14 6 1
1
18 1616 1.1 2
32
1
16 1596 1.0 2
23
12 1578 0.8 2
10
Reptiles and Amphibians
Nine species of herps were observed on the study area (Table 137). This list is probably not complete. Racers, bull snakes, and rattlesnakes were the three most frequently encountered species. Northern chorus frogs were heard along many creek bottoms and stock ponds in the spring.
A possible spotted chorus frog was captured near a playa in the western part of the study area during June I98I. The only known DODulation of these in Montana is found near Fort Benton in Choteau County (Black 1970). The specimen is awaiting confirmation of identification.
Table 137. Amphibians and reptiles observed on the Kirby study area,
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 Leopard frog
2 Western toad
3 Woodhouse's toad
4 Spotted chorus frog
5 Northern chorus frog
6 Sagebrush lizard
7 Racer
8 Bull snake
9 Prairie rattlesnake
Rana pip^izni) Bai^o bofiza& Bujjo woodkoa&zl ?&zada.c.fil& ztafikl ? & zadacn.i.i> tfiA,6 zfiiata Sczlopofiai Q>iCLC'io&ai> Colabzfi comtfildtoK Vyitaoph-i& mztanotzazai) Cfiotatai v-ifL-ida6
211 i»
Tongue River Dam Area
Mule Deer
During the study 1104 mule deer were observed In the Tongue River Dam area (Table 138). Average group size ranged from 2.1 In summer to 6,2 In winter. January 1981 had the highest average group size of any month.
v<r
Table 138.
Average group size of mule deer In the Tongue River Dam area.
Month
No . Groups
No. Deer
Average
April May Scrlng |
10 10 |
June July August Summer |
11 17 35 63 |
September October November Pall |
30 18 48 |
December January February Winter |
6 18 14 38 |
March April May Spring |
11 32 17 60 |
June July August Summer |
35 24 25 84 |
37 37
21 32
81 134
132
86
218
28 128
78 234
75 191
42 308
44
62
67
173
3.7 3.7
1.9 1.9 2.3 2.1
4.4 4.8 4.5
4.7 7.1 5.6 6.2
6.8 6.0 2.5 5.1
1.3 2.6
2.7 2.1
Mule deer observations per hour of aerial survev ranged from 15.9
In summer of I98O to 56.9 In fall (Table 139). This suggests a
higher deer population than In the Blrney or Klrby areas. Most of
these deer were concentrated In the southern half of the study
area. The population status, movements, and observability of mule der .
is being studied by the Pish and Wildlife Service (Biggin and PhllllpL^
1979).
Mule deer population structure was determined during October and November. Pawn production was fair at 8I.I fawns/100 does and 55.8 fawns/100 adults In October (Table l40). The low fawn
245
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246
production In November was probably an artifact of the small sample size.
Spring distribution is shown in Figure 108. Mule deer In the northern half of the study area tended to be fairly scattered, while deer in the southern half were concentrated into two small areas. The large deer herd (>16 deer) located Just west of the study area in 198O was still on winter range on the West Decker Mine.
During summer most mule deer groups had less than 4 deer (Figure 109). The observations were scattered throughout the study area except for three areas of high concentrations. Deer herds with 9-15 deer were seen in all three of these concentration areas. The middle concentration area on the southern end of the reservoir had very high concentrations of deer. This area had extensive willow thickets in which deer were extremely difficult to observe. Yet in the August 198I flighty 34 mule deer were observed in an area of about 1 square mile in the center of this concentration area.
During fall mule deer observations in the northern part of the study area decreased (Figure 110). Mule deer in the southern part of the study area were gathered in larger herds and concentrated into two small areas. As water levels in the Tongue River Reservoir fall, mud flats are exposed and willow thickets dry out at the upper end of the reservoir. The ground becomes covered with tender, leafy weeds such as Rumex spo. Mule deer move into this area as this food supply becomes available. They reach the highest concentrations in fall, and remain there until late fall (depending on snow cover).
During winter mule deer were scattered throughout the northern part of the study area and concentrated into three groups in the southern part (Figure 111). The dashed lines show the three winter ranges in the area outlined by Phillips (1978). Two of the groups of sightings coincide with the winter range. The lack of snow cover during the winter probably made it unnecessary for mule deer to retreat to their usual winter ranges. It is important to note that none of the three winter ranges were entirely covered by my surveys. Incomplete coverage of a winter range can easily lead to misinterpretation of its extent and Importance.
Vegetation Use - The majority of deer observed were in grasslands during both spring seasons (Table l4l). Xeric grassland was more heavily used in 1980 and sagebrush in 198I. In summer and fall of 1980 the majority of deer were in riparian habitat. In contrast, more deer were seen in grasslands, than in riparian habitat in the summer of 198I. The summer of I98O had a drought, so only riparian zones had green vegetation in late summer and fall. Scattered rains occurred throughout the summer of 198I, so uplands remained green through much of the summer, making grasslands more attractive to mule deer.
((
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East Decker ED
V\fest Decker. WD
Study area — ^
Mule deer observations Group size
1 - 3 £,.....0
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9-15. ...A ®
16+ .▲ •
Year: 1980 1981
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2il8
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<k
mibs
intermitt«nt stream
Rivw
Pdvad rood •"■
Unpavvd road **=
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Study area — ^
Mule deer observcateons Groi^ size
1-3 c^....o
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Ybar: 1980 1981
Flp^ure 109. Summer mule deer distribution on the Tongue River Dam study area.
2il9
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2
miles
lEQENP Intermittent stream.
River
Paved road *^
Unpaved road *=■=
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East Decker ED
West Decker WD
Study area — '-
Mule deer observations Group size
1 - 3 £,
4-8 A
9-15. ...A
16+ A
Year: 1980
Picture 110, Pall mule deer distribution on the Tongue River Dam study area.
250
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River ^V=%s
Pbwd road *■»■
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West Oecicer. WD
Shidy area — • —
Mule deer sightings 1980-81 Group size:
1-3 £,
4-8 A V
9-15 A
16+ A
Winter range from Phillips (1978)
X
Figure 111,
Winter mule deer distribution on the Tongue River Dam study area.
2.51
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^
Most of the mule deer observed In winter were In grassland habitats, Phillips (1978) described winter ranges In the region as mainly scattered stands of Juniper or ponderosa pine. The discrepancy Is probably due to two factors: 1) not all of the mule deer were on their normal winter ranges. Lack of snow cover would make grassland areas more available than normal. 2) Only the edges near the Tongue River Reservoir of three winter ranges were covered In this survey. All three winter ranges extended away from the reservoir Into higher, more heavily timbered hills. Incomplete coverage of a winter range can give distorted views of habitat use.
Activity - *The majority of mule deer were feeding at the time of observation in all seasons except winter (Table l42). In winter half of the deer were either standing or laying. This is similar to deer behavior on other study areas.
Table l42. Seasonal activity of mule deer In the Tongue River Dam study area.
Spring Summer PaTT Winter Spring Summer
Activity
1980 |
1980 |
1980 |
80-81 |
1981 |
1981 |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
16 |
4 |
16 |
24 |
6 |
17 |
3 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
18 |
26 |
13 |
1 |
78 |
77 |
51 |
46 |
72 |
66 |
0 |
8 |
13 |
4 |
4 |
12 |
37 |
134 |
218 |
234 |
308 |
173 |
f
Standing/sitting
Running
Laying
Feeding
Walking
Total observed
Use of topography - Table l43 shows the percentages of mule deer observed on different topographic features. Some of the same trends discussed earlier show up here. Higher proportions of mule deer were on flood plains in summer and fall than in other seasons. The proportion of mule deer on dissected mid-slopes was lowest in fall, when most deer were on flood plains. More deer were observed on mesa-butte tops in spring and winter, than in other seasons.
Use of exposure; Fairly high proportions of mule deer were observed on flat areas (Table 144) during most seasons. There did not appear to be any clear-cut trends in distribution among the exposures. East-facing exposures appeared to be used less than west-facing exposures in most seasons. Choice of exposure may not be significant in much of the relatively flat southern ( half of the study area.
Use of slope; The majority of mule deer were observed on flat and gentle slopes in all seasons except the spring of 198I, when slightly more deer were on medium and steep slopes (Table 145). The proportion of deer seen on steep slopes was never very high. The
253
0 .5 1 2
Intermittent stream.
River
POved road *^
Unpaved rood ^*c»a
Coal mine -
East Decker ED
West Decker WD
Study area — ^-
White- tailed deer observatk>ns Group size: 1-3 4-8 9-15
Spring 0 0. $
Summer z^ a a
Fall D © e
Winter d h q
Figure 112.
White-tailed deer observations on the Tongue River Dam study area.
25^
Table 1^3.
Topography
r
Seasonal use of topography by mule deer In the Tongue River Dam study area.
"SprTng Summer 1980 1980
1980 %
Ulnter 80-81
Spring Summer 1981 1981 % %
Mesa-butte top |
22 |
7 |
1 |
12 |
11 |
8 |
Mesa-butte steep |
||||||
side slope |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
7 |
6 |
Dissected mid-slope |
43 |
41 |
35 |
69 |
61 |
40 |
Alluvium/terrace |
32 |
7 |
4 |
15 |
7 |
17 |
Current flood plain |
3 |
43 |
60 |
0 |
14 |
30 |
Total observed
37
134
218
234
308
173
Table l44.
Seasonal use of exposure by mule deer In the Tongue River Dam study area.
Spring l^ummer F^all Winter Spring Summ.er 1980 1980 1980 80-81 1981 1981 % % % % % %
Exposure
c
No exposure
North
South
East
West
Northeast
Northwest
Southeast
Southwest
Total observed
(flat)
57 |
48 |
63 |
34 |
22 |
43 |
16 |
2 |
7 |
16 |
14 |
10 |
0 |
12 |
1 |
4 |
8 |
15 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
3 |
22 |
6 |
7 |
17 |
15 |
2 |
0 |
10 |
6 |
8 |
6 |
4 |
0 |
3 |
11 |
9 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
14 |
0 |
12 |
3 |
9 |
18 |
5 |
37
134
213 234
308
173
proportion of deer using flat areas was lowest in spring and neaked in fall.
White-tailed Deer
Forty-six whitetail deer were observed on the Tongue River Dam study area. Average group size was lowest in summer and highest in spring (Table l46). No whitetail deer were observed during fall.
Distribution - Figure 112 shows the distribution of whitetail deer during the study. Most of the observations were along the Tongue river at the southern end of the study area. About 15-30 whitetail are thought to be in this area (Phillips 1978).
255
Table l45. Seasonal use of slope by mule deer In the Tongue River Dam study area.
Slope
Spring 1980
Summer Pall 1980 1980
Winter Spring Summer 80-81 1981 1981 % % %
Plat Gentle Medium Steep
Total observed
57 |
48 |
63 |
25 |
22 |
43 |
19 |
26 |
5 |
33 |
24 |
14 |
2i| |
2i| |
31 |
42 |
43 |
35 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
11 |
8 |
37 |
134 |
218 |
234 |
308 |
173 |
Use of vegetation - The majority of whitetail deer were observed in riparian habitats, primarily deciduous tree and shrub types (Table 146). They were also observed in Juniper-sage, sagebrush-grassland types, and hay fields.
Table l46.
Average group size and vegetational use of white-tailed deer on the Tongue River Dam area.
Spring
Summer |
11 |
30 |
2.7 |
50% |
20 |
7 |
23 |
Fall
Winter
Number groups 2"'
Number deer 9
Average group size 4.5 Vegetational type:
Riparian 1005?
Ponderosa pine/Juniper 0
Grassland ' 0
Agricultural 0
2 7
3.5
1005? 0 0 0
Antelope
Population characteristics - During the study 697 antelope were observed on the study area (Table l47). Average group size ranged from 3.7 in summer to 23.0 in winter. Antelope observations per hour of aerial survey ranged from 8.1 in summer of 1980 to 31.4 in summer of I98I (Table 139). The highest number of antelope observed per hour was 45.3 in July 198I. The number of fawns per 100 does was around 85-90 in 198O, but fluctuated widely in 198I (Table l48). This may have been due to different groups of antelope moving in and out of the study area during 1981.
256
Table 14? . |
Average |
group size |
of antelope in |
the Tongue River |
study area. |
||||
No. |
No. |
|||
Month |
Groups |
Antelope |
Average |
|
April |
1 |
13 |
13.0 |
|
May |
6 |
27 |
4.5 |
|
Spring |
7 |
40 , |
5.7 |
|
June |
3 |
7 |
2.3 |
|
July |
6 |
18 |
3.0 |
|
August |
7 |
37 |
5.3 |
|
Summer |
16 |
62 |
3.9 |
|
September |
||||
October |
3 |
48 |
16.0 |
|
November |
3 |
55 |
18.3 |
|
Fall |
6 |
103 |
17.2 |
|
December |
1 |
33 |
33.0 |
|
January |
1 |
8 |
8.0 |
|
February |
3 |
74 |
24.7 |
|
Winter |
5 |
115 |
23.0 |
|
March |
6 |
29 |
4.8 |
|
April |
19 |
113 |
5.9 |
|
May |
12 |
57 |
4.8 |
|
Spring |
37 |
199 |
5.4 |
|
June |
26 |
60 |
2.3 |
|
July |
14 |
68 |
4.9 |
|
August |
8 |
50 |
6.3 |
|
Summer |
48 |
178 |
3.7 |
|
Table l48. Antelope population characteristics in the Tongue River Dam study area.
Year Month
Number Classified Fawns : 100 Bucks: Population Structure ($) Total Bucks Does Pawns Deer Adults 100 Does Bucks Does Fawns
1980 June 5 1 4 0 0 0 25.0 20.0 80.0 0 July 18 19 8 88.9 44.4 ii.i 5.6 50.0 44.4 August 36 10 14 12 85.7 33.3 71.4 27.8 38.9 33.3
I
257
Distribution: Spring distribution Is shown In Figure 113- Most of the large groups were seen In the Deer Creek area north of East Decker. Antelope were concentrated In this same area again In summer (Figure 1X4). There were also many antelope using the area east of East Decker.
During fall only a few large groups of antelope were observed (Figure 115). As in spring and summer, antelope were mainly concentrated In the Deer Creek area. Figure ll6 shows the winter distribution of antelope from this study and the winter ranges of antelope from Phillips (1978). Two herds of antelope were sighted In the Deer Creek area, which Is not normal winter range. Antelope were probably not restricted to winter range because of the mild winter.
Vegetation use: The majority of antelope were sighted In grass- land types (Table 1^9). They were occasionally seen feeding on forbs on mud flats along the reservoir and on spoil piles on the East Decker mine. More antelope were seen in xeric grassland than in sagebrush during most seasons of the study.
Activity: Most antelope were running when observed (Table 150). They were least likely to be running in fall. The highest pro- portion of bedded antelooe was observed in winter. These results are similar to those from the Klrby area.
Use of topography: Antelope were most commonly observed on dissected mid-slopes and alluvium/terraces (Table 151). A high proportion of antelope were observed on mesa-butte steep side slopes.
Use of exposure: Antelope sightings on various exposures is shown in Table 152. Antelope were often seen on flat areas (no exposure). In winter the majority of antelooe were observed on southwest exposures. One-third of the antelope seen in fall were on south exposures. No definite trends in use of exposure were noticable in spring and summer.
Use of slope: The majority of antelope were observed on flat or gentle slopes (Table 153). During summer Increased percentages of antelooe made use of medium slopes. Antelope were almost never observed on steep slopes.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Only one dancing ground was located in the study area (Figure 117) in 1981. It was attended by 7 males. Two observations of grouse were made in fall; one of I6 birds and the other of a single bird. No broods were seen.
Four sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds were present in 1977 in the area now covered by the East Decker mine (Amstrup 1977). Average attendance was 11.3 males.
258
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Antebpe observcitk)ns Group size
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Year: 1980 1981
Figure 113. Spring antelope distribution on the Tongue River Dam study area.
262
^
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Intermittent stream.
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Antelope observations Group size 1 -3.....A.....O
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Year: 1980 1981
Figure 114, Summer antelope distribution on the Tongue River Dam study area.
v..
263
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Study area — —
Antek>pe observations Group size
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Year: 1980
Figure 115. Pall antelope distribution on the Tongue River Dam study area.
26i|
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River
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Antelope sightings 1980-81 Group size:
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Winter range from Phillips (1978): Winter range boudary
High use area
Area used in severe part o* '77-78 winter Herd interchange ^T^
PlRure 116,
Winter antelope distribution on the Tongue River Dam study area.
V
265
0 .5 1 2 3
miles
Intermittent stream...."" River
Paved road *■»
Unpaved road *c^
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West Decker WD
Study area — ^
Sharp -tailed grouse: ^
Breeding grounds .e
Observations: *^''
Winter. □
Spring q
Summer ^
Fall .o
Figure 117.
Sharp-tailed grouse breeding grounds and observations on the Tongue River Dam study area.
266
Ring-necked Pheasant
Ring-necked pheasants were found In areas with sufficient riparian cover along the Tongue River. The only major area of cover Is at the southern end of the reservoir. Pheasant use of this area Is probably limited by periodic flooding
Turkey
Several groups of turkeys were observed on or near the study area (Figure 118). A brood with 2 hens and 8 young were seen In 198O. Three other large groups were seen too late In the summer to distinguish young (from an airplane). Males were seen displaying with hens twice. Turkeys have been known to winter In ranch yards along the Tongue River In severe winters.
Sage Grouse
A sage grouse strutting ground was located on Monument Creek about 2 miles outside the study area. Five males and four or five females were observed on the ground on April 7, 1981. Sage grouse were observed In the study area twice, along the west shore of the reservoir between Monument and Spring creeks.
Waterfowl
Twenty species of waterfowl were observed on the study area (Table 15^). Three of these were known or suspected breeders. The Tongue River Reservoir and the river downstream in the Tongue River Dam area were both used extensively by migrating waterfowl. Mallards, northern shovelers, Canada geese, common mergansers, blue-winged teal, and green-winged teal were especially common during migration. One species, the canvasback, is a species of high federal interest.
Non-game Birds
One hundred and twenty-four species of birds, including game birds, were observed on the study area (Table 15^). Of these, 81 species were suspected or confirmed breeders. Several other species were found by Mlkol (1978) a few miles southwest of my study area.
The songbird census road route (Figure 119) was run three times in 1980, but only once in 198I due to bad weather, so the results were combined. Vegetation along the route was 6^% sage- grassland, 205? ponderosa pine and Juniper, 15/K riparian, and 1% agricultural. A total of 650 birds and 43 species were observed (Table 155). Western meadowlarks, red-winged blackbirds, lark sparrows, and chipping sparrows were the four most common birds, together making up ^3% of the birds seen. They were also observed the most frequently.
Table 15^1.
267
Breeding status of the bird soecles observed on the Tone;ue River Dam area.
Species
Breeding Status
Species
Breeding Status
1 Common loon M 51
2 Eared grebe M 52
3 Western grebe t 53 H Pled-bllled grebe M 54
5 White pelican t 55
6 Double-crested cormorant B 56
7 Great blue heron B 57
8 Canada goose B 58
9 White-fronted goose M 59
10 Mallard B 60
11 Gadwall ' M 6I
12 Pintail M 62
13 Green-winged teal M 63
14 Blue-winged teal M 64
15 Cinnamon teal M 65
16 American wlgeon b 66
17 Northern shoveler M 67
18 Wood duck t 68
19 Redhead M 69
20 Ring-necked duck M 70
21 Canvasback M 71
22 Lesser scaup M 72
23 Common goldeneye M 73
24 Bufflehead M 74
25 Surf scoter M 75
26 Ruddy duck M 76
27 Common merganser M 77
28 Turkey vulture b 78
29 Goshawk M 79
30 Red-tailed hawk B 80
31 Swalnson's hawk M 8I
32 Rough-legged hawk W 82
33 Golden eagle B 83
34 Bald eagle W 84
35 Marsh hawk b 85
36 Osprey B 86
37 Prairie falcon B 87
38 Peregrine falcon M 88
39 American kestrel b 89
40 Sharp-tailed grouse B 90
41 Sage grouse b 91
42 Ring-necked pheasant b 92
43 Turkey B 93
44 American coot b 94
45 Kllldeer b 95
46 Spotted sandpiper b 96
47 Solitary sandpiper M 97
48 Lesser yellowlegs M 98
49 Semlnalmated sandpiper M 99
50 American avocet M 100
Wilson's phalarope M
Ring-billed gull V
Franklin's gull V
Caspian tern M
Black tern V
Mourning dove b
Black-billed cuckoo b
Screech owl b
Great-horned owl B
Short-eared owl t
Poor-will b
Common nighthawk b
White-throated swift b
Belted kingfisher b
Common flicker b
Red-headed woodpecker b
Hairy woodpecker b
Eastern kingbird b
Western kingbird b
Cassln's kingbird b
Say's phoebe b
Least flycatcher b
Western wood pewee b
Horned lark b
Violet-green swallow b
Tree swallow b
Bank swallow b
Barn swallow b
Cliff swallow B
Black-billed magpie b
Common crow t
Plnyon Jay b
Clark's nutcracker t
Black-capped chickadee b White-breasted nuthatch b
Red-breasted nuthatch b
House wren b
Rock wren b
Gray catbird b
Brown thrasher b
Sage thrasher b
American robin b
Mountain bluebird b
Townsend's solitaire b
Bohemian waxwing W
Cedar waxwing t
Loggerhead shrike b
Starling b
Solitary vireo b
Warbling vireo b
268
Table 154 . Continued
Breeding Soecies Status
101 Yellow warbler b
102 Yellow-rumped warbler b
103 Common yellowthroat b
104 Yellow-breasted chat b
105 Western meadowlark b
106 Yellow-headed blackbird t
107 Red-winged blackbird b
108 Northern oriole B
109 Brewer's blackbird b
110 Common grackle b
111 Brown-headed cowbird b
112 Western tanager b
113 Black-headed grosbeak b
114 Lazuli bunting b ;
115 American goldfinch b
116 Red crossbill b
117 Rufous-sided towhee b
118 Lark bunting b
119 Vesper sparrow b
120 Lark sparrow b C
121 Chipping sparrow b
122 Brewer's sparrow b
123 White-crowned sparrow M
124 Song sparrow b
• B - confirmed breeding (nest or dependent young observed) b - suspected breeding (present during breeding season) V - visitor (breeds nearby, but not on the study area)
t - present, but no evidence of breeding W - winter resident and migrant only M - migrant only
269
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LEGEND Intermittent stream .... ^■'^*^^
River ^'V^s
Paved road *^^
Unpaved road ^fc^a
Coal mine .-
East Decker ED
West Decker WD
Study area — ■ —
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Spring .0. .... .0. .... ®
Summer ^ ^ .... A
Fall .O. ©......«
Winter D Q 9
Figure ll8. Turkey observatons and great blue heron and cormorant rookery, on the Tongue River Dam study area.
272
LESEMD Intermittent stream . Z""'^*'^
River .''^^
Paved road "^
Unpaved rood *=■"
Cool mine -
East Dedcer ED
W^t Dedter WD
Study area — '
Songbird road route
Songbird census strips •
Small-mammal traplines:
Summer ^
Fall o
Vegetational types:
Riparian R
Ponderosa pine/ juniper... P
Sagebrush S
Cliff C
PlRure 119.
Tongue River Dam study area songbird road survey route and songbird census and small mammal trapline locations.
273
The walking census strips (Figure 119) were only run once each due to bad weather, so the results should only be used for general comparisons between habitats. River bottom rloarlan was the most diverse and productive for songbirds (Table 156). Nearly twice as many birds were observed In this strip than on Che ponderosa olne-Junlper strip (Table 157). The census strip In grassland ran through sagebrush, xerlc grassland, and some scattered .juniper. It supported more species than the grassland strips on the Blrney and Klrby areas (Table 158).
Table 156,
Species
Total numbers, numbers of singing males, and percent comoosltlon of songbirds observed on the riparian census strip on the Tongue River Dam area.
Singing Ka'les - 'Jot al Birds No Observed ^Composition No.Observed /^Composition
Yellow warbler 15
House wren 9
Lazuli bunting 5
American robin 2
American goldfinch 1
Common flicker 0
Common grackle 0
Western wood pewee 4
Western kingbird 2
Chipping sDarrow 1
Red crossbill 0
Eastern kingbird 0
Brewer's blackbird 0
Least flycatcher 2
Mourning dove 0
Starling 0
Black-billed cuckoo 2
Warbling vlreo 2
Red-winged blackbird 2
Northern oriole 2 Yellow-headed blackbird 0
Black-headed grosbeak 1
Common yellowthroat 1
Yellow-breasted chat 1
Western meadowlark 1
Screech owl 0
Brown-headed cowblrd 0
28
17
9
2 0 0 8 4 2 0 0 0 H 0 0 4 4 4 4 0 2 2 2 2 0 0
22 15 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
18 13 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
27 species
53
119
274
Table 157. Total numbers |
> » |
numbers of singing males. |
and percent |
||
composition c |
)f |
songbirds on the pond |
erosa |
L pine census |
|
strip on the |
Tongue River Dam |
area. |
|||
SinginK Males |
Total Birds |
||||
No. % |
No. |
% |
|||
Soecies |
Observed Composition Observed Composition |
||||
Red crossbill |
0 0 |
17 |
26 |
||
ChlDplng sparrow |
6 21 |
14 |
21 |
||
Rufous-slded towhee |
5 18 |
8 |
12 |
||
House wren |
4 14 |
6 |
9 |
||
Yellow-rumped warbler |
3 11 |
3 |
5 |
||
Black-capped chickadee |
2 7 |
3 |
5 |
||
Western meadowlark |
2 7 2 7 |
2 |
3 |
||
Rock wren |
2 |
3 |
|||
Lark sparrow |
2 7 |
2 |
3 |
||
Red-breasted nuthatch |
0 0 |
2 |
3 |
||
Brown-headed cowbird |
0 0 |
2 |
3 |
||
Western tanaf?;er |
1 4 |
1 |
2 |
||
Solitary vireo |
1 4 |
1 |
2 |
||
American robin |
0 0 |
1 |
2 |
||
Mourninf? dove |
0 0 |
1 |
2 |
||
American goldfinch |
0 0 |
1 |
2 |
||
16 species |
28 |
66 |
|||
Table 158. Total numbers |
' » |
numbers of singing males. |
and percent |
||
composition c |
)f |
songbirds on the grassland |
census |
||
strip on the |
Tongue River Dam |
study |
area. |
||
Singing Males |
Total |
Birds |
|||
No. |
% |
No." |
% |
||
Species Observed Composition |
Observed |
Composition |
|||
Western meadowlark 4 |
15 |
14 |
28 |
||
Lark soarrow 4 |
15 |
12 |
24 |
||
Lark bunting 10 |
38 |
10 |
20 |
||
Brewer's sparrow 5 |
19 |
6 |
12 |
||
Vesoer sparrow 2 |
7 |
6 |
12 |
||
Sage thrasher 1 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
||
Brewer's blackbird 0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
||
7 species 26 |
•. |
50 |
|||
275
Raptors
Twelve species of hawks and three species of owls were observed on the study area. Nine of these were known or suspected breeders. Thirteen nests, excluding kestrel nests, were located on or near the study area (Table 159 and Figure 120). Red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, and great-horned owls were the most common breeding raptors. Nine species of raptors (excluding kestrels) were observed migrating or wintering on the study area (Figure 121). Additional raptor species were found as migrants or nesters in the region by Lockhart, McEneaney and Hartln (1977).
The ";o3hawk, golden eagle, bald eagle, osprey, prairie falcon, and oeregrine falcon are listed by Flath (198I) as species of special interest or concern in Montana. The golden eagle, bald eagle, osprey, prairie falcon, and peregrine falcon are also listed as species of high federal interest. The status of each of these within the study area is as follows:
Goshawk - Several migrants were observed. Goshawks and other acclplters may nest in the study area, but they are hard to observe in the dense timber stands they prefer. Goshawks are known to breed in the Wolf Mountains to the west of the study area.
Golden eagle - McEneaney and Lockhart (1979) studied the golden eagle population in an area that included the southern half of the Tongue River Dam study area. Two pairs of eagles use parts of the study area by the reservoir. A third pair was located outside of their study area in the northern part of the Tongue River Dam area. Therefore, Darts of three eagle territories are within the study area, but the study area is too small and narrow to support an entire eagle territory. Four nests were located in or near the study area (Table 159). Two of the nests belong to one pair.
Bald eagle - Bald eagles were present on the study area through the winter. They appeared to concentrate in two small areas (Figure 121), probably due to the presence of ODen water.
Osprey - One pair of ospreys nested at the southern end of the reservoir in both years. They were unsuccessful in bringing off young. In past years, two pairs of osprey have inhabited the reservoir area (Lockhart, McEneaney, and Hartlng 1977). In an attempt to provide nest less susceptable to wind damage, biologists from Peter Klewit and Sons constructed several nest platforms around the reservoir during the winter of 198O-8I. They placed one of these in the tree used for nesting in 198O. The ospreys used this nest again in I98I. After it failed, they constructed a frustration nest on another nest platform.
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277
0 .5 1 2 3
miias
IEQ6ND
Intermittent stream .... —'*^*^
River
Pbved road...
Unpaved rood
Coal mine .-
East Decker ED
West Decker WD
Study area — —
Raptor nests •
Observations:
Turkey vulture T
Red-tailed hawk R
Gokien eagle E
Marsh hawk H
Osprey O
Prairie falcon P
Screech owl A
Great -horned owl N
Short- eared owl X
Figure 120, Resident raptor observations on the Tongue River Dam study area.
278
^
0 .5 1 2 3
mm*
LE&EM2
Intermittent stream.
River
Pbved road
Unpaved road
Coal mine -
East Decker ED
Wtest Decker. WD
Study area — '
Raptor observations:
Turkey vulture T
Goshawk .G
Red-tailed hawk R
Swainson's hawk Z
Rough - legged hawk . . . L
Golden eagle E
Bald eagle B
Marsh hawk H
Peregrine falcon D
Figure 121. Migrant and wintering raptor observations on the Tongue River Dam study area.
279
Prairie falcon - One prairie falcon aerie was located In 198I (Table 159) . ^Most of the cliffs In the study area are unsuit- able for falcon nesting, being either too crumbly or lacking potholes.
Peregrine falcon - One female peregrine falcon was sighted over the reservoir on 12 May 198O. This bird was definitely a migrant. Other migrant peregrine falcons were sighted in the region on the Foster Creek area, the Greenleaf-Miller area, the Cheyenne Indian Reservation, and the Montco Mine permit area (Olson-Elliott and Associates I98O). Peregrines seemed to be attracted to the Tongue River and large stock ponds, probably to feed on waterfowl, during migration.
Other special interest species - The Brewer's sparrow is also listed as a species of special interest or concern in Montana (Plath 1981). They were fairly common in sagebrush areas throughout the study area.
The white pelican and double-crested cormorant are species of high federal interest. Flocks of white pelicans were seen occasionally during both summers of the study. They apparently were non-breeders. Double-crested cormorants nested in the great blue heron rookery at the southern end of the reservoir (Figure II8). No nest count was made, but the rookery was large and contained many nests of both species.
Nongame Mammals
Twenty species of mammals, including game species, were observed on the study area (Table 16O). This list is certainly not a complete list of the mammals found in the area. Other species of small-mammals were cactured during studies conducted on and near the study area by Ecological Consultants Inc. (1976), Pitcher (1976) and Renewable Resources Consulting Services, Ltd. (1976).
Fourteen small-mammal traplines were run, eight during summer and six during fall (Figure 119). Trapping success ranged from 1.7 captures/100 trap nights in riparian habitats to 2.7 captures/100 trap nights in areas next to cliffs (Table I6I). Deer mice were the most common of the four species caught.
Only a few coyotes were observed, mainly in the northern half of the study area. One den with four pups was located on Anderson Creek in 1981. A few red fox were observed, primarily at the southern end of the reservoir. Bobcats probably occur in the rugged northern half of the study area, but none were seen during the study. There are no prairie dog towns in the study area.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Seven species of herps were observed in the study area (Table l62). This is certainly not a complete list of all herps found in the area. The three species of snakes were the most commonly encountered herps. The snapping turtle is listed as a species of special interest or concern in Montana by Flath (198I). They were fairly common in the Tongue River below the dam.
280
Table l60. Mammals observed on the Tongue River Dam study area.
Common Name Scientific Name
1 Raccoon PKoai^on totofi
2 Striped skunk Mtph-Ltli me.phltl6
3 Coyote Canli latfianA
4 Red fox VuZpt6 ua£pe4
5 Yellowbelly marmot Hafimota ^ZavZve.ntK<.6
6 Thlrteen-llned ground squirrel Spe.fLmophltai, t^lde.ce.mZlmat(jL&
7 Least chipmunk EuLtamloa, m^nZma.6
8 Red squirrel Tam-taAc^ca^ui hud6on-ica6
9 Northern pocket gopher Tkomomyi ta.lpolde,&
10 Beaver Ca&toK c.Oinoidzn&-ii>
11 Western harvest mouse R(Llth>iodontomy& mzQatotl^
12 Deer mouse V(ifiomyi>du6 manA,cutatuA
13 Northern grasshopper mouse Onyahomy^ Izucogaitzfi
14 Bushytail woodrat Ue.otoma dnzfiza
15 Muskrat Ondatfia zlbzth.-icu6
16 Porcupine En.zthtzon dofi&a.tam
17 Desert cottontail Syt\}ltaQa& aadabonll
18 Mule deer Odocoltzai) hzmZona4>
19 Whitetail deer Odocolte,{x& vlfiglnlanui
20 Pronghorn antelope AntiZocap^a amzfi-ccana
Table l6l. Results of small-mammal trapping the Tongue River Dam area.
Ponderosa '"^ Sagebrush Pine-Juniper Riparian Cliff
Total captures 28 43
Trap nights 1567 l64o
Captures/100 trap nights 1.8 2.6
Number of species caught 2 2 Species :
Pzfiomy&cu.i manlculatai 27 42 22 22
Eatamiai mA.nima& 1
Onychomyb IzucogaiitzK 1
RzithAodontomyi mzQOLtotl& 2
24 |
22 |
1424 |
820 |
1.7 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
l(
281
Table l62. Amphibians and reptiles observed on the Tongue River Dam area.
Common Name
Scientific Name
1 Leopard frog
2 Northern chorus frog
3 Snapping turtle
4 Short-horned lizard
5 Racer
6 Bull snake
7 Prairie rattlesnake
Vitzadatfili) tKl& Q.filoLta. Chzlydna. &zKpzYitlna Vhfiyno&oma dougtai^Z Colabdfi c.on&tfilc.toK Vltuophli) mzlanotzYida& CKotatai, \jA,n.iduii
282
RECOMMENDATIONS
If any of these potential coal lease areas are leased, the following measures should be taken to protect and maintain the wildlife resource:
1. Exclude from leasing all sharptail and sage grouse breeding grounds and appropriate buffer zones. Buffer zones should be a minimum of one-half mile, or more if necessary, to include nesting cover and wintering areas.
2. Exclude from leasing all ma.jor mule deer and antelope winter ranges and other seasonal concentration areas. Traditional wintering areas could not be delineated during the unusually mild and short winter of 1980-81. Therefore, prior to further consideration for leasing, these study areas should be monitored during a winter season for the purpose of identifying big game winter ranges.
3. Exclude from leasing all creek bottoms and associated riparian habitats. As used here, the term "riparian habitat" includes all mesic areas supporting deciduous trees and shrubs. A significant proportion of the riparian vegetation on the study areas is found on side drainages and mesic draws away from the ma.lor flood plains.
Although riparian vegetation comprises the smallest portion of active vegetation on the study areas, its destruction would have a devastating impact on the wildlife resource. Riparian habitats play an extremely important role for livestock as well as wildlife species during the hot and dry summer and fall seasons in eastern Montana. In addition to providing succulent forage, security cover and a favorable thermal environment for relief from the heat, they are often the sole source of water. Riparian vegetation supports the highest density and diversity of resident songbirds and small mammals and a large proportion of known raptor nests. These habitats are also heavily used by roosting raptors and migrating songbirds.
4. Maintenance or enhancement of habitat diversity should be addressed in mining and reclamation plans. Habitat diversity and favorable intersoersion of habitats is the key to maintaining or restoring current diversity of the wildlife resource.
5. Protect or enhance cliff and rock formations, particularly those made of sandstone. Cliffs with suitable potholes and ledges are used by raptors for roosting and may be used as nest sites in the future, even if they are not currently used.
6. Preserve nest sites used by golden eagles and other "special interest" raptors, with an appropriate buffer zone. Raptors
283
►
commonly build several nests within their territories and use them alternately between years (Call 1978). A nest may be used again, even if it has been inactive for several years.
All known raptor stick nests, including those originally built by red-tailed hawks, should be monitored for use by "special interest" species until mining actually takes place, Raptors often rebuild and use nests originally constructed by other species.
7. Minimize disturbance of active raptor nests during the
breeding season (April-July). Disturbance during incubation can cause egg mortality from predation or exposure after an incubating bird is flushed, or abandonment of the nest. Disturbance of nests with nestlings can cause mortality from exposure, interrupted feedings and premature fledging.
284
LITERATURE CITED
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1973. 32nd supplement to the American Ornithologist's
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1976. 33rd supplement to the American Ornithologist's
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Amstrup, S.C. 1977. Effects of coal strip mining on habitat use, activities and population trends of sharp-tailed grouse (? ddlo e.ci.tz& pha6-lamlZa6) . Annual prog, rept . Wildlife research work unit, Denver Wildlife Research Center. 29pp.
Becker, D.M. I98I. Personal communication. U.S. Grad. Student. Missoula, MT.
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Black, J.H. 1979. Amphibians of Montana. Montana Wildlife. January 1970. 32pp.
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common western raptors. Tech. Note No. TN-316, U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Denver Service Center, Denver, CO. 115pp.
Conant, R. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.
DuBois, K.L. 1979. An inventory of the avifauna in the Long Pines
of southeastern Montana. M.S. Thesis. Mont. St. Univ., Bozeman, Mt. 113pp.
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1980. An inventory of vegetation, wildlife and recreational
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285
Edwards, John M. 1977. A survey of big game animals on a proposed strip mining site at Sarpy Creek in southern Montana. M.S. Thesis. Mont. St. Univ., Bozeman, MT. 63pp.
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the Sarpy Creek drainage, southeastern Montana. M.S. Thesis, Mont. St. Univ., Bozeman, MT. Blpp.
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densities on coal lands in Montana and Wyoming. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Services Program. PWS/ WELUT-79/OS. March 1979.
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Knaon, S., B. Hildebrand and J. Swenson. 198I. Upland game bird and fur surveys and inventory - Region 7. Proj . W-I3O-R-IO. Job No. II-7. Rept. Mont. Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Unpubl. 86pp.
Krenzke, Theodore C. 1976. Crow ceded area coal lease tracts II and III Westmoreland Resources. Final Environmental Impact Statement. Billings area office. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Dept. of Interior. 10 chapters and 12 appendixes.
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ecology of birds of prey in southeastern Montana and northern Wyoming. Annual prog. rept. Wildlife Research Work Unit. Denver Wildlife Research Center.
, T.P. McEneaney and A.L. Harting, Jr. 1977. The
effects of coal development on the ecology of birds of prey in southeastern Montana and northern Wyoming. Annual progress report. Wildlife Research Work Unit, Denver Wildlife Research Center.
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development plan for southeastern Montana. Mont. Dept. of T'-ish and Game and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 31pp.
286
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.1980b. Terrestrial wildlife inventory in selected
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_. 1980c. Sarpy Basin Wildlife Ecology Study. Mont,
Dept. of Pish, Wildlife and Parks and Cormorant Corp. Pinal Report. 125pp.
Matthews, W.L. 1981. Broadus-Pumpkln Creek baseline inventory- wildlife. Bureau of Land Management, Miles City District office. Miles City, Montana. 83pp.
McEneaney, T.P. and J.M. Lockhart. 1979. The effects of coal development on the ecology of breeding golden eagles [AqaZZa c^A-t/^aeto-i ) . Annual progress report. Wildlife Research Work Unit, Denver Wildlife Research Center. l6pp.
Odum, E.P. 1959. Fundamentals of ecology. Second edition. Press of W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia. 546pp.
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Forest habitat types of Montana. Intermountain Forest
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Pitcher, E. 1976. A preliminary report on small mammal populations of the Shell and Decker Coal leases, 1975-1976. Denver Wildlife Research Center. 13pp.
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"N
287
Skaar, P.D. 1980. Montana bird distribution - mapping; by
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United States Department of the Interior (U.S.D.I.). 1979.
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Wentland, H.J. 198I. Big game surveys and Inventory (antelope)
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Youmans, H.B. 198I. Personal communication. Biologist. Mont. Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Forsyth, MT.
288
Appendix Table 1. Parameters recorded at each observation. A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Veg( |
etatlon type and subtype |
1. |
Ponderosa pine |
a. ponderosa pine |
|
b. snowberry |
|
c. Juniper |
|
d. creeping Juniper |
|
e. sagebrush |
|
f. skunkbush |
|
g. grassland |
|
2. |
Juniper |
a. sagebrush |
|
b. skunkbush |
|
c. grassland |
|
3. |
Sagebrush/grassland |
a. big sagebrush |
|
b. silver sagebrush/greasewood |
|
c. skunkbush (deciduous shrub) |
|
d. xerlc grassland |
|
4. |
Creek bottom |
a. deciduous tree |
|
b. deciduous shrub |
|
c. meslc grassland |
|
5. |
Agricultural |
a. upland |
|
b. creek bottom |
|
Activity |
|
1. |
Standing |
2. |
Running |
3. |
Lying |
4. |
Feeding |
Topography |
|
1. |
Mesa-butte top |
2. |
Mesa-butte steep sides |
3. |
Dissected mid-slopes |
h. |
Alluvium/terrace |
5. |
Current flood plain |
Exposure |
|
1. |
North |
2. |
South |
3. |
East |
4. |
West |
5. |
Northeast |
6. |
Northwest |
7. |
Southeast |
8. |
Southwest |
9. |
Flat |
Slooe |
|
1. |
Plat |
2. |
Gentle |
3. |
Medium |
4. |
SteeD |
r
r
r