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Bald Eagle (Haliaetus leucoaephalus) - See the endangered species section of 

 this report. 



Marsh Hawk {Ciraus cyaneus) - Marsh hawks were frequently observed hunting in 

 a wide variety of vegetation types. During 1979 they were very common on the 

 atea, but during 1980 observations dropped dramatically. This can probably 

 be attributed, at least in part, to the severe drought. Still, they were 

 listed as common for this area. Although no nests were located, it is likely 

 they breed here. Historically it was one of the most abundant hawks, being 

 second in abundance only to the kestrel (Cameron, 1907) . 



Ospre y (Pandion haZiaetus) - This species was observed on several occasions on 

 the study area. Ospreys were usually seen flying adjacent to the Yellowstone 

 River although one was observed at a large reservoir on the area. All of the 

 birds seen were probably migrants and it is unlikely that they breed on this 

 area. This, coupled with the lack of sightings, indicated this species of 

 "special interest or concern" was rare for this area. 



Prairie Falco n (Faloo mexioanus) - In 1979 two active nests of this species 

 were located on the area; however, in 1980 additional efforts were expended 

 and eight active nests were located. Even so, it is unlikely that all active 

 nests have been found. All of the nests were located in cavities in sandstone 

 cliffs with ledges overhanging the majority of nests. The one exception was 

 a nest that was located in a cavity in a scoria butte. The majority of nests 

 were located in and on the fringe of the badlands type and most prairie falcons 

 were observed around known nest sites. Adults were often observed using the sage- 

 grassland and grassland types for hunting. This common species Is known to 

 winter on the area and was listed as being of "special Interest or concern" for 

 Montana. In the past this species was a "tolerably common resident" (Cameron, 1907) 



Peregrine Falcon {Falco peregrinus) - See the endangered species section of 

 this report. 



Merli n {Falco ooZumbarius) - Only one merlin, a "special interest or concern" 

 species, was observed on the study area in 1979 and this was most likely a 

 migratory bird. In 1980 however, a breeding pair was located in the badlands 

 type. In spite of the fact that the area was visited on three occasions, and 

 behavior of the adults indicated the nest site was close, it was never located. 

 It should be noted, however, that a sandstone outcrop with numerous ledges and 

 large cavities as well as several small cottonwoods with abandoned magpie nests 

 occurred in the Immediate area. Bent (1938) and Ellis (1976) stated such sites 

 were used for nesting by this species. Cameron (1907) listed this species as 

 a "tolerably common fall migrant" but also reported seeing a group of five 

 birds on 20 August 1899 and on 21 July 1904 which indicated their presence in 

 this area during the summer. Because only three individuals of this species 

 were seen it was listed as rare for this area. 



American Kestrel {FaZco sparverius) - The creek and sage-grassland types were 

 the areas where this abundant species was most frequently sighted; however, they 

 were common in the other types as well. Two active nests were located in 1979 

 and three in 1980. All nests were in cavities in large cottonwoods and many 

 more nests undoubtedly existed but were not located. Cameron (1907) stated this 



