METHODS 



Field techniques and analytical methods followed those described 

 in the WBS. Six biologists worked in the study area at various times 

 during the study period, which extended from March 1, 1978 to March 7, 

 1979. A brief summary of methods employed for individual study segments 

 follows. 



General Ground and Aerial Surveys 



Monthly aerial flights were made over the mine study area through 

 October; two flights were made during January and one during February. 

 All observations (both ground and aerial) of large mammals, upland game 

 birds, and raptors were recorded on the same data sheets and maps used 

 during the- baseline study, and identified in the "level" column as to 

 area, using the revised code shown in Appendix B of WBS. Locations of 

 all recorded observations within the mine study area were plotted on 

 7.5' maps. All data (including data sheets and maps) are on file with 

 DNRC. 



Waterfowl Survey and Census 



All waterfowl observations were recorded on the waterfowl data 

 sheets used in the baseline study. In addition, censuses were taken of 

 bodies of water in the mine study area three or more times during the 

 study period. Censuses were taken at least once between May 10 and May 

 22, to census early nesters such as mallards and pintails; once between 

 2 June and 20 June to census other species; and once between 15 July and 

 30 July to census broods as suggested by Brewster et al . (1976), Stewart 

 and Kantrud (1973) and Hammond (1969: 247-248) were recorded separately. 

 The minimum number of indicated pairs for each species and for each 

 water body was assumed to equal the number of broods observed plus the 

 smallest of the census estimates for each species during the appropriate 

 time period (if greater than the number of broods). These data were used 

 to determine year-to-year, weather-related changes in waterfowl use and 

 density in the area. 



Monitoring of Raptor Nests and Leks 



Raptor nests located in the mine study area during 1977 were visited 

 in June to determine productivity. Leks located in the mine study area 

 during 1977 were visited in April to determine the number of birds in 

 attendance. 



