METHODS 



Historical records of nesting activity by the raptor species of interest on or near the Sioux 

 District, Custer National Forest, Carter County, Montana and adjacent Harding County, South 

 Dakota were found in the literature (see Bibliography) and the databases of the Montana and 

 South Dakota Natural Heritage Programs. The search for nest records was comprehensive but 

 should not be considered complete. Primary emphasis was placed on records and published 

 studies from southeastern Montana and northwestern South Dakota, secondarily on studies from 

 adjacent regions of the northern Great Plains, and finally on raptor studies from the western 

 United States and Canada. Special attention was given to reports describing nest sites, nesting 

 habitat, productivity/nest success, and food habits during the breeding season. 



A ground survey of potential cliff nest sites was initiated in 1994. Areas examined were 

 chosen following study of USGS topographic maps (7.5' quads). Cliffs were assigned to one of 

 three size categories; small— (up to 3 m high), medium--(ahout 4-10 m high), large--(l\-30 m 

 high). Because of limited time, only the Chalk Buttes, Ekalaka Hills, and the southern half of the 

 Long Pines (all in Carter County, Montana) were surveyed in 1994. Usually several hours were 

 spent on foot visiting aggregations of cliffs. Cliffs were scanned with binoculars for evidence of 

 nesting (whitewash, accumulations of nesting material) and monitored for vocalizing birds. 

 Species-association with a particular nest site was based on direct observation of adult birds 

 and/or characteristic nest structure (see Call 1978). Because the focus of 1994 ground surveys 

 was cliff habitat, habitats used for nesting by species other than Prairie Falcons and Golden 

 Eagles were not searched. 



Nest sites from all sources (including 1994 ground surveys) were plotted on maps when 

 locations were provided (see Appendices 2 and 3). Becker (1978) did not include nest location 

 information for 1977-1978, but Becker (pers. comm.) provided this data for the entire period he 

 was active on the Sioux District (1977-1981); site characteristics and reproductive data cited in 

 species accounts are from Becker (1978). Sites positioned on maps in this report are to the 

 nearest quarter-section; site descriptions are on file with the Montana Natural Heritage Program 

 and the Custer National Forest. 



