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Although no burrowing owls were seen, it is possible they use the annual grasslands at the project site for foraging or nesting. Yellow-Breasted Chat The yellow-breasted chat is a species of special concern in California. This species is an uncommon to rare breeder throughout most of southern and central California (Remsen 1978). Found primarily in riparian thickets, the yellow-breasted chat has declined as a breeding bird as a result of the destruction of riparian habitats and perhaps from nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Remsen 1978). Yellow-breasted chats have been observed singing in riparian habitat upstream of the project in June (Yee pers. comm.). Although no nests were found, their presence during the breeding season suggests that breeding may occur. Our surveys were conducted too late in the year to determine breeding activity by this species. Yellow Warbler The yellow warbler is species of special concern in California. The yellow warbler has declined precipitously in lowland California,primarily because of loss of riparian habitat and nest parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird (Remsen 1978). Yellow warblers were seen foraging in riparian habitat in the project area during field surveys on August 30, 1990. Birds seen at this time were probably migrants. Ringtail The ringtail is listed as a fully protected species by the DFG. Ringtails are most common in riparian forests with dense midstory vegetation (Belluomini and Trapp 1984). The loss and degradation of riparian habitats throughout California have depleted and extirpated some populations (Williams 1986). Ringtails have been observed on the project site in riparian habitat and in an orchard adjacent to the riparian corridor (Baker pers. comm.). California Tiger Salamander .. The California tiger salamander is a state species of special concern and is expected to be proposed for state listing within several years. The salamander is also a federal candidate for listing. (Brode pers. comm.) Populations of California tiger salamanders have declined in much of their former range in California's Central Valley because conversion of valley and foothill grassland habitats to agricultural and urban uses (Stebbins 1985). 22