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i 4.9 Biological Resources Ir non-breeding season,tricolored blackbirds often flock with other species of blackbirds. In 2005, a 6. small colony of several hundred birds occurred in cattails in a gravel mining operation about 250 meters west of the project site. Western Burrowing Owl In California's Central Valley, the burrowing owl is a year-round resident of open spaces such as grasslands and agricultural fields.Nests are generally found in the abandoned burrows of small mammals such as ground squirrels, however they can dig their own burrows in soft soil, and they occasionally use culverts and other man-made structures. Breeding peaks from April to May but can occur from March to August. Burrowing owls forage on insects and small mammals, and will also consume reptiles,birds, and carrion. Threats to the population include habitat destruction (e.g.,conversion of grasslands and agricultural fields to other uses)and the poisoning of ground squirrels. Open grassland represents potential habitat for burrowing owls,especially in areas with a low frequency of disturbance. ` The nearest known occurrence of burrowing owl is along Hospital Creek,five miles to the west- southwest of the project,2.7 miles southwest of the I-580 and I-5 junction,and 7 miles southwest of Vernalis,where one owl was observed at a burrow entrance on private ranchland in 1992 (CDFG 2005). Swainson's Hawk Central Valley Swainson's hawks winter primarily in Mexico(with a small population remaining in the San Joaquin and Sacramento River delta) and arrive on their breeding grounds in the ` Central Valley in mid-March to early April.Nests are generally found in scattered trees or along riparian systems adjacent to agricultural fields or pastures. Egg laying generally occurs in April 6. and young are present during May to June. Most young have fledged the nest by the end of July and are relatively independent of parental protection. Migration to the wintering grounds generally occurs around September. Trees present on the project site may represent suitable r nesting habitat for this species,and annual cropland and annual grasslands provide potential foraging habitat. 11. White-Tailed Kite White-tailed kite is a year-round resident in central California. They typically nest in oak woodlands or trees, especially along marsh or river margins, and they may use any suitable tree or shrub that is of moderate height. Their nesting season may begin as early as February and extends into August. Kites forage during daylight hours for rodents in wet or dry grasslands and fields. ` Trees present on the project site may represent suitable nesting habitat for this species, and annual cropland and annual grasslands provide potential foraging habitat. Loggerhead Shrike Loggerhead shrikes are a year-round resident of lowlands in central California. They nest in _ dense foliage of shrubs and trees,and forage in open habitats for insects and small vertebrates. While they infrequently occur in developed areas,they will nest and forage in croplands and r RMC Pacific Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 4.9-7 ESA/203015 Draft Environmental Impact Report May 2006