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burrowing mammals to provide the burrows that are characteristically used for shelter and nesting. In northern California, owls are typically found in close association with California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi). Manmade substrates such as pipes or debris piles may also be occupied in place of burrows. In the San Joaquin Valley, the species is both a -- winter visitor and a year-round resident; individuals of the latter group generally show strong site fidelity. The greater nesting period is from February through July. Prior to conducting the survey, CDFW's Natural Diversity Database and eBird.com (a publicly- accessible online bird observation database) were searched to determine the nearest documented burrowing owl occurrence(s) to the landfill. According to the Natural Diversity Database, the nearest documented BUOW occurrence is approximately 1.6 miles to the north of the landfill, and there are several other occurrences within 4.0 miles to the north and northwest. The nearest eBird observation is approximately 1.9 miles to the northwest, at the Stockton Airport (also reflected in the Natural Diversity Database). Methods Survey methodology was informed by guidelines developed by the Burrowing Owl Consortium and adopted by CDFW, corresponding both to "habitat assessment" and a "take avoidance survey" (pre-construction survey) as described in the updated 2012 protocol'. The area to be surveyed was indicated by maps provided by landfill personnel. From 9:00 to 10:00 AM, southern WMU FU-13 and surrounding areas within 200 feet were traversed on foot to determine the general suitability for burrowing owl, to locate burrows (or other suitable substrates), and to search for owls or sign of their presence. Burrowing owl sign consists of feathers, regurgitated pellets and/or whitewash (feces stains), and is typically found near the entrances to occupied burrows; foraging perches often show these characteristics as well. All burrows and comparable refugia found were carefully examined for signs of burrowing owl occupation. Simultaneous with the burrowing owl assessment/survey, a general breeding bird survey was conducted in southern WMU FU-13. The survey area was investigated for any evidence of avian territorial behavior (e.g., singing, chasing intruders out of territories, etc.), breeding bird behavior (e.g., adult birds carrying nesting material or food), the presence of active nests and/or pre-fledged juvenile birds. Observations were made with binoculars and the naked eye. Results No burrowing owls or indication of this species' presence was observed during the survey. Additionally, no ground squirrel burrows (including dilapidated burrows) or ground squirrels were observed. Most of the southern WMU FU-13 area consisted of a flat, graded area with heavily compacted fill material, while its southern and western perimeters featured berms and other disturbed substrates that were covered with dense, weedy vegetation. The greater WMU FU-13 area is unlikely to support burrowing owls for the following reasons: • Most of the area consists of compacted and disturbed fill material with no burrows or similar refugia present. ' "Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation." California Department of Fish and Game. March 7, 2012. 2