SU0012635 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

alpestris), and killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) were observed on the project site. Raptors forage in grasslands for small mammals and reptiles. Although turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) was the only raptor observed on the project site during field surveys, it is likely that species such as red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicencis), red-shouldered hawk (B. lineatus), northern harrier (Circus cyanus), and American kestrel (Falco sparverius) use the site at least on a seasonal basis. Mammals present on the site which use the grasslands include ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus), Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), black tailed jackrabbit (Lepus califomicus), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), and feral cat (Fells domesticus). Two coyote (Canis latrans) carcasses were also observed. Freshwater emergent marsh and open water habitats are among the most productive wildlife habitats in California. They provide food, cover, and water for more than 160 species of birds, and numerous mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Many species rely on this habitat type for their entire life cycle. The marshes and ponds along the central drainageway on the site provide open water habitat used by migratory waterfowl such as northern pintail (Anas acuta), american widgeon (A. americana), blue-winged teal (A. discors), cinnamon teal (A. cyanoptera), mallard (A.platyrhynchos), and american coot (Fulica arnericana). Snowy egret (Egretta thula) were also observed using the ponds. Valley Foothill riparian scrub provide food, water, migration and dispersal corridors, and escape nesting, and thermal cover for an abundance of wildlife. Laymon (1985) recorded 147 bird species as nesters or winter visitors in riparian woodlands along the Sacramento River. Additionally, 55 species of mammals are known to use the central valley riparian communities (Trapp et al. 1985). The presence of seasonal freshwater on the project site in the stream channels and stock ponds provides exceptional value for resident wildlife species. It is likely, however, that existing disturbances from current quarry activities limits the value of this habitat on the project site. Although several species of songbirds and mammals would be expected to use this habitat, it is likely that substantial use does not occur. Sensitive Wildlife Species Suitable habitat for six wildlife species of concern could potentially occur on the project site. Of these six species, three are wide-ranging and/or migratory raptors that can be found using similar habitats throughout the state. Table 2 provides a list of the six wildlife species and describes their status and habitat requirements. California tiger salamander is a California species of special concern and a federal category 2 candidate. California tiger salamander is most commonly found in annual grasslands, but also occurs in grassy understory of valley foothill hardwood habitats, and uncommonly along streamcourses. Adults spend most of the year in subterrranian refugia, especially ground squirrel burrows and occassionally man-made structures. Before and after breeding, they emerge at night during rains. Most surface activity by adults is associated with sustained rainfall, especially at night. Tiger salamanders breed and lay eggs in vernal pools and temporary ponds. Suitable habitat for California tiger salamander is present on the project site near the stock ponds associated with the central drainage course and the vernal pools near the southeastern property boundary (see Figure 1). Adult refugia could potentially be present in the adjacent annual CONDOR