ARCHIVED REPORTS_1993_1 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

III. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigations F. Vegetation and Wildlife communities from sea level to 5,700 feet in elevation. The northern harrier breeds between April and September,with peak between June and July. Nests are constructed near marsh edges in shrubby vegetation,with adjacent open grasslands providing foraging habitat. In these areas,the northern harrier feeds on voles,other small mammals,birds,frogs,reptiles,crustaceans, and insects. Although the California population of this species has decreased in recent decades,it can be locally abundant where suitable habitat is left intact and is free of intensive agriculture (Zeiner, 1990). Although the CNDDB reports no occurrences of this species from the vicinity of the site,a female northern harrier was observed foraging over the CYA property on April 4, 1991 and March 19, 1993. Nesting of this species was not observed on-site during surveys performed during the breeding season(April 1991,July 1992, and March 1993). Although this species does not breed on the site,the site does provide suitable foraging habitat. California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris actia)is a widespread resident along the California Coast Range,including portions of the San Joaquin Valley,from Humboldt County south to Baja California. This species is abundant in grassland habitats in Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties. The California homed lark nests in dry grasslands and rangelands that provide low,sparse cover(e.g.,grazed, mowed,or barren areas without trees and shrubs)between March and July. Foraging habitat includes open grasslands where insects and seeds are abundant. The CNDDB contains no records of this species in the vicinity of the site and no members of this species were observed on-site during ESA's field work. Although the site provides potentially suitable foraging habitat for this species, suitable nesting habitat(i.e., bare ground)is absent. Northern loggerhead shrike(Lanius ludovicianus)is a common,year-round resident in open grasslands and agricultural habitats throughout the Central Valley and adjacent foothills. Shrikes lay eggs between March and May,with fledging occurring in July through August. Nests are usually well-concealed in dense shrubs or trees surrounded by open lands with suitable perches and low vegetation. This species feeds on insects, small reptiles,and small mammals. The CNDDB contains no records of this species in the vicinity of the site and no members of this species were observed on the site during ESA's field work. Due to a lack of dense trees and shrubs on the property,it is unlikely that members of this species nest on the site. III.F.18