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Soil Investigations for Data Collection in the Delta Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration 68 throughout the northern hemisphere and can be observed in California during the non-breeding season. During migration Merlin use grasslands, open forests, and coastal areas. They winter in similar habitats across the western United States. Breeding occurs in the northern portions of North America (Warkentin et al. 2005). Suitable foraging habitat for Merlin is present within the Study Area, and there are several reported occurrences near Impact Areas. Therefore, Merlin has a low potential to occur within the Study Area. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM AES-1, MM BIO-1 and MM BIO-6 would reduce impacts to Merlin to: Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) Prairie Falcon is a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Watch List species (CDFW 2019b). This large pale falcon is brownish above and whitish below with long dark narrow mustache marks (Steenhof 2013). Uncommon throughout western North American, ranging north into southern Canada and south in to Mexico, Prairie Falcons are solitary birds found primarily in open dry habitats including desert, prairies, and grasslands. They nest on cliff ledges and hunt for small mammals, birds and large insects. Nesting occurs from mid-February through mid- September with a peak in April to early August (CDFW 2005c). Suitable foraging habitat for Prairie Falcon is present within the Study Area, and the species has been observed foraging, however no suitable nesting habitat exists. Therefore, Prairie Falcon has a low potential to occur within the Study Area. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM BIO-1 and MM BIO-6 would reduce potential impacts to Prairie Falcon to: Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) American Peregrine Falcon is delisted from CESA and FESA and is Fully Protected under California Fish and Game Code. Peregrine Falcon is a medium- sized dark gray falcon with dark helmet, pale whitish underparts, and a small, strongly hooked bill. The species has a worldwide range and is found throughout North America; in California it is resident on the coast and far northern and southern reaches of the state and is found in the Central Valley in the winter (White et al. 2002). Peregrine Falcon occurs in a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands and open landscape, near water and nest sites. The species hunts by diving and catching prey in mid-air; it primarily consumes birds, but also will hunt for bats and steal prey from other raptors (White et al. 2002). Nests consist of a scrape or depression on cliffs or human-made structures such as tall buildings. Breeding occurs from March through August (White et al. 2002). Suitable foraging habitat for American Peregrine Falcon is present within the Study Area, and the species has been observed foraging, however no suitable