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Measures (ITMMs) that will be issued for the project. Pursuant to the HCP, if <br />construction is scheduled to commence during the nesting season (i.e., between <br />February 15 through August 31), and Swainson's hawks are nesting in or near <br />the site, a construction setback of twice the diameter of the drip -line of the nest <br />tree (as measured from under the nest) would be required until nesting is <br />complete. <br />BURROWING OWL: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Fish and Game Code of <br />California protect burrowing owls year-round, as well as their nests during the <br />nesting season (February 1 through August 31). Burrowing owls are a year-long <br />resident in a variety of grasslands as well as scrub lands that have a low density <br />of trees and shrubs with low growing vegetation; burrowing owls that nest in the <br />Central Valley may winter elsewhere. <br />The primary habitat requirement of the burrowing owl is small mammal burrows <br />for nesting. The owl usually nests in abandoned ground squirrel burrows, <br />although they have been known to dig their own burrows in softer soils. In urban <br />areas, burrowing owls often utilize artificial burrows including pipes, culverts, and <br />piles of concrete pieces. This semi -colonial owl breeds from March through <br />August, and is most active while hunting during dawn and dusk. There are a few <br />records of this species in the CNDDB (2021) search area within a few miles of <br />the site; the nearest record is approximately 0.5 miles northwest of the site. <br />The intensity of agriculture and residential development within and surrounding <br />the site reduces the likelihood of burrowing owls using the site for nesting. <br />Disking also reduces the suitability of the grasslands in the site for burrowing owl. <br />No burrowing owls were observed in the project site. A few ground squirrel <br />burrows were observed along the edges of the site. This species is known to <br />occur in the general area and if burrow habitat becomes available in the future, <br />this species may utilize habitats in the site for nesting. <br />2706 Pock Lane: Biology 21 November 23, 2021 <br />