FOCUSED SURVEYS FOR THE LEAST BELL’S VIREO AND...

FOCUSED SURVEYS FOR THE LEAST BELL’S VIREO AND SOUTHWESTERN WILLOW FLYCATCHER

LAKE ELSINORE ADVANCED PUMPING STORAGE PROJECT (LEAPS)

(PROJECT NUMBER 14227-003)

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Submitted to:

Mr. David Kates

The Nevada Hydro Company

3510 Unocal Place, Suite 200

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Prepared by: Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.

1845 Chicago Avenue, Suite D

Riverside, California 92507

Tel: (951) 369-8060

Principal Investigator: John F. Green

17 October 2018

Amec Foster Wheeler Project No.: 1855400727

Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumping Storage Project (LEAPS) Focused Surveys for the Least Bell’s Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher October 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1

2.0 PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION .................................................................. 1

3.0 BACKGROUND ON THE LBVI AND SWFL ................................................................... 4

3.1 Least Bell’s Vireo ................................................................................................. 4 3.2 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher .......................................................................... 4

4.0 METHODS ...................................................................................................................... 5

5.0 RESULTS ..................................................................................................................... 22

5.1 Least Bell’s Vireo Detections ............................................................................. 22 5.2 Willow Flycatcher Detections ............................................................................. 22 5.3 Critical Habitat ................................................................................................... 23 5.4 General Survey Results ..................................................................................... 23

6.0 REFERENCES AND LITERATURE CITED .................................................................. 24

MAP FIGURES

Regional and Vicinity Map. ...................................................................................................... 2

Topographic Map, Riparian Bird Survey Area. ....................................................................... 6

Aerial Map, Riparian Bird Survey Area. ................................................................................ 12

TABLE

SURVEY VARIABLES ................................................................................................................ 5

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A. ....................................................................................... USFWS NOTIFICATION

APPENDIX B. ............................................................................. VERTEBRATE SPECIES LIST

APPENDIX C. .................................................................................................. CERTIFICATION

APPENDIX D. ......................................................... WILLOW FLYCATCHER SURVEY FORMS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. (“Wood,” formerly Amec Foster Wheeler) was contracted to conduct focused surveys for the least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus, “LBVI”) and southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus, “SWFL”). The surveys were in support of the proposed Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumped Storage (LEAPS) Project (project), see Figure 1. This report presents the results of that survey.

2.0 PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Wood’s understanding of the project is based on information provided in the Response to Additional Study Requests issued by FERC (FERC 2018), the FEIS for the Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumped Storage (LEAPS) Project on Lake Elsinore and San Juan Creek in California (P-11858-002) prepared in January 2007, as well as information from the LEAPS Project website (http://leapshydro.com/). A summary of the project understanding has been provided below.

In 2004, the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Nevada Hydro filed an application for an original license with FERC for the construction and operation of the LEAPS Project (Project Number 11858) located in Riverside County, San Diego County, and Orange County. As originally proposed the LEAPS Project would occupy approximately 2,412 acres of Federal lands and would include a lined upper reservoir with a dam and dike, an underground powerhouse, and a 500-kilovolt transmission line linking two existing transmission lines to the north and south of the project area. A staff alternative – consisting of modifications to the original design as requested by FERC and USFS – was also considered in the 2007 FEIS. The staff alternative included an alternate location for the upper reservoir, which would provide the same usable storage with a smaller total footprint, as well as an alternate alignment for the transmission line to avoid crossing private inholdings in the Cleveland National Forest (thereby avoiding potential conflicts with fire suppression activities). FERC granted the proposed LEAPS Project a preliminary permit to study the staff alternative on 24 October 2012.

On 1 June 2017, Nevada Hydro filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) to file a license application and a draft license application for the LEAPS Project (Project Number 14227), which had been substantially re-designed to be similar to the staff alternative that was assessed in the 2007 FEIS. In its NOI, Nevada Hydro requested that FERC’s pre-filing licensing requirements (i.e., pre-filing scoping, comments and information, or study requests, the preparation of and comments on a proposed study plan, resolution of disputes over studies, and notice of the applicant’s intent to file a draft license application) be waived to allow it to proceed directly to filing a Final License Application (FLA). FERC staff approved Nevada Hydro’s waiver request in September 2017, noting that stakeholders could comment on the adequacy of the FLA during FERC’s post-filing procedures.

The project presented in the FLA proposes similar facilities and alignments as the staff alternative for Project Number 11858 considered by FERC in the 2007 FEIS, with a few distinctions. Nevada Hydro is now proposing to develop two separate primary transmission lines. The alignment of the primary transmission lines is substantially similar to the alignment reviewed in the 2007 FEIS; however, the Case Springs substation has been sited in the Cleveland National Forest, rather than Camp Pendleton. The new substation location was chosen in consultation with USFS after the Record of Decision for the 2007 FEIS for Project Number 11858 was issued.

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3.0 BACKGROUND ON THE LBVI AND SWFL

3.1 Least Bell’s Vireo

LBVI is a small, migratory, insectivorous bird which occurs in riparian habitats. Although this bird

is drab in plumage and can be secretive within its densely vegetated habitat, males are easy to

detect on the breeding grounds due to their conspicuous, frequently given, and diagnostic song.

Nesting habitat of this species is restricted to willow (Salix spp.) and/or mule fat (Baccharis

salicifolia) dominated riparian scrub along permanent or nearly permanent streams (Grinnell and

Miller 1944, Goldwasser 1978, Franzreb 1987, Garrett and Dunn 1981).

LBVI were formerly widespread and common throughout low-lying riparian habitats of central

and southern California, but are now restricted to a limited number of locations in southern

California. They are still relatively rare in central California. Habitat reduction has contributed to

this species' significant population declines. Nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds

(Molothrus ater) has also seriously impacted reproductive success by LBVI, as well as many

other species which build cup nests (Goldwasser 1978). The population is recovering as a result

of habitat restoration and brown-headed cowbird control efforts. LBVI is listed as Endangered by

the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and by the United States Fish and

Wildlife Service (USFWS) (USFWS 1986). A final determination of critical habitat was made in

1994 (USFWS 1994a and 1994b). The Project is not located within designated critical habitat for

the LBVI.

3.2 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

The SWFL is a small, brownish-olive flycatcher that was formerly considered a common

summer resident in southern California’s lowland willow thickets and in mountain canyons

(Garrett and Dunn 1981). Following the large-scale invasion of southern California by brown-

headed cowbirds in the 1920s, along with significant loss of willow riparian habitat, this

subspecies was nearly extirpated from southern California. The willow flycatcher (Empidonax

traillii) was listed by the State of California as endangered in 1991 (CDFW 2015a). The

subspecies E. t. extimus (SWFL) is listed as federally endangered (USFWS 1995).

The SWFL breeds in dense riparian habitats near surface water or saturated soil. Plant

composition and habitat structure can vary greatly depending on the site, but willows often make

up much of the understory. Populations along the Colorado River are known to use thickets

dominated by both native and nonnative plants (especially saltcedar [Tamarix ramosissima]).

Dense patches of interior understory vegetation are a critical component of occupied habitat

(Sogge et al. 2010). In the decades since being listed, populations of SWFL are known to have

been present along the Santa Margarita and San Luis Rey Rivers in San Diego County, in the

San Bernardino Mountains and along the Mojave River in San Bernardino County, the Santa

Ynez River in Santa Barbara County, the Santa Clara River in Los Angeles and Ventura

counties, the South Fork of the Kern River in Kern County (Unitt 1987, Marshall 2000), the

Lower Colorado River Valley (Marshall 2000, R. McKernan, pers. comm.), and the Prado Basin

and San Timoteo Creek in western Riverside County (J. Pike; R. McKernan, pers. comm.).

Critical habitat was designated for this species in 1997 (USFWS 1997), then revised and

“finalized” again in 2005 and 2011 (USFWS 2005, USFWS 2011), then revised and finalized

again in 2013 (USFWS 2013). The Project is not located within designated critical habitat for the

SWFL.

4.0 METHODS

Five survey areas were identified from past documents and desktop research (see Appendix A).

When the LBVI focused survey effort was initiated, those areas were field truthed for

appropriate habitat and corrected survey areas were created (see Figures 2 and 3). From north

to south the survey areas were designated “Corona Lake,” “Los Alamos Canyon,” “Tenaja Trail,”

“Cleveland Forest Road,” and “Tenaja Place.” The biological study area for the focused survey

was defined as the project footprint and features and a 100 foot buffer around them. Elevations

in the survey areas ranged from approximately 1,100 to 2,100 feet.

LBVI and SWFL surveys were conducted in appropriate habitat within the biological study area

in accordance with the survey protocols for these species (USFWS 2001, Sogge et al. 2010).

The five survey patches were surveyed by a single biologist in a single morning.

In accordance with the LBVI survey protocol (USFWS 2001), each area was surveyed at least

eight times, with five of those visits also concurrent surveys for the SWFL. Each survey was at

least 10 days apart, which also satisfied the SWFL survey protocol requirement of the visits

being at least five days apart. SWFL surveys were conducted by biologists John F. Green and

Stephen J. Myers under the authority of recovery permits TE054011-7 (Green) and TE804203-

11 (Myers). During each survey the biologists walked slowly through or adjacent to any potential

habitat, and in the case of the SWFL surveys, stopped intermittently to play recorded

vocalizations and listen for responses. All surveys were conducted between 11 May and 23

July. Weather during all surveys was favorable for detection of the two target species. The table

below contains survey variables.

All vertebrate species detected during Wood’s 2018 riparian birds surveys were recorded in field

notes and are listed in Appendix B below.

TABLE. SURVEY VARIABLES

Date (2018) Biologist Time (PST) Temperature (°F) Wind Speed

(mph) Cloud Cover (%)

11 May Myers 0510-1100 50-66 0-2 100-95

*21 May Green 0525-1000 60-62 0-4 100

*1 June Myers 0500-1000 50-77 0-3 80-0

*11 June Green 0540-1000 61-88 0-2 0

21 June Myers 0515-1100 60-81 0-3 0

*2 July Green 0550-1100 61-84 0-4 15-0

*12 July Green 0545-1030 74-89 0-4 25-55

23 July Green 0545-1100 74-100 0-6 0-1

Abbreviations: PST = Pacific Standard Time, °F = degrees Fahrenheit, mph = miles per hour

*Dates marked with an asterisk were surveys for both LBVI and SWFL; all other survey days were for LBVI only.

Corona Lake

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5.0 RESULTS

5.1 Least Bell’s Vireo Detections

LBVI were detected only in the Corona Lake survey area (see Figures 2A and 3A). At least one,

and possibly two singing males were detected. A silent LBVI was also detected in the same

general area. LBVI is assumed to be absent from the other four survey areas at this time. It is

possible that additional habitat is present along the project alignment. A revised vegetation

mapping effort is planned in 2019. When complete, Wood senior biologists will evaluate the

revised mapping and assess where additional focused LBVI/SWFL surveys are recommended,

if any.

5.2 Willow Flycatcher Detections

Two willow flycatchers (WIFL) were detected (see Figures 2B, 3B, and 3D). Both were on 21

May 2018, within the peak migration period for the species. One was in the Cleveland Forest

Road survey area and one in the Tenaja Place survey area. The survey protocol for SWFL

(Sogge, Ahlers, & Sferra 2010) provides guidelines for determining whether or not a willow

flycatcher detection represents a SWFL or a migrant of a more northerly subspecies.

Southwestern willow flycatchers typically arrive on breeding grounds between early May and

early June. Because arrival dates vary annually and geographically, northbound migrant willow

flycatchers of multiple subspecies pass through areas where southwestern willow flycatchers

have already begun nesting. Similarly, southbound migrants in late July and August may occur

where southwestern willow flycatchers are still breeding. This can make it challenging for an

observer to differentiate local breeders from migrants. Southwestern willow flycatcher surveys

are conducted in three periods to help with this determination:

Survey Period 1: 15–31 May (one visit)

Survey Period 2: 1–24 June (two visits)

Survey Period 3: 25 June–17 July (two visits)

One way to determine if the flycatchers found at a particular site are migrants or territorial is to

find out if they are still present during the “non-migrant” period, which generally is from about 15

June to 20 July. A willow flycatcher found during this time probably is a territorial bird (and thus

a southwestern willow flycatcher in our area). A territorial southwestern willow flycatcher does

not necessarily mean a breeding southwestern willow flycatcher. Rangewide many territorial

male flycatchers are unmated. Some males maintain territories well into July yet never succeed

in attracting a mate, so unpaired males are not uncommon. Thus, an assumption that each

singing male represents a breeding pair may not be well founded, especially in small

populations. If a willow flycatcher is observed conducting breeding behaviors (see below) prior

to 15 June , that would also be strong evidence that it is a southwestern willow flycatcher rather

than a migrant, and a potential breeder. Finally, detecting a willow flycatcher in the same

general area during both periods 1 and 2 increases the likelihood that the bird is not a migrant,

although it does not confirm it (since there is no way to know if it is the same bird). Areas where

a willow flycatcher was detected in a previous period are given extra attention during

subsequent surveys.

Determining Breeding Status: Observations of the following signs of breeding activity will help

determine whether southwestern willow flycatcher breeding or nesting efforts are taking place:

a) observation of another unchallenged willow flycatcher in the immediate vicinity

(indicates possible pair);

b) “whit” calls between nearby flycatchers (indicates possible pair);

c) interaction twitter calls between nearby flycatchers (indicates possible pair);

d) countersinging or physical aggression against another flycatcher or bird species

(suggests territorial defense);

e) physical aggression against cowbirds (suggests nest defense);

f) observation of willow flycatchers copulating (verifies attempted breeding);

g) flycatcher carrying nest material (verifies nesting attempt, but not nest outcome);

h) flycatcher carrying food or fecal sac (verifies nest with young, but not nest outcome);

i) locating an active nest (verifies nesting). General survey permits do not authorize

nest searching or monitoring.

j) observation of adult flycatchers feeding fledged young (verifies successful nesting).

k) detectability of flycatcher nesting activity may be possible, especially once the chicks

are being fed. Adults feed chicks at rates of as many as 30 times per hour, and the

repeated trips to the nest tree or bush are often quite evident.

No WIFLs were detected during the “non-migrant” period. None of the signs of breeding activity

were observed. Therefore, it is likely that the two WIFLs detected were migrants of more

northerly subspecies, rather than SWFLs. It is Wood’s opinion that no territorial SWFLs were

present in the Project area during 2018.

5.3 Critical Habitat

None of the areas surveyed are within designated critical habitat for either the LBVI or SWFL.

5.4 General Survey Results

Eighty-five (85) bird species were detected during the 2018 riparian birds surveys (see

Appendix B). Among the most commonly detected species were the yellow warbler (Setophaga

petechia), song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), house finch

(Haemorphus mexicanus), lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria), California towhee (Melozone

crissalis), Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii), and

spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus). Also included in Appendix B are one species of amphibian,

five species of reptiles, and ten species of mammals which were incidentally detected during the

2018 riparian birds surveys.

6.0 REFERENCES AND LITERATURE CITED

Amec Foster Wheeler/Wood. 2018. Biological Resources Work Plan, Lake Elsinore Advanced

Pumping Storage Project, August.

California Bird Records Committee. 2018. Official California Checklist. Accessed online at:

https://californiabirds.org/checklist.asp

CDFW. 2016. Complete List of Amphibian, Reptile, Bird and Mammal Species in California.

Accessed online at: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=87155&inline

CDFW. 2018a. State & Federally Listed Endangered & Threatened Animals of California. August. Accessed online at: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109405

CDFW. 2018b. Special Animals List. August. Periodic publication. Sacramento, CA. Online at:

https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109406&inline.

Franzreb, K.E. 1987. Endangered status and strategies for conservation of the Least Bell's

Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) in California. W. Birds 18:43-49.

Garrett, K. and J. Dunn. 1981. Birds of southern California: Status and distribution. Los Angeles

Audubon Soc., Los Angeles, CA.

Goldwasser, S. 1978. Distribution, reproductive success, and impact of nest parasitism by

Brown-headed Cowbirds on Least Bell's Vireos. Unpublished report prepared for the

Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.

Grinnell, J. and A.H. Miller. 1944. The Distribution of the Birds of California. Pac. Coast Avif. 27.

Jepson Flora Project. 2018. Jepson eFlora. Accessed online at:

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html.

Marshall, R.M. 2000. Population status on breeding grounds. Pp. 3-11 in Status, ecology, and

conservation of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Finch, D.M. and S.H. Stoleson,

eds.). Gen. Tech. Rpt. RMRS-GTR-60, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky

Mountain Research Station, Ogden, UT.

Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A manual of California vegetation (2nd ed.).

California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.

Sedgwick, James A.(2000).Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), The Birds of North America

(P. G. Rodewald, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of

North America:

https://birdsna-org.bnaproxy.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/bna/species/wilfly DOI:

10.2173/bna.533

Sogge, M.K., D. Ahlers, and S.J. Sferra. 2010. A natural history summary and survey protocol

for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and

Methods 2A-10, 38 pgs.

USFWS. 1986. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered

Status for the Least Bell’s Vireo, Final Rule. Federal Register. Vol. 51.

USFWS. 1994a. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat

for the Least Bell’s Vireo. Federal Register. Vol. 59, No. 22.

USFWS. 1994b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat

for the Least Bell’s Vireo; Final Rule. Federal Register 59:4845-4867.

USFWS. 1995. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule Determining

Endangered Status for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Federal Register. Vol. 60,

No. 38.

USFWS. 1997. Final Determination of Critical Habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher.

Federal Register. Vol. 62, Pgs. 39129-39147.

USFWS. 2001. Least Bell’s Vireo survey guidelines. Ecological Services, Carlsbad Fish and

Wildlife Office, Carlsbad, CA.

USFWS. 2005. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat

for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). Final Rule. Federal

Register. Vol. 70, Pgs. 60885-61009.

USFWS. 2011. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Revised Critical

Habitat for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Proposed Rule. Federal Register. Vol. 76,

Pgs. 50542-50629.

USFWS. 2013. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat

for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Final Rule. Federal Register. Vol. 78, Pgs. 50542-

50629.

Unitt, P. 1987. Empidonax traillii extimus: An endangered subspecies. W. Birds 18:137-162.

Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumping Storage Project (LEAPS) Focused Survey for the Least Bell’s Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher October 2018

APPENDIX A

USFWS NOTIFICATION

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 4 May 2018 Carlsbad Field Office 2177 Salk Avenue, Suite 250 Carlsbad, CA 92008

ATTN: Stacey Love

RE: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and Coastal California Gnatcatcher Survey Notification for LEAPS Project

Dear Ms. Love,

This letter serves as Amec Foster Wheeler Environment and Infrastructure, Inc.’s (Amec Foster Wheeler) formal notification of our intent to conduct focused presence-absence surveys for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) and Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). Surveys will occur along portions of the Nevada Hydro Company’s LEAPS Project (WODUP) in San Diego and Riverside Counties.

All surveys will be conducted by federally authorized biologists, primarily John F. Green and Stephen J. Myers (respectively Federal Recovery Permits TE-054011 and TE-804203). Surveys will be done in accordance with guidelines set forth in the established protocols and our recovery permits.

The attached maps show the proposed survey locations on U.S.G.S. topography.

Please contact me with any questions. Thank you, John F. Green Senior Biologist

AMEC Foster Wheeler Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. 3120 Chicago Avenue, Suite 110 Riverside, CA 92507

[email protected] (951) 369-8060

Coastal California GnatcatcherFocused Survey Areas

LEAPS ProjectRiverside County, CA

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APPENDIX B

VERTEBRATE SPECIES LIST


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VERTEBRATE SPECIES LIST ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── This list reports only vertebrate species observed during riparian bird survey visits in 2018. Other species may have been overlooked or undetectable due to their seasonal or daily patterns of occurrence. Nomenclature and taxonomy for fauna observed on site follows the California Bird Records Committee Official California Checklist (2018) for birds and CDFW (2016) for herpetofauna and mammals. ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS: ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── * Non native species ** Sensitive species (State or federally listed as endangered or threatened; state

species of special concern/watchlist/tracked; USFWS bird of conservation concern; Bureau of Land Management sensitive, US Forest Service sensitive)

sp. Identified only to genus; species unknown (plural = spp.) ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── AMPHIBIANS Ranidae True Frogs Lithobates catesbeianus* American bullfrog

REPTILES Teiidae Whiptails and Relatives Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri** coastal tiger (western) whiptail

Phrynosomatidae Spiny Lizards Uta stansburiana common side-blotched lizard Sceloporus occidentalis western fence lizard Sceloporus orcutti granite spiny lizard

Crotalidae Pit Vipers Crotalus ruber** red diamond rattlesnake

BIRDS Anatidae Ducks, Geese, and Swans Anas platyrhynchos mallard Oxyura jamaicensis ruddy duck

Odontophoridae New World Quail Oreortyx pictus mountain quail Callipepla californica California quail

Columbidae Pigeons and Doves Patagioenas fasciata band-tailed pigeon Streptopelia decaocto* eurasian collared-dove Zenaida macroura mourning dove

Cuculidae Cuckoos, Roadrunners, and Anis Geococcyx californianus greater roadrunner

Apodidae Swifts Aeronautes saxatalis white-throated swift


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Trochilidae Hummingbirds Archilochus alexandri black-chinned hummingbird Calypte anna Anna's hummingbird Calypte costae** Costa's hummingbird Selasphorus sp. Allen's/rufous hummingbird

Charadriidae Lapwings and Plovers Charadrius vociferus killdeer

Phalacrocoracidae Cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus double-crested cormorant

Ardeidae Herons, Bitterns, and Allies Ardea herodias great blue heron Ardea alba great egret Egretta thula snowy egret

Threskiornithidae Ibises and Spoonbills Plegadis chihi white-faced ibis

Cathartidae New World Vultures Cathartes aura turkey vulture

Accipitridae Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies Elanus leucurus** white-tailed kite Accipiter cooperii** Cooper's hawk Haliaeetus leucocephalus** bald eagle Buteo lineatus red-shouldered hawk Buteo jamaicensis red-tailed hawk

Picidae Woodpeckers and Allies Melanerpes formicivorus acorn woodpecker Picoides pubescens downy woodpecker Picoides nuttallii Nuttall's woodpecker Colaptes auratus northern flicker

Falconidae Caracaras and Falcons Falco sparverius American kestrel

Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers Myiarchus cinerascens ash-throated flycatcher Tyrannus vociferus Cassin’s kingbird Tyrannus verticalis western kingbird Contopus sordidulus western wood-pewee Empidonax traillii** willow flycatcher Empidonax difficilis pacific-slope flycatcher Sayornis nigricans black phoebe Sayornis saya Say's phoebe

Vireonidae Vireos Vireo bellii pusillus** least Bell’s vireo Vireo huttoni Hutton’s vireo Vireo gilvus warbling vireo


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Corvidae Crows and Jays Aphelocoma californica California scrub-jay Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow Corvus corax common raven

Hirundinidae Swallows Tachycineta bicolor tree swallow Tachycineta thalassina violet-green swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis northern rough-winged swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota cliff swallow

Paridae Chickadees and Titmice Baeolophus inornatus** oak titmouse

Aegithalidae Long-tailed Tits and Bushtits Psaltriparus minimus bushtit

Sittidae Nuthatches Sitta carolinensis white-breasted nuthatch

Troglodytidae Wrens Salpinctes obsoletus rock wren Catherpes mexicanus canyon wren Troglodytes aedon house wren Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's wren

Polioptilidae Gnatcatchers and Gnatwrens Polioptila caerulea blue-gray gnatcatcher

Sylviidae Sylviid Warblers Chamaea fasciata wrentit

Turdidae Thrushes Sialia mexicana western bluebird

Mimidae Mockingbirds and Thrashers Toxostoma redivivum California thrasher Mimus polyglottos northern mockingbird

Sturnidae Starlings Sturnus vulgaris* European starling

Ptiliogonatidae Silky-flycatchers Phainopepla nitens phainopepla

Fringillidae Fringilline & Cardueline Finches & Allies Haemorhous mexicanus house finch Spinus psaltria lesser goldfinch

Passerelliidae New World Sparrows Pipilo maculatus spotted towhee Aimophila ruficeps canescens** So. Calif. rufous-crowned sparrow Melozone crissalis California towhee Spizella atrogularis black-chinned sparrow Chondestes grammacus lark sparrow Melospiza melodia song sparrow


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Icteridae Blackbirds Sturnella neglecta western meadowlark Icterus cucullatus hooded oriole Icterus bullockii Bullock's oriole Molothrus ater brown-headed cowbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Brewer’s blackbird Quiscalus mexicanus great-tailed grackle

Parulidae Wood-Warblers Oreothlypis celata orange-crowned warbler Geothlypis trichas common yellowthroat Setophaga petechia** yellow warbler Setophaga townsendi Townsend's warbler Cardellina pusilla Wilson's warbler

Cardinalidae Cardinals and Allies Piranga ludoviciana western tanager Pheucticus melanocephalus black-headed grosbeak Passerina caerulea blue grosbeak Passerina amoena lazuli bunting

MAMMALS Leporidae Rabbits and Hares Sylvilagus audubonii Audubon’s cottontail

Sciuridae Squirrels Otospermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel

Geomyidae Pocket Gophers Thomomys bottae Botta’s pocket gopher

Heteromyidae Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats Dipodomys sp. Kangaroo Rat

Cricetidae Mice, Rats, and Voles Neotoma sp. woodrat (mounds, scat)

Canidae Foxes, Wolves, Coyote Canis latrans coyote

Procyonidae Raccoons, Ringtails, Coatis Procyon lotor northern raccoon (tracks)

Felidae Cats Lynx rufus bobcat (scat) Puma concolor mountain lion (scat)

Cervidae Deers and Relatives Odocoileus hemionus mule deer


APPENDIX C

CERTIFICATION


APPENDIX D

WILLOW FLYCATCHER SURVEY FORMS

FOCUSED SURVEYS FOR THE LEAST BELL’S VIREO AND...

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