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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County, North Dakota Prepared for August 2012

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Page 1: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian SurveyWilton IV Wind Energy Center

2012 Spring Avian Survey

Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota

Prepared for

August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) was contracted by Wilton IV Wind LLC (Wilton IV)) to

undertake spring avian use surveys for the proposed Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in

Burleigh County North Dakota The Project is located on private lands and is tentatively

designed to have a nameplate capacity of 99 megawatts (MW) consisting of 62 GE 16 MW xle

wind turbine generators The studies were conducted to identify potential avian impacts

associated with building and operating the wind conversion facility Birds have been identified as

a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and power lines and

displacement due to the presence of the associated structures Weekly surveys were performed at

the Project from March 16 to June 15 2012 which included the spring migratory and early

summer seasons Fixed point count surveys (800-meter [m] radius) were conducted at 7 points

distributed throughout the Wilton IV Project area

A total of 5376 birds from 52 species including 653 that could not be identified to species were

observed within the Project area Overall mean bird use within the Project area was 5486

birds20 minutes (min) and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Recent studies suggest that pre-construction avian use rates do not necessarily correlate with

post-construction fatality Thus the mean-use rates at the Wilton IV Wind Power Project do not

necessarily predict the risk of collision with turbines Factors such as speciesrsquo behavioral

characteristics and weather events factors not quantified in this survey can also influence

collision risk

The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species groups

Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose (1437

birds20 min) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min) red-

winged blackbird (559 birds20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min) Species with a

high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included ring-necked

pheasant (observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark (observed in 612 percent of all

surveys) and western meadowlark (observed in 480 percent of all surveys) Of these species the

Canada goose sandhill crane unidentified sparrow and Franklinrsquos gull had encounter rates

above 100 birds flying at the height of the RSA20 min Canada geese are found as fatalities at

other wind facilities but in low numbers (less than 6) Sandhill cranes have demonstrated turbine

avoidance and to date there are no public records of turbine-related fatalities for the sandhill

crane suggesting minimal risk of turbine-related fatalities for this species at the Project

Franklinrsquos gulls have not been recorded as fatalities at windfarms with publicly available data

suggesting minimal risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project The red-winged blackbird

horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are commonly found as turbineshy

ES-1 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

related fatalities but any fatalities of these species at the Project are not likely to have

population-level impacts

Raptor mean use at the Project was low relative to projects with publically available use data

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers had the highest mean use among raptors (both 016

birds20 min) These species had encounter rates of 013 and 000 birds flying at the RSA

height20 min respectively Northern harriers are considered to have a low risk flight behavior

for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks have been observed engaging in high-risk flight

behaviors at operational wind facilities Results from post-construction fatality monitoring

studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related fatalities however

few fatalities are expected within the Project area based on low frequency of observation for this

species Additional raptor species observed during surveys included Swainsonrsquos hawk

American kestrel peregrine falcon and great-horned owl Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities Peregrine falcon and great-horned

owl have no recorded fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available data All four

species are likely to have low risk for turbine collisions at the Project due to low mean-use rates

Additionally 2 active red-tailed hawk 1 active Swainsonrsquos hawk and 2 unknown inactive raptor

nests were detected within the Project area and a 1-mile buffer around the Project The raptor

nesting activity is considered to be low but may present an additional increased risk for turbine

collisions when any young of the year raptors begin to fledge (ie leave the nest)

LISTED AND SENSITIVE SPECIES

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected as an incidental observation

during avian point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an

incidental observation The golden eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle

Protection Act A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were located within the Project area and 1shy

mile buffer during the grouse lek surveys Four of the leks are within the Project area indicating

a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed species with regulatory

implications were detected during surveys However all native migratory avian species are

protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 To date the US Fish and Wildlife Service

has not initiated any law enforcement action against any wind development company based on

avian fatalities

ES-2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Variable Result Details

Non-raptors

Mean use 5449 birds20 min

Moderate risk (Section 31)

Federally listed1 species observed within the Project area No

State-listed species2

within the Project area 8 Section 35

Grouse leks observed within the Project area Yes 4 sharp tailed grouse leks (Section 34)

Grouse leks observed within 1 mile of the Project area Yes 5 sharp tailed grouse leks (Section 34)

Raptors

Mean use 037 birds20 min Low risk (Section 31)

Eagles observed within the Project area Yes Golden eagle (Section 35)

Federally1

listed species observed within the Project area No

State-listed2 species within the Project area 4 Section 35

Habitat

Native habitat likely to be affected by development Yes Native prairie

Lakes (waterfowl and crane attractant) Yes Small cattle ponds

Wetlands (attractant for cranes waterfowl and other water-based species)

Yes Low areas and along Apple Creek

Cliffs (raptor nesting and traveling) None

River (permanent water source migration corridor) Yes West branch of Apple Creek

Known refuges or habitat features that may funnel migrants None 1Federally listed species include species listed as endangered threatened or candidate under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 2The North Dakota Game and Fish Department maintains a list of Species of Conservation Priority (Hagen et al 2005) but are not afforded any formal protection by the state and there are no permitting requirements for these listed species

ES-3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-I

10 INTRODUCTION 1

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS 1 12 STUDY DESCRIPTION 2

20 METHODS 3

21 AVIAN SURVEYS 3 211 Fixed-point Surveys 3 212 Raptor Nest Surveys 4 213 Lek Location Surveys 5 214 Incidental Observations 5 215 Listed Species Information 5 216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control 6

22 ANALYSIS 6 221 Species Groupings 6 222 Avian Use 7 223 Flight Behavior 7 224 Encounter Rate 7 225 Fatality Risk 8

30 RESULTS 8

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE 8 32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE 10 33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS 10 34 LEK SURVEYS 10 35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS 11 36 LISTED SPECIES 11

40 DISCUSSION 11

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 12 42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 13 43 LISTED SPECIES 14 44 CONCLUSIONS 14

50 REFERENCES 15

ES-4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Vicinity map

Figure 2 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center point count location map

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 4 Non-raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 6 Raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location map (Spring 2012)

LIST OF TABLES

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point counts at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Appendix 3 Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

ES-5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

10 INTRODUCTION

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS

Wind energy provides a clean renewable energy source As wind power has become more

common the need to address potential environmental impacts has increased Birds have been

identified as a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and power lines

and displacement due to the presence of the associated structures (Erickson et al 2005 Drewitt

and Langston 2006 Arnett et al 2007) Specifically migrant passerines (eg songbirds) are

found more often in post-construction fatality monitoring compared to other groups of birds

(Arnett et al 2007) In fact at newer generation wind energy facilities outside of California

approximately 80 percent of documented fatalities have been songbirds of which 50 percent are

often nocturnal migrants (Erickson et al 2001 Johnson et al 2002 Drewitt and Langston 2006

Strickland and Morrison 2008) Locally breeding songbirds may experience lower fatality rates

than migrants because many of these species tend not to fly at turbine heights during the

breeding season However some breeding songbird species have behaviors that increase the risk

of collisions with turbines For example horned larks have been commonly found as fatalities at

wind farms that may be partially attributed to the breeding flight displays within the rotor swept

area (Pickwell 1931 Johnson and Erickson 2011)

Despite the observation that most wind farm fatalities are songbirds raptor fatality historically

has received the most attention due to high fatality rates at the Altamont Wind Project in

California (Thelander et al 2003) Raptor fatalities at newer generation wind projects has been

low relative to previous generation wind farms although there is substantial regional variation

(Johnson et al 2002 Erickson et al 2002 2004 Kerns and Kerlinger 2004 Jain et al 2007)

Although raptor fatality is reduced at newer generation facilities raptors remain the avian species

group considered most susceptible to collisions with turbines (Strickland et al 2011) Therefore

local micro-siting and site evaluation efforts are still necessary to minimize potential project-

related impacts to raptors

In addition to fatality associated with wind farms there is potential for bird species to avoid

areas near turbines or experience habitat displacement after the wind farm is in operation

(Drewitt and Langston 2006) To date evidence of this potential impact to birds does not

demonstrate a distinct trend some studies have found a decreased density or abundance of birds

near turbines (eg grassland songbirds Leddy et al 1999 Erickson et al 2004 Shaffer and

Johnson 2009) while others have found no evidence of declines near turbines (Devereux et al

2008 Shaffer and Johnson 2009 Pearce-Higgins et al 2012) However Pearce-Higgins et al

(2012) detected disturbance-related effects during construction indicating that disturbance

effects may occur on a short-term basis

1 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Particular concern over avoidance issues has been raised by agencies and non-governmental

groups with respect to grouse species (Manville 2004 USFWS 2012a) However the existing

information on avoidance by grouse species is limited to observational studies with results

varying by grouse species and source of disturbance (roads oil and gas wells vertical structures

transmission lines) Studies of grouse and anthropogenic features have reported that some

species of grouse avoid transmission lines improved roads buildings oil and gas wells and

communication towers (Pitman et al 2005 Pruett et al 2009 and Johnson et al 2011) But other

studies have found no evidence of avoidance of transmission lines or of wind facilities (Johnson

et al 2011 Johnson et al 2012) The only published research on operational wind facilities and

grouse suggest long-term data sets are needed to adequately assess impacts (Johnson et al 2012)

Finally most native migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

of 1918 Under the MBTA it is unlawful to take (ie kill) any migratory bird including nests

and nest contents Currently there are no permits for incidental take of migratory birds

(Beveridge 2005) However the USFWS does not usually take action if good faith efforts have

been made to minimize impacts To date no wind development company has been charged for

violations of the MBTA Additionally The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

prohibit the take of any bald or golden eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg

Currently applications for incidental take under BGEPA for golden eagles are currently being

considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude (USFWS 2009) which would include

this Project

12 STUDY DESCRIPTION

Wilton Wind IV LLC (Wilton Wind IV) a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC is

planning to develop the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in Burleigh County North

Dakota (Figure 1) located entirely on private lands Wilton Wind IV is committed to

environmental due diligence and has contracted Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) to conduct

spring avian surveys at the Project to quantify local avian use in the area and to evaluate the

potential impacts of the Project to birds detected during the survey The objectives meet the

requirements recommended under the Tier 3 of the USFWS Land-Based Wind Energy

Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

The Project covers 15752 acres and is mostly located in the Northwestern Glaciated Plains

Ecoregion with western portions of the Project located in the Northwestern Great Plains

Ecoregion (Bryce et al 1996) This semiarid region of North Dakota includes level to rolling

plains topography with isolated sandstone buttes or badlands formations Historically much of

the landscape was a mix of western mixed-grass prairie and short-grass prairie with associated

wetlands of the Missouri Slope and River Breaks subregions (Bryce et al 1996) Today native

grasslands still persist mostly in areas of steep or broken topography and have been largely

2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

replaced by agriculture in level areas Agriculture in the area is predominantly dry-land farming

of barley sunflowers corn spring and winter wheat interspersed with cattle grazing

North Dakota has 365 documented bird species (Faanes and Stewart 1982) and is situated within

the Central Flyway one of the main bird migratory routes in North America (USFWS 2011b)

The Central Flyway runs through the central portion of the US and as a consequence the

Project Area During spring migration most birds that move along the Central Flyway travel

from the tropics of South America via the Gulf of Mexico through the central states eventually

reaching breeding grounds as far away as Alaska and northern Canada (USFWS 2011b)

20 METHODS

To evaluate avian risk at wind energy facilities standardized protocols for pre-construction point

counts have been established and were used in this study This protocol is designed to be

responsive to the level of effort recommended in the National Wind Coordinating Committeersquos

Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions (Strickland et al 2011)

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

Data collected from these counts are used to identify species or species groups that may be at

risk from Project development and may provide additional information for micro-siting wind

facilities to minimize impacts to birds Results in this report are presented in terms of species

groups and highlight any federal and state-listed protected species

21 AVIAN SURVEYS

211 Fixed-point Surveys

An experienced field biologist conducted 20-minute (min) point count surveys at 7 locations

within Project area to evaluate avian use behavior and species (Figure 2) The biologist

conducted 14 weekly surveys from March 16 through June 15 2012 (Table 1) thereby

encompassing the spring migration and summer breeding seasons Tetra Tech distributed the

survey locations throughout the Project area and chose locations that maximized the 360-degree

sight distance for the observer and covered a diversity of habitats

The field biologist collected data on all birds observed within an 800-m radius of the point count

location Surveys at each point lasted for 20 minutes during which time the biologist

continuously recorded any visual or auditory observations The biologist recorded the following

data species number of individuals time of observation height aboveground and behavior The

biologist estimated flight heights and distances using existing reference points such as

meteorological towers and local transmission lines as well as landscape contours shown on

topographic maps Flight direction was recorded for individuals making directional flights

through the Project area but was not recorded for individuals making localized movements

3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

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Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

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Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

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USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

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Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

ean

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Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

75 01 - 1 0 00 0

10 00 1 - 1 25 00

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 2: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) was contracted by Wilton IV Wind LLC (Wilton IV)) to

undertake spring avian use surveys for the proposed Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in

Burleigh County North Dakota The Project is located on private lands and is tentatively

designed to have a nameplate capacity of 99 megawatts (MW) consisting of 62 GE 16 MW xle

wind turbine generators The studies were conducted to identify potential avian impacts

associated with building and operating the wind conversion facility Birds have been identified as

a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and power lines and

displacement due to the presence of the associated structures Weekly surveys were performed at

the Project from March 16 to June 15 2012 which included the spring migratory and early

summer seasons Fixed point count surveys (800-meter [m] radius) were conducted at 7 points

distributed throughout the Wilton IV Project area

A total of 5376 birds from 52 species including 653 that could not be identified to species were

observed within the Project area Overall mean bird use within the Project area was 5486

birds20 minutes (min) and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Recent studies suggest that pre-construction avian use rates do not necessarily correlate with

post-construction fatality Thus the mean-use rates at the Wilton IV Wind Power Project do not

necessarily predict the risk of collision with turbines Factors such as speciesrsquo behavioral

characteristics and weather events factors not quantified in this survey can also influence

collision risk

The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species groups

Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose (1437

birds20 min) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min) red-

winged blackbird (559 birds20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min) Species with a

high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included ring-necked

pheasant (observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark (observed in 612 percent of all

surveys) and western meadowlark (observed in 480 percent of all surveys) Of these species the

Canada goose sandhill crane unidentified sparrow and Franklinrsquos gull had encounter rates

above 100 birds flying at the height of the RSA20 min Canada geese are found as fatalities at

other wind facilities but in low numbers (less than 6) Sandhill cranes have demonstrated turbine

avoidance and to date there are no public records of turbine-related fatalities for the sandhill

crane suggesting minimal risk of turbine-related fatalities for this species at the Project

Franklinrsquos gulls have not been recorded as fatalities at windfarms with publicly available data

suggesting minimal risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project The red-winged blackbird

horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are commonly found as turbineshy

ES-1 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

related fatalities but any fatalities of these species at the Project are not likely to have

population-level impacts

Raptor mean use at the Project was low relative to projects with publically available use data

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers had the highest mean use among raptors (both 016

birds20 min) These species had encounter rates of 013 and 000 birds flying at the RSA

height20 min respectively Northern harriers are considered to have a low risk flight behavior

for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks have been observed engaging in high-risk flight

behaviors at operational wind facilities Results from post-construction fatality monitoring

studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related fatalities however

few fatalities are expected within the Project area based on low frequency of observation for this

species Additional raptor species observed during surveys included Swainsonrsquos hawk

American kestrel peregrine falcon and great-horned owl Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities Peregrine falcon and great-horned

owl have no recorded fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available data All four

species are likely to have low risk for turbine collisions at the Project due to low mean-use rates

Additionally 2 active red-tailed hawk 1 active Swainsonrsquos hawk and 2 unknown inactive raptor

nests were detected within the Project area and a 1-mile buffer around the Project The raptor

nesting activity is considered to be low but may present an additional increased risk for turbine

collisions when any young of the year raptors begin to fledge (ie leave the nest)

LISTED AND SENSITIVE SPECIES

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected as an incidental observation

during avian point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an

incidental observation The golden eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle

Protection Act A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were located within the Project area and 1shy

mile buffer during the grouse lek surveys Four of the leks are within the Project area indicating

a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed species with regulatory

implications were detected during surveys However all native migratory avian species are

protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 To date the US Fish and Wildlife Service

has not initiated any law enforcement action against any wind development company based on

avian fatalities

ES-2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Variable Result Details

Non-raptors

Mean use 5449 birds20 min

Moderate risk (Section 31)

Federally listed1 species observed within the Project area No

State-listed species2

within the Project area 8 Section 35

Grouse leks observed within the Project area Yes 4 sharp tailed grouse leks (Section 34)

Grouse leks observed within 1 mile of the Project area Yes 5 sharp tailed grouse leks (Section 34)

Raptors

Mean use 037 birds20 min Low risk (Section 31)

Eagles observed within the Project area Yes Golden eagle (Section 35)

Federally1

listed species observed within the Project area No

State-listed2 species within the Project area 4 Section 35

Habitat

Native habitat likely to be affected by development Yes Native prairie

Lakes (waterfowl and crane attractant) Yes Small cattle ponds

Wetlands (attractant for cranes waterfowl and other water-based species)

Yes Low areas and along Apple Creek

Cliffs (raptor nesting and traveling) None

River (permanent water source migration corridor) Yes West branch of Apple Creek

Known refuges or habitat features that may funnel migrants None 1Federally listed species include species listed as endangered threatened or candidate under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 2The North Dakota Game and Fish Department maintains a list of Species of Conservation Priority (Hagen et al 2005) but are not afforded any formal protection by the state and there are no permitting requirements for these listed species

ES-3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-I

10 INTRODUCTION 1

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS 1 12 STUDY DESCRIPTION 2

20 METHODS 3

21 AVIAN SURVEYS 3 211 Fixed-point Surveys 3 212 Raptor Nest Surveys 4 213 Lek Location Surveys 5 214 Incidental Observations 5 215 Listed Species Information 5 216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control 6

22 ANALYSIS 6 221 Species Groupings 6 222 Avian Use 7 223 Flight Behavior 7 224 Encounter Rate 7 225 Fatality Risk 8

30 RESULTS 8

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE 8 32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE 10 33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS 10 34 LEK SURVEYS 10 35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS 11 36 LISTED SPECIES 11

40 DISCUSSION 11

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 12 42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 13 43 LISTED SPECIES 14 44 CONCLUSIONS 14

50 REFERENCES 15

ES-4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Vicinity map

Figure 2 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center point count location map

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 4 Non-raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 6 Raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location map (Spring 2012)

LIST OF TABLES

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point counts at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Appendix 3 Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

ES-5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

10 INTRODUCTION

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS

Wind energy provides a clean renewable energy source As wind power has become more

common the need to address potential environmental impacts has increased Birds have been

identified as a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and power lines

and displacement due to the presence of the associated structures (Erickson et al 2005 Drewitt

and Langston 2006 Arnett et al 2007) Specifically migrant passerines (eg songbirds) are

found more often in post-construction fatality monitoring compared to other groups of birds

(Arnett et al 2007) In fact at newer generation wind energy facilities outside of California

approximately 80 percent of documented fatalities have been songbirds of which 50 percent are

often nocturnal migrants (Erickson et al 2001 Johnson et al 2002 Drewitt and Langston 2006

Strickland and Morrison 2008) Locally breeding songbirds may experience lower fatality rates

than migrants because many of these species tend not to fly at turbine heights during the

breeding season However some breeding songbird species have behaviors that increase the risk

of collisions with turbines For example horned larks have been commonly found as fatalities at

wind farms that may be partially attributed to the breeding flight displays within the rotor swept

area (Pickwell 1931 Johnson and Erickson 2011)

Despite the observation that most wind farm fatalities are songbirds raptor fatality historically

has received the most attention due to high fatality rates at the Altamont Wind Project in

California (Thelander et al 2003) Raptor fatalities at newer generation wind projects has been

low relative to previous generation wind farms although there is substantial regional variation

(Johnson et al 2002 Erickson et al 2002 2004 Kerns and Kerlinger 2004 Jain et al 2007)

Although raptor fatality is reduced at newer generation facilities raptors remain the avian species

group considered most susceptible to collisions with turbines (Strickland et al 2011) Therefore

local micro-siting and site evaluation efforts are still necessary to minimize potential project-

related impacts to raptors

In addition to fatality associated with wind farms there is potential for bird species to avoid

areas near turbines or experience habitat displacement after the wind farm is in operation

(Drewitt and Langston 2006) To date evidence of this potential impact to birds does not

demonstrate a distinct trend some studies have found a decreased density or abundance of birds

near turbines (eg grassland songbirds Leddy et al 1999 Erickson et al 2004 Shaffer and

Johnson 2009) while others have found no evidence of declines near turbines (Devereux et al

2008 Shaffer and Johnson 2009 Pearce-Higgins et al 2012) However Pearce-Higgins et al

(2012) detected disturbance-related effects during construction indicating that disturbance

effects may occur on a short-term basis

1 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Particular concern over avoidance issues has been raised by agencies and non-governmental

groups with respect to grouse species (Manville 2004 USFWS 2012a) However the existing

information on avoidance by grouse species is limited to observational studies with results

varying by grouse species and source of disturbance (roads oil and gas wells vertical structures

transmission lines) Studies of grouse and anthropogenic features have reported that some

species of grouse avoid transmission lines improved roads buildings oil and gas wells and

communication towers (Pitman et al 2005 Pruett et al 2009 and Johnson et al 2011) But other

studies have found no evidence of avoidance of transmission lines or of wind facilities (Johnson

et al 2011 Johnson et al 2012) The only published research on operational wind facilities and

grouse suggest long-term data sets are needed to adequately assess impacts (Johnson et al 2012)

Finally most native migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

of 1918 Under the MBTA it is unlawful to take (ie kill) any migratory bird including nests

and nest contents Currently there are no permits for incidental take of migratory birds

(Beveridge 2005) However the USFWS does not usually take action if good faith efforts have

been made to minimize impacts To date no wind development company has been charged for

violations of the MBTA Additionally The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

prohibit the take of any bald or golden eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg

Currently applications for incidental take under BGEPA for golden eagles are currently being

considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude (USFWS 2009) which would include

this Project

12 STUDY DESCRIPTION

Wilton Wind IV LLC (Wilton Wind IV) a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC is

planning to develop the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in Burleigh County North

Dakota (Figure 1) located entirely on private lands Wilton Wind IV is committed to

environmental due diligence and has contracted Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) to conduct

spring avian surveys at the Project to quantify local avian use in the area and to evaluate the

potential impacts of the Project to birds detected during the survey The objectives meet the

requirements recommended under the Tier 3 of the USFWS Land-Based Wind Energy

Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

The Project covers 15752 acres and is mostly located in the Northwestern Glaciated Plains

Ecoregion with western portions of the Project located in the Northwestern Great Plains

Ecoregion (Bryce et al 1996) This semiarid region of North Dakota includes level to rolling

plains topography with isolated sandstone buttes or badlands formations Historically much of

the landscape was a mix of western mixed-grass prairie and short-grass prairie with associated

wetlands of the Missouri Slope and River Breaks subregions (Bryce et al 1996) Today native

grasslands still persist mostly in areas of steep or broken topography and have been largely

2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

replaced by agriculture in level areas Agriculture in the area is predominantly dry-land farming

of barley sunflowers corn spring and winter wheat interspersed with cattle grazing

North Dakota has 365 documented bird species (Faanes and Stewart 1982) and is situated within

the Central Flyway one of the main bird migratory routes in North America (USFWS 2011b)

The Central Flyway runs through the central portion of the US and as a consequence the

Project Area During spring migration most birds that move along the Central Flyway travel

from the tropics of South America via the Gulf of Mexico through the central states eventually

reaching breeding grounds as far away as Alaska and northern Canada (USFWS 2011b)

20 METHODS

To evaluate avian risk at wind energy facilities standardized protocols for pre-construction point

counts have been established and were used in this study This protocol is designed to be

responsive to the level of effort recommended in the National Wind Coordinating Committeersquos

Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions (Strickland et al 2011)

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

Data collected from these counts are used to identify species or species groups that may be at

risk from Project development and may provide additional information for micro-siting wind

facilities to minimize impacts to birds Results in this report are presented in terms of species

groups and highlight any federal and state-listed protected species

21 AVIAN SURVEYS

211 Fixed-point Surveys

An experienced field biologist conducted 20-minute (min) point count surveys at 7 locations

within Project area to evaluate avian use behavior and species (Figure 2) The biologist

conducted 14 weekly surveys from March 16 through June 15 2012 (Table 1) thereby

encompassing the spring migration and summer breeding seasons Tetra Tech distributed the

survey locations throughout the Project area and chose locations that maximized the 360-degree

sight distance for the observer and covered a diversity of habitats

The field biologist collected data on all birds observed within an 800-m radius of the point count

location Surveys at each point lasted for 20 minutes during which time the biologist

continuously recorded any visual or auditory observations The biologist recorded the following

data species number of individuals time of observation height aboveground and behavior The

biologist estimated flight heights and distances using existing reference points such as

meteorological towers and local transmission lines as well as landscape contours shown on

topographic maps Flight direction was recorded for individuals making directional flights

through the Project area but was not recorded for individuals making localized movements

3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

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West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

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Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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count location (Spring 2012)

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Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 3: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

related fatalities but any fatalities of these species at the Project are not likely to have

population-level impacts

Raptor mean use at the Project was low relative to projects with publically available use data

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers had the highest mean use among raptors (both 016

birds20 min) These species had encounter rates of 013 and 000 birds flying at the RSA

height20 min respectively Northern harriers are considered to have a low risk flight behavior

for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks have been observed engaging in high-risk flight

behaviors at operational wind facilities Results from post-construction fatality monitoring

studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related fatalities however

few fatalities are expected within the Project area based on low frequency of observation for this

species Additional raptor species observed during surveys included Swainsonrsquos hawk

American kestrel peregrine falcon and great-horned owl Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities Peregrine falcon and great-horned

owl have no recorded fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available data All four

species are likely to have low risk for turbine collisions at the Project due to low mean-use rates

Additionally 2 active red-tailed hawk 1 active Swainsonrsquos hawk and 2 unknown inactive raptor

nests were detected within the Project area and a 1-mile buffer around the Project The raptor

nesting activity is considered to be low but may present an additional increased risk for turbine

collisions when any young of the year raptors begin to fledge (ie leave the nest)

LISTED AND SENSITIVE SPECIES

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected as an incidental observation

during avian point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an

incidental observation The golden eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle

Protection Act A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were located within the Project area and 1shy

mile buffer during the grouse lek surveys Four of the leks are within the Project area indicating

a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed species with regulatory

implications were detected during surveys However all native migratory avian species are

protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 To date the US Fish and Wildlife Service

has not initiated any law enforcement action against any wind development company based on

avian fatalities

ES-2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Variable Result Details

Non-raptors

Mean use 5449 birds20 min

Moderate risk (Section 31)

Federally listed1 species observed within the Project area No

State-listed species2

within the Project area 8 Section 35

Grouse leks observed within the Project area Yes 4 sharp tailed grouse leks (Section 34)

Grouse leks observed within 1 mile of the Project area Yes 5 sharp tailed grouse leks (Section 34)

Raptors

Mean use 037 birds20 min Low risk (Section 31)

Eagles observed within the Project area Yes Golden eagle (Section 35)

Federally1

listed species observed within the Project area No

State-listed2 species within the Project area 4 Section 35

Habitat

Native habitat likely to be affected by development Yes Native prairie

Lakes (waterfowl and crane attractant) Yes Small cattle ponds

Wetlands (attractant for cranes waterfowl and other water-based species)

Yes Low areas and along Apple Creek

Cliffs (raptor nesting and traveling) None

River (permanent water source migration corridor) Yes West branch of Apple Creek

Known refuges or habitat features that may funnel migrants None 1Federally listed species include species listed as endangered threatened or candidate under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 2The North Dakota Game and Fish Department maintains a list of Species of Conservation Priority (Hagen et al 2005) but are not afforded any formal protection by the state and there are no permitting requirements for these listed species

ES-3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-I

10 INTRODUCTION 1

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS 1 12 STUDY DESCRIPTION 2

20 METHODS 3

21 AVIAN SURVEYS 3 211 Fixed-point Surveys 3 212 Raptor Nest Surveys 4 213 Lek Location Surveys 5 214 Incidental Observations 5 215 Listed Species Information 5 216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control 6

22 ANALYSIS 6 221 Species Groupings 6 222 Avian Use 7 223 Flight Behavior 7 224 Encounter Rate 7 225 Fatality Risk 8

30 RESULTS 8

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE 8 32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE 10 33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS 10 34 LEK SURVEYS 10 35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS 11 36 LISTED SPECIES 11

40 DISCUSSION 11

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 12 42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 13 43 LISTED SPECIES 14 44 CONCLUSIONS 14

50 REFERENCES 15

ES-4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Vicinity map

Figure 2 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center point count location map

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 4 Non-raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 6 Raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location map (Spring 2012)

LIST OF TABLES

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point counts at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Appendix 3 Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

ES-5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

10 INTRODUCTION

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS

Wind energy provides a clean renewable energy source As wind power has become more

common the need to address potential environmental impacts has increased Birds have been

identified as a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and power lines

and displacement due to the presence of the associated structures (Erickson et al 2005 Drewitt

and Langston 2006 Arnett et al 2007) Specifically migrant passerines (eg songbirds) are

found more often in post-construction fatality monitoring compared to other groups of birds

(Arnett et al 2007) In fact at newer generation wind energy facilities outside of California

approximately 80 percent of documented fatalities have been songbirds of which 50 percent are

often nocturnal migrants (Erickson et al 2001 Johnson et al 2002 Drewitt and Langston 2006

Strickland and Morrison 2008) Locally breeding songbirds may experience lower fatality rates

than migrants because many of these species tend not to fly at turbine heights during the

breeding season However some breeding songbird species have behaviors that increase the risk

of collisions with turbines For example horned larks have been commonly found as fatalities at

wind farms that may be partially attributed to the breeding flight displays within the rotor swept

area (Pickwell 1931 Johnson and Erickson 2011)

Despite the observation that most wind farm fatalities are songbirds raptor fatality historically

has received the most attention due to high fatality rates at the Altamont Wind Project in

California (Thelander et al 2003) Raptor fatalities at newer generation wind projects has been

low relative to previous generation wind farms although there is substantial regional variation

(Johnson et al 2002 Erickson et al 2002 2004 Kerns and Kerlinger 2004 Jain et al 2007)

Although raptor fatality is reduced at newer generation facilities raptors remain the avian species

group considered most susceptible to collisions with turbines (Strickland et al 2011) Therefore

local micro-siting and site evaluation efforts are still necessary to minimize potential project-

related impacts to raptors

In addition to fatality associated with wind farms there is potential for bird species to avoid

areas near turbines or experience habitat displacement after the wind farm is in operation

(Drewitt and Langston 2006) To date evidence of this potential impact to birds does not

demonstrate a distinct trend some studies have found a decreased density or abundance of birds

near turbines (eg grassland songbirds Leddy et al 1999 Erickson et al 2004 Shaffer and

Johnson 2009) while others have found no evidence of declines near turbines (Devereux et al

2008 Shaffer and Johnson 2009 Pearce-Higgins et al 2012) However Pearce-Higgins et al

(2012) detected disturbance-related effects during construction indicating that disturbance

effects may occur on a short-term basis

1 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Particular concern over avoidance issues has been raised by agencies and non-governmental

groups with respect to grouse species (Manville 2004 USFWS 2012a) However the existing

information on avoidance by grouse species is limited to observational studies with results

varying by grouse species and source of disturbance (roads oil and gas wells vertical structures

transmission lines) Studies of grouse and anthropogenic features have reported that some

species of grouse avoid transmission lines improved roads buildings oil and gas wells and

communication towers (Pitman et al 2005 Pruett et al 2009 and Johnson et al 2011) But other

studies have found no evidence of avoidance of transmission lines or of wind facilities (Johnson

et al 2011 Johnson et al 2012) The only published research on operational wind facilities and

grouse suggest long-term data sets are needed to adequately assess impacts (Johnson et al 2012)

Finally most native migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

of 1918 Under the MBTA it is unlawful to take (ie kill) any migratory bird including nests

and nest contents Currently there are no permits for incidental take of migratory birds

(Beveridge 2005) However the USFWS does not usually take action if good faith efforts have

been made to minimize impacts To date no wind development company has been charged for

violations of the MBTA Additionally The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

prohibit the take of any bald or golden eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg

Currently applications for incidental take under BGEPA for golden eagles are currently being

considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude (USFWS 2009) which would include

this Project

12 STUDY DESCRIPTION

Wilton Wind IV LLC (Wilton Wind IV) a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC is

planning to develop the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in Burleigh County North

Dakota (Figure 1) located entirely on private lands Wilton Wind IV is committed to

environmental due diligence and has contracted Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) to conduct

spring avian surveys at the Project to quantify local avian use in the area and to evaluate the

potential impacts of the Project to birds detected during the survey The objectives meet the

requirements recommended under the Tier 3 of the USFWS Land-Based Wind Energy

Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

The Project covers 15752 acres and is mostly located in the Northwestern Glaciated Plains

Ecoregion with western portions of the Project located in the Northwestern Great Plains

Ecoregion (Bryce et al 1996) This semiarid region of North Dakota includes level to rolling

plains topography with isolated sandstone buttes or badlands formations Historically much of

the landscape was a mix of western mixed-grass prairie and short-grass prairie with associated

wetlands of the Missouri Slope and River Breaks subregions (Bryce et al 1996) Today native

grasslands still persist mostly in areas of steep or broken topography and have been largely

2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

replaced by agriculture in level areas Agriculture in the area is predominantly dry-land farming

of barley sunflowers corn spring and winter wheat interspersed with cattle grazing

North Dakota has 365 documented bird species (Faanes and Stewart 1982) and is situated within

the Central Flyway one of the main bird migratory routes in North America (USFWS 2011b)

The Central Flyway runs through the central portion of the US and as a consequence the

Project Area During spring migration most birds that move along the Central Flyway travel

from the tropics of South America via the Gulf of Mexico through the central states eventually

reaching breeding grounds as far away as Alaska and northern Canada (USFWS 2011b)

20 METHODS

To evaluate avian risk at wind energy facilities standardized protocols for pre-construction point

counts have been established and were used in this study This protocol is designed to be

responsive to the level of effort recommended in the National Wind Coordinating Committeersquos

Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions (Strickland et al 2011)

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

Data collected from these counts are used to identify species or species groups that may be at

risk from Project development and may provide additional information for micro-siting wind

facilities to minimize impacts to birds Results in this report are presented in terms of species

groups and highlight any federal and state-listed protected species

21 AVIAN SURVEYS

211 Fixed-point Surveys

An experienced field biologist conducted 20-minute (min) point count surveys at 7 locations

within Project area to evaluate avian use behavior and species (Figure 2) The biologist

conducted 14 weekly surveys from March 16 through June 15 2012 (Table 1) thereby

encompassing the spring migration and summer breeding seasons Tetra Tech distributed the

survey locations throughout the Project area and chose locations that maximized the 360-degree

sight distance for the observer and covered a diversity of habitats

The field biologist collected data on all birds observed within an 800-m radius of the point count

location Surveys at each point lasted for 20 minutes during which time the biologist

continuously recorded any visual or auditory observations The biologist recorded the following

data species number of individuals time of observation height aboveground and behavior The

biologist estimated flight heights and distances using existing reference points such as

meteorological towers and local transmission lines as well as landscape contours shown on

topographic maps Flight direction was recorded for individuals making directional flights

through the Project area but was not recorded for individuals making localized movements

3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

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Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

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15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

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18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

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West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

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Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

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NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 4: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Variable Result Details

Non-raptors

Mean use 5449 birds20 min

Moderate risk (Section 31)

Federally listed1 species observed within the Project area No

State-listed species2

within the Project area 8 Section 35

Grouse leks observed within the Project area Yes 4 sharp tailed grouse leks (Section 34)

Grouse leks observed within 1 mile of the Project area Yes 5 sharp tailed grouse leks (Section 34)

Raptors

Mean use 037 birds20 min Low risk (Section 31)

Eagles observed within the Project area Yes Golden eagle (Section 35)

Federally1

listed species observed within the Project area No

State-listed2 species within the Project area 4 Section 35

Habitat

Native habitat likely to be affected by development Yes Native prairie

Lakes (waterfowl and crane attractant) Yes Small cattle ponds

Wetlands (attractant for cranes waterfowl and other water-based species)

Yes Low areas and along Apple Creek

Cliffs (raptor nesting and traveling) None

River (permanent water source migration corridor) Yes West branch of Apple Creek

Known refuges or habitat features that may funnel migrants None 1Federally listed species include species listed as endangered threatened or candidate under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) 2The North Dakota Game and Fish Department maintains a list of Species of Conservation Priority (Hagen et al 2005) but are not afforded any formal protection by the state and there are no permitting requirements for these listed species

ES-3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-I

10 INTRODUCTION 1

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS 1 12 STUDY DESCRIPTION 2

20 METHODS 3

21 AVIAN SURVEYS 3 211 Fixed-point Surveys 3 212 Raptor Nest Surveys 4 213 Lek Location Surveys 5 214 Incidental Observations 5 215 Listed Species Information 5 216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control 6

22 ANALYSIS 6 221 Species Groupings 6 222 Avian Use 7 223 Flight Behavior 7 224 Encounter Rate 7 225 Fatality Risk 8

30 RESULTS 8

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE 8 32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE 10 33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS 10 34 LEK SURVEYS 10 35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS 11 36 LISTED SPECIES 11

40 DISCUSSION 11

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 12 42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 13 43 LISTED SPECIES 14 44 CONCLUSIONS 14

50 REFERENCES 15

ES-4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Vicinity map

Figure 2 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center point count location map

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 4 Non-raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 6 Raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location map (Spring 2012)

LIST OF TABLES

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point counts at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Appendix 3 Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

ES-5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

10 INTRODUCTION

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS

Wind energy provides a clean renewable energy source As wind power has become more

common the need to address potential environmental impacts has increased Birds have been

identified as a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and power lines

and displacement due to the presence of the associated structures (Erickson et al 2005 Drewitt

and Langston 2006 Arnett et al 2007) Specifically migrant passerines (eg songbirds) are

found more often in post-construction fatality monitoring compared to other groups of birds

(Arnett et al 2007) In fact at newer generation wind energy facilities outside of California

approximately 80 percent of documented fatalities have been songbirds of which 50 percent are

often nocturnal migrants (Erickson et al 2001 Johnson et al 2002 Drewitt and Langston 2006

Strickland and Morrison 2008) Locally breeding songbirds may experience lower fatality rates

than migrants because many of these species tend not to fly at turbine heights during the

breeding season However some breeding songbird species have behaviors that increase the risk

of collisions with turbines For example horned larks have been commonly found as fatalities at

wind farms that may be partially attributed to the breeding flight displays within the rotor swept

area (Pickwell 1931 Johnson and Erickson 2011)

Despite the observation that most wind farm fatalities are songbirds raptor fatality historically

has received the most attention due to high fatality rates at the Altamont Wind Project in

California (Thelander et al 2003) Raptor fatalities at newer generation wind projects has been

low relative to previous generation wind farms although there is substantial regional variation

(Johnson et al 2002 Erickson et al 2002 2004 Kerns and Kerlinger 2004 Jain et al 2007)

Although raptor fatality is reduced at newer generation facilities raptors remain the avian species

group considered most susceptible to collisions with turbines (Strickland et al 2011) Therefore

local micro-siting and site evaluation efforts are still necessary to minimize potential project-

related impacts to raptors

In addition to fatality associated with wind farms there is potential for bird species to avoid

areas near turbines or experience habitat displacement after the wind farm is in operation

(Drewitt and Langston 2006) To date evidence of this potential impact to birds does not

demonstrate a distinct trend some studies have found a decreased density or abundance of birds

near turbines (eg grassland songbirds Leddy et al 1999 Erickson et al 2004 Shaffer and

Johnson 2009) while others have found no evidence of declines near turbines (Devereux et al

2008 Shaffer and Johnson 2009 Pearce-Higgins et al 2012) However Pearce-Higgins et al

(2012) detected disturbance-related effects during construction indicating that disturbance

effects may occur on a short-term basis

1 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Particular concern over avoidance issues has been raised by agencies and non-governmental

groups with respect to grouse species (Manville 2004 USFWS 2012a) However the existing

information on avoidance by grouse species is limited to observational studies with results

varying by grouse species and source of disturbance (roads oil and gas wells vertical structures

transmission lines) Studies of grouse and anthropogenic features have reported that some

species of grouse avoid transmission lines improved roads buildings oil and gas wells and

communication towers (Pitman et al 2005 Pruett et al 2009 and Johnson et al 2011) But other

studies have found no evidence of avoidance of transmission lines or of wind facilities (Johnson

et al 2011 Johnson et al 2012) The only published research on operational wind facilities and

grouse suggest long-term data sets are needed to adequately assess impacts (Johnson et al 2012)

Finally most native migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

of 1918 Under the MBTA it is unlawful to take (ie kill) any migratory bird including nests

and nest contents Currently there are no permits for incidental take of migratory birds

(Beveridge 2005) However the USFWS does not usually take action if good faith efforts have

been made to minimize impacts To date no wind development company has been charged for

violations of the MBTA Additionally The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

prohibit the take of any bald or golden eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg

Currently applications for incidental take under BGEPA for golden eagles are currently being

considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude (USFWS 2009) which would include

this Project

12 STUDY DESCRIPTION

Wilton Wind IV LLC (Wilton Wind IV) a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC is

planning to develop the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in Burleigh County North

Dakota (Figure 1) located entirely on private lands Wilton Wind IV is committed to

environmental due diligence and has contracted Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) to conduct

spring avian surveys at the Project to quantify local avian use in the area and to evaluate the

potential impacts of the Project to birds detected during the survey The objectives meet the

requirements recommended under the Tier 3 of the USFWS Land-Based Wind Energy

Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

The Project covers 15752 acres and is mostly located in the Northwestern Glaciated Plains

Ecoregion with western portions of the Project located in the Northwestern Great Plains

Ecoregion (Bryce et al 1996) This semiarid region of North Dakota includes level to rolling

plains topography with isolated sandstone buttes or badlands formations Historically much of

the landscape was a mix of western mixed-grass prairie and short-grass prairie with associated

wetlands of the Missouri Slope and River Breaks subregions (Bryce et al 1996) Today native

grasslands still persist mostly in areas of steep or broken topography and have been largely

2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

replaced by agriculture in level areas Agriculture in the area is predominantly dry-land farming

of barley sunflowers corn spring and winter wheat interspersed with cattle grazing

North Dakota has 365 documented bird species (Faanes and Stewart 1982) and is situated within

the Central Flyway one of the main bird migratory routes in North America (USFWS 2011b)

The Central Flyway runs through the central portion of the US and as a consequence the

Project Area During spring migration most birds that move along the Central Flyway travel

from the tropics of South America via the Gulf of Mexico through the central states eventually

reaching breeding grounds as far away as Alaska and northern Canada (USFWS 2011b)

20 METHODS

To evaluate avian risk at wind energy facilities standardized protocols for pre-construction point

counts have been established and were used in this study This protocol is designed to be

responsive to the level of effort recommended in the National Wind Coordinating Committeersquos

Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions (Strickland et al 2011)

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

Data collected from these counts are used to identify species or species groups that may be at

risk from Project development and may provide additional information for micro-siting wind

facilities to minimize impacts to birds Results in this report are presented in terms of species

groups and highlight any federal and state-listed protected species

21 AVIAN SURVEYS

211 Fixed-point Surveys

An experienced field biologist conducted 20-minute (min) point count surveys at 7 locations

within Project area to evaluate avian use behavior and species (Figure 2) The biologist

conducted 14 weekly surveys from March 16 through June 15 2012 (Table 1) thereby

encompassing the spring migration and summer breeding seasons Tetra Tech distributed the

survey locations throughout the Project area and chose locations that maximized the 360-degree

sight distance for the observer and covered a diversity of habitats

The field biologist collected data on all birds observed within an 800-m radius of the point count

location Surveys at each point lasted for 20 minutes during which time the biologist

continuously recorded any visual or auditory observations The biologist recorded the following

data species number of individuals time of observation height aboveground and behavior The

biologist estimated flight heights and distances using existing reference points such as

meteorological towers and local transmission lines as well as landscape contours shown on

topographic maps Flight direction was recorded for individuals making directional flights

through the Project area but was not recorded for individuals making localized movements

3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

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Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

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Last modified 7-10-2012

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Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 5: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-I

10 INTRODUCTION 1

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS 1 12 STUDY DESCRIPTION 2

20 METHODS 3

21 AVIAN SURVEYS 3 211 Fixed-point Surveys 3 212 Raptor Nest Surveys 4 213 Lek Location Surveys 5 214 Incidental Observations 5 215 Listed Species Information 5 216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control 6

22 ANALYSIS 6 221 Species Groupings 6 222 Avian Use 7 223 Flight Behavior 7 224 Encounter Rate 7 225 Fatality Risk 8

30 RESULTS 8

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE 8 32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE 10 33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS 10 34 LEK SURVEYS 10 35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS 11 36 LISTED SPECIES 11

40 DISCUSSION 11

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 12 42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK 13 43 LISTED SPECIES 14 44 CONCLUSIONS 14

50 REFERENCES 15

ES-4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Vicinity map

Figure 2 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center point count location map

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 4 Non-raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 6 Raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location map (Spring 2012)

LIST OF TABLES

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point counts at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Appendix 3 Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

ES-5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

10 INTRODUCTION

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS

Wind energy provides a clean renewable energy source As wind power has become more

common the need to address potential environmental impacts has increased Birds have been

identified as a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and power lines

and displacement due to the presence of the associated structures (Erickson et al 2005 Drewitt

and Langston 2006 Arnett et al 2007) Specifically migrant passerines (eg songbirds) are

found more often in post-construction fatality monitoring compared to other groups of birds

(Arnett et al 2007) In fact at newer generation wind energy facilities outside of California

approximately 80 percent of documented fatalities have been songbirds of which 50 percent are

often nocturnal migrants (Erickson et al 2001 Johnson et al 2002 Drewitt and Langston 2006

Strickland and Morrison 2008) Locally breeding songbirds may experience lower fatality rates

than migrants because many of these species tend not to fly at turbine heights during the

breeding season However some breeding songbird species have behaviors that increase the risk

of collisions with turbines For example horned larks have been commonly found as fatalities at

wind farms that may be partially attributed to the breeding flight displays within the rotor swept

area (Pickwell 1931 Johnson and Erickson 2011)

Despite the observation that most wind farm fatalities are songbirds raptor fatality historically

has received the most attention due to high fatality rates at the Altamont Wind Project in

California (Thelander et al 2003) Raptor fatalities at newer generation wind projects has been

low relative to previous generation wind farms although there is substantial regional variation

(Johnson et al 2002 Erickson et al 2002 2004 Kerns and Kerlinger 2004 Jain et al 2007)

Although raptor fatality is reduced at newer generation facilities raptors remain the avian species

group considered most susceptible to collisions with turbines (Strickland et al 2011) Therefore

local micro-siting and site evaluation efforts are still necessary to minimize potential project-

related impacts to raptors

In addition to fatality associated with wind farms there is potential for bird species to avoid

areas near turbines or experience habitat displacement after the wind farm is in operation

(Drewitt and Langston 2006) To date evidence of this potential impact to birds does not

demonstrate a distinct trend some studies have found a decreased density or abundance of birds

near turbines (eg grassland songbirds Leddy et al 1999 Erickson et al 2004 Shaffer and

Johnson 2009) while others have found no evidence of declines near turbines (Devereux et al

2008 Shaffer and Johnson 2009 Pearce-Higgins et al 2012) However Pearce-Higgins et al

(2012) detected disturbance-related effects during construction indicating that disturbance

effects may occur on a short-term basis

1 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Particular concern over avoidance issues has been raised by agencies and non-governmental

groups with respect to grouse species (Manville 2004 USFWS 2012a) However the existing

information on avoidance by grouse species is limited to observational studies with results

varying by grouse species and source of disturbance (roads oil and gas wells vertical structures

transmission lines) Studies of grouse and anthropogenic features have reported that some

species of grouse avoid transmission lines improved roads buildings oil and gas wells and

communication towers (Pitman et al 2005 Pruett et al 2009 and Johnson et al 2011) But other

studies have found no evidence of avoidance of transmission lines or of wind facilities (Johnson

et al 2011 Johnson et al 2012) The only published research on operational wind facilities and

grouse suggest long-term data sets are needed to adequately assess impacts (Johnson et al 2012)

Finally most native migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

of 1918 Under the MBTA it is unlawful to take (ie kill) any migratory bird including nests

and nest contents Currently there are no permits for incidental take of migratory birds

(Beveridge 2005) However the USFWS does not usually take action if good faith efforts have

been made to minimize impacts To date no wind development company has been charged for

violations of the MBTA Additionally The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

prohibit the take of any bald or golden eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg

Currently applications for incidental take under BGEPA for golden eagles are currently being

considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude (USFWS 2009) which would include

this Project

12 STUDY DESCRIPTION

Wilton Wind IV LLC (Wilton Wind IV) a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC is

planning to develop the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in Burleigh County North

Dakota (Figure 1) located entirely on private lands Wilton Wind IV is committed to

environmental due diligence and has contracted Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) to conduct

spring avian surveys at the Project to quantify local avian use in the area and to evaluate the

potential impacts of the Project to birds detected during the survey The objectives meet the

requirements recommended under the Tier 3 of the USFWS Land-Based Wind Energy

Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

The Project covers 15752 acres and is mostly located in the Northwestern Glaciated Plains

Ecoregion with western portions of the Project located in the Northwestern Great Plains

Ecoregion (Bryce et al 1996) This semiarid region of North Dakota includes level to rolling

plains topography with isolated sandstone buttes or badlands formations Historically much of

the landscape was a mix of western mixed-grass prairie and short-grass prairie with associated

wetlands of the Missouri Slope and River Breaks subregions (Bryce et al 1996) Today native

grasslands still persist mostly in areas of steep or broken topography and have been largely

2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

replaced by agriculture in level areas Agriculture in the area is predominantly dry-land farming

of barley sunflowers corn spring and winter wheat interspersed with cattle grazing

North Dakota has 365 documented bird species (Faanes and Stewart 1982) and is situated within

the Central Flyway one of the main bird migratory routes in North America (USFWS 2011b)

The Central Flyway runs through the central portion of the US and as a consequence the

Project Area During spring migration most birds that move along the Central Flyway travel

from the tropics of South America via the Gulf of Mexico through the central states eventually

reaching breeding grounds as far away as Alaska and northern Canada (USFWS 2011b)

20 METHODS

To evaluate avian risk at wind energy facilities standardized protocols for pre-construction point

counts have been established and were used in this study This protocol is designed to be

responsive to the level of effort recommended in the National Wind Coordinating Committeersquos

Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions (Strickland et al 2011)

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

Data collected from these counts are used to identify species or species groups that may be at

risk from Project development and may provide additional information for micro-siting wind

facilities to minimize impacts to birds Results in this report are presented in terms of species

groups and highlight any federal and state-listed protected species

21 AVIAN SURVEYS

211 Fixed-point Surveys

An experienced field biologist conducted 20-minute (min) point count surveys at 7 locations

within Project area to evaluate avian use behavior and species (Figure 2) The biologist

conducted 14 weekly surveys from March 16 through June 15 2012 (Table 1) thereby

encompassing the spring migration and summer breeding seasons Tetra Tech distributed the

survey locations throughout the Project area and chose locations that maximized the 360-degree

sight distance for the observer and covered a diversity of habitats

The field biologist collected data on all birds observed within an 800-m radius of the point count

location Surveys at each point lasted for 20 minutes during which time the biologist

continuously recorded any visual or auditory observations The biologist recorded the following

data species number of individuals time of observation height aboveground and behavior The

biologist estimated flight heights and distances using existing reference points such as

meteorological towers and local transmission lines as well as landscape contours shown on

topographic maps Flight direction was recorded for individuals making directional flights

through the Project area but was not recorded for individuals making localized movements

3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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Last modified 7-10-2012

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Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 6: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Vicinity map

Figure 2 Wilton IV Wind Energy Center point count location map

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 4 Non-raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Figure 6 Raptor mean use by point count location map (Spring 2012)

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location map (Spring 2012)

LIST OF TABLES

Table ES-1 Spring Avian Use Summary

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA) during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point counts at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

List of Appendices

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Appendix 3 Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

ES-5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

10 INTRODUCTION

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS

Wind energy provides a clean renewable energy source As wind power has become more

common the need to address potential environmental impacts has increased Birds have been

identified as a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and power lines

and displacement due to the presence of the associated structures (Erickson et al 2005 Drewitt

and Langston 2006 Arnett et al 2007) Specifically migrant passerines (eg songbirds) are

found more often in post-construction fatality monitoring compared to other groups of birds

(Arnett et al 2007) In fact at newer generation wind energy facilities outside of California

approximately 80 percent of documented fatalities have been songbirds of which 50 percent are

often nocturnal migrants (Erickson et al 2001 Johnson et al 2002 Drewitt and Langston 2006

Strickland and Morrison 2008) Locally breeding songbirds may experience lower fatality rates

than migrants because many of these species tend not to fly at turbine heights during the

breeding season However some breeding songbird species have behaviors that increase the risk

of collisions with turbines For example horned larks have been commonly found as fatalities at

wind farms that may be partially attributed to the breeding flight displays within the rotor swept

area (Pickwell 1931 Johnson and Erickson 2011)

Despite the observation that most wind farm fatalities are songbirds raptor fatality historically

has received the most attention due to high fatality rates at the Altamont Wind Project in

California (Thelander et al 2003) Raptor fatalities at newer generation wind projects has been

low relative to previous generation wind farms although there is substantial regional variation

(Johnson et al 2002 Erickson et al 2002 2004 Kerns and Kerlinger 2004 Jain et al 2007)

Although raptor fatality is reduced at newer generation facilities raptors remain the avian species

group considered most susceptible to collisions with turbines (Strickland et al 2011) Therefore

local micro-siting and site evaluation efforts are still necessary to minimize potential project-

related impacts to raptors

In addition to fatality associated with wind farms there is potential for bird species to avoid

areas near turbines or experience habitat displacement after the wind farm is in operation

(Drewitt and Langston 2006) To date evidence of this potential impact to birds does not

demonstrate a distinct trend some studies have found a decreased density or abundance of birds

near turbines (eg grassland songbirds Leddy et al 1999 Erickson et al 2004 Shaffer and

Johnson 2009) while others have found no evidence of declines near turbines (Devereux et al

2008 Shaffer and Johnson 2009 Pearce-Higgins et al 2012) However Pearce-Higgins et al

(2012) detected disturbance-related effects during construction indicating that disturbance

effects may occur on a short-term basis

1 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Particular concern over avoidance issues has been raised by agencies and non-governmental

groups with respect to grouse species (Manville 2004 USFWS 2012a) However the existing

information on avoidance by grouse species is limited to observational studies with results

varying by grouse species and source of disturbance (roads oil and gas wells vertical structures

transmission lines) Studies of grouse and anthropogenic features have reported that some

species of grouse avoid transmission lines improved roads buildings oil and gas wells and

communication towers (Pitman et al 2005 Pruett et al 2009 and Johnson et al 2011) But other

studies have found no evidence of avoidance of transmission lines or of wind facilities (Johnson

et al 2011 Johnson et al 2012) The only published research on operational wind facilities and

grouse suggest long-term data sets are needed to adequately assess impacts (Johnson et al 2012)

Finally most native migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

of 1918 Under the MBTA it is unlawful to take (ie kill) any migratory bird including nests

and nest contents Currently there are no permits for incidental take of migratory birds

(Beveridge 2005) However the USFWS does not usually take action if good faith efforts have

been made to minimize impacts To date no wind development company has been charged for

violations of the MBTA Additionally The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

prohibit the take of any bald or golden eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg

Currently applications for incidental take under BGEPA for golden eagles are currently being

considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude (USFWS 2009) which would include

this Project

12 STUDY DESCRIPTION

Wilton Wind IV LLC (Wilton Wind IV) a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC is

planning to develop the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in Burleigh County North

Dakota (Figure 1) located entirely on private lands Wilton Wind IV is committed to

environmental due diligence and has contracted Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) to conduct

spring avian surveys at the Project to quantify local avian use in the area and to evaluate the

potential impacts of the Project to birds detected during the survey The objectives meet the

requirements recommended under the Tier 3 of the USFWS Land-Based Wind Energy

Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

The Project covers 15752 acres and is mostly located in the Northwestern Glaciated Plains

Ecoregion with western portions of the Project located in the Northwestern Great Plains

Ecoregion (Bryce et al 1996) This semiarid region of North Dakota includes level to rolling

plains topography with isolated sandstone buttes or badlands formations Historically much of

the landscape was a mix of western mixed-grass prairie and short-grass prairie with associated

wetlands of the Missouri Slope and River Breaks subregions (Bryce et al 1996) Today native

grasslands still persist mostly in areas of steep or broken topography and have been largely

2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

replaced by agriculture in level areas Agriculture in the area is predominantly dry-land farming

of barley sunflowers corn spring and winter wheat interspersed with cattle grazing

North Dakota has 365 documented bird species (Faanes and Stewart 1982) and is situated within

the Central Flyway one of the main bird migratory routes in North America (USFWS 2011b)

The Central Flyway runs through the central portion of the US and as a consequence the

Project Area During spring migration most birds that move along the Central Flyway travel

from the tropics of South America via the Gulf of Mexico through the central states eventually

reaching breeding grounds as far away as Alaska and northern Canada (USFWS 2011b)

20 METHODS

To evaluate avian risk at wind energy facilities standardized protocols for pre-construction point

counts have been established and were used in this study This protocol is designed to be

responsive to the level of effort recommended in the National Wind Coordinating Committeersquos

Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions (Strickland et al 2011)

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

Data collected from these counts are used to identify species or species groups that may be at

risk from Project development and may provide additional information for micro-siting wind

facilities to minimize impacts to birds Results in this report are presented in terms of species

groups and highlight any federal and state-listed protected species

21 AVIAN SURVEYS

211 Fixed-point Surveys

An experienced field biologist conducted 20-minute (min) point count surveys at 7 locations

within Project area to evaluate avian use behavior and species (Figure 2) The biologist

conducted 14 weekly surveys from March 16 through June 15 2012 (Table 1) thereby

encompassing the spring migration and summer breeding seasons Tetra Tech distributed the

survey locations throughout the Project area and chose locations that maximized the 360-degree

sight distance for the observer and covered a diversity of habitats

The field biologist collected data on all birds observed within an 800-m radius of the point count

location Surveys at each point lasted for 20 minutes during which time the biologist

continuously recorded any visual or auditory observations The biologist recorded the following

data species number of individuals time of observation height aboveground and behavior The

biologist estimated flight heights and distances using existing reference points such as

meteorological towers and local transmission lines as well as landscape contours shown on

topographic maps Flight direction was recorded for individuals making directional flights

through the Project area but was not recorded for individuals making localized movements

3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

Big Muddy Creek

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

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Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

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Mean use value PC Point count number

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

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266th Ave Ne

158th

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266Th Ave NE

184T

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86Th

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

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Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 7: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

10 INTRODUCTION

11 WIND ENERGY AND BIRDS

Wind energy provides a clean renewable energy source As wind power has become more

common the need to address potential environmental impacts has increased Birds have been

identified as a group potentially at risk because of collisions with wind turbines and power lines

and displacement due to the presence of the associated structures (Erickson et al 2005 Drewitt

and Langston 2006 Arnett et al 2007) Specifically migrant passerines (eg songbirds) are

found more often in post-construction fatality monitoring compared to other groups of birds

(Arnett et al 2007) In fact at newer generation wind energy facilities outside of California

approximately 80 percent of documented fatalities have been songbirds of which 50 percent are

often nocturnal migrants (Erickson et al 2001 Johnson et al 2002 Drewitt and Langston 2006

Strickland and Morrison 2008) Locally breeding songbirds may experience lower fatality rates

than migrants because many of these species tend not to fly at turbine heights during the

breeding season However some breeding songbird species have behaviors that increase the risk

of collisions with turbines For example horned larks have been commonly found as fatalities at

wind farms that may be partially attributed to the breeding flight displays within the rotor swept

area (Pickwell 1931 Johnson and Erickson 2011)

Despite the observation that most wind farm fatalities are songbirds raptor fatality historically

has received the most attention due to high fatality rates at the Altamont Wind Project in

California (Thelander et al 2003) Raptor fatalities at newer generation wind projects has been

low relative to previous generation wind farms although there is substantial regional variation

(Johnson et al 2002 Erickson et al 2002 2004 Kerns and Kerlinger 2004 Jain et al 2007)

Although raptor fatality is reduced at newer generation facilities raptors remain the avian species

group considered most susceptible to collisions with turbines (Strickland et al 2011) Therefore

local micro-siting and site evaluation efforts are still necessary to minimize potential project-

related impacts to raptors

In addition to fatality associated with wind farms there is potential for bird species to avoid

areas near turbines or experience habitat displacement after the wind farm is in operation

(Drewitt and Langston 2006) To date evidence of this potential impact to birds does not

demonstrate a distinct trend some studies have found a decreased density or abundance of birds

near turbines (eg grassland songbirds Leddy et al 1999 Erickson et al 2004 Shaffer and

Johnson 2009) while others have found no evidence of declines near turbines (Devereux et al

2008 Shaffer and Johnson 2009 Pearce-Higgins et al 2012) However Pearce-Higgins et al

(2012) detected disturbance-related effects during construction indicating that disturbance

effects may occur on a short-term basis

1 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Particular concern over avoidance issues has been raised by agencies and non-governmental

groups with respect to grouse species (Manville 2004 USFWS 2012a) However the existing

information on avoidance by grouse species is limited to observational studies with results

varying by grouse species and source of disturbance (roads oil and gas wells vertical structures

transmission lines) Studies of grouse and anthropogenic features have reported that some

species of grouse avoid transmission lines improved roads buildings oil and gas wells and

communication towers (Pitman et al 2005 Pruett et al 2009 and Johnson et al 2011) But other

studies have found no evidence of avoidance of transmission lines or of wind facilities (Johnson

et al 2011 Johnson et al 2012) The only published research on operational wind facilities and

grouse suggest long-term data sets are needed to adequately assess impacts (Johnson et al 2012)

Finally most native migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

of 1918 Under the MBTA it is unlawful to take (ie kill) any migratory bird including nests

and nest contents Currently there are no permits for incidental take of migratory birds

(Beveridge 2005) However the USFWS does not usually take action if good faith efforts have

been made to minimize impacts To date no wind development company has been charged for

violations of the MBTA Additionally The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

prohibit the take of any bald or golden eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg

Currently applications for incidental take under BGEPA for golden eagles are currently being

considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude (USFWS 2009) which would include

this Project

12 STUDY DESCRIPTION

Wilton Wind IV LLC (Wilton Wind IV) a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC is

planning to develop the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in Burleigh County North

Dakota (Figure 1) located entirely on private lands Wilton Wind IV is committed to

environmental due diligence and has contracted Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) to conduct

spring avian surveys at the Project to quantify local avian use in the area and to evaluate the

potential impacts of the Project to birds detected during the survey The objectives meet the

requirements recommended under the Tier 3 of the USFWS Land-Based Wind Energy

Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

The Project covers 15752 acres and is mostly located in the Northwestern Glaciated Plains

Ecoregion with western portions of the Project located in the Northwestern Great Plains

Ecoregion (Bryce et al 1996) This semiarid region of North Dakota includes level to rolling

plains topography with isolated sandstone buttes or badlands formations Historically much of

the landscape was a mix of western mixed-grass prairie and short-grass prairie with associated

wetlands of the Missouri Slope and River Breaks subregions (Bryce et al 1996) Today native

grasslands still persist mostly in areas of steep or broken topography and have been largely

2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

replaced by agriculture in level areas Agriculture in the area is predominantly dry-land farming

of barley sunflowers corn spring and winter wheat interspersed with cattle grazing

North Dakota has 365 documented bird species (Faanes and Stewart 1982) and is situated within

the Central Flyway one of the main bird migratory routes in North America (USFWS 2011b)

The Central Flyway runs through the central portion of the US and as a consequence the

Project Area During spring migration most birds that move along the Central Flyway travel

from the tropics of South America via the Gulf of Mexico through the central states eventually

reaching breeding grounds as far away as Alaska and northern Canada (USFWS 2011b)

20 METHODS

To evaluate avian risk at wind energy facilities standardized protocols for pre-construction point

counts have been established and were used in this study This protocol is designed to be

responsive to the level of effort recommended in the National Wind Coordinating Committeersquos

Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions (Strickland et al 2011)

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

Data collected from these counts are used to identify species or species groups that may be at

risk from Project development and may provide additional information for micro-siting wind

facilities to minimize impacts to birds Results in this report are presented in terms of species

groups and highlight any federal and state-listed protected species

21 AVIAN SURVEYS

211 Fixed-point Surveys

An experienced field biologist conducted 20-minute (min) point count surveys at 7 locations

within Project area to evaluate avian use behavior and species (Figure 2) The biologist

conducted 14 weekly surveys from March 16 through June 15 2012 (Table 1) thereby

encompassing the spring migration and summer breeding seasons Tetra Tech distributed the

survey locations throughout the Project area and chose locations that maximized the 360-degree

sight distance for the observer and covered a diversity of habitats

The field biologist collected data on all birds observed within an 800-m radius of the point count

location Surveys at each point lasted for 20 minutes during which time the biologist

continuously recorded any visual or auditory observations The biologist recorded the following

data species number of individuals time of observation height aboveground and behavior The

biologist estimated flight heights and distances using existing reference points such as

meteorological towers and local transmission lines as well as landscape contours shown on

topographic maps Flight direction was recorded for individuals making directional flights

through the Project area but was not recorded for individuals making localized movements

3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

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18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

Big Muddy Creek

Ea st Br an ch Ap pl e C re ek

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Painte Woods Creek

Sweetbrier Creek

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Wilton IVMcLeanWind Energy Center

Burleigh County ND

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

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Last modified 7-10-2012

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Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

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Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 8: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Particular concern over avoidance issues has been raised by agencies and non-governmental

groups with respect to grouse species (Manville 2004 USFWS 2012a) However the existing

information on avoidance by grouse species is limited to observational studies with results

varying by grouse species and source of disturbance (roads oil and gas wells vertical structures

transmission lines) Studies of grouse and anthropogenic features have reported that some

species of grouse avoid transmission lines improved roads buildings oil and gas wells and

communication towers (Pitman et al 2005 Pruett et al 2009 and Johnson et al 2011) But other

studies have found no evidence of avoidance of transmission lines or of wind facilities (Johnson

et al 2011 Johnson et al 2012) The only published research on operational wind facilities and

grouse suggest long-term data sets are needed to adequately assess impacts (Johnson et al 2012)

Finally most native migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

of 1918 Under the MBTA it is unlawful to take (ie kill) any migratory bird including nests

and nest contents Currently there are no permits for incidental take of migratory birds

(Beveridge 2005) However the USFWS does not usually take action if good faith efforts have

been made to minimize impacts To date no wind development company has been charged for

violations of the MBTA Additionally The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)

prohibit the take of any bald or golden eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg

Currently applications for incidental take under BGEPA for golden eagles are currently being

considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude (USFWS 2009) which would include

this Project

12 STUDY DESCRIPTION

Wilton Wind IV LLC (Wilton Wind IV) a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC is

planning to develop the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center (Project) in Burleigh County North

Dakota (Figure 1) located entirely on private lands Wilton Wind IV is committed to

environmental due diligence and has contracted Tetra Tech EC Inc (Tetra Tech) to conduct

spring avian surveys at the Project to quantify local avian use in the area and to evaluate the

potential impacts of the Project to birds detected during the survey The objectives meet the

requirements recommended under the Tier 3 of the USFWS Land-Based Wind Energy

Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

The Project covers 15752 acres and is mostly located in the Northwestern Glaciated Plains

Ecoregion with western portions of the Project located in the Northwestern Great Plains

Ecoregion (Bryce et al 1996) This semiarid region of North Dakota includes level to rolling

plains topography with isolated sandstone buttes or badlands formations Historically much of

the landscape was a mix of western mixed-grass prairie and short-grass prairie with associated

wetlands of the Missouri Slope and River Breaks subregions (Bryce et al 1996) Today native

grasslands still persist mostly in areas of steep or broken topography and have been largely

2 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

replaced by agriculture in level areas Agriculture in the area is predominantly dry-land farming

of barley sunflowers corn spring and winter wheat interspersed with cattle grazing

North Dakota has 365 documented bird species (Faanes and Stewart 1982) and is situated within

the Central Flyway one of the main bird migratory routes in North America (USFWS 2011b)

The Central Flyway runs through the central portion of the US and as a consequence the

Project Area During spring migration most birds that move along the Central Flyway travel

from the tropics of South America via the Gulf of Mexico through the central states eventually

reaching breeding grounds as far away as Alaska and northern Canada (USFWS 2011b)

20 METHODS

To evaluate avian risk at wind energy facilities standardized protocols for pre-construction point

counts have been established and were used in this study This protocol is designed to be

responsive to the level of effort recommended in the National Wind Coordinating Committeersquos

Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions (Strickland et al 2011)

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

Data collected from these counts are used to identify species or species groups that may be at

risk from Project development and may provide additional information for micro-siting wind

facilities to minimize impacts to birds Results in this report are presented in terms of species

groups and highlight any federal and state-listed protected species

21 AVIAN SURVEYS

211 Fixed-point Surveys

An experienced field biologist conducted 20-minute (min) point count surveys at 7 locations

within Project area to evaluate avian use behavior and species (Figure 2) The biologist

conducted 14 weekly surveys from March 16 through June 15 2012 (Table 1) thereby

encompassing the spring migration and summer breeding seasons Tetra Tech distributed the

survey locations throughout the Project area and chose locations that maximized the 360-degree

sight distance for the observer and covered a diversity of habitats

The field biologist collected data on all birds observed within an 800-m radius of the point count

location Surveys at each point lasted for 20 minutes during which time the biologist

continuously recorded any visual or auditory observations The biologist recorded the following

data species number of individuals time of observation height aboveground and behavior The

biologist estimated flight heights and distances using existing reference points such as

meteorological towers and local transmission lines as well as landscape contours shown on

topographic maps Flight direction was recorded for individuals making directional flights

through the Project area but was not recorded for individuals making localized movements

3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

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Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

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WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

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map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 9: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

replaced by agriculture in level areas Agriculture in the area is predominantly dry-land farming

of barley sunflowers corn spring and winter wheat interspersed with cattle grazing

North Dakota has 365 documented bird species (Faanes and Stewart 1982) and is situated within

the Central Flyway one of the main bird migratory routes in North America (USFWS 2011b)

The Central Flyway runs through the central portion of the US and as a consequence the

Project Area During spring migration most birds that move along the Central Flyway travel

from the tropics of South America via the Gulf of Mexico through the central states eventually

reaching breeding grounds as far away as Alaska and northern Canada (USFWS 2011b)

20 METHODS

To evaluate avian risk at wind energy facilities standardized protocols for pre-construction point

counts have been established and were used in this study This protocol is designed to be

responsive to the level of effort recommended in the National Wind Coordinating Committeersquos

Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions (Strickland et al 2011)

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a)

Data collected from these counts are used to identify species or species groups that may be at

risk from Project development and may provide additional information for micro-siting wind

facilities to minimize impacts to birds Results in this report are presented in terms of species

groups and highlight any federal and state-listed protected species

21 AVIAN SURVEYS

211 Fixed-point Surveys

An experienced field biologist conducted 20-minute (min) point count surveys at 7 locations

within Project area to evaluate avian use behavior and species (Figure 2) The biologist

conducted 14 weekly surveys from March 16 through June 15 2012 (Table 1) thereby

encompassing the spring migration and summer breeding seasons Tetra Tech distributed the

survey locations throughout the Project area and chose locations that maximized the 360-degree

sight distance for the observer and covered a diversity of habitats

The field biologist collected data on all birds observed within an 800-m radius of the point count

location Surveys at each point lasted for 20 minutes during which time the biologist

continuously recorded any visual or auditory observations The biologist recorded the following

data species number of individuals time of observation height aboveground and behavior The

biologist estimated flight heights and distances using existing reference points such as

meteorological towers and local transmission lines as well as landscape contours shown on

topographic maps Flight direction was recorded for individuals making directional flights

through the Project area but was not recorded for individuals making localized movements

3 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

Morkill AE and SH Anderson 1991 Effectiveness of marking powerlines to reduce sandhill crane collisions Wildlife Society Bulletin 19 442-449

Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

Orloff S and A Flannery 1992 Wind turbine effects on avian activity habitat use and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas 1989-1991 Final

17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

Pickwell B 1931 The prairie horned lark St Louis Academy of Sciences Transactions 271shy153

Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

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E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

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171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

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52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

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80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

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86Th

St N

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184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

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PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

064

014

057

064

021 007

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155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

n e A A

A A

Lo ca l Ro a d Sh arp -tailed

le k A4

A AA gro use

Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

1

A

A

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Ina ctive ra ptor A

9 A

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A A AA

A A 7 28

A A A A

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A A A A

A

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2 0 1 2

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66T h

St N

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O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 10: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The survey protocol used in this study is designed to collect data on all bird species and to

provide results that are comparable with other studies at wind farms rather than to target specific

taxa The benefit of using this protocol is that it estimates avian use throughout the day and

captures activity by a variety of bird species During the breeding season and to a lesser extent

in the fall and winter songbirds are most active in the morning and can be difficult to detect

during the afternoon In contrast raptors become active as the sunlight heats the air and creates

thermals which many individuals use for soaring (Ballam 1984) Thus raptors are more readily

detected several hours after sunrise Therefore this protocol is appropriate for characterizing the

entire bird community using the Project It should be noted however that this survey protocol

can only detect nocturnal migrants should they be local breeders within the Project area or if they

utilize the Project as stopover habitat

Tetra Tech chose 20-minute survey periods because they provide adequate time to detect both

raptors and non-raptors However time periods of 20 minutes may lead to double-counting of

songbirds (ie counting the same individual more than once) because individuals may appear

and disappear from view For example if a horned lark is detected perched on a fence then

disappears from view and 6 minutes later a horned lark is seen flying these birds are recorded

as separate observations because it is not possible to distinguish individuals Double-counting of

birds is not problematic for this type of survey because the objective is to document use in terms

of number of birds noted per 20-minute survey not number of distinct individual birds

Detectability varies among species and potentially not all individuals within the 800-m radius

were counted This variation in detectability results in an overestimate of mean use for

conspicuous species and an underestimate of mean use for reclusive species (Thompson 2002)

Birds not easily identifiable such as those seen under low light conditions or small birds seen at

a distance were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible Hence unidentified birds are

included in the results

212 Raptor Nest Surveys

The purpose of raptor nest surveys is to estimate the number of active and inactive raptor nests in

the Project area A biologist conducted the raptor nest survey across the Project area before trees

began to leaf out to increase visibility of raptor nests Where possible biologists also surveyed

an approximately 1-mile radius buffer around the Project area Once a nest was located the

biologist returned during the raptor breeding season to collect data on species location and

activity status Nests were classified as active if they had presence of an adult or young active

territory defense by an individual or the presence of feathers egg shells or droppings underneath

the nest otherwise they were classified as inactive In addition biologists determined the nest

condition and substrate Biologists visited nests a minimum of two times once to determine the

location of the nest and once to determine if the nest was active This second check also allowed

4 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

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15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 11: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

biologists to detect late-nesting species such as Swainsonrsquos hawks Raptor nest surveys provide

an estimate of the number and species of raptors that use stick nests in the area Ground-nesting

raptor species such as northern harriers were not surveyed

213 Lek Location Surveys

The USFWS along with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD) have expressed

concern regarding residential sharp-tailed grouse as a species of habitat fragmentation concern as

outlined in the USFWS published Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (USFWS 2012a) A

biologist from Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) conducted grouse lek surveys to identify areas of

use by breeding prairie grouse within the Project and surrounding area Surveys were completed

from April 10th to May 1st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise to two hours after sunrise within the

one-mile of the Project A detailed report on the methods and results are presented in a separate

report in Appendix 3

214 Incidental Observations

Incidental observations included observations that occurred 1) during travel between points 2)

before or after the official 20-min survey period 3) outside of the 800-m radius circular plot and

4) during raptor nest and grouse lek surveys Biologists recorded these observations on separate

data sheets and these data were not used in the formal analysis however a summary of

incidental birds is presented to provide additional information about species found in the local

area

215 Listed Species Information

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits the take of any bald or golden

eagle alive or dead including any part nest or egg ldquoTakerdquo is defined as ldquopursue shoot shoot

at poison wound kill capture trap collect molest or disturbrdquo a bald or golden eagle ldquoDisturbrdquo

means to agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that causes or is likely to cause 1) injury to an

eagle 2) a decrease in its productivity by substantially interfering with normal breeding

feeding or sheltering behavior or 3) nest abandonment by substantially interfering with normal

breeding feeding or sheltering behavior Applications for incidental take under BGEPA for

golden eagles are currently being considered by USFWS west of 100 degrees west longitude

which includes this Project (USFWS 2009)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) as administered by the USFWS mandates protection of

species federally listed as threatened or endangered and their associated habitats The ESA

makes it unlawful to ldquotakerdquo a listed species Take is defined as ldquoto harass harm pursue hunt

shoot wound kill trap capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conductrdquo (USFWS

2011b) A list of endangered threatened and candidate species for Burleigh County can be found

at httpecosfwsgovtess_publiccountySearchspeciesByCountyReportactionfips=38015

5 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

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Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

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Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

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Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

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15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

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WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 12: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

The State of North Dakota does not have a state endangered or threatened species list Only those

species listed by the ESA are considered threatened or endangered in North Dakota However the

NDGFD have identified 100 Species of Conservation Priority within North Dakota These

species are ranked in three priority levels based on such factors as known status funding

availability and presence of breeding habitat within North Dakota (Hagen et al 2005) The

definitions of each rank are listed below

Level I A species having a high level of conservation priority because of declining status either in North Dakota or across their range or a high rate of occurrence in North Dakota constituting the core of the speciesrsquo breeding range but are at-risk range wide and non-State Wildlife Grants funding is not readily available to them

Level II Species having a moderate level of conservation priority or a high level of conservation priority but a substantial amount of non-State Wildlife Grant funding is available to them

Level III North Dakotarsquos species having a moderate level of conservation priority but are believed to be peripheral or do not breed in North Dakota

Species that are listed under the 100 Species of Conservation Priority are not afforded any formal

protection by the state or require special take permits Additional information on North Dakota

Species of Conservation Priority can be found at httpwwwgfndgovconservation-nongameshy

wildlifespecies-conservation-priority

216 Data Quality AssuranceQuality Control

Tetra Tech implemented quality assurance and quality control measures during all stages of data

collection analysis and report preparation To ensure legibility and completeness of data sheets

each biologist reviewed all data sheets providing clarification as needed before data entry into a

FileMaker Protrade relational database for data storage and analysis Prior to analysis an

independent reviewer conducted a 100-percent quality review of the data entries Any questions

that arose at this time were directed toward and answered by the field biologist

22 ANALYSIS

221 Species Groupings

Tetra Tech considered two primary groups of interest raptors and non-raptors Tetra Tech

defined raptors as vultures hawks eagles falcons and owls All other species groups are

defined as non-raptors

6 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

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Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

Morkill AE and SH Anderson 1991 Effectiveness of marking powerlines to reduce sandhill crane collisions Wildlife Society Bulletin 19 442-449

Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

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Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

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Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

Big Muddy Creek

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Figure 2 Point

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

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2500

2000

1500

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Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

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120

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060

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316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

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240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

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253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

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227Th Ave NE

80Th

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214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

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292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

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266Th Ave NE

184T

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86Th

St N

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184T

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80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 13: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

222 Avian Use

Tetra Tech derived avian use (mean use) of the Project by calculating the average number of

birds observed per 20-min survey at each point To evaluate the diversity and composition of

avian species using the Project area Tetra Tech summarized the number of individuals (birds20

min) and species Tetra Tech also calculated a measure of variability (90 percent confidence

intervals) for all mean use values In addition the number of observations is also presented

where an observation can be either an individual bird or a discrete flock of birds This

information helps evaluate whether high mean use is driven by a single event (eg a large flock

of birds moving through the Project area on migration) Because individual birds are not

uniquely marked and identified actual population size or abundance cannot be determined One

individual may be counted multiple times during a survey period or across survey periods

Although mean use of a given species does not equate to abundance it does provide an index

that is likely proportional to abundance and activity within the Project

223 Flight Behavior

Tetra Tech evaluated flight behavior by calculating the proportion of flying birds observed

below within or above the height of the anticipated turbine rotor swept area (RSA) Wilton IV

plans to develop the Project using General Electric 16 Megawatt (MW) turbines These turbines

have a hub height of 80 meters and rotor diameter of 100 meters With these specifications the

estimated RSA was between 30 and 130 m above ground Tetra Tech considered a bird to have

flown within the height range of the anticipated RSA if any of its recorded heights fell within the

upper or lower limits of the anticipated RSA

224 Encounter Rate

To estimate the rate at which a species flew at the height of the anticipated RSA Tetra Tech

applied the following equation to every species observed in the Project area

Encounter Rate = APfPt

A is the mean number of birds20 min for a given species Pf is the proportion of all activity

observations for a given species that were flying and Pt is the proportion flying observations that

were within the height range of a turbine RSA for a given species The encounter rate provides

information on the rate at which a species may move at a height that is consistent with the RSA

of the proposed turbines This information is an important component in evaluating risk of

collisions however this number alone does not indicate project-related impact to a species

Species with a high encounter rate are at a higher risk of collision than species with a low

encounter rate but it does not mean that turbine-related fatalities are certain Other factors such

as turbine location or a speciesrsquo ability to detect turbine blades flight maneuverability and

7 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

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Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

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Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

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Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

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USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

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Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

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04 9 - 0 64

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 14: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

habitat selection also influence fatality (Orloff and Flannery 1992 Drewitt and Langston 2008

Martin 2011) Encounter values are sensitive to large flocks of birds flying within the RSA

height that is a species will have a high encounter rate even if only seen once in the RSA in a

large flying flock

225 Fatality Risk

The highly regional nature of avian mean use across North America and the scarce data on avian

fatalities at wind farms in many parts of the continent combined with other risk influences such

as individual species behavior and weather contribute to uncertainty in predicting fatality rates

(Arnett et al 2007 Strickland et al 2011) A recent meta-analysis suggests that pre-construction

studies provide poor indicators of post-construction fatality (Ferrer et al 2012) WEST (2011)

suggests that the most accurate predictors of fatality at a wind project are records of species-

specific fatalities detected at nearby wind projects As a result of uncertainty in predicting

fatality rates Tetra Tech did not attempt to derive fatality estimates from mean use data but will

highlight those species or groups with high use values that may experience Project-related

fatalities or whose regional population could be impacted by development Additionally Tetra

Tech will highlight species with high frequencies of observation high encounter rates and those

with records of turbine-related fatality at other wind projects as these variables may also indicate

potential collision risk at the Project

30 RESULTS

31 AVIAN USE AND FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE

Biologists surveyed 3476 acres of the Project area during point count surveys covering 22

percent of the Project arearsquos total area (15752 acres) The 7 point count locations were surveyed

14 times resulting in 98 total 20-min surveys A total of 5376 birds from 52 species and 653

that could not be identified to species (all unidentified sparrows) were recorded within the

Project area during the fixed-point count surveys (Table 2) Overall mean bird use for the Wilton

IV Wind Energy Center was 5486 birds20 min and ranged from 0 to 603 birds20 min

Overall mean use by non-raptors was 5449 birds20 min Songbirds Waterfowl and

CranesRails comprised 387 300 and 201 percent of all species observed respectively and

were distributed throughout the Project area Among species groups mean use was highest for

songbirds (2126 birds20 min Table 2) and songbirds were observed in 949 percent of all

surveys The non-raptor species with the highest mean use came from four different species

groups Songbirds Waterfowl CranesRails and GullsTerns and included the Canada goose

(1437 birds20 min observed in 133 percent of all surveys) sandhill crane (1102 birds20 min

observed in 122 percent of all surveys) unidentified sparrow (665 birds20 min 41 percent of

all surveys) red-winged blackbird (559 birds20 min observed in 378 percent of all surveys)

8 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

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Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 15: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds20 min observed in 31 percent of all surveys Table 2) Other

species with a high frequency of detection during the surveys but with a low mean use included

ring-necked pheasant (151 birds20 min observed in 745 percent of all surveys) horned lark

(177 birds20 min 612 percent of all surveys) and western meadowlark (082 birds20 min

480 percent of all surveys Table 2) Each other non-raptor species had a mean use of less than

190 birds20 min or was detected in less than 48 percent of all surveys Other non-raptor species

groups observed during the surveys included Gamebirds PigeonsDoves Waterbirds and

Woodpeckers (Table 2)

Non-raptor mean use was highest on March 16 (24743 birds20 min) April 20 (19914 birds20

min) and March 26 (12571 birds20 min Figure 3) Observations on March 16 were comprised

of mostly Canada geese (1138 individuals observed in 17 flocks ranging in size from 20 to 140

individuals 77 of all observations) The primary contributors to the high mean use on April 20

were unidentified sparrows (645 individuals observed in 6 distinct flocks and ranging from 25 to

250 individuals) red-winged blackbird (392 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (277 individuals)

On March 26 the primary contributor to the high mean use was the sandhill crane (772

individuals distributed between 8 flocks ranging from 15 to 275 individuals) Mean use for nonshy

raptors was highest at point count location 3 (10314 birds20 min Figure 4) Species

contributing to the high mean use at this point included sandhill crane (621 individuals) Canada

goose (523 individuals) and Franklinrsquos gull (100 individuals Table 3) The habitat at point 3

consists of row crops (wheat) and short-grass prairie possibly enrolled in the Conservation

Reserve Program (CRP) The habitat at this point is not unique within the Project area However

most of the birds observed at point 3 were flying through the Project area in flocks of 15 to 275

individuals and not stopping in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Raptors are a group of special interest because of their propensity to fly at heights similar to a

turbine RSA Overall mean use for raptors was 037 birds20 min (Table 2) raptors were not

among the most frequently observed species groups during the spring surveys The raptor species

with the highest mean use was the red-tailed hawk (016 birds20 min observed in 122 percent

of all surveys) and northern harrier (016 birds20 min observed in 143 percent of all surveys)

Other raptor species detected included the Swainsonrsquos hawk and peregrine falcon great-horned

owl and American kestrel each with mean use value of 001 birds20 min with each observed in

10 percent of all surveys (Table 2)

Mean use by raptors was highest on March 26 (129 birds20 min) and May 3 (100 birds20 min

Figure 5) Observations on March 26 included red-tailed hawk (5 individuals) northern harrier

(3 individuals) and American kestrel (1 individual) Observations on May 26 included 4 red-

tailed hawks 2 northern harriers and 1 peregrine falcon Mean use for raptors was less than 058

birds20 min for all other survey dates Mean use for raptors was highest at point count locations

4 1 and 3 (064 064 and 057 birds20 min respectively Figure 6) Species contributing to the

9 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

Morkill AE and SH Anderson 1991 Effectiveness of marking powerlines to reduce sandhill crane collisions Wildlife Society Bulletin 19 442-449

Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

Orloff S and A Flannery 1992 Wind turbine effects on avian activity habitat use and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas 1989-1991 Final

17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

Pickwell B 1931 The prairie horned lark St Louis Academy of Sciences Transactions 271shy153

Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

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Figure 2 Point

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

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2500

2000

1500

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316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

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Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

75 01 - 1 0 00 0

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Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

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316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

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240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

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266Th Ave NE

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80Th

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279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

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158th

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86Th

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 16: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

mean use at these points were mostly red-tailed hawks and northern harriers (Table 3) In

addition to red-tailed hawks and northern harriers point count location 1 had one American

kestrel and one Peregrine falcon Raptor mean use was equal to or less than 029 birds20 min at

all other points Point count locations 4 1 and 3 each encompass short-grass prairie and

agricultural (mostly wheat) fields both of which provide foraging opportunities for raptors

These features are not unique to these point count locations or within the Project area

32 FLIGHT HEIGHT AND ENCOUNTER RATE

During spring avian use surveys biologists collected behavioral data for 986 percent of all birds

observed during point count surveys of which 834 percent were observed flying The biologist

collected flight height data for 999 percent and flight direction for 835 percent of those

observations (ie most individuals were observed making directional flights) Of non-raptor

species observed flying 372 percent flew above the height of the anticipated RSA 455 percent

flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 173 percent flew below the height of the

anticipated RSA (Table 4) Of raptor species observed flying 91 percent flew above the height

of the anticipated RSA 394 percent flew at the height of the anticipated RSA and 515 percent

flew above the height of the anticipated RSA Data on flight direction are located in Appendix 1

Most birds observed making direct flight over the Project were moving in a northerly direction

(803 percent of all direct flights) In combination with the timing of flights (Figure 3) these data

suggest that much of the non-raptor use observed at the Project area is due to migratory

movements

Canada goose had the highest encounter rate (654 birds flying at RSA height20 min Table 5)

followed by unidentified sparrow (632 birds flying at RSA height20 min) sandhill crane (368

birds flying at RSA height20 min) and Franklinrsquos gull (283 birds flying at RSA height20 min)

Each other species had an encounter rate below 083 birds flying at RSA height20 min

33 RAPTOR NEST SURVEYS

Raptor nests detected within the Project area or 1-mile buffer included 2 red-tailed hawks 2 unknown nests and 1 Swainsonrsquos hawk (Figure 7) The red-tailed hawk nests were found on April 5 and May 9 with each remaining active during the survey period The Swainsonrsquos hawk nest was detected on May 19th within the 1-mile buffer around the Project area The two unknown nests were found on April 15 and April 25 Both unknown nests appeared to never be active during the survey period

34 LEK SURVEYS

During grouse lek surveys conducted within the Project area and a surrounding 1-mile buffer

from April 10th to May 1st a total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse leks were found within the Project area

and 1-mile buffer (Figure 7 WENK 2012) Four of the leks were within the Project area (Figure

7) Each lek had a minimum of 4 individuals (includes males and females) observed with the

10 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

Morkill AE and SH Anderson 1991 Effectiveness of marking powerlines to reduce sandhill crane collisions Wildlife Society Bulletin 19 442-449

Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

Orloff S and A Flannery 1992 Wind turbine effects on avian activity habitat use and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas 1989-1991 Final

17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

Pickwell B 1931 The prairie horned lark St Louis Academy of Sciences Transactions 271shy153

Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

n e A A

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le k A4

A AA gro use

Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

1

A

A

A A

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Ina ctive ra ptor A

9 A

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A A AA

A A 7 28

A A A A

A A A A

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A A A

A A

A A A A

A

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i11i_2

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S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

6

66T h

St N

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O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 17: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

maximum number of grouse observed at one lek being 21 individuals (lek 8) A full report on the

grouse lek surveys is presented in Appendix 3

35 INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS

The biologist documented 17 species as incidental observations (Table 6) Of these species 4

(golden eagle lesser scaup merlin wild turkey) were not detected during spring point count

surveys

36 LISTED SPECIES

No federal threatened or endangered species were observed during avian point count raptor or

lek surveys or as an incidental observation One adult golden eagle was observed incidentally

near survey point 7 on March 26th in flight within the anticipated RSA The golden eagle is

protected by the BGEPA (Section 215)

Four Level I (Franklinrsquos gull Swainsonrsquos hawk upland sandpiper and grasshopper sparrow)

seven Level II (bobolink dickcissel redhead sharp-tailed grouse northern harrier golden eagle

and northern pintail) and one Level III (peregrine falcon) state-listed Species of Conservation

Priority were observed during point counts raptor nest lek surveys or as incidental observations

within the Project Area

40 DISCUSSION

The avian community detected within the Project area during spring surveys was characterized

by species associated with typical mid-western agricultural lands and short-grass prairie

vegetation The majority of the Project area and vicinity has been developed for agricultural use

specifically crops such as wheat sunflower and corn with additional developed lands devoted to

pastureland for cattle Within disturbed habitats such as these the greatest potential impact of

wind facilities to avian species is risk of collisions with turbines Mean avian fatality rates

estimated from wind facilities in the Midwest (NE WI MN and IA) range from 044 to 1183

birdsturbineyear (049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear Tetra Tech 2012) Project-related bird fatalities

are expected to fall within this range

In areas mostly dominated by native short-grass prairie additional loss of habitat from

developing these areas may impact resident and migratory avian species The presence of native

grassland habitats within the Project area suggests that additional disturbance and habitat loss

caused by construction and operation of the Project may cause birds to avoid the Project area

and may alter the current use of habitat by bird species within the Project area (Tetra Tech 2011)

The greatest potential for habitat loss would be for sharp-tailed grouse Current research suggests

that certain grouse species may avoid anthropogenic structures (USFWS 2012a Hagen et al

11 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

Morkill AE and SH Anderson 1991 Effectiveness of marking powerlines to reduce sandhill crane collisions Wildlife Society Bulletin 19 442-449

Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

Orloff S and A Flannery 1992 Wind turbine effects on avian activity habitat use and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas 1989-1991 Final

17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

Pickwell B 1931 The prairie horned lark St Louis Academy of Sciences Transactions 271shy153

Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

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Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

n U

se (b

irds

20

min

)

140

120

100

080

060

040

020

000

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

064

014

057

064

021 007

029

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e6_ R

apM U

_ 17i1

1i_2 0

120 7

10 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

n e A A

A A

Lo ca l Ro a d Sh arp -tailed

le k A4

A AA gro use

Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

1

A

A

A A

Sw ain so n s h a wk 3 A

Ina ctive ra ptor A

9 A

A

A A AA

A A 7 28

A A A A

A A A A

A A AA AA

AAA AA

A A A

A A

A A A A

A

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e7_ R

apL e

k_ 17

i11i_2

0120

710 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

6

66T h

St N

E

O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

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Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

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Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

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Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

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Page 18: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

2011) however long-term data sets are still needed to best assess wind energy impacts (Johnson

et al 2012)

41 NON-RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

The Canada goose sandhill crane red-winged blackbird and Franklinrsquos gull were species with

the highest mean use within the Project area and were among the species most frequently

detected Additionally unidentified sparrows which probably represent a group of similar

species had high mean use Three of these species Canada goose Franklinrsquos gull and sandhill

crane are migratory with most individuals moving through the region (and the Project area) to

breeding grounds further north as indicated by their flight direction and large flock size Three

species had a high frequency of detection but a low mean use at the Project ring-necked

pheasant horned lark and western meadowlark These eight species are local residential and

migratory species commonly associated with the open pastureland short-grass prairie and row-

crop agriculture habitats found throughout the Project area These species are widely distributed

across the country and can be expected to occur where suitable habitat is present

The red-winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant are

commonly found as turbine-related fatalities (more than 20 records of post-construction fatality

from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012 Johnson et al 2000 Howe et al 2002 Derby et al 2007 TRC

Environmental 2008 Gruver et al 2009 BHE Environmental 2010 Jain et al 2011 Grodsky

and Drake 2011) particularly horned larks which exhibit breeding flight displays that may bring

them into the height of the RSA (Johnson and Erickson 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related

fatalities exists for each of these species at the Project However Project-related fatalities of red-

winged blackbird horned lark western meadowlark and ring-necked pheasant should they

occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because collision fatalities appears to have

little effect North American landbird populations (Arnold and Zink 2011)

Species with high mean use but that are considered to have low risk for fatalities include sandhill

crane Franklinrsquos gull and Canada goose Although flying at the height of the RSA represents a

collision risk sandhill cranes have been documented altering flight direction in response to

turbines at wind facility in South Dakota (Nagy et al 2011) and multiple studies have

documented sandhill cranes gradually climbing as they approach marked power lines (Morkill

and Anderson 1991 Murphy et al 2009) The avoidance behavior observed at other studies and

lack of documented turbine-related fatalities of the sandhill crane suggests a low risk of Project-

related fatality for this species While no studies have documented avoidance behavior by

Franklinrsquos gulls similar to sandhill cranes the lack of documented fatalities at wind facilities

with publicly available data within the breeding range and migratory pathway of Franklinrsquos gulls

indicate a low risk of fatalities to occur at the Project (20 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

12 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

Morkill AE and SH Anderson 1991 Effectiveness of marking powerlines to reduce sandhill crane collisions Wildlife Society Bulletin 19 442-449

Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

Orloff S and A Flannery 1992 Wind turbine effects on avian activity habitat use and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas 1989-1991 Final

17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

Pickwell B 1931 The prairie horned lark St Louis Academy of Sciences Transactions 271shy153

Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

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Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

n U

se (b

irds

20

min

)

140

120

100

080

060

040

020

000

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

064

014

057

064

021 007

029

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

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ap s N

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W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

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apM U

_ 17i1

1i_2 0

120 7

10 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

n e A A

A A

Lo ca l Ro a d Sh arp -tailed

le k A4

A AA gro use

Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

1

A

A

A A

Sw ain so n s h a wk 3 A

Ina ctive ra ptor A

9 A

A

A A AA

A A 7 28

A A A A

A A A A

A A AA AA

AAA AA

A A A

A A

A A A A

A

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

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X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

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W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e7_ R

apL e

k_ 17

i11i_2

0120

710 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

6

66T h

St N

E

O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

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Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

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Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

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Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

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Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

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Page 19: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Additionally Canada goose has a low number of fatality observations (less than 6 records of

post-construction fatalities from 27 studies Tetra Tech 2012)

The remaining non-raptor species detected during spring surveys have low risk for turbine

collisions at the Project due to a combination of relatively low mean-use rates infrequent flight

within the height of the RSA andor few or no records of fatalities at other wind facilities with

publically available results of fatality data

42 RAPTOR USE AND COLLISION RISK

High raptor use (greater than 20 birds20 min) has been associated with high raptor fatality at

wind farms (Strickland et al 2011) Conversely raptor fatality appears to be low when raptor use

is low (less than 10 birds20 min Strickland et al 2011) which is the case for raptor use at the

Project A factor contributing to the low raptor use of the Project area may be the number of

active raptor nests detected during nests surveys Because raptor activity is typically higher near

active nests than areas without active nests and raptors may have increased potential for

collision as they repeatedly fly within the Project area during nesting activities

Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were the raptor species with the highest mean use and

were also among the most frequently detected raptor species at the Project Both species are

commonly associated with agricultural and grassland habitats which provide opportunities for

foraging an activity associated with susceptibility to turbine-collisions (Thelander et al 2003)

In a recent study of raptor response to wind farms northern harriers were identified as having a

low risk flight behavior for collisions whereas red-tailed hawks were observed engaging in high-

risk flight behaviors at operational wind facilities (Garvin et al 2011) Risks of collision for

northern harriers are believed to be low because the majority of foraging flights occur below

typical RSA heights (Whitfield and Madders 2006) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the

Project is expected to be low given the low level of use As a result Project-related fatalities of

northern harrier should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts because

northern harriers are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011) Results from post-construction

fatality monitoring studies indicate that red-tailed hawks are frequently found as turbine-related

fatalities (228 records of red-tailed hawk from 27 studies - Tetra Tech 2012 Jain 2005 Grodsky

and Drake 2011 Johnson and Erickson 2011) However Garvin et al (2011) documented that

red-tailed hawks despite high-risk flight behavior also demonstrated collision avoidance

behavior (Garvin et al 2011) Thus risk of turbine-related fatalities at the Project exists for red-

tailed hawks but turbine-related fatalities would be expected to be low given the low level of use

and low number of nests detected within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Project-related

fatalities of red-tailed hawk should they occur are unlikely to have population-level impacts

because red-tailed hawks are common nationwide (Sauer et al 2011)

13 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

Morkill AE and SH Anderson 1991 Effectiveness of marking powerlines to reduce sandhill crane collisions Wildlife Society Bulletin 19 442-449

Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

Orloff S and A Flannery 1992 Wind turbine effects on avian activity habitat use and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas 1989-1991 Final

17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

Pickwell B 1931 The prairie horned lark St Louis Academy of Sciences Transactions 271shy153

Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

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Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

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2 0 1 2

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St N

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O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 20: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Two other raptor species detected during spring surveys (Swainsonrsquos hawk and American

kestrel) have been recorded as fatalities at other wind facilities (Derby 2007 Gritski et al 2008

Johnson and Erickson 2011) Peregrine falcon and great-horned owl have not been recorded as

fatalities observed at wind farms with publicly available fatality data All are likely have low risk

for turbine collisions at the Project due to the relatively very low mean-use rates

43 LISTED SPECIES

No federal listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian point

count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental observation

The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA Although applications for incidental take

permits are available none have been issued to date Projects that are applying for permits have

are those with a perceived high risk of eagle fatality or have an additional permitting requirement

based on land ownership Consultation with the USFWS would provide further information on

local interpretation of the Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance (USFWS 2011c)

No state listed designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys

However all native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of

1918

44 CONCLUSIONS

Results of the 2012 spring avian surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center suggest an overall

low impact of the Project on the local avian community The high mean-use rate at the Project by

non-raptors is primarily driven by a few common residents and migratory species not commonly

reported as fatalities at wind energy facilities with results from post-construction fatality

monitoring Raptor use was relatively low for each raptor species detected Although there is

potential for turbine-related fatalities of Canada goose sandhill crane horned lark western

meadowlark red-winged blackbird red-tailed hawk and Franklinrsquos gull at the Project fatalities

are not expected to have population-level impacts If avian fatality rates are similar to other wind

facilities within the region we would expect them to fall between 044 ndash 1183 birdsturbineyear

(049 ndash 717 birdsMWyear) Additionally the potential for turbine-related fatalities exists for

nocturnal migrant species not identifiable by the methods of this study

No federally listed threatened or endangered species were detected incidentally during avian

point count raptor or lek surveys One adult golden eagle was detected as an incidental

observation The golden eagle is protected under the BGEPA A total of 9 sharp-tailed grouse

leks were located within the Project area and 1-mile buffer Four of the leks are within the

Project area indicating a moderate use of the Project area by the species No state listed

designated species with regulatory implications were detected during surveys However all

native migratory avian species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

14 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

50 REFERENCES

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Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

Morkill AE and SH Anderson 1991 Effectiveness of marking powerlines to reduce sandhill crane collisions Wildlife Society Bulletin 19 442-449

Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

Orloff S and A Flannery 1992 Wind turbine effects on avian activity habitat use and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas 1989-1991 Final

17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

Pickwell B 1931 The prairie horned lark St Louis Academy of Sciences Transactions 271shy153

Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

Big Muddy Creek

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201St Ave NE

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Figure 2 Point

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ing 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

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2500

2000

1500

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500

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316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

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158th

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184T

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80Th

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Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

75 01 - 1 0 00 0

10 00 1 - 1 25 00

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

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120

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020

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316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

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240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

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253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

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227Th Ave NE

80Th

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214Th Ave NE

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279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

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266Th Ave NE

CR 18

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

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279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

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66Th

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188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

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184T

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201St Ave NE

80Th

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 21: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Arnold TW and RM Zink 2011 Collision mortality has no discernible effect on population trends of North American Birds PLoS ONE 6 e24708 doi101371journalpone0024708

Arnett EB DB Inkley DH Johnson RP Larkin S Manes AM Manville JR Mason ML Morrison MD Strickland and R Thresher 2007 Impacts of wind energy facilities on wildlife and wildlife habitat Wildlife Society Technical Review 07-2 The Wildlife Society Bethesda MA

Ballam JM 1984 The use of soaring by the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Auk 3519shy524

Beveridge L J 2005 The Migratory Bird Treaty Act and wind development North American Wind Power September36-38

BHE Environmental Inc 2010 Post-Construction Bird and Bat Mortality Study Cedar Ridge Wind Farm Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin Interim Report prepared for Wisconsin Power and Light Madison Wisconsin Prepared by BHE Environmental Inc Cincinnati Ohio February 2010

Bryce SA JM Omernik DA Pater M Ulmer J Schaar J Freeouf R Johnson P Kuck and SH Azevedo 1996 Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota (color poster with map descriptive text summary tables and photographs) Reston Virginia US Geological Survey (map scale 11500000)

Devereux CL MJH Denny and MJ Whittingham 2008 Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds Journal of Applied Ecology 451689shy1694

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2008 Collision effects of wind-power generators and other obstacles on birds Pages 233-266 in R S Ostfeld and W H Schlesinger editors Year in Ecology and Conservation Biology 2008 Blackwell Publishing Oxford

Drewitt AL and RHW Langston 2006 Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds Ibis 14829-42

Derby C A Dahl W Erickson K Bay and J Hoban 2007 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for Avian and Bat Mortality at the NPPD Ainsworth Wind Farm Prepared for Nebraska Public Power District Columbus NE 24 pgs

Erickson WP GD Johnson and DP Young Jr 2005 A summary and comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis on collisions USDA Forest Service Gen Tech Rep PSW-GTR-191

Erickson WP GD Johnson MD Strickland DP Young Jr KJ Sernka and R E Good 2001 Avian collisions with wind turbines a summary of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision mortality in the United States National Wind Coordinating Committee Washington DC Accessed at httpwwwnationalwindorgassetsarchiveAvian_Collisions_with_Wind_Turbines_shy_A_Summary_of_Existing_Studies_and_Comparisons_to_Other_Sources_of_Avian_Col lision_Mortality_in_the_United_States__2001_pdf

15 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Faanes CA and RE Stewart 1982 Revised checklist of North Dakota birds Version 16JUL97 The Prairie Naturalist 14(3)81-92 Jamestown ND Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online Available online at httpwwwnpwrcusgsgovresourcebirdschndbirdindexhtm Accessed July 2012

Ferrer M M de Lucas GFE Janss E Casado AR Muntildeoz MJ Bechard and CP Calabuig 2012 Weak relationship between risk assessment studies and recorded mortality in wind farms Journal of Applied Ecology 49(1) 38-46 Available online at httponlinelibrarywileycomdoi101111j1365-2664201102054xpdf

Garvin J C Jennelle C S Drake D and Grodsky S M (2011) Response of raptors to a windfarm Journal of Applied Ecology 48 199ndash209

Gritski B S Downes K Kronner 2008 White Creek Wind I Wildlife Monitoring Annual Summary Winter 2007-2008 through Fall 2008 Prepared for White Creek Wind I LLC Roosevelt WA 25 pgs

Grodsky SM and D Drake 2011 Assessing Bird and Bat Mortality at the Forward Energy Center Final Report Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin PSC REF152052 Prepared for Forward Energy LLC Prepared by Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison Wisconsin August 2011

Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

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16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

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James River

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Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

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Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 22: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Gruver J M Sonnenburg K Bay and W Erickson 2009 Post-Construction Bat and Bird Fatality Study at the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Energy Center Fond Du Lac County Wisconsin July 21 - October 31 2008 and March 15 - June 4 2009 Unpublished report prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming December 17 2009

Hagen CA JC Pitman TM Loughin BK Sandercock and RJ Robel 2011 Impacts of anthropogenic features on lesser prairie-chicken habitat use Studies in Avian Biology 39 63-75

Hagen SK PT Isakson and SR Dyke 2005 North Dakota Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck ND

Howe RW W Evans and AT Wolf 2002 Effects of Wind Turbines on Birds and Bats in Northeastern Wisconsin Prepared by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company Madison Wisconsin November 21 2002 104 pp

Jain AA RR Koford AW Hancockand GG Zenner 2011 Bat Mortality and Activity at a Northern Iowa Wind Resource Area Am Mid Natur 165 185-200

Jain A P Kerlinger R Curry and L Slobodnik 2007 Annual report for the Maple Ridge wind power project post-construction bird and bat fatality studymdash2006 Prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for PPM Energy Horizon Energy and Technical Advisory Committee for the Maple Ridge Project

Jain AA 2005 Bird and Bat Behavior and Mortality at a Northern Iowa Windfarm Thesis submitted to Iowa State University Ames IA 113 pgs

16 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

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Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

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17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

Big Muddy Creek

Ea st Br an ch Ap pl e C re ek

Apple

Creek

Painte Woods Creek

Sweetbrier Creek

Square Butte Creek

B

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 23: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Johnson GD C LeBeau R Neilsen T Rintz and J Eddy 2012 Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Use and Population Demographics at the Simpson Ridge Wind Resource Area Carbon County Wyoming Final Report prepared for EBP Renewables Houston Texas

Johnson GD and WP Erickson 2011 Avian Bat and Habitat Cumulative Impacts Associated with Wind Energy Development in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion of Eastern Washington and Oregon Prepared by West Inc for Klickitat County Washington

Johnson DH MJ Holloran JW Connelly SE Hanser CL Amundson and ST Knick 2011 Influences of Environmental and Anthropogenic Features on Greater Sage-grouse Populations 1997-2007 Pages 407-450 in ST Knick and JW Connelly Greater Sage-Grouse ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitat Studies in Avian Biology 38 University of California Press Berkeley CA

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd DA Shepherd and SA Sarappo 2002 Collision mortality of local and migrant birds at a large-scale wind power development on Buffalo Ridge Minnesota Wildlife Society Bulletin 30879-887

Johnson GD WP Erickson MD Strickland MF Shepherd and DA Shepherd 2000 Avian Monitoring Studies at the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area Minnesota Results of a 4-Year Study Final report prepared for Northern States Power Company Minneapolis Minnesota by Western EcoSystems Technology Inc (WEST) Cheyenne Wyoming September 22 2000 212 pp httpwwwwest-inccom

Kerns J and P Kerlinger 2004 A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Tucker County West Virginia Annual report for 2003 Technical report prepared by Curry and Kerlinger LLC for FPL Energy and Mountaineer Wind Energy Center Technical Review Committee

Leddy KL KF Higgins and DE Naugle 1999 Effects of wind turbines on upland nesting birds in CRP grasslands Wilson Bulletin 111100-104

Manville AM II 2004 Prairie grouse leks and wind turbines US Fish and Wildlife Service justification for a 5-mile buffer from leks additional grassland songbird recommendations Division of Migratory Bird Management USFWS Arlington VA peer-reviewed briefing paper

Martin GR 2011 Understanding bird collisions with man-made objects a sensory ecology approach Ibis 153(2)239-254

Morkill AE and SH Anderson 1991 Effectiveness of marking powerlines to reduce sandhill crane collisions Wildlife Society Bulletin 19 442-449

Murphy RK SM McPherron GD Wright and KL Serbousek 2009 Effectiveness of avian collision averters in preventing migratory bird fatality from powerline strikes in the central Platte River Nebraska 2008-2009 Final Report

Nagy L B Gibson K L Kosciuch J Jones and J Taylor 2011 Whooping and Sandhill Crane Behavior at an Operating Wind Farm Poster presented at American Wind Energy Association Annual Meeting Pasadena CA

Orloff S and A Flannery 1992 Wind turbine effects on avian activity habitat use and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano County Wind Resource Areas 1989-1991 Final

17 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

report prepared by Biosystems Analysis Inc for Alameda Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the California Energy Commission

Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

Pickwell B 1931 The prairie horned lark St Louis Academy of Sciences Transactions 271shy153

Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

Big Muddy Creek

Ea st Br an ch Ap pl e C re ek

Apple

Creek

Painte Woods Creek

Sweetbrier Creek

Square Butte Creek

B

LakeAudubon Figure 1Lake NettieLakeSakakawea ty MapVicini

Turtle BlueLake Lakeerson

Lake NEXTENERGYPetUV7

U SherCoun

idan UV200 Wellty Counst

V41 RESOURCES

Wilton IVMcLeanWind Energy Center

Burleigh County ND

Las modified 7-10-2012

CountyMercerCounty t

U

poundcurren

neV Lake

52

y

LakeLake

Lake LakeLake

Lakes

Lake Lake Bond

Lake Lake

Coungh

Coun Lake Lake B g Muddy

Ri DeadLake

o

sectbrvbar94

pound83curren

JohnsLake Silver

Lake Project area(11-15-2011)State boundarySalt

ee uullaahh PelicanSwand County boundary

Urban area WillowOBrienLongLake lkaliA14 HelenTwi Interstate Highway

Highwayn UV3

FederalUV48 Mitchell LakeLake Josephine State HighwayLake

RiversDeerOliver

Count UV36Harri ty te reamSinkUV25

LakepondUV31 Lake Brock

SlUV1806 CherryLake

oughKunkel LakeHorsehead

Louise

ChaseLakeKidder

ty SaltSibley AlkaliLake LakeneBurlei BuffalCl oear iMissouri ty Lakever

BuffalStonySlough

Bismarck UV10 Lake

Alkaline IsabelLakeUV810 McKenzie

SloughMorCoun

ont Lake Lakety Etta Henry Lake

Long Lake George

UV6 U Pursian CanadaV1804

LakeLake AlkalineOahe Lake

PGI

S_PR

OJEC

TSN

extE

raWi

lton_

IVM

XDsA

vian2

012S

pring

Rep

ort_M

apsN

EER_

Wilto

n4_A

vianS

urvey

_Figu

re1_V

icinity

_17i1

1i_20

1207

10m

xd -

Last

Save

d 723

2012

Projarea

ect GrandForksDutt

Slon

oughGrantCount Emmons

CounLoganCounty

N D Bismarck

y M T FargoM N

ty GooseLake

Rapid S D PierreW Y City SiFa

ouxO 1500000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 5 10 20 30 40 50

Miles llsI A

TETRA TECH ECINC

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE 14

5Th S

t NE

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

Figure 2 Point

(Spr t location mapcoun

ing 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

AA

A A

Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012A AA

AA AA A A A

Avian survey poinan survey poin

800-m rad

AA PC 01 t

t

PC 04 AviA

ius A A PC Point count number

AAA Wind energy center

(11-15-2011)Proposed turbi

A

A (9-21-2011)

PC 02 neA

A

A Local Road

A

A

PC 03

A AAAA

A A A A

A AA

APC 06 A APC 05 A A A

A A A

A

A

A

A AAA A

A

A

A A

A APC 07 A

PGI

S_PR

OJEC

TSN

extE

raWi

lton_

IVM

XDsA

vian2

012S

pring

Rep

ort_M

apsN

EER_

Wilto

n4_A

vianS

urvey

_Figu

re2_P

Cloc

ation

_17i1

1i_20

1207

10m

xd -L

ast S

aved

723

2012

O 155000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETRA TECH ECINC

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

ean

Use

(bir

ds2

0 m

in)

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

00

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

3693

4414

10314

5607

6114 5536

2464

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

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onR a

pM U _

1 7i11

i_201

207 1

0 m xd

-La s

t S av

ed 7

2 320

12

TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

75 01 - 1 0 00 0

10 00 1 - 1 25 00

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

n U

se (b

irds

20

min

)

140

120

100

080

060

040

020

000

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

064

014

057

064

021 007

029

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e6_ R

apM U

_ 17i1

1i_2 0

120 7

10 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

n e A A

A A

Lo ca l Ro a d Sh arp -tailed

le k A4

A AA gro use

Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

1

A

A

A A

Sw ain so n s h a wk 3 A

Ina ctive ra ptor A

9 A

A

A A AA

A A 7 28

A A A A

A A A A

A A AA AA

AAA AA

A A A

A A

A A A A

A

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e7_ R

apL e

k_ 17

i11i_2

0120

710 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

6

66T h

St N

E

O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 24: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Pearce-Higgins JW L Stephen A Douse and RHW Langston 2012 Greater impacts of wind farms on bird populations during construction than subsequent operation results of a multi-site and multi-species analysis Journal of Applied Ecology 49 386-394

Pickwell B 1931 The prairie horned lark St Louis Academy of Sciences Transactions 271shy153

Pitman JC CA Hagen RJ Robel TM Loughin and RD Applegate 2005 Location and success of lesser prairie-chicken nests in relation to vegetation and human disturbance Journal of Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Pruett CL MA Patten and DH Wolfe 2009 Avoidance Behavior by Prairie Grouse Implications for Development of Wind Energy Conservation Biology 231253-1259

Sauer J R J E Hines J E Fallon K L Pardieck D J Ziolkowski Jr and W A Link 2011 The North American Breeding Bird Survey Results and Analysis 1966 - 2010 Version 12072011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel MD

Shaffer JA and DH Johnson 2009 Displacement effects of wind developments on grassland birds in the northern Great Plains NWCC Wind Wildlife Conference [Presentation] October 2008 Milwaukee WI Prepared for NWCC by SS Schwartz and Published 2009 Available online at httpswwwnationalwindorgassetsresearch_meetingsResearch_Meeting_VII_Shaffer pdf

Strickland MD EB Arnett WP Erickson DH Johnson GD Johnson ML Morrison JA Shaffer and W Warren-Hicks 2011 Comprehensive Guide to Studying Wind EnergyWildlife Interactions Prepared for the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Washington DC httpwwwnationalwindorgassetspublicationsComprehensive_Guide_to_Studying_Wi nd_Energy_Wildlife_Interactions_2011_Updatedpdf Accessed November 2011

Strickland D and ML Morrison 2008 A summary of avianwind facility interactions in the US Federal Guidelines Committee for Wind Siting Guidelines February 26 2008 Washington DC

Tetra Tech 2012 Database of publicly available post-construction fatality rates and records of bird and bat fatality at North American wind projects Unpublished report

Tetra Tech 2011 Native Prairie Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Burleigh County North Dakota Submitted to Wilton IV Wind Energy Center October 2011

Thelander CG KS Smallwood and L Rugge 2003 Bird Risk Behaviors and Fatalities at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area Period of Performance March 1998-December 2000

Thompson WL 2002 Towards reliable bird surveys accounting for individuals present but not detected Auk 11918-25

TRC Environmental Corporation 2008 Post-Construction Avian and Bat Fatality Monitoring and Grassland Bird Displacement Surveys at the Judith Gap Wind Energy Project

18 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

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NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 25: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Wheatland County Montana Prepared for Judith Gap Energy LLC Chicago Illinois TRC Environmental Corporation Laramie Wyoming TRC Project 51883-01 (112416) January 2008 httpwwwnewwestnetpdfsAvianBatFatalityMonitoringpdf

USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) 2012 US Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines Available from httpwwwfwsgovwindenergydocsWEG_finalpdf

USFWS 2011a Flyways Retrieved from httpflywaysusflywaysinfo Accessed June 25 2012

USFWS 2011b ESA Basics More Than 30 Years of Conserving Endangered Species Retrieved from httpwwwfwsgovendangeredesa-librarypdfESA_basicspdf

USFWS 2011c Draft Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance Released January 2011

USFWS 2009 Eagle Permits Take Necessary to Protect Interests in Particular Localities Final Rules 50 CFR Parts 13 and 22

WEST (Western EcoSystems Technology Inc) 2011 Presentation at the Northwest Wind Energy and Wildlife Workshop June 7-8 2011 Portland Oregon

Wenck Associates Inc (Wenck) 2012 Wilton IV spring sharp-tailed grouse lek survey Report submitted to Tetra Tech EC Inc May 2012

Whitfield DP and M Madders 2006 Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling Natural Research Information Note 2 Natural Research Ltd Banchory UK

People who contributed to the writing of this report

Jim Kowalsky July 17 2012

Report Author Date

Jennifer Taylor July 19 2012

Peer Review 1 Date

Chris Farmer August 3 2012

Peer Review 2 Date

Anne-Marie Griger August 9 2012

Deputy Project Manager Date

Robert Friedel July 13 2012

GIS Date

19 August 2012

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

Big Muddy Creek

Ea st Br an ch Ap pl e C re ek

Apple

Creek

Painte Woods Creek

Sweetbrier Creek

Square Butte Creek

B

LakeAudubon Figure 1Lake NettieLakeSakakawea ty MapVicini

Turtle BlueLake Lakeerson

Lake NEXTENERGYPetUV7

U SherCoun

idan UV200 Wellty Counst

V41 RESOURCES

Wilton IVMcLeanWind Energy Center

Burleigh County ND

Las modified 7-10-2012

CountyMercerCounty t

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Lakes

Lake Lake Bond

Lake Lake

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o

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JohnsLake Silver

Lake Project area(11-15-2011)State boundarySalt

ee uullaahh PelicanSwand County boundary

Urban area WillowOBrienLongLake lkaliA14 HelenTwi Interstate Highway

Highwayn UV3

FederalUV48 Mitchell LakeLake Josephine State HighwayLake

RiversDeerOliver

Count UV36Harri ty te reamSinkUV25

LakepondUV31 Lake Brock

SlUV1806 CherryLake

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Louise

ChaseLakeKidder

ty SaltSibley AlkaliLake LakeneBurlei BuffalCl oear iMissouri ty Lakever

BuffalStonySlough

Bismarck UV10 Lake

Alkaline IsabelLakeUV810 McKenzie

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ont Lake Lakety Etta Henry Lake

Long Lake George

UV6 U Pursian CanadaV1804

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PGI

S_PR

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TSN

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raWi

lton_

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XDsA

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pring

Rep

ort_M

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Wilto

n4_A

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urvey

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icinity

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Miles llsI A

TETRA TECH ECINC

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE 14

5Th S

t NE

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

Figure 2 Point

(Spr t location mapcoun

ing 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

AA

A A

Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012A AA

AA AA A A A

Avian survey poinan survey poin

800-m rad

AA PC 01 t

t

PC 04 AviA

ius A A PC Point count number

AAA Wind energy center

(11-15-2011)Proposed turbi

A

A (9-21-2011)

PC 02 neA

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A Local Road

A

A

PC 03

A AAAA

A A A A

A AA

APC 06 A APC 05 A A A

A A A

A

A

A

A AAA A

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_17i1

1i_20

1207

10m

xd -L

ast S

aved

723

2012

O 155000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETRA TECH ECINC

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

ean

Use

(bir

ds2

0 m

in)

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

00

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

3693

4414

10314

5607

6114 5536

2464

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e4_ N

onR a

pM U _

1 7i11

i_201

207 1

0 m xd

-La s

t S av

ed 7

2 320

12

TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

75 01 - 1 0 00 0

10 00 1 - 1 25 00

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

n U

se (b

irds

20

min

)

140

120

100

080

060

040

020

000

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

064

014

057

064

021 007

029

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e6_ R

apM U

_ 17i1

1i_2 0

120 7

10 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

n e A A

A A

Lo ca l Ro a d Sh arp -tailed

le k A4

A AA gro use

Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

1

A

A

A A

Sw ain so n s h a wk 3 A

Ina ctive ra ptor A

9 A

A

A A AA

A A 7 28

A A A A

A A A A

A A AA AA

AAA AA

A A A

A A

A A A A

A

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e7_ R

apL e

k_ 17

i11i_2

0120

710 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

6

66T h

St N

E

O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 26: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

FIGURES

20 August 2012

B

Knife River

James River

Random Creek

Pipestem Creek

Heart River Long Lake Creek

Rocky Run

Otter Creek

Turtle Cr eek

West Branch Apple Creek

Little Heart River

Big Muddy Creek

Ea st Br an ch Ap pl e C re ek

Apple

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Painte Woods Creek

Sweetbrier Creek

Square Butte Creek

B

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Miles llsI A

TETRA TECH ECINC

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE 14

5Th S

t NE

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

Figure 2 Point

(Spr t location mapcoun

ing 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

AA

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Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012A AA

AA AA A A A

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(11-15-2011)Proposed turbi

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TETRA TECH ECINC

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

ean

Use

(bir

ds2

0 m

in)

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

00

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

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PC 01

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

75 01 - 1 0 00 0

10 00 1 - 1 25 00

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

n U

se (b

irds

20

min

)

140

120

100

080

060

040

020

000

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

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201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

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292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

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145T

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145T

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

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197T

h St N

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52Nd

St N

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66Th

St N

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188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

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106T

h St N

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253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

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d St N

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St N

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253Rd Ave NE

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04

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119T

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E 14

5Th S

t NE

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St NE

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1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

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A AA gro use

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9 A

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A A A A

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TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

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26TH

ST N

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1 N

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12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

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24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

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35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

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7 8 9

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21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 27: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

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184T

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Figure 2 Point

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Wilton IVWind Energy Center

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Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

ean

Use

(bir

ds2

0 m

in)

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

00

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

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253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

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41St

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145T

h St N

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66Th

St N

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171S

t St N

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132N

d St N

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52Nd

St N

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41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

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93Rd

St N

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292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

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171S

t St N

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214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

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86Th

St N

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184T

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PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

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Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

75 01 - 1 0 00 0

10 00 1 - 1 25 00

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

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120

100

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060

040

020

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Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

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253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

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171S

t St N

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132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

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41St

St NE

66Th

St N

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80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

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86Th

St N

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184T

h St N

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52Nd

St N

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PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

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253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

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132N

d St N

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26Th

St N

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266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

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119T

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106T

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188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

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184T

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201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

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Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 28: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

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145T

h St N

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41St

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5Th S

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66Th

St N

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t St N

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132N

d St N

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66Th

St N

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80Th

St N

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93Rd

St N

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292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

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214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

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86Th

St N

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184T

h St N

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52Nd

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Figure 2 Point

(Spr t location mapcoun

ing 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

AA

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Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012A AA

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TETRA TECH ECINC

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

ean

Use

(bir

ds2

0 m

in)

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

00

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

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41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

3693

4414

10314

5607

6114 5536

2464

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

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T S N

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X D s A

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

75 01 - 1 0 00 0

10 00 1 - 1 25 00

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

n U

se (b

irds

20

min

)

140

120

100

080

060

040

020

000

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

064

014

057

064

021 007

029

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

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X D s A

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

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O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 29: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Figure 3 Non-raptor mean use by survey date in Spring at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center M

ean

Use

(bir

ds2

0 m

in)

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

00

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

3693

4414

10314

5607

6114 5536

2464

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e4_ N

onR a

pM U _

1 7i11

i_201

207 1

0 m xd

-La s

t S av

ed 7

2 320

12

TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

Non-r aptor s p e r 20 m in u te s 00 1 - 25 0 0 25 01 - 5 0 00 50 01 - 7 5 00

75 01 - 1 0 00 0

10 00 1 - 1 25 00

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

n U

se (b

irds

20

min

)

140

120

100

080

060

040

020

000

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

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86Th

St N

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184T

h St N

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52Nd

St N

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PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

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014

057

064

021 007

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155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

n e A A

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le k A4

A AA gro use

Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

1

A

A

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Ina ctive ra ptor A

9 A

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A

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2 0 1 2

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66T h

St N

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O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

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Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 30: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

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Figure 4Non-raptor mean use by point count location (Spring 2012)

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NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

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Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

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2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 31: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Figure 5 Raptor mean use by survey date in Spring 2012 at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Mea

n U

se (b

irds

20

min

)

140

120

100

080

060

040

020

000

Survey Date

316 321 326 44 410 420 427 53 512 519 526 62 69 615

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

064

014

057

064

021 007

029

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e6_ R

apM U

_ 17i1

1i_2 0

120 7

10 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

n e A A

A A

Lo ca l Ro a d Sh arp -tailed

le k A4

A AA gro use

Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

1

A

A

A A

Sw ain so n s h a wk 3 A

Ina ctive ra ptor A

9 A

A

A A AA

A A 7 28

A A A A

A A A A

A A AA AA

AAA AA

A A A

A A

A A A A

A

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

lto n _

IVM

X D s A

vi an2

0 12S

pr in g

R ep

o rt_M

ap s N

E E R _

W ilto

n 4 _ A

vi a n S

u r ve y

_ F ig u

r e7_ R

apL e

k_ 17

i11i_2

0120

710 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

6

66T h

St N

E

O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 32: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

NAD 1983 UTM 14

240th Ave Ne240th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

253Rd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

227Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE 279Th Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

145T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

145T

h St N

E

66Th

St N

E

171S

t St N

E

132N

d St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

41St

St NE

66Th

St N

E

80Th

St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

292Nd Ave NE

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

PC 01

PC 02

PC 03

PC 04

PC 05 PC 06

PC 07

064

014

057

064

021 007

029

155000 O 0 1 2 3 4 505 Miles

PGI

S _P R

O J E C

T S N

e xt E

r a Wi

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X D s A

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TETR A TECH EC INC

Figure 6Raptor mean use by point

count location (Spring 2012)

Rapto r s p e r 2 0 m in u te s 00 1- 01 6 01 7 - 0 32 03 3 - 0 48

04 9 - 0 64

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

A Pro po sed tu rbin e (9 -21 -20 11 )Lo ca l Ro a d

Mean use value PC Point count number

Burleigh County ND

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

Last modified 7-10-2012

NEXTENERGY RESOURCES

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

AAA A A A A A

A A

Pro po sed tu rbi(9 -21 -20 11 )

n e A A

A A

Lo ca l Ro a d Sh arp -tailed

le k A4

A AA gro use

Raptor nest s pecies Re d-taile d h a wk

1

A

A

A A

Sw ain so n s h a wk 3 A

Ina ctive ra ptor A

9 A

A

A A AA

A A 7 28

A A A A

A A A A

A A AA AA

AAA AA

A A A

A A

A A A A

A

PGI

S _P R

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T S N

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X D s A

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i11i_2

0120

710 m

xd -

Last

S av e

d 723

2 0 1 2

6

66T h

St N

E

O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 33: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

240th Ave Ne 240th Ave Ne

240th Ave Ne

266th Ave Ne

158th

St N

e

279Th Ave NE

266Th Ave NE

184T

h St N

E

41St

St NE

201St Ave NE

279Th Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

227Th Ave NE

52Nd

St N

E

197T

h St N

E

52Nd

St N

E

214Th Ave NE

66Th

St N

E

188Th Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

106T

h St N

E

253Rd Ave NE

292Nd Ave NE

93Rd

St N

E

132N

d St N

E

26Th

St N

E

266Th Ave NE

253Rd Ave NE

CR 18

04

201St Ave NE

119T

h St N

E

93Rd

St N

E

145T

h St N

E 14

5Th S

t NE

132N

d St N

E

41St

St NE

210T

h St N

E

119T

h St N

E

106T

h St N

E

171S

t St N

E 17

1St S

t NE

188Th Ave NE

214Th Ave NE

227Th Ave NE 227Th Ave NE

86Th

St N

E

184T

h St N

E

201St Ave NE

80Th

St N

E

Figure 7 Raptor nest and lek location

map (Spring 2012)NEXTENERGY

RESOURCES

Wilton IVWind Energy Center

5 Burleigh County ND

Last modified 7-10-2012 A A

A A

Win d en erg y cen te r (11-1 5-2 011)

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O 165000 NAD 1983 UTM 14 0 05 1 2 3 4 5 Miles

TETR A TECH EC INC

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 34: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

TABLES

21 August 2012

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 35: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 1 Spring 2012 point count survey dates at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Date(s)Survey number

1 316 2 321 3 326 4 44 5 410 6 420 7 427 8 53 9 512 10 519 11 526 12 62 13 69 14 615

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 36: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Songbirds

unidentified sparrow 652 7 665 (000-1339) 41 313 121 red-winged blackbird 548 52 559 (036-1082) 378 263 102 horned lark 173 83 177 (136-218) 612 83 32 American crow 159 22 162 (027-297) 204 76 30 common grackle 91 33 093 (035-151) 245 44 17 western meadowlark 80 62 082 (065-099) 480 38 15 European starling 80 1 082 (000-216) 10 38 15 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 082 (029-135) 82 38 15 barn swallow 44 21 045 (028-062) 204 21 08 bobolink 36 28 037 (022-052) 194 17 07 American goldfinch 26 23 027 (018-036) 214 12 05 vesper sparrow 23 21 023 (013-033) 184 11 04 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 019 (010-028) 143 09 04 American robin 19 19 019 (011-027) 143 09 04 house sparrow 15 5 015 (000-030) 51 07 03 American tree sparrow 8 2 008 (000-018) 20 04 01 song sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 savannah sparrow 5 5 005 (001-009) 51 02 01 dickcissel 5 4 005 (000-010) 31 02 01 western kingbird 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 01 01 pine siskin 3 1 003 (000-008) 10 01 01 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 01 00 eastern kingbird 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 yellow warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 unidentified warbler 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 house wren 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 00 00 Group Total 2083 430 2126 (1259-2993) 949 387

Waterfowl

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 37: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations

Canada goose 1408 24 1437 (435-2439) 133 874 262 snow goose 184 2 188 (000-490) 20 114 34 mallard 12 6 012 (004-020) 61 07 02 northern pintail 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 blue-winged teal 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 American wigeon 2 1 002 (000-005) 10 01 00 redhead 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 01 00 Group Total 1611 36 1644 (561-2727) 184 300

CranesRails sandhill crane 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 1000 201 Group Total 1080 18 1102 (083-2121) 122 201

GullsTerns Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 283 (013-553) 31 986 52 ring-billed gull 4 3 004 (000-008) 31 14 01 Group Total 281 7 287 (017-557) 61 52

Gamebirds ring-necked pheasant 148 134 151 (128-174) 745 967 28 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 003 (000-007) 20 20 01 gray partridge 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 13 00 Group Total 153 138 156 (132-180) 755 28

PigeonsDoves rock pigeon 40 6 041 (009-073) 61 513 07 mourning dove 38 25 039 (019-059) 184 487 07 Group Total 78 31 080 (041-119) 224 15

Waterbirds killdeer 28 22 029 (017-041) 214 538 05 upland sandpiper 8 8 008 (003-013) 71 154 01 common snipe 8 8 008 (002-014) 61 154 01 Wilsons snipe 4 4 004 (000-008) 31 77 01 American coot 4 1 004 (000-011) 10 77 01 Group Total 52 43 053 (037-069) 357 10

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 38: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 2 Avian species by species grouping observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species Grouping Number of Birds

Overall Rank1

Percent Composition

OverallGroup

Mean Use birds per 20 min

(90 confidence interval)

Frequency of surveys detected

Number of

Observations Raptors

red-tailed hawk 16 12 016 (008-024) 122 444 03 northern harrier 16 14 016 (009-023) 143 444 03 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 peregrine falcon 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 great horned owl 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 American kestrel 1 1 001 (000-003) 10 28 00 Group Total 36 30 037 (025-049) 276 07

Woodpeckers northern flicker 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 1000 00 Group Total 2 2 002 (000-004) 20 00 Grand Total 5376 735 5486 (3771-7200)

1 A ranking of 1 indicates highest mean use

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 39: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Canada goose 1408 24 210 80 523 140 210 135 110 sandhill crane 1080 18 94 18 621 15 187 145 0 unidentified sparrow 652 7 0 0 0 0 330 210 112 red-winged blackbird 548 52 0 84 49 386 14 11 4 Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 107 0 100 70 0 0 0 snow goose 184 2 0 180 4 0 0 0 0 horned lark 173 83 23 24 17 12 19 32 46 American crow 159 22 6 4 13 11 1 123 1 ring-necked pheasant 148 134 21 14 21 18 25 22 27 common grackle 91 33 6 35 7 2 8 33 0 western meadowlark 80 62 8 10 17 3 11 19 12 European starling 80 1 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 brown-headed cowbird 80 9 0 63 17 0 0 0 0 barn swallow 44 21 3 12 6 10 7 1 5 rock pigeon 40 6 0 14 0 0 0 23 3 mourning dove 38 25 4 17 1 1 1 11 3 bobolink 36 28 10 0 14 8 0 0 4 killdeer 28 22 3 3 4 5 10 0 3 American goldfinch 26 23 4 9 3 3 4 2 1 vesper sparrow 23 21 1 7 1 2 9 1 2 clay-colored sparrow 19 17 2 4 2 0 6 4 1 American robin 19 19 1 13 0 1 3 0 1 red-tailed hawk 16 12 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 northern harrier 16 14 3 1 4 4 2 0 2 house sparrow 15 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 mallard 12 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 upland sandpiper 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 2 2 common snipe 8 8 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 American tree sparrow 8 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 song sparrow 5 5 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 savannah sparrow 5 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 dickcissel 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 Wilsons snipe 4 4 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 ring-billed gull 4 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 American coot 4 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 western kingbird 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 sharp-tailed grouse 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 pine siskin 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 yellow-headed blackbird 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 northern pintail 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 40: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 3 Avian species observed by point during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number Number Points Species of of

Birds Obs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

northern flicker 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 grasshopper sparrow 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 gray partridge 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 eastern kingbird 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 blue-winged teal 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 American wigeon 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 yellow warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 unidentified warbler 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Swainsonrsquos hawk 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 redhead 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 peregrine falcon 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 house wren 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 great horned owl 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 American kestrel 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Grand Total 5376 735 526 620 1452 794 859 776 349

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 41: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 4 Summary of avian flight heights1 in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)2 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Birds

Number Percentage

Non-raptors

Raptors

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

Above RSA height (gt130m)

At RSA height (30mndash130m)

Below RSA height (lt30m)

1656 372

2023 455

767 173

3 91

13 394

17 515 1 Includes only flying birds with flight height data2These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 42: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

Canada goose 654 (435 - 2439) 1437 997 537 457 06 unidentified sparrow 632 (000 - 1339) 665 1000 00 951 49 sandhill crane 368 (083 - 2121) 1102 999 665 335 00 Franklinrsquos gull 283 (013 - 553) 283 1000 00 1000 00 European starling 082 (000 - 216) 082 1000 00 1000 00 American crow 024 (027 - 297) 162 943 00 160 840 red-tailed hawk 013 (008 - 024) 016 938 133 867 00 brown-headed cowbird 008 (029 - 135) 082 125 00 800 200 red-winged blackbird 005 (036 - 1082) 559 261 00 35 965 Wilsons snipe 002 (000 - 008) 004 500 00 1000 00 blue-winged teal 002 (000 - 005) 002 1000 00 1000 00 mallard 002 (004 - 020) 012 500 00 333 667 ring-billed gull 001 (000 - 008) 004 1000 00 250 750 yellow warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 yellow-headed blackbird 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 western meadowlark 000 (065 - 099) 082 338 00 00 1000 western kingbird 000 (000 - 007) 003 1000 00 00 1000 vesper sparrow 000 (013 - 033) 023 130 00 00 1000 upland sandpiper 000 (003 - 013) 008 250 00 00 1000 unidentified warbler 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 Swainsonrsquos hawk 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 sharp-tailed grouse 000 (000 - 007) 003 667 00 00 1000 song sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 snow goose 000 (000 - 490) 188 1000 1000 00 00 savannah sparrow 000 (001 - 009) 005 00 00 00 00 rock pigeon 000 (009 - 073) 041 825 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 43: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

ring-necked pheasant 000 (128 - 174) 151 07 00 00 1000 redhead 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 pine siskin 000 (000 - 008) 003 1000 00 00 1000 peregrine falcon 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 1000 00 00 northern pintail 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 northern harrier 000 (009 - 023) 016 1000 00 00 1000 northern flicker 000 (000 - 004) 002 500 00 00 1000 mourning dove 000 (019 - 059) 039 684 00 00 1000 killdeer 000 (017 - 041) 029 607 00 00 1000 house wren 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 house sparrow 000 (000 - 030) 015 67 00 00 1000 horned lark 000 (136 - 218) 177 740 00 00 1000 grasshopper sparrow 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 gray partridge 000 (000 - 004) 002 00 00 00 00 great horned owl 000 (000 - 003) 001 00 00 00 00 eastern kingbird 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 dickcissel 000 (000 - 010) 005 00 00 00 00 common snipe 000 (002 - 014) 008 00 00 00 00 common grackle 000 (035 - 151) 093 945 00 00 1000 clay-colored sparrow 000 (010 - 028) 019 158 00 00 1000 bobolink 000 (022 - 052) 037 917 00 00 1000 barn swallow 000 (028 - 062) 045 1000 00 00 1000 American tree sparrow 000 (000 - 018) 008 1000 00 00 1000 American wigeon 000 (000 - 005) 002 00 00 00 00 American robin 000 (011 - 027) 019 421 00 00 1000 American kestrel 000 (000 - 003) 001 1000 00 00 1000

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 44: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 5 Avian flight height characteristics in relation to the turbine rotor swept area (RSA)1 during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Encounter Mean Use Percent Percent Percent PercentSpecies Rate birds 20 min Flying Above RSA At RSA Below RSA

(90 confidence interval) Height Height Height

American goldfinch 000 027 (018 - 036) 923 00 00 1000American coot 000 004 (000 - 011) 00 00 00 001These values assume a rotor diameter of 100 (m) and a hub height of 80 (m)

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 45: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Table 6 Incidental observations of birds during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Species

American crow American kestrel American robin Canada goose great horned owl golden eagle gray partridge lesser scaup mallard merlin northern harrier rock pigeon red-tailed hawk red-winged blackbird sandhill crane sharp-tailed grouse wild turkey

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 46: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

2012 Spring Avian Survey Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

APPENDICES

22 August 2012

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 47: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring
JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix I13

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 48: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Appendix 1 Flight directions of birds observed during Spring 2012 point count surveys at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center

Number of Birds1

Number of

Observations Species

Percentage of Flights

N NE E SE S SW W NW Variable

Canada goose 1398 21 867 00 00 00 02 00 17 114 00

sandhill crane 1079 17 878 52 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

unidentified sparrow 565 5 00 00 00 788 212 00 00 00 00

Franklinrsquos gull 277 4 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

snow goose 184 2 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

European starling 80 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

American crow 69 11 768 58 58 00 14 43 00 14 43

red-winged blackbird 15 6 533 00 00 200 267 00 00 00 00

red-tailed hawk 14 10 500 143 00 71 00 71 00 71 143

rock pigeon 11 2 00 00 00 00 273 727 00 00 00

northern harrier 9 8 111 00 00 333 00 222 00 111 222

mourning dove 9 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

common grackle 9 6 111 00 00 111 00 222 556 00 00

brown-headed cowbird 8 1 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

horned lark 6 3 833 00 00 167 00 00 00 00 00

ring-billed gull 4 3 250 00 00 00 00 750 00 00 00

Wilsons snipe 2 2 500 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 500

vesper sparrow 2 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

mallard 2 1 00 00 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00

blue-winged teal 2 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

peregrine falcon 1 1 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00 00 00

killdeer 1 1 00 00 00 00 1000 00 00 00 00

Grand Total 3747 108 722 17 04 121 36 05 30 64 02 1 Includes only flying birds with flight directions

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 49: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring
JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix II13

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 50: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Appendix 2 Active raptor nests observed at the Wilton IV Wind Energy Center Spring 2012

Nest Number Species Substrate

Nest ConditionStatusDates

Surveyed Nest

Height (m) 2012 - 1 452012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good

5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 4 592012 red-tailed hawk Active Green Ash 10 Good 5122012 red-tailed hawk Active

2012 - 5 5192012 Swainsonrsquos hawk Active Siberian Elm 7 Good

NA means not applicable

JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 51: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring
JamesKowalsky
Text Box
Appendix III13

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 52: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Wenck Associates Inc 301 1

st St NE Suite 202

Mandan ND 58554

Phone 701-751-3370 Email jaskimwenckcom

May 7 2012

Tracey M Dubuque PE Senior Project Manager

Tetra Tech EC

160 Federal Street Third Floor

Boston MA 02110

Wilton IV Spring 2012 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Dear Tracey

Introduction

Male sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) congregate at historicalcommunal leks in the spring

to compete for breeding opportunities Both sexes return to their natal breeding grounds yearly for their

entire life Leks are typically found in areas with low-growing vegetation on a hill knoll or other point of

high visibility Fidelity to these locations is extremely high for sharp-tailed grouse Sharp-tailed grouse

require nesting habitat within close proximity the lek comprised of dense or residual vegetative cover to

conceal and protect their nest from predators (Vodehnal and Haufler 2007)

Disturbance of nesting prairie grouse may occur from the construction of the turbine andor access road

construction noise and physical movement of equipment Loss of habitat and fragmentation related to

energy exploration may affect local prairie grouse populations by decreasing the area of habitat available

for nesting and brood-rearing and by increasing predation (Pittman et al 2005) Therefore federal and

state wildlife agencies are concerned about the placement of turbines in areas with known prairie grouse

populations Turbine setbacks from leks and minimizing grouse habitat disturbance may reduce the direct

and indirect effects of energy development on grouse

Methods

Sharp-tailed grouse surveys were completed from April 10th to May 1

st 2012 from frac12 hour before sunrise

to two hours after sunrise within the one-mile analysis area (Figure 1) Peak attendance by females on leks

typically occurs from April 15 to 25 but these dates vary by up to a week depending on weather conditions

(Schroeder and Robb 1993) Peak attendance potentially occurred earlier this year due to the early spring

A habitat assessment analysis was conducted prior to the field survey to determine suitable lekkingnesting

habitat within the analysis area (Figure 2) Listening stops were made within a one-mile analysis area

surrounding the proposed project area to identify lek locations (Figure 3) Sharp-tailed grouse males may

be heard at a distance of up to 050 mile Listening stops were not conducted if winds exceeded 10 miles

per hour (mph) or during precipitation events After a lek was located the birds were observed and the

number of males and females were counted Lek locations were documented using Global Positioning

System (GPS) Given the sensitive nature of this species and the fact that females may be nesting near the

lek disturbance to breeding prairie grouse was kept to a minimum

Results

Nine (9) sharp-tailed grouse leks were located during the surveys conducted from April 10th to May 1

st

2012 (Figure 4) Date time sex number of birds present wind conditions air temperature and GPS

coordinates were recorded once a lek was located (Tables 1 and 2) Two of the leks observed were

located outside of the analysis area Due to Lek 1rsquos close proximity to Lek 4 Lek 1 shouldbe classified

as a satellite lek No visual confirmation of Lek 6 was made due to access and topography

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 53: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

References

Pittman J C C A Hagen R J Robel T M Loughin and R D Applegate 2005 Location and Success

of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nests in Relation to Vegetation and Human Disturbance Journal of

Wildlife Management 691259-1269

Schroder MA and LA Robb 1993 Greater prairie-chickens The Birds of North America online (A

Poole Ed) Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Retrieved from The Birds of North America

Online

Vodehnal WL and JB Haufler 2007 A grassland conservation plan for prairie Grouse North American

Grouse Partnership Fruita Colorado

Please contact Justin Askim at 701-751-6125 or jaskimwenckcom if you have comments or require

additional information

Sincerely WENCK ASSOCIATES INC

Justin Askim Wildlife Biologist

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 54: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

LAT LONG Y_PROJ X_PROJ

Lek 1 47088006 -100513881 5216056 385096

Lek 2 47058480 -100508264 5212767 385459

Lek 3 47077621 -100471654 5214841 388280

Lek 4 47091996 -100506199 5216488 385688

Lek 5 47117017 -100573895 5219370 380606

Lek 6 47017185 -100690744 5208461 371503

Lek 7 47061799 -100682270 5213405 372253

Lek 8 47056816 -100591784 5212707 379113

Lek 9 47069606 -100639514 5214203 375518

WGS 1984NAME

NAD 1983 UTM ZONE 14

Table 1 Wilton IV Lek Locations

NAME DATE MALES FEMALES UNKNOWN TOTAL

41012 2 1 2 5

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

41112 3 2 0 5

42312 5 4 1 10

42412 3 1 2 6

41112 2 1 5 8

42312 0 0 0 0

42412 0 0 2 2

41112 2 2 7 11

42312 6 0 9 15

42412 7 2 8 17

42312 6 3 1 10

42412 2 1 1 4

5112 4 2 3 9

41112 0 0 0 0

42312 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 0 0

41712 0 0 4 4

42012 0 0 0 0

5112 0 0 1 1

42012 13 0 0 13

42312 11 2 1 14

42412 17 2 3 22

5112 0 0 21 21

42312 2 0 1 3

42412 2 1 0 3

5112 0 0 0 0

LEK 8

LEK 9

LEK 2

LEK 3

LEK 4

LEK 5

LEK 6

LEK 7

Table 2 Wilton IV Lek Data

LEK 1

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 55: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

E NE V E VAH T88AH T881 E

E NT SH T0

21

13

12

14

11 4

266TH AVE NE

201ST AVE NE

292ND AVE NE

240TH AVE NE 66

TH ST

NE

214TH AVE NE

171S

T ST N

E

197T

H ST

NE

279TH AVE NE

106T

H ST

NE

158T

H ST

NE

227TH AVE NE

132N

D ST

NE

26TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

52ND

ST N

E 253RD AVE NE

188TH AVE NE

80TH

ST N

E

93RD

ST N

E 119T

H ST

NE

184T

H ST

NE

210T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

145T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

145T

H ST

NE

93RD

ST N

E

184T

H ST

NE

253RD AVE NE

279TH AVE NE

227TH AVE NE 227TH AVE NE

1 N

80TH

ST N

E 80

TH ST

NE

12TH

ST N

E

41ST

ST N

E

119T

H ST

NE

52ND

ST N

E

12TH

ST N

E

279TH AVE NE

26TH

STNE

12TH

ST N

E

12 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9

18 17 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 15

24 23 19 20 21 22 T142NR 80W T142NR 79W

14 13 18 17 16

23 24 19 20 21 22 20

T142NR 78W 23 24 19 T142NR 77W

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28

35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33 34 35 36 31 32 33

2 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 6 5 4 3 2

12TH

ST N

E

11 12 7 8 9 10

1 6 5

11 12 7 8 9 10 11

4

12

T141NR 80W T141NR 79W 14 13 18 17 16 15 14

7 8 9

T141NR 78W

19 20

13 18 17 16 15 14

T141NR 77W 13 18 17 16

21 22 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 24 19 20

26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29 28 27 26 25 30 29

Wilton IV Project Area 0 1 2Source 2010 Aerial Photograph

Wilton IV Analysis Area Miles

Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 1mxd Roads Date 572012 Time 102342 AM User askjd0431

Tetra-Tech EC Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

MAY 2012 Wilton IV FIGURE 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

24

21

21

23

28

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 56: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 2

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 2mxd Date 572012 Time 102846 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 57: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 3

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 3mxd Date 572012 Time 103646 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Analysis Area Wilton IV Suitable Habitat

Listening Locations 41012 (DSA)41112 (DSA)41712 (DSA)42012 (DSA)42312 (DSA)42412 (DSA)41012 (JDA)42312 (JDA)42412 (JDA)

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370

Page 58: Wilton IV Spring 2012 Avian accepted - WAPA · 2019. 7. 26. · Canada goose, sandhill crane, unidentified sparrow, and Franklin’s gull had encounter rates above 1.00 ... Spring

Wilton IVSharp-tailed Grouse Lek Survey

MAY 2012 FIGURE 4

Source 2010 Aerial Photograph 0 1 2

Miles Path L260208 Wilton IV Point CountsmxdFigure 4mxd Date 572012 Time 105231 AM User askjd0431

Wilton IV Project Area Wilton IV Analysis Area Lek Locations

Tetra-Tech EC Engineers - ScientistsBusiness Professionalswwwwenckcom

Lek 9

Lek 7

Lek 6

Lek 8

Lek 5

Lek 3

Lek 2

Lek 4 Lek 1

Wenck 301 1st Street NE Suite 202Mandan ND 58554-3370701-751-3370