Text

Const & Preoperational Terrestrial Ecological Monitoring Program, 1977-78 Annual Rept
	ML20010B731
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Site:	Byron
Issue date:	04/30/1978
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	7862, NUDOCS 8108170476
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ES?EY, HUSTON & ASSOCIATES,INC.

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Engineering & Envimnmental Consultants.

AUSTIN HOUSTON ODESSA DALLAS ALBUQUERQUE

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E 8108170476 810811

g DP ADOCK 05000

I ESPEY, HUSTONtOASSOCIATES, INC.

Engineering & Enyirosimental Consultants 3010 S. LAMAR AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 EH&A Job No. 0127 I

I CONSTRUCTION AND PREOPERATIONAL TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM -- BYRON STATION 1977-1978 ANNUAL REPORT I

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Submitted to I*

Mr. J. P. McCluskey Commonwealth ~ Edison Company Post Office Box 767 Chicago, Illinois 60690 I

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April 1978

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ESPEY. HUSToN & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862 I

TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page I

10 INTRODUCTION 3-1 2.0 EXECUTIVE

SUMMARY

2-1 I

3.0 SAMPLING SITES AND SCHEDULE 3-1 4.0 FAUNAL SURVEYS 4-1 4.1 FORBES-GROSS BIRD CENSUS.

4-1 4.1.1 Methods 4-1 4.1.2 Species Composition 4-3 4.1. 2.1.

Year 3 Results 4-3 4.1.2.2 Comparison With Previous Years 4-6 4.1.3 Species Richness and Diversity 4-7 4.1.3.1 Year 3 Results 4-8 I

4.1.3.2 Comparison With Previous Years 4-9 4.1.4 Abundance 4-10 4.1.4.1 Year 3 Results 4-10 4.1.4.2 Comparison With Previous Years 4-10 4.2 WILDLIFE ROAD-CRUISE TRANSECT 4-11 ll 4.2.1 Methods 4-11 4.2.2 Species Composition 4-12 l

4.2.3 Species Richness and Abundance 4-12 4.3 IMPORTANT SPECIES 4-13 l

4.3.1 Upland Game Animals 4-13 4.3.1.1 Year 3 Results 4-13 I

4.3.1.2 Comparison With Previous Years 4-15 4,3.2 Raptors and Watarfowl 4-15 g

5 4.3.2.1 Year.' Results 4-15 4.3.2.2 Compa ison With Previous Years 4-16 4.3.3 Threatened or Endangered Species 4-16 I

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ESPEY, HUSTON & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862

.!I TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)

!I Section Page 5.0 FOLIAR SURVEY 5-1 5.1 METHODS 5-1

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5.2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5-2 l

6.0 BIRD SALVAGE SURVEY 6-1 6.1 METHODS 6-1 4

6.2 RESULTS 6-1 ll 7.0 C0iiCLUSI0iiS-IMPMT ASSESSMENT 7-1 8.0 LITERATURE CITED 8-1 l

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Document No. 7862

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This report describes Year 3 of a 5-year terrestrial monitoring program for the Byron Nuclear Power Station currently under conscruction in Ogle County, Illinois.

The study began in g

April 1975 and is planned to continue with quarterly sampling and associated reporting through April 1980.

The progrcm has the following general objectives:

a.

To augment baseline information contained in I

the Byron Station Environmental Report (here-after referred to as the baseline survey),

gathered from June 1972 to December 1974.

l b.

To determine impacts of site development and operation of the proposed natural da ft cooling towers on migratory birds and plants in the vicinity of the site.

' I At the end of Year 2 of the monitoring program, the study was reevaluated by Commonwealth Edison, the Nuclear Regula-I tory Commission, and Espey, Huston & Associates, Inc.

It was de-termined that, due to the lack of detectable 11 pacts (other than direct habitat destruction) during the first ' years of plant con-struction and the questionable sensitivity oi some of the sampling techniques employed, changes in the program were appropriate.

The only aspect of normal plant noeration likely to cause noticeable l

environmental effects beyond the boundaries of the plant site would appear to be the operation of the natural-draft cooling towers.

Salt and water drift from the towers could conceivably I

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3010 S. LAMAR e AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 cause perceptible environmental changes.

Therefore, the monitor-ing study was modified to generate more relevant, effect-specific baseline data aimed primarily at assessing future ecological impacts of the cooling towers.

The revised terrestrial monitoring program as sum-marized below was implemented during the spring of 1977, pursuant to Commonwealth Edison's letters to the Nuclear Regulatory Com-mission dated 12 January, 7 April, and 3 May 1977, and was con-I

, tinued t.hrough the entire Year 3 survey.

The revised program includes:

1.

Replacemert of quantitative vegetative sampling with infrared aerial surveying.

2.

Elimination of the deer pellet-plot survey and mam-mal track surveys.

3.

Continuation of the Forbes-Gross census on and around the site area.

4.

Expansion of the auditory gamebird transec.ts into general wildlife transects to be driven three I

mornings and evenings during each quarterly study.

5.

Replacement of the salt deposition monitoring by an I

analysis of annual color-infrared aerial photo-l graphs to provide baseline documentation of cubient j

foliar conditions in the vicinity of Byron Station.

l The results of the photographs are ground-truthed by a competent plant pathologist to determine whether observed damage was caused by salt drift or by insects or disease.

In addition to providing data on ambient foliar conditions, the color-1 infrared aerials serve as annual baseline data ot.

vegetation cover and faunal habitats.

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Document Nc. 7862 6.

Elimination of the food chain identifteation.

7.

Beginning 1 August 1977, spring (1 April to 31 May) and fall (1 August to 31 October) bird kill surveys l

are conducted in areas surrounding the meteoro-logical tower, cooling towers, and the containment and turbine buildings.

Daily inspections will be made of areas around these structures.

Numbers and species of dead birds will be recorded as well as weather conditions on the preceding night.

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Document No. 7862 I

2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMARY The third year of a 5-year terrestrial ecological mon-l itoring survey was conducted by Espey, Huston and Associates, Inc.

on the site and in areas adjacent to the Byron Nuclear Power Sta-tion now under construction in Ogle County, Illinois.

The purpose of this survey was to augment information on natural plant and I

animal communities in the area of the site, determine if construc-tion activities are affecting local biological communities, and gather data which will allow evaluation of the impact of the I

natural-draft cooling towers.

As a result of a mid-study assess-ment and reevaluation of the study by Commonwealth Edison Co.,

the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Espey, Huston at4 Associates, Inc. several changes were made in the program at the beginning of Year 3.

Significant among these were elimination of quantitativa vegetation sampling, elimination of deer-pellet and mammal track surveys, expansion of the auditory game bird transect into general wildlife cruise transect, and replacement of the salt deposition study by a study of color-infrared aerial photographs augmented with ground truthing.

Ninety-four species of birds (songbirds, raptors, water birds, and others) and.4 species of mammals were recorded during g

the Year 3 survey.

Highest species diversity, numbers of species, 5

and abundance of birds and mammals occurred in wooded habitats which are concentrated in the r rthern half of the site.

Upland game birds (bobwhite, mourning dove, ring-necked pheasant) are common on the site.

Game mammals (white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, l

eastern cottontail) are also common, especially in the northern, more wooded half of the site, g

Comparisons of Year 3 results with those of Years 1 and 2 show a high degree of similarity with most differences explainable I

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3010 S. LAMAR + AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 I

by sampling error, natural variation, or seasonal timing of the surveys.

Overall species cocposition of the avifauna of Year 3 was quite similar to that Years 1 and 2.

Comparisons of species f

diversity, species richness, and abundance showed similar patterns during the first 3 years of the program.

Overall bird abundance declined somewhat in Year 3, ap-parantly due partially to the preemption of habitat by the cakeup-blowdown pipeline corridor.

This corridor preempted about. 61 ac of various habitat types between the plant and the Rock River.

This impact will be mitigated by revegetation of the corridor, which is lI scheduled for fall 1978 or early spring 197$, and the creation of ecological " edge" through wooded areas.

The fcliar survey (examination of color-infrared photography augmented with ground reconnaissance) documented the l

occurrence in the sicinity of the plant of various foliar injury some caused by salt and others attributed to other agents.

Notable g

among the cases of salt injury was one detected in a group of hickory trees immediately west of the fenced plant compound.

No dead migratory (or other) birds were recovered at the bases of the containment vessels, turbine building, cooling towers or meteorological tower during the fall 1977 bird salvage survey.

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l l 3010 S. uMAR = AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 3.0 SAfiPLIE SITES AtlD SCHEDULE e

The faunal sampling transects used in Year 3 are depicted l

in Fig. 3-1.

The Forbes-Gross walking bird transects were essen-tially unchanged from Year 2.

The driving wildlife transect was an expansion of the aucitory census rcute utilized in Years 1 and 2 of the monitoring program and included stations out : o a distance of about 2.5 mi from the site of the cooling tcwers.

I Sampling dates for Year 3 (spring 1977-winter 1978) was as folicws:

spring, 16-19 May-,ummer, 11-14 July; fall, 19-22 September; winter, 20-23 February.

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Document No. 7862 I

4.0 FAUNAL SURVEYS The 5-year faunal monitoring program involves both literature and field sampling of birds and mammals (exc'uding small mammals) on the Byron site and adjoining areas.

Field sampling is accomplished, as of the beginning of Year 3, primarily by two technqiues--a Forbes-Gross walking survey and a driving wildlife road-cruise survey.

The Forbes-Gross census provides absolute density estimates fcr local birds from which yearly com-parisons of species composition, abundance, and diversity can be made.

The driving wildlife survey provides trend or index infor-I mation on birds and mammals and allows yearly comparisons of over-all wildlife populations in the vicinity of the plant and will allow future comparisons of wildlife populations before and after plant startup at various distances and di: ections from the plant.

The following sections describe the methodologies and results of these two survey techniques during Year 3 and compare these results (where appropriate) with those of Year 1 and 2.

In addition to these two methods, general records have been kept of all species identified on or near the site during opportunistic observations.

Genera?. species lists, updated to reflect those species noted during Year 3 of the survey, are presented in Tables 4-1 (birds) and 4-2 (mammals).

I 4.1 FORBES-GROSS BIRD CENSUS I

4.1.1 Methods Bird populations on the site and in surrounding areas were quantitatively sampled using the Forbes-Gross walking strip census method (Graber and Graber, 1963).

This technique involves I

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ESPEY, HUSTON & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862 I

two observers walking in parallel lin+, and counting birds in an imaginary strip along their path.

All birds, whether perched or flying, observed within the strip (approximately 150 ft (45 m) wide in nonwooded areas and 120 ft (37 m) wide in wooded areas) up to about 300 ft (90 a) ahead of the observers are recorded.

l (Raptors and waterfowl are not tallied since this technique is not appropriate for these birds.)

Rate of ttavel was approxi-mately 45 min per mile (30 min /km), but varied depending on the number of birds counted, the time necessary to verify difi-icult identifications, and, in wooded habitats, the density of the I

vegetation.

Time of travel through wooded habitats was typically greater than that through pastures and fields due to greater I

difficulty of identifying birds in heavy cover and the extra time needed to visually search a 3-dimensional habitat.

In order to minimize the biasing effect of the vocal activity of territorial males in the spring and summer, only birds actually observed within the strip were tallied.

Birds detected by call but not observed in the strip were not recorded.

Census counts were not conducted during rain.

Forbes-Gross transects were chosen to sample major hab-itat types on the site.

Some alterations of the transect routes were necessitated during Year 1 of the program by expansion of the c nstrucci n site as the study progressed.

However, the total Ee areas and relative proportions of habitats sampled remained es-sentially constant over the course of the first year's monitoring.

The transects utilized during Years 2 and 3 were essentially the same.

Minor modifications were necessary in the spring, summer, and fall of Year 3 due to construction of the makeup and blowdown pipeline.

During each survey period, approximately 8 mi (13 km) l of transects were walked yielding total areas sampled in excess of 60 ac (24 ha) for both wooded and nonwooded habitats.

Data lI 4-2

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ESPEY HUSTON & ASSOCIATES. INC.

I Document No. 7862 presented by Graber and Graber (1963) suggest that this is a more I

than adequate sample size.

The data for each survey period was summarized by gen-eral habitat type (forest, brush and wood margins, pasture and oldfield, anc cropland) and estimates of density and relative l

frequency of each species calculated.

Approximate acreages of each habitat type on the 1,000-ac (405-ha) site were then used to g

obtain estimates of bird density for the site.

Mention should be made of seasonal variation in bird behavior which may affect the survey pregram.

Fall and winter I

birds tend to be less conspicuous and tiore wary than spring and summer birds.

They flush at a greater distance, are less likely I

to expose themselves for long periods at close range, and due to drab plumage, are often more difficult to identify.

These factors, which tend to decrease fall and winter counts, are to some degree compensated for by t.e tendency, during the breeding season, of i

the brooding female to remain hidden unless very closely approached.

Flocking behavior in fall and winter produces a patchy distribu-tion which can increase the variation in the results obtained, especially when the area surveyed is small.

I 4.1.2 Species Composition 4.1.2.1 Year 3 Results - The results of the Forbes-Gross survey for Year 3 are presented in Tables 4-3 through 4-6.

Weather conditions were generally far-- ' le for bird activity during all surveys.

The winter (February 1978) survey was perhaps more typical of winter conditions than previous winter surveys in that temperatures were low (10-25 F) and occasional light snowfall occurred during the surveys.

The spring survey was concucted I

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lq Document No. 7862

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during a somewhat unseasonal warm spell in mid-May and, as a lW result, reflected more summer-resident, nesting birds than pre-vious surveys.

Results of the Forbes-Gross census are discussed below by general habitat type.

Birds seen during the spring and fall but not in summer were considered exclusively as migrants, even though they may be reported elsewhere as summer residents in northwestern j

Illinois.

Brush.

Brush, wooded roadsides, and edges are here considered as " brush" habitat.

Common resident breeding birds, as reflected by both spring and summer surveys include the common-I grackle (Quiscalus quiscala), gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis),

American robin (Turdus migratorius_), red-winged blackbird (Agelaiu__s_

phoeniceus), song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), and American gold-finch (Carduelis tristis).

Winter residents were dominated by the cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), black-capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus), hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus), and dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis).

Common migrants included the cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), Lincoln's sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), and white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).

Forest.

Most common of the summer residents in forest I

habitats on and around the site were the common grackle, blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), American robin, common flicker (Colaptes auratus), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), and cardinal.

Most abundant winter residents were the black-capped chickadee, downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), and cardinal.

Common migrants observed in forest habitats were the white-throated sparrow, Swainson's thrush (Hylocichla ustulata),

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3010 S. LAMAR e AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 I

yellow warbler (Vermivora celuta), and black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia).

l Grasslands All non-wooded areas not planted in row crops are here considered under a single habitat category.

These areas include primarily oldfields and hay meadows.

Common breeding residents of open habitats were the red-winged blackbird, bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus_), eastern meadowlark (Sternella magna),

dickcissel (Spiza americana), grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), and ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus).

The I

only winter avifauna recorded from this habitat. which was almost completely snow covered, were the horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) and common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos).

The only common migrants observed in grasslands were the vesper sparrow l

(Povecetes gramineus) and Lincoln's sparrow.

Cropland.

Cropland along the survey transects was pi. anted almost entirely in corn, much of which was left standing in the fall and winter.

The difficulty in observing birds in this habitat type partially accounts for the small number of species and low densities recorded.

Breeding residents were I

dominated by the American goldfinch and common grackle.

The com-mon crow and rock dove (Columbia livia) were the only winter residents observed in croplands.

The only migrant noted in this habitat was the vesper sparrow.

I Considering the entire 1,000-ac site, the most abundant g

breeding birds were the red-winged blackbird, common grackle, eastern meadowlark, dickcissel, bobolink, American robin, gray catbird, ring-necked pheasant, grasshoppersparrow, indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea), blue jay, and American goldfinch.

Each of I

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I 3010 S. LAMAR + AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 these species had an overall relative frequency of 3% or greater I

during the spring and/or summer and together accounted for 65%

and 55% of the spring and summer avifaunas, respectively.

The winter avifauna was dominated by the common crow, black-capped chickadee, and cardinal, which made up 66% of all birds seen.

Common migrants, each of which attained a relative frequency greater than 1% in either the fall or winter survey periods were l

the white-throated sparrow, Lincoln's sparrow, ruby-crowned kinglet, and vesper sparrow.

I 4.1.2.2 Comparison With Previous Years - Table 4-1 indicates the overall similarity of the avifaunas surveyed during the first years of the monitoring program.

Species composition may be quantitatively compared by generating an index of community I

similarity (CC) as follows :

I CC = A + B 2c

, where A = total species in Year 1, B = total species ir Year 2, E

and c = total species common to 5

both years This index varies betweca 1.0 (complete similarity) and 0.0 (no similarity).

The CC for all species observed during Year 3 and Year 1 is 0.768; that for the Year 3 and Year 2 comparison is 0.764.

These values indicate rels.tively high similarity between the years compared.

Further comparisons were made using the seasonal Forbes-Gross survey results.

Figure 4-1 shows indices of similarity be-I tween Years 3 and 1 and Years 3 and 2.

These comparisons t.how greatest similarity in summer and winter.

Also, species com-position in Year 3 was more similar to that of Year 2 thar. to that of Year 1.

These differences are probably largely due to l

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3o10 S. LAMAR + AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 i

natural variations since sampling dates for seasonal samples vary somewhat from year to year.

Tne spring survey in Year 1 was conducted in late April-early May while the spring survey in Years 2 and 3 were conducted in mid-May.

Depending on local weather conditions as well as large-scale meteorology, this slight difference in sampling time can result in a significant diff rence in the avifauna sampled.

In the case of the spring samples, Year 1 contained a large number and variety of migrating species than Year 3.

Years 2 and 3 were similar in that most of the birds observed were breeding summer residents with only a few I

migrants remaining.

A similar situation is probably responsible for the relatively low similarity of the fall avifauna.

Again, only a few weeks difference in sample dates resulted in large differences prin.arily in the number and variety of migrants.

The l

summer breeding avifauna of Year 3 was quite similar to that of Years 1 and 2, similarity indices being quite high.

Similarities of the winter avifaunas reflect different aurvey conditions.

The Year 1 survey was conducted during an unusual January we.rm period characterized by temperatures above 32 F and no snow cover.

Year 3 conditions, as previously stated, where much more typical of

" winter" in northwestern Illinois, while Year 2 conditions were I

intermediate.

4.1.3 Species Richness and Diversity l

Communities may be compared in terms of the number of species present (species richness) and species diversity, which g

reflects not only the number of species present but also the distribution of abundance among those species.

The estimates obtained with the Forbes-Gross census were used to generate species diversity values for the various habitats sampled and I

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3010 S. LAMAR e AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 4.1.4 Abundance I

4.1.4.1 Year 3 Results - Figure 4-2 graphically displays the Year 3 density estimates.

Highest bird density generally occurred in brush habitats followed by forest, grassland, and cropland.

Deviation from this pattern occurred only in the fall when forest densities exceeded those of brush habitats.

L Wish, forest, and grassland, densities were highest in spring and summer and I

then declined through the fall.

4.1.4.2 Comparison With Previous Years - Seasonal patterns of bird abundance have been similar over the first 3 years of the l

monitoring survey, showing warm season maxima declining to winter minima.

Year 3 was morM similar to Year 2 with densities in all habitats generally declining from spring highs to winter lows.

In both years, only one significant variation to this pattern, a sum-mer peak, occurred.

This deviation was apparent in grassland habitats in Year 2 and brush habitats in Year 3.

Year 1 differed from this pattern in that brush habitats displayed a spring minimum I

and, along with forest and cropland habitats, had fairly consistent densities from the summer through the winter survey periods.

Overall estimates of bird abundance on the 1,000-ac plant site have declined from Year i to Year 3.

Spring and summer l

abundance estimates for Year 3 were on the order of 20-30% less than those of Years 1 and 2.

The fall estimates for Year 3 was similar to that of Year 2 but about 50% less than that of Year 1.

The winter estimate for Year 3 was about half that of Year 2, but almost 80% less than that of Year 1.

These declines in overall abundance are probably due partially to sampling error, natural variability, and timing of sampling periods, as well as to expan-I sion of the fenced plant site and, in Year 3, preemption of habitat along the pipeline corridor.

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Document No. 7862 4.1.3.2 Comparison With Previous Years - Several similarities are evident when comparing species diversity and richness in Year 3 with that of Years 1 and 2.

Both parameters exhibited higher values in wooded habitats, although there was no consistent tendency for brush to rank higher than forest, or vice versa.

Warm season (spring, summer, and fall) values were higher than those in the winter although the rankings of values within the warm season showed considerable variation.

Year 3 did not show the typical pattern seen in Years 1 and 2 of an increase in species diversity and/or richness in I

croplands in the winter, perhaps due to the severity of weather conditions and complete snow cover in the winter of Year 3.

However, the consistent relationship between cropland and grass-land habitats evidenced in the first 2 years of the study was l

again seen in Year 3.

During all 3 years, grassland communities ranked higher than cropland during the summer and fall (and the spring in Year 2) while cropland ranked higher during the remain-ing seasons.

This may be due in part to the attractiveness of waste grain in croplands during the nongrowing season.

Although the absolute values of both species diversity and species richness have varied from season to season and year I

to year; they have been similar.

Spe :ies diversity in wooded habitats has varied generally between 2.5 and 3.5 during spring, summer, and fall and slightly above or below 2.0 in the winter.

Species diversity in nonwooded habitats has varied between 1.0 and 2.5, except during the winter cf Year 3 when lower values, probably associated with severe weather, were evident.

Species richness has shown similar comparability.

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4.1.4 Abundance 4.1.4.1 Year 3 Results - Figure 4-2 graphically displays the Year 3 density estimates.

Highest bird density generally occurred in brush habitacs followed by forest, grassland, and cropland.

l Deviation from this pattern occurred only in the fall when forest densities exceeded those of brush habitats.

In brush, forest, and grassland, densities were highest in spring and summer and then declined through the fall.

I Comparison Uith Previous Years - Seasonal patterns of 4.1.4.2 bird abundance have been similar over the first 3 years of the monitoring survey, showing warm season maxima declining to winter minima.

Year 3 was most similar to Year 2 with densities in all habitats generally declining from spring highs to winter lows.

In both years, only one significant variation to this pattern, a sum-l mer peak, occurred.

This deviation was apparent in grassland habitats in Year 2 and brush habitats in Year 3.

Year 1 differed from this pattern in that brush habitats displayed a spring minimum and, along with forest and cropland habitats, had fairly consistent densities from the summer through the winter survey periods.

l Overall estimates of bird abundance on the 1,000-ac plant site have declined from Year 1 to Year 3.

Spring and summer abundar.ce estimates for Year 3 were on the order of 20-30% less fl than those of Years 1 and 2.

The fall estimates for Year 3 was similar to that of Year 2 but about 50% less than that of Year 1.

The winter estimate for Year 3 was about half that of Year ?, but l

almost 80% less than that of Year 1.

These declines in overall abundance are probably due partially to sampling error, natural variability, and timing of sampling periods, as well as to expan-sion of the fenced plant site and, in Year 3, preemption of habitat im along the pipeline corridor.

O l

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ESPEY. HUSTON & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862 I

Table 4-7 shows a comparison of data from Years 1-3 of g

the Byron study witl' data from northern Illinois in 1957 and 1958 as reported by Graber and Graber (1963).

Although both studies show considerable variation, the variation between studies is gen-erally no greater than that within studies.

However, consistant differences between the two studies are apparent as (1) lower I

density of forest birds in winter, and (2) higher density of grassland birds in the summer on the pyron site than in northern Illinois as a whole (according to Graber and Graber, 1963).

The difference in winter forest avifauna is not easily explainable.

The higher grassland density on the Byron site may be due largely to the " edge" effect produced by the mosaic of open and fcrested habitats, especially on the northern half of the site.

4.2 WILDLIFE ROAD-CRUISE TRANSECT 4.2.1 Methods The 13-mi (21-km) auditory game bird transect surveyed during Years 1 and 2 of the program was expanded into a 20-mi (32-km) general wildlife transect driven morning and evening for 3 days.

The morning count begins about 0. 5 hour5.787037e-5 days 0.00139 hours 8.267196e-6 weeks 1.9025e-6 months after sunrise; the evening count ends about 0.5 hour5.787037e-5 days 0.00139 hours 8.267196e-6 weeks 1.9025e-6 months before sunset.

All birds seen or heard at each station (located at 1 i (1.6-km) intervals along the transect) are recorded.

In addition, all game birds and mammals seen both at and between stations are recorded.

Game b2.rds are treated in this manner to maintain cont.nuity with game bird surveys in previous years.

All mammals seen are recorded to provide maximum data on this group which is, in general, much less frequently represented eb.an are birds.

I The distance of each station from the plant site and its habitats are summarized in Table 4-8.

g 4-11

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ESPEY, HUSTON & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862 I

4.2.2 Species Composition rables 4-9 through 4-12 present a summary of the species l

observed and their abundance and frequency during each seasonal survey.

The bird species observed and their frequencies and abun-dances were similar to those of the Forbes-Gross survey except for the increased prevalence of man-associat.ed species typical of roadsides and farmlands, especially the house sparrow and starling (Sturnus vulgaris).

Mammals observed were those commonly seen along roadsides in northumstern Ill!nois.

Notable exceptions II were observations of a gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) just northwest of the 1,000-ac site during the summer survey and a short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda) south of the site during the winter survey.

4.2.3 Species Richness and Abundance I

Table 4-13 through 4-16 present the mean number of species and individuals observed at each station during each seasonal survey.

This data was analyzed statistically to deter-mine if a significant relationship existed between either tut er of s7ecies or number of individuals and distance from the plant site or diversity of habitats.

No significant correlation was found between either numbers of species or numbers of individuals and distance from the plant site.

However, the number of species present was significantly correlated (d.f.=18, r=0.632, p<0.01) with diversity (i.e., number of habitats) present at a station.

l Likewise, the number of individuals present was significantly correlated (d.f.=18, r=0.510, p<0.05) with habitat diversity.

I I

4-12

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3010 S. LAMAR + AUST!;4, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 I

4.3 IMPORTANT SPECIES I

Results of the two survey methods presented and general observations araund the site which pertain to "important species" are discussed below.

I 4.3.1 Upland Game Animals I

Common upland game species on the Byron site are the ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), bobwhite (Colinus vircinianus), gray partridge (Perdix perdix), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), fox squirrel (Sciurus niger),

l and eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus).

4.3.1.1 Year 3 Results - Data collected during Year 3 relating to the above-mentioned species are discussed below.

Spring and summer auditory data on game birds obtained on the wildlife cruise census are presented in Table 4-17 in a format comparable to that in previous annual reports for comparative purposes.

I Mourning Dove abundance estimates for the spring and summer were almost identical, i.e., 4.0 and 3.9/100 ac (Tables 4-3 and 4-4).

The indices obtained from the road-cruise census were also similar (Table 4-17).

Ring-necked Pheasant density estimates varied consider-aMy from 1.1/100 ac in the spring to 9.2/100 ac in the summer.

No pheasants were observed on the Forbes-Gross transects in the l

fall or vinter (although several were observed along the wildlife L

cruise transect).

The auditory indices varied inversely with the I

density estimates, being considerably lower in the summer than in the spring (Table 4-17).

I 4-13

A I

e solo S. LAMAR e AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Docuemnt No. 7862 cruise transect).

The auditory indices varied inversely with the density estimates, being considerably lower in the summer than in the spring (Table 4-17).

I Bobwhite density estimates were 0.8/100 ac in both the spring and summer.

No quail were observed in the fall or winter I

censuses.

Bobwhite auditory indices were quite similar for the spring and summer (Table 4-17).

Grav Partridge were observed on the Forbes-Gross transects only du ring the spring, when an estimate of 1.5 birds /100 ac was obtained.

This imported species was observed during the spring, summer, and fall along the wildlife cruise transect.

Partridge were noted at seven different stations, including Station 3 located immediately west of the plant site.

Although apparently prospering well in the vicinity of the plant site, this species is the least abundant of the common upland game species in the area.

I White-tailed Deer are no longer monitored directly; however, evidence of their presence on and around the site was apparent during each of the seasonal surveys.

Evidence (tracks l

and pellet groups) of deer usage of the disturbed forest immediately west of the plant site was noted during the I'orbes-Gross bird census.

I Fox Sauirrel and Eastern Cottontails were commonly ob-served on and around the site.

Numerous leaf nest in forested areas were further evidence of squirrel abundance.

I e

8 I

4-14

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l solo s. LAMAR + AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 I

4.3.1.2 Comparison With Previous Years - The auditory index for mourning doves was slightly higher in Year 3 than in either Year 1 or 2.

However, the Ferbes-Gross density estimate was lower.

The ring-necked pheasant auditory index (maximum calling males per mile) derived from the spring cock-call counts has decreased from a Year 1 high of 1.7 to a Year 3 low of 1.0.

Density estimates I

from the Forbes-Gross survey have been highly variable; no valid evidence of on-site population change can be derived from these data.

The decreased auditory index may be a reflection of increased mortality during the severe winter of 1976-1977.

Evidence of such acrtslity has been presented by the Illinois Natural History Sur-vey (1977).

The auditory index for bobwhite has varied with no l

obvious trend or pattera over the first 3 years of the monitoring program.

The Year 3 Forbes-Gross density estimate was somewhat lower than that of Year 1 or 2.

The limited data on the gray partridge obtained in the wildlife cruise census and the Forbes-Gross survey suggest that the species is maintaining a steady I

population in the vicinity of the plant site.

However, the large covey encountered west of the plant site in fcrmer years was not observed during Year 3.

The limited data available for comparing the status of deer, squirrels, and cottontail rabbits over the first 3 years of the monitoring program suggest no significant changes it. aistri-bution or abundance.

4.3.2 Raptors and Waterfowl 4.3.2.1 Year 3 Results - The raptorial birds, waterfowl, and

! I shore or wading birds observed on the site are indicated primarily in Tables 4-9 through 4-12.

Several species were commonly ob-served.

The killdeer (Charadris vociferus) was the most frequently

'I 4-15

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ESPEY, HUSToN & ASSOCIATES, IFC.

Document No. 7862 observed and abundant of this group in the spring, summer, and l

fall.

The red-tailed hawk (Burev jamaicensis) was present during all seasons.

The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) was ce monly observed in the fall and winter.

4.3.2.2 Comparison With Previous Years - Some differences are evident in the species of waterfowl, raptors, aad shorebirds present in Years 1, 2, and 3.

Howeve, the frequency and abundance common I

species (killdeer, red-tailed hawk, and American kestrel) did not change appreciably.

4.3.3 Threatened or Endangered Species - No federally protected threatened or endangered species as defined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1977) were observed on the site or in the sur-l rounding areas.

Several birds considered threatened or endangered by the Illinois Department of Conservation (1978) were observed on the site.

The endangered little blue heron (Florida caerulea) was observed during the summer survey, although not along established I

transects.

The threatened veery (Cathar-fuscescens) was cbserved in wooded habitats on the site during the spring, summer, and fall surveys.

Forbes-Gross density estimates for this species ranged from 0.2/100 ac in the spring to 0.5/100 ac in the fall.

It's i

presence during late spring and mid-summer suggest that it may be l

a bree ing summer resident in the area.

I I I l

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4-16

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SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER I

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Fig. 4-1 Comparison of Eimilarities of Avifaunal I

Communities Surveyed on the Byron Site--

Year 3 vs Previous Years

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on the Byron Site--Year 3 I

I l

4-18 l

M M

M TABLE 4-1 I

BIRDS WilICil MAY OCCUR ON Tile BYRON SITE OR ADJACENT AREAS 3

Year Observed 2

Common Name Latin Name Status Usual Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 1

Common loon Gavia ininer M

lakes, rivers i

l Red-throated loon Gavia stellata M

lakes, rivers l

Red-necked grebe Podiceps grisegena M

ponds, lakes Horned grebe Podiceps auritus M

lakes, ponds Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps fi,SR shallow water White pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos M lakes Double-crested connorant Phaio rocorax auritus M

lakes, rivers Great blue heron Ardea herodias M,SR streams, ponds, marshes X

l Great egret Casmerodius albus SV streams, ponds, marshes 4

Snowy egret Egretta thula SV marshes, ponds Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis M,SV pastures Little blue heron Florida caerulea SV lakes, streams, ponds X

Green heron Butorides virescens M,SR ponds, wooded streams X

Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax M,SR swamps, marshes Yellow-crowned night heron Nyctanassa violacea M,SR swamps, marshes American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus M,SR marshes X

Least bittern Ixobrychus exilis SR marshes Whistling swan Olor columbianus M

shallow water Canada goose Branta canadensis M,WR fields X

White-fronted goose Anser albifrons M

fields Snow goose Chen caerulescens M

fields

M M

M TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Coninon flame Latin Name Status usuaul Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 Mallara Anas platyrhynchos M,SR,WR ponds, marshes X X Black duck Anas rubripes M,SR,WR ponds Gadwell Anas strepera M

lakes, ponds Pintail Anas acuta M,SR lakes, ponds Green-winged teal Anas crecca M

ponds, lakes Blue-winged teal Anas discors M,SR ponds, marshes American wigeon Anas americana M

ponds, fields Shoveler Anas clypeata M,SR ponds, marshes Wood duck Aix sponsa M,SR wooded lakes, streams X X X p

Redhead Aythya asnericana M

ponds, lakes Ring-necked duck Aythya collaris M

woodland ponds Canvasback Aythya valisineria M

ponds, lakes Greater scaup Aythya marila M,WR ponds, lakes Lesser scaup Aytha affinis M,WR ponds, lakes Common goldeneye

_Bu ephala clangula M,WR wooded lakes, rivers X X Barrow's goldeneye Bucephala islandica M,WR lakes, rivers Bufflehead Bucephala albeola M,SR wooded lakes, rivers Oldsquaw Slangula hyemalis M,WR lakes White-winged scoter Melanitta deglandi WR lakes Ruddy duck 0xyura jamaicensis M,WR lakes, rivers Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus M,WR wooded lakes, streams Common merganser Mergus merganser M,WR lakes

M M

TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Common Name Latin Name Status Usual Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator M,WR lakes Turkey vulture Cathartes _ aura SR fields, roadsides X

Black vulture Coragyps atratus SV fields, roadsides Goshawk Accipiter gentilis WR woods Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus M,SR open woods, wood margins X

Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperi M,SR open woods, wood margins X X Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis M,R woods, open country X X X Red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus M,R woods X

Broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus M,SR woods X X X p

Swainson's hawk Buteo swainsoni M,SR open country y

Rough-legged hawk Buteo lagopus M,WR open country X

Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos_

M,V open country Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus M

lakes, rivers Marsh hawk Circus cyaneus M,SR grcssland, marshes Osprey Pandion haliaetus M

lakes, rivers Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus M

woods Merlin Falco_ columbarius M

open country American kestrel Falco sparverius R

opan country X X X Bobwhite Colinus virginianus R

brush, fallow fields X X X Gray partridge Perdix perdix R

farmland X X X Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus R

open woods, farmland X X X Sandhill crane Grus canadensis M

prairies, fields

.a n :

M M

M TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd)

Year Observed 3 p

Conanon Name Latin Name Status usual Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 King rail Rallus elegans M,SR marshes Virginia rail Rallus limicola M,SR marshes Sora Porzana carolina M,SR marshes X

Yellow rail Coturnicops noveboracensis M,SR marshes, meadows Bltck rail Laterallus jamaicensis M,SR marshes Common galiinule Gallinula chloropus M,SR marshes, lakes American coot Fulica americana M,SR lakes, rivers Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula M

beaches, m9dflats Killdeer Charadrius vociferus M,SR fields, mudflats X X X American golden plover Pluvialus dominica M

fields, mudflats X

Black-bellied plover Squatarola squatarola M

marahes, mudflats Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres M

beaches American woodcock Philohela minor M,SR mcist woods, thickets X X X Connon snipe Capella gallinago M,SR mar d s, rivers X

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus M

marshes, prairies, shores Upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda M,SR grassland Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia M,SR lakes, streams Willet

,Catoptrophorus semipalmatus M

lakes Solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria M,SR lakes, streams Greater yellowlees Tringa melanoleucus M

marshes

M M

W M

M TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Common Name Latin Nans Status Usual liabitat 1 2 3 4 5 Lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes M

marshes Knot Calidris canutus M

shores, mudflats Pectoral sandpiper Calidris melanotos M

marshes, wet fields White-rumped sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis M

shores Baird's sandpiper Calidei_s_ bairdii M

marshes, shores Least sandpiper Calidris_ minutilla M

river shores Dunlin Calidris alpina M

shores Semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusillus M

shores Western sandpiper Calidris mauri M

mudflats a

Sanderling Calidris alba M

sandy shores h

Short-billed dowitcher Limnodronus griseus M

shores Stilt sandpiper Micropalama himantopus M

marshes, mudflats Buff-breasted sandpiper Tryngites sfruficollis M

short-grass areas Marbled godwit Limosa fedoa M

prairies, pastures iludsonian godwit Limosa haemastica M

marshes, shores, meadows Red phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius M

open water Wilson's phalarope Steganopus tricolor M,SR ponds Northern phalarope Lobipes lobatus M

open water Parasitic iaeger Stercorarius parasiticus M

open water Glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus WR coasts Great black-backed gull Larus marinus M,WR coasts tierring gull Larus argentatus M,SR lakes, rivers

M M

TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Common Name Latin Name Status usual Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis M,WR lakes, rivers Franklin's gull Larus pipixcan M

prairies Bonaparte's gull Larus philadelphia M

lakes Forster's tern Sterna forsteri M

marshes Connion tern Sterna hirundo M,SR large lakes Least tern Sterna albifrons SR sandy beaches Caspian tern Sterna caspia M

lakes Black tern Chlidonias niger M,SR lakes, marshes Rock Dove Columba livia R

farms, cities X X X

e Mourning dove Zenaida macroura M,SR,WR fields, woods X X X

y Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccy us americanus SR teeds, brush X X X

Ulack-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus M,SR woods, trush X

Barn owl Tyto alba R

fields, marshes Screech owl Otus asio R

towns, woodlots Great horned owl Bubo virginianus R

woods Snowy owl Nyctea scandiaca WV open country Hawk owl Surnia ulula WR semi-open country Barred owl Strix varia R

woods Long-eared owl Asio otus M,SR woods, thickets Short-eared owl Asio flammeus R

prairies, marshes Saw-whet owl Aegolius acadicus R

conifers X

Chuck-will's widow Caprimulgus carolinensis SR woods i

M M

M TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Common Name Latin Name Status usual Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus M,SR woods X

Conmon nighthawk Chordeiles mireg M,SR open woods, towns X

Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica M,SR open sky, towns X

X Ruby-throated hunmingbird Archilochus colubris M,SR flowers Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon M,SR rivers, ponds X

Conmon flicker Colaptes auratus M,SR,WR woods, fanns X X X Pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus M,SR woods Red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus R

woods, towns X X X Red-headed woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus R

woods, towns X ;

X y

h Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus variur, M,WR woods

.I X X Hairy woodpecker Picoides villosus R

woods X X X Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens R

woods, towns X X X Black-backed woodpecker Picoides arcticus WV woods Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus M,SR fanns, roadsides X X X Great-crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus M,SR woods X X X Eastern phoebe Sayornis phoebe M,SR streams, roadsides X

Yellow-bellied flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris M

woods Acadian flycatcher Empidonax virescens M,SR wooded streams, woods Willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii M,SR wooded streams, swamps Least flycatcher Empidonax minimus M,SR woods Eastern wood peewee Contopus virens M,SR woods X X X

M M

M TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Common Name Latin Name Status Usual Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 Olive-sided flycatcher Nuttallornis borealis M,SR trees Horned lark Eremophila alpestris R

fields, prairies X X X Tree swallow Iridoprocne bicolor M SR near water X

Bank swallow Riparia riparia M,SR near water Rough-winged swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis M,SR near water X

Barn swallow Hirundo rustica M,SR open country X X X Cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrriioncta M,SR open country Purple martin Progne subis M,SR rural country X

X Blue jay

,Cyanocitta cristata M,R wood:, towns X X X c-Common crow Corvus brachyrhynchos R

woods, farms X X X S)

Black-capped chickadee Parus atricapillus R

woods X X X Tufted titmouse Parus bicolor R

woods X X X White-breasted nuthatch Sitta carolinensis R

woods X X X Red-breasted nuthatch Sitta canaoensis M,WR woods Brown creeper Certhia familiaris M,WR woods X

House wren Troglodytes aedon M,SR woods, brush, towns X X X Winter wren Troglodytes troglodytes M,WR underbrush, towns Bewick's wrto Thryomanes bewickii

.M SR brush, towns Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus M,SR,WR woods, underbrush, towns X X Long-billed marsi,t.cen Cistothorus palustris M,SR raarshes Short-billed marsh wren Cistothorus platensis M,SR marshes X

Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos SR brush, farms, roadsides X

M M

M-M M

M TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Common flame Latin flame Status lisual liabitat 1 2 3 4 5 Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis M,SR undergrowth, brush X X X Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum M,SR,WR brush, thickets X X X American robin Turdus migratorius M,SR,WR farmland, woods X X X Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina M,SR woods X X X llermit thrush Catharus guttatus M,WR woods X X Swainson's thrush Catharus ustulatus M

woods X X X Gray-cheeked thrush Catharus minimus M

woods X X X Veery Catharus fuscescens M SR woods X X X Eastern bluebird Stalia sialis M,SR,WR open country X

X f

Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea M,SR woods, brush X

U Golden-crowned kinglet Regulus satrapa WR woods X X Ruby-crowned kinglet Regulus calendula M,WR woods X X X Water pipit Anthus spinoletta M

fields, marshes Bohemian waxwing Bombycilla garrulus WR semi-open country Cedar waxwing Bor:bycilla cedrorum M,SR,WR semi-open country X X X florthern shrike Lanius excubitor WP.

open country X

X Log <;arhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus M,SR open country Starling Sturnus vulgaris R

fields, towns X X X White-eyed vireo Vireo griseus M,SR thickets, brush X

X Dell's vireo Vireo belli M,SR thickets X

Yellow-throated vireo Vireo flavifrons M,SR woods Solitary vireo Vireo solitarius M SR woods X

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M

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M M

M TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Conanon llame Latin flame Status Usual liabitat 1 2 3 4 5 Blackburnian.varbler Dand.r *ca fusca M

woods Yellow-throated warbler Dendroica dominica M

open woods Chestnut-sided warbler Dendroica pensylvanica M,SR brush X X Bay-brested warbler Dendroica castanea M

woods X

Blackpoll warbler Dendroica striata M

trees X

Pine warbler Dendroica pinus M

pines Prairie warbler Dendroica discolor M,SR brush X

Palm warbler Dendroica palmarum M

brush, weeds X

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus ti,SR underbrush X X 7

florthern waterthrush Seiurus noveborancensis M

streams X X U$

Louisiana waterthrush Seiurus motacilla M,SR streams Kentucky warbler Oporornis formosus M,SR underbrush X

Connecticut warbler 0porornis agilis il underbrush Mourning warbler 0porornis philadelphia M

underbrush Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas M,SR thickets, brush X X X Yellow-breasted chat Icte.ia_virens M,SR brush, thickets X

llooded warbler Wilsonia citrina M,SR underbrush Wilson's warbler Wilsonia pusilla M

brush, thickets X

Canada warbler Wilsonia canadensis M

underbrush American redstart Setophaga ruticilla M,SR woods X X llouse sparrow Passer domesticus R

towns, farms X X X

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus M,SR fields, marshes X X X

M M

M M'

M M

M TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd)

Year Observed 2

Ccamon Name Latin Name Status Usual liabitat 1 2 3 4 5 Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna M,SR,R fields, meadows X X X Western meadcslark Sturnella neglecta SR,WR fields, meadows X X X Yellow-headed blackbird Xan thocephalus xanthocephalus M,SR fields, marshes Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus M,SR,R fields, marshes X X X Orchard oriole Icterus spurius M,SR farms, edges X X Northern oriole Icterus g_albula M,SR woods, trees X X X Rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus M,WR river groves Brewer's blackbird Euphagus _cyanocephalus M,SR fields, farms X X Common grackle puiscalus_quiscala M,SR,WR farms, streams X X X Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater M,SR,WR fields, brush X X X Scarlet tanager Piranga olivacea M,SR woods X X X i

Summer tanager Piranga rubra M,SR woods X X X Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis R

wooded ( dges, thickets X X X Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus M,SR woods, thickets X X X

Blue grosbeak Guiraca caerulea M

brush, woods X

Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea M,SR brush, edges X X X

Dickcissel Spiza americana M,SR fields, meadows X X X Evening grosbeak flesperiphona vespertina WR trees, shrubs Purple finch Carpodacus purpureus M:WR,SR woods X

Pine grosbea Pinicola enucleator WR conifers Common redpoll Acanthus flammea M,WR weedy fields

M M

M

'M M

M M

TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd)

Year Observed 2

Coninon Name Latin Name Status Usual liabitat 1 2 3 4 5 Pine siskin Carduelis pinus M

woods, conifers American goldfinch Carduelis tristis R

edges X X X Red crossbill Loxia curvirostra WR conifers White-winged crossbill Loxia _leucoptera WR conifers Rufus-sided towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus M,SR,WR brush, edges X X X

Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis M,SR fields, prairies X X X

Grasshopper sparrow Aninodramus savannarum M,SR fields, prairies X X X

lienslow's sparrow Ammodramus henslowii M,SR weedy fields Sharp-tailed sparrow Aninospiza caudacuta M

marshes p

Leconte's sparrow Ammospiza lecontii M

fields, marshes y

Vesper sparrow Pooecetes gramineus M,SR open country X X X Lark sparrow Chondestes grammacus M,SR open country, edges Bachman's sparrow Aimophilaaestivain M

pines, oaks, brush pastures Dark-eyed junco Junc_o hyemalis M,WR brush, edges X X X

Tree sparrow Spizella arborea M,WR brushy, weedy fields X X X

Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina M,SR open woods, farms X X Clay-colored sparrow Spizella pallida M,WR brush, fields Field sparrow Spizella pusilla M,SR,R semi-open country X

X llarris sparrow Zonotrichia guerula M

open woods, brush White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia _leucophrys M

brush, edges X

White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis M,WR underbrush, thickets X X X

Fox sparrow Passerella iiiaca M,WR underbrush, thickets

M M

M TABLE 4-1 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Common Name Latin Name Status Usual Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 Lincoln's sparrow Melospiza lincolnii M,SR thickets, pastures, edges X X X Swamp sparrow Melospiza georgiana M,SR marshes, swamps X

Song sparrow Melospiza melodia M,SR,WR brush, edges, streams X X X

Lapland longspur Calcarius lapponicus M

fields, prairies Smith's longspur Calcarius pictus M

fields, prairies Snow bunting Plectrophenax nivalis WR fields, pastures I Status and occurrence based on Smith and Parmalee (1955).

Habitat preference based on Robbins, et al.

(1966) and Peterson (1963).

Nomenclature and taxonomic order based on A.0.U.

Check-List of North American Birds (5th edition) and supplements.

h M - Migrant R - Resident SR - Summer resident WR - Winter resident SV - Summer visitant WV - Winter visitant 3

l Years of the monitoring program 1

m M

M M

W W

W TABLE 4-2 I

MAMMALS WHICH MAY OCCUR ON THE BYR0f4 SITE AND ADJACEtiT AREAS 3

Year Observed 2

Common Name Latin Name Usuaul Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 Virginia opposum Didelphis marsupialis woods, farms X X X Eastern mole Scalopus aquaticus moist, sandy soil X X X Masked shrew Sorex cinereus woods, weedy fields Short-tailed shrew Blarina brevicauda woods, brush X

Least shrew Czyptoti_s parva fields, meadows Little brown myotis Myotis lucifugus fields, buildings Keen's myotis Myotis keenii buildings, caves, woods 7

Indiana myotis Myotis sodalis caves d

Silver-haired bat Lasionycteris noctivagens woods, buildings Eastern pipestrel Pipistrellus subflavus caves, buildings, woods Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus caves, buildings, woods Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus woods Red bat Lasiurus borcalis woods Raccoon Procyon lotor woods, streams X X X Weasel Mustela.nivalis meadows, brush Long-tailed weasel Multela frenata brush, farmland Mink Mustela vison lakes, streams River otter Lutra canadensis lakes, streams Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis brush, edges, farms X X X Badger Taxidea taxus sand prairie

M M

M TABLE 4-2 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Common siame Latin Name Usual Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 Red fox Vulpes vulpes fields, open woods X X Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus woods, open brush X X X Coyote Canis latrans cpen country Bobcat Lynx _r_ufus woods Woodchuck Marmota monax forest edges X X Thirteen-lined ground Spermophilus squirrel tridecemlineatu_s pastures, roadsides X X X Franklin's ground squirrel Spermophilus franklinii brush, grassland Eastern chipmunk Tamias striatus woods X X X Gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis woods, streams da Fox squirrel Sciurus niger woods, parkland, groves X X X Southern flying squirrel Glaucomys volans woods Beaver Castor canadensis lakes, streams X

X Western harvest mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis weedy fields Deer FCuse Peromyscus maniculatus prairie, weedy fields White-footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus woods, brush, edges X

Meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus moist meadows Prairie vole Microtus ochrogaster meadows Woodland vole Microtus pinetorum woods, fields Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus streams, ponds X X Norway rat Rattus norvegicus farms, towns, crops House mouse Mus musculus farms, towns, crops J

M M

M TABLE 4-2 (Cont'd) 3 Year Observed 2

Common Name Latin Name Lal Habitat 1 2 3 4 5 Meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonius streams, ponds Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus woods, weedy fields, edges X X X White-tailed jackrabbit Lepus townsendii open grassland White-teailed deer Odocoileus virginianus woods, brush X X X I Nomenclature follows Jones, et al. (1973) 2 Based on Hoffmeister and Mohr (1957), Burt and Brossenheider (1964) 3 Years of the monitoring program t

O 1

1

M M

M TABLE 4-3 DENSlIY ESTIMATES FROM THE FORBES-GROSS BIRD CENSUS ON THE BYRON SITE--SPRING 1977 Density / Relative Frequency (%)2 Overall Overall' 2

Species Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

Red-winged blackbird 73/14.1 3/0.7 167/48.1 10/13.3 636 29.1 Common grackle 43/8.3 69/15.4 12/3.5 15/20.0 171 7.8 j

Bobolink 46/13.3 145 6.6 Gray catbird 53/10.2 42/9.4 88 4.0 Grasshopper sparrow 27/7.8 84 3.8 Indigo bunting 23/4.4 15/3.4 5/1.4 10/13.3 77 3.5 l

Dickcissel 25/6.9 76 3.5 American goldfinch 30/5.8 3/0.7 10/2.9 65 3.0 s-Savannah sparrow 19/5.5 61 2.8 gj Rose-breasted grosbeak 26/5.0 42/9.4 59 2.7 House sparrow 13/2.5 15/20.0 52 2.4 Blue jay 17/3.3 42/9.4 48 2.2 American robin 17/3.3 30/6.7 3/0.9 47 2.1 Vesper sparrow 5/1.4 10/13.3 41 1.9 Mourning dove 36/6.9 40 1.8 Song sparrow 33/6.4 5/1.1 40 1.8 Brown thrasher 23/4.4 12/2.7 34 1.6 Cardinal 20/3.9 15/3.4 32 1.5 brown-headed cowbird 10/1.9 27/6.0 30 1.4 Black-capped chickadee 20/3.9 10/2.2 29 1.3 Northern oriole 27 1.2

M M

M TABLE 4-3 (Cont'd)

Density / Relative Frequency (%)2 Overall' Overall l

3 Species Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

Barn swallow 3/0.7 7/2.0 25 1.1 House wren 13/2.5 15/3.4 25 1.1 Meadowlark 7/2.0 23 1.1 Cedar waxwing u.

9 22 1.0 Starling 13/2.

3/0.7 16 0.7 Gray partridge 5/1.4 15 0.7 Red-headed woodpecker 7/1.4 10/2.2 5/6.7 14 0.6 Horned lark 5/6.7 13 0.6 Yellow warbler 5/6.7 13 0.6 Ring-necked pheasant 3/0.6 2/0.6 11 0.5 s-Bobwhite 2/0.6 8

0.4 tj Chinaney swift 2/0.6 8

0.4 Eastern kingbird 2/0.6 8

C.4 Rufus-sided towhee 3/0.6 5/1.1 7

0.3 Wood thrush 3/0.6 5/1.1 7

0.3 Warbling vireo 7/1.6 5

0.2 Nashville warbler 3/0.6 4

0.2 Swainson's thrush 3/0.6 4

0.2 l

White-eyed vireo 3/0.6 4

0.2 Common crow 5/1.1 3

0.1 Downy woodpecker 5/1.1 3

0.1

M M

M TABLE 4-3 (Cont'd)

Density / Relative Frequency (%)2 Overall' Overall' 2

Species Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

Great-crested flycatcher 5/1.1 3

0.1 Scarlet tanager 5/1.1 3

0.1 American redstart 3/0.7 2

0.1 Eastern wood peewee 3/0.7 2

0.1 Empidonax flycatcher 3/0.7 2

0.1 1

Gray-cheeked thrush 3/0.7 2

0.1 Hairy woodpecker 3/0.7 2

0.1 Philadelphia vireo 3/0.7 2

0.1 Red-bellied woodpecker 3/0.7 2

0.1 I

Tufted titmouse 3/0.7 2

0.1 Veery 3/0.7 2

0.1 Unide,.itied 10/1.9

_37/8.3 2/0.6 44 2.0 s

518/100.1 447/100.3 347/100.1 75/100.0 2188 99.9 1 Birds per 100 acres 2 Density / Total bird density x 100 3 Totals for the 1000 acre site

m M

M M

m M

M M

M TABLE 4-4 DEflSITY ESTIMATES FROM THE FORBES-GROSS BIRD CEtlSUS ON THE BYRON SITE--SUMMER 1977 l

Density / Relative Frequency (%)2 Overall3 Overall3 Species Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

Red-winged blackbird 20/3.5 99/28.1 336 16.0 Meadowlark 63/17.9 199 9.5 Dickcissel 10/1.7 46/13.1 156 7.4 Common grackle 63/11.0 72/17.2 7/1.9 5/20.0 155 7.4 American robin 59/10.3 37/8.8 15/4.3 5/20.0 150 7.1 Gray catbird 76/13.3 17/4.1 96 4.6 Ring-necked pheasent 29/8.2 92 4.4 Blue jay 23/4.0 67/15.9 72 3.4 p

Grasshopper sparrow 22/6.3 69 3.3 American goldfinch 26/4.5 5/1.2 10/40.0 58 2.8 Song sparrow 40/7.0 3/0.9 52 2.5 Common flicker 23/4.0 35/8.4 50 2.4 Starling 15/4.3 46 2.2 Mourning dove 10/1.7 7/1.7 7/1.9 39 1.9 House sparrow 17/3.0 5/1.4 33 1.6 Bobolink 10/2.8 31 1.5 Rose-breasted grosbeak 20/3.5 12/2.9 31 1.5 Cardinal 17/3.0 17/4.1 30 1.4 Conmon crow 7/1.2 7/1.7 5/1.4 27 1.3 Black-capped chickadee 13/2.3 10/2.4 22 1.0 Downy woodpecker 10/1.7 12/2.9 20 1.0 l

M M

M TABLE 4-4 (Cont'd) l Density / Relative Frequency (%)2 Overall 3 Overall3 Species Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

Brown thrasher 13/2.3 5/1.2 18 0.9 Rufus-sided towhee 10/1.7 10/2.4 18 0.9 Indigo bunting 10/1.7 10/2.4 18 0.9 Red-headed woodpecker 3/0.5 20/4.8 18 0.9 Ilouse wren 13/2.3 3/0.7 16 0.8 Barn swallow 5/1.4 15 0.7 Field sparrow 13/2.3 15 0.7 Northern oriole 13/2.3 15 0.7 American woodcock 7/1.2 5/1.2 11 0.5 Eastern kingbird 3/0.5 2/0.6 11 0.5 Common yellowthroat 10/1.7 11 0.5 Bobwhite 2/0.6 8

0.4 c.

h Killdeer 2/0.6 8

0.4 Tufted titmouse 10/2.4 7

0.3 Vesper sparrow 7/1.2 7

0.3 Yellow-billed cuckoo 3/0.5 5/1.2 7

0.3 Yellow-breasted chat 7/1.2 7

0.3 Eastern wood peewee 7/1.7 5

0.2 Great-crested flycatcher 7/1.7 5

0.2 White-breasted nuthatch 7/1.7 5

0.2 Brown-headed cowbira 3/0.5 4

0.2 White-eyed vireo 3/0.5 4

0.2 Red-bellied woodpecker 5/1.2 3

0.1 Veery 5/1.2 3

0.1

M M

M j

l TABLE 4-4 (Cont'd) l Density / Relative Frequency (%}2 Overall 3 Overall3 Species Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

1 Hairy woodpecker 3/0.7 2

0.1 Ovenbird 3/0.7 2

0.1 Rock dove 3/0.7 2

0.1 l

Scarlet tanager 3/0.7 2

0.1 i

Wood thrush 3/ 0.

2 0.1 Unidentified 20/3.5 7/l.7 15/4.3 5/20.0 85 4.1 3

572/99.6 419/100.3 352/100.0 25/100.0 2098 100.0 1 Birds per 100 acres 2 Density / Total bird density x 100 3 Totals for the 1000 acre site i'

f:

1 i

)

l l

I

M M

M TABLE 4-5 DENSITY ESTIMATES FROM THE FORBES-GROSS BIRD CENSUS ON THE BYRON SITE--FALL 1977 I

Density / Relative Frequency (%)2 Overall 3 Overall 3 5pecies Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

Meadowlark 35/30.7 109 11.6 Savannah sparrow 33/28.9 101 10.7 Blue jay SG/21.6 47/12.0 92 9.8 Grasshopper sparrow 16/14.0 51 5.4 Vesper sparrow 14/12.3 42 4.5 White-throated sparrow 20/7.7 27/7.7 41 4.4 Anericar, goldfinch 10/3.9 10/40.0 35 3.8 Gray catbird 23/8.9 7/2.0 31 3.3 c-Black-capped chickadee 10/3.9 27/7.7 30 3.2 ll American robin 13/5.0 20/5.7 29 3.1 House sparrow 26/10.0 29 3.1 Common crow 7/2.0 3/2.6 5/20.0 26

'3 l

Field sparrow 7/2.7 5/4.4 24 2.5 Lincoln's sparrow 7/2.7 5/4.4 24 2.5 Is.digo bunting 20/7.7 22 2.3 Common flicker 7/2.7 15/4.3 18 1.9 White-breasted nuthatch 20/5.7 14 1.5 Downy woodpecker 7/2.7 15/4.3 13 1.4 Horned lark 5/20.0 13 1.4 Mourning dove 5/20.0 13 1.4 Ruby-crowned kinglet 17/4.9 12 1.3

M M

M TABLE 4-5 (Cont'd) l 3

3 Density / Relative Frequency (%)2 Overall Overall Species Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

Tufted titmouse 15/4.3 10 1.1 American redstart 12/3.4 9

1.0 B' own thrasher 7/2.7 3/0.9 9

1.0 Orange-crowned warbler 3/1.2 7/2.0 9

1.0 Swainson's thrush 12/3.4 9

1.0 Eastern wood peewee 3/2.6 8

0.8 Black-and-white warbler 10/2.9 7

0.7 Rufus-sided towhec 3/1.2 5/1.4 7

0.7 j

Rock dove 7/2.7 7

0.7 Red-bellied woodpecker 10/2.9 7

0.7 Rose-breasted grosbeak 7/2.7 7

0.7 i'

Rough-winged swallow 7/2.7 7

0.7 5

Black-throated green warbler 7/2.0 5

0.5 Cardinal 3/1.2 3/0.9 5

0.5 Magnolia warbler 7/2.0 5

0.5 Purple finch 7/2.0 5

G.5 Veery 7/2.0 5

0.5 Yellow warbler 3/1.2 4

0.4 Yellow-billed cuckoo 3/1.2 4

0.4 Common yellowthroat 3/1.2 4

0.4 Hairy woodpecker 5/1.4 3

0.3 Red-headed woodpecker 5/1.4 3

0.3 American woodcock 3/0.9 2

0.2 l

M M

M TABLE 4-5 (Cont'd)

Density / Relative Frequency (%)2 Overall 3 Overall3 l

Species Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

i Brewer's blackbird 3/0.9 2

0.2 Cape May warbler 3/0.9 2

0.2 i

Ovenbird 3/0.9 2

0.2 Philadelphia vireo 3/0.9 2

0.2 Scarlet tanager 3/0.9 2

0.2 Yellow-bellied sapsucker 3/0.9 2

0.2 Unidentified 7/2.7 17/4.9 19 2.0 259/100.2 350/100.4 114/99.9 25/100.0 942 99.7 l

1 Birds per 100 acres 2 Density / Total bird density x 100 y-3 Totals for the 1000 acre site 4

M M

9 89 TABLE 4-6 DENSITY ESTIMATES FROM THE FORBES-GROSS BIRD CENSUS ON THE BYRON SITE--WINTER 1978 l

Density / Relative Frequency (%)2 Overall3 Overall3 Species Brush Forest Grassland Cropland Abundance Rel. Freq. (%)

Common crow 5/5.4 18/85.7 10/50.0 86 26.0 Cardinal 66/48.9 10/10.8 80 24.2 Black-capped chickadee 31/23.0 27/29.0 53 16.0 Rock dove 10/50.0 25 7.6 Downy woodpecker 4/3.0 22/23.7 20 6.0 Dark-eyed junco 13/9.6 15 4.5 Hairy woodpecker 9/6.7 3/3.2 12 3.6 White-breasted nuthatch 15/16.1 10 3.0 f'

Horned lark 3/14.3 8

2.4 5

Song sparrow 4/3.0 5

1.5 Tree sparrow 4/3.0 5

1.5 House sparrow 5/5.4 3

0.9 Red-bel'.ied woodpacker 3/ 3. P.

2 0.6 Unidentified 4/3.0 3/3.2 7

2.1 135/100.2 93/100.0 21/100.0 20/100.0 331 99.9 i Birds per 100 acres 2 Density / Total bird density x 100 3 Totals for the 1000 acre site

I I

TABLE 4-7 COMPARIS0N OF BIRD ABUNDANCE (BIRDS PER 100 ACRES)

ON THE BYRON SITE AND IN NORTHERN ILLIN0IS l

Northern Illinois Byron Site 1957 1958 1975 1976 1977 Brush Summer 793 344 732 508 572 Winter 1612 624 265 135 Forest Summer 222 115 206 408 419 Winter 287 239 86 82 93 2

Grassland Summer 185 253 464 596 352 Winter 43 46 170 41 21 Cropland Summer 66 80 131 128 25 Winter 27 9

73 35 20 1 From Graber and Graber (1963) 2Northern Il!inois estimates from pasture and oldfield categories 3Northern Illinois estimates from corn and soybeans categories I

I I

1 I I

l 4-46

I TABLE 4-8 DESCRIPTIONS OF STATIONS ALONG THE 20-MILE I

BYRON GENERAL WILDLIFE TRANSECT Distance (miles)

I and Direction Station from Plant Site Habitats g

1 1.8 NW Woods, meadow 2

1.2 NW Woods, meadow, cropland, residence 3

0.8 W

Meadov, trees, cropland, residence I

4 0.6 S

Cropland, trees, residence 5

0.3 E

Cropland, trees, power plant 6

0.9 NE Cropland, trees, residence 7

1.3 NE Cropland, trees, meadow, residence 8

1.3 E

Cropland, meadow, trees 9

1.3 E

Woods, cropland l

10 2.1 SE Cropland, residence 11 2.3 E

Woods, cropland, residence, meadow 12 2.2 E

Trees, cropland, meadow 13 2.5 NE Cropland 14 1.9 NE Cropland I

15 2.0 SE Meadow, cropland, trees, residence 16 1.4 SE Cropland, residence 17 1.6 S

Cropland, residence 18 1.8 S

Woods, cropland 19 1.3 SW Trees, cropland, meadow 20 2.0 SW Woods, meadow, residence I

I I

4-47

I TABLE 4-9 MEAN ". FREQUENCY

AND ABUNDANCE OF SPECIES OBSERVED ALONG THE 20-MILE BYRON GENERAL WILDLIFE TRANSECT--SPRING 1977 Mean % Frequency Mean Abundance Species AM PM Overall AM PM Overall Game Birds Ring-necked pheasant 46.7 38.3 42.5 13.0 8.3 10.7 Bobwhite 38.3 31.7 35.0 14.7 8.0 11.4 Mourr;ing dove 36.7 30.0 33.4 12.7 10.7 11.7 Gray partridge 1.7 5.0 3.4 1.0 1.3 1.2 Song Birds I

Red-winged blackbird 88.3 80.0 84.2 74.3 62.0 68.2 Common grackle 53.3 33.3 43.3 26.0 14.3 20.2 Starling 36.7 40.0 38.4 17.3 19.7 18.5 Common crow 41.7 33.3 37.5 11.0 8.7 9.9 Song sparrow 45.0 25.0 35.0 12.0 7.3 9.7 House sparrow 23.3 35.0 29.2 25.7 26.7 26.2 l

Indigo bunting 33.3 21.7 27.5 7.3 5.7 6.5 Meadowlark 28.3 26.7 27.5 6.0 7.0 6.5 Barn swallow 26.7 26.7 26.7 6.0 9.7 7.9 American robin 31.7 18.3 25.0 9.3 6.3 7.8 Brown thrasher 28.3 13.3 20.8 6.0 2.7 4.4 I

Brown-headed cowbird 21.7 11.7 16.7 7.0 5.0 6.0 Grasshopper sparrow 18.3 13.3 15.8 4.0 3.3 3.7 Blue jay 21.7 8.3 15.0 5.7 1.7 3.7 Bobolink 16.7 11.7 14.2 7.3 4.0 2.7 Rock dove 11.7 16.7 14.2 8.0 5.7 6.9 Common yellowthroat 21.7 5.0 13.4 4.7 1.0 2.9 ll American goldfinch 23.3 3.3 13.3 4.7

~0. /

2.7 Horned lark 11.7 10.0 10.9 3.3 4.3 3.8 Dickcissel 13.3 5.0 9.2 4.0 2.0 3.0 Savannah sparrow 11.7 3.0 7.4 4.3 0.7 2.5 Wood thrush 10.0 3.3 6.7 2.0 0.7 1.4 I

Vesper sparrow 6.7 5.0 5.9 1.3 1.3 1.3 Gray catbird 8.3 3.3 5.8 1.7 0.7 1.2 Cardinal 6.7 3.3 5.0 1.3 0.7 1.0 4-48

y I

TABLE 4-9 (Cont'd)

Mean % Frequency Mean Abundance Species AM PM Overall AM PM Overall Northern oriole 3.3 6.7 5.0 0.7 1.3 1.0 Red-headed woodpecker 1.7 8.3 5.0 0.3 2.0 1.2 Rose-breasted grosbeak 3.3 6.7 5.0 0.7 1.3 1.0 Common flicker 6.7 1.7 4.2 1.3 0.3 0.8 I

Eastern wood peewee 5.0 1.7 3.4 1.0 0.3 0.7 Red-bellied woodpecker 3.3 3.3 3.3 0.7 0.7 0.7 Black-billed cuckcoo 5.0 2.5 1.0 0.5 Black-capped chickadee 5.0 2.5 2.0 1.0 Common nighthawk 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 Downy woodpecker 3.3 1.7 0.7 0.4 Eastern kingbird 3.3 1.7 0.7 0.4 Great-crested flycatcher 3.3 1.7 0.7 0.4 Purple martin 3.3 1.7 0.7 0.4 Scarlet tanager 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Tufted titmouse 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 I

White-breasted nuthatch 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Unidentified 2.0 15.0 17.5 5.3 4.0 4.7 Raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl l

Killdeer 6.7 5.0 5.9 1.3 1.0 1.2 Golden plover 1.7 1.7 1.7 6.7 2.7 4.7 Great blue heron 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Red-tailed hawk 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 1 I Mammals Eastern cottontail 8.3 5.0 6.7 1.7 1.3 1.5 g

5 Thirteen-lined ground squirrel 5.0 6.7 5.9 1.0 1.7 1.4 l

Fox squirrel 3.3 1.7 0.7 0.4 Eastern chipmunk 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Woodchuck 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2

Percentage of the 20 stations at which a species occurred.

l 4-49

I TABLE 4-10 MEAN % FREQUENCY

AND ABUNDANCE OF SPECIES OBSERVED ALONG THE 20-MILE BYRON GENERAL WILDLIFE TRANSECT--SUMMER 1977 Mean % Frequency Mean Abundance Species AM PM Overall AM PM Overall Gamebirds Mourning dove 40.0 41.7 40.9 25.7 18.7 22.2 Bobwhite 33.3 13.3 23.3 9.3 3.3 6.3 Ring-necked pheasant 10.0 5.0 7.5 2.0 1.0 1.5 I

Gray partridge 5.0 5.0 5.0 1.7 2.2 2.0 Songbirds Red-winged blackbird 75.0 70.0 72.5 72.0 46.0 59.0 House sparrow 50.0 55.0 52.5 69.3 68.0 68.7 American robin 45.0 55.0 50.0 14.0 23.3 18.7 Indigo bunting 43.3 53.3 48.3 12.0 15.0 13.5 l

Song sparrow 55.0 36.7 45.9 15.7 7.3 12.0 Starling 41.7 41.7 41.7 61.7 45.0 53.4 Common crow 46.7 33.3 40.0 13.7 9.3 11.5 Common grackle 45.0 33.3 39.2 40.0 20.3 30.2 Barn swallow 21.7 35.0 28.4 9.7 14.0 11.9 I

American goldfinch 33.3 23.3 28.3 7.7 6.3 7.0 Meadowlark 25.0 25.0 25.0 7.0 6.0 6.5 Common yellowthroat 18.3 16.7 17.5 3.7 3.3 3.i Blue jay 18.3 10.0 14.2 3.7 3.7 3.7 Field sparrow 11.7 15.0 13.4 2.7 3.3 3.0 Dickcissel 10.0 15.0 12.5 3.7 5.3 4.5 l

Rock dove 11.7 11.7 11.7 6.0 4.0 5.0 Cardinal 13.3 8.3 10.8 3.3 2.0 2.7 Grasshopper sparrow 13.3 8.3 10.8 3.7 2.3 3.0 Brown-headed cowbird 11.7 8.3 10.0 2.7 4.0 3.4 Horned lark 8.3 10.0 9.2 4.0 4.0 4.0 Common flicker 11.7 G.7 9.2 2.7 1.3 2.0 Eastern kingbird 1.7 15.0 8.4 0.3 5.3 2.8 Black-capped chickadee 8.3 6.7 7.5 1.7 1.3 1.5 Red-headed woodpecker 8.3 6.7 7.5 1.7 1.7 1.7 Brown thrasher 10.0 1.7 5.9 2.0 0.7 1.4 l

4-50

TABLE 4-10 (Cont'd)

I Mean % Frequency Mean Abundance Species AM PM Overall AM PM Overall Wood thrush 5.0 6.7 5.9 1.0 1.7 1.4 Yellow-billed cuckoo 6.7 3.3 5.0 2.0 0.7 1.4 Downy woodpecker 8.3 4.2 1.7 0.9 Red-bellied woodpecker 1.7 6.7 4.2 0.3 1.3 0.8 Eastern wood peewee 5.0 1.7 3.4 1.0 0.3 0.7 Rose-breasted grosbeak 6.7 3.4 1.3 0.7 Vesper sparrow 3.3 1.7 2.5 0.7 0.3 0.5 l

Catbird 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 Chimney swift 3.3 1.7 1.0 0.5 Northern oriole 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 Tufted titmouse 3.3 1.7 0.7 0.4 White-breasted nuthatch 3.3 1.7 0.7 I

0.4 Black-billed cuck;o 1.7 0.a 0.3 0.2 Bobolink 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Hairy woodpecker 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 House wren 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Unidentified 10.0 11.7 10.9 2.0 3.3 2.7 Raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl Killdeer 3.3 3.3 3.3 1.0 0.7 0.9 3eited kingfisher 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Red-tailed hawk 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Mammals Cottontail 13.3 1.7 7.5 3.7 0.3 2.0 I

Thirteen-lined ground squirrel 5.0 5.0 5.0 10 1.0 1.0 l

Gray fox 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 1

Percentage of the 20 stations at which a species >: curred.

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l I 4-51

I TABLE 4-11 MEAN % FREQUENCY

AND ABUNDANCE OF SPECIES OBSERVED ALONG THE 20-MILE BYRON GENERAL WILDLIFE TRANSECT--FALL 1977 Mean % Frequency

Mean Abundance Species AM PM Overall AM PM Overall Game Birds Mourning dove 15.0 21.7 18.4 7.7 9.3 8.5 Ring-necked pheasant 8.3 4.2 3.3 1.7 l

Gray partridge 1.7 0.9 3.0 1.5 Songbirds Starling 63.3 38.3 50.8 140.7 76.7 108.7 I

Blue jay 51.7 33.3 42.5 26.7 17.3 22.0 Common crow 65.0 18.3 41.7 22.0 6.3 13.2 House sparrow 26.7 23.3 25.0 51.0 37.0 44.0 Rock dove 18.3 16.7 17.5 31.0 6.7 18.9 Red-winged blackbird 26.7 6.7 16.7 50.3 1.7 26.0 American goldfinch 21.7 10.0 15.4 9.0 5.0 7.0 Common flicker 15.0 8.3 11.7 3.0 2.3 2.7 Meadowlark 11.7 10.0 10.9 13.3 4.0 8.7 American robin 16.7 3.3 10.C 10.0 0.7 5.4 I

8rewer's blackbird 18.3 9.2 15.7 7.9 Song sparrow 13.3 3.3 8.3 6.3 1.0 3.7 I

Gray catbird 5.0 8.3 6.7 1.7 2.0 1.9 Downy woodpecker 11.7 1.7 6.7 2.7 0.3 1.5 Common yellowthroat 8.3 1.7 5.0 1.7 0.3 1.0 Common grackle 5.0 3.3 4.2 4.7 1.7 3.2 Cardinal 5.0 1.7 3.4 2.0 0.3 1.2 White-breasted nuthatch 5.0 1.7 3.4 1.0 0.3 0.7 White-throated sparrow 3.3 3.3 3.3 2.7 0.7 1.7 Chimney swift 1.7 3.3 2.5 1.0 0.7 0.9 Red-bellied woodpecker 3.3 1.7 2.5 0.7 0.3 0.5 Savannah sparrow 3.3 1.7 2.5 1.3 0.7 1.0 Black-capped chickadee 3.3 1.7 1.7 0.9 I

Lincoln's sparrow 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 I

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TABLE 4-11 (Cont'd)

I Mean % Frequency

Mean Abundance Species AM Pf1 Overall AM PM Overall Red-headed woodpecker 3.3 1.7 2.7 1.4 I

Barn swallow 1.7 0.9 10.0 5.0 Brown-headed cowbird 1.7 0.9 1.3 0.7 Common nighthawk 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Eastern bluebird 1.7 0.9 2.3 1.2 Eastern wood peewee 1.7 0.9 0.7 0.4 Field sparrow 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Hairy woodpecker 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Horned lark 1.7 0.9 2.7 1.4 Indigo bunting 1.7 0.9 0.7 0.4 Rose-breasted grosbeak 1.7 0.9 03 0.2 Tennessee warbler 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 I

Vesper sparrow 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Unidentified 18.3 11.7 15.0 6.3 4.7 5.5 Raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl Killdeer 6.7 1.7 4.2 1.7 0.3 1.0 Red-tailed hawk 5.0 2.5 1.0 0.5 American kestrel 1.7 3.3 2.5 0.3 0.7 0.5 Unidentified duck 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.3 2.0 1.2 Broad-winced hawk 1.7 0.9 1.0 0.5 Sharp-shinned hawk 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Mammals i

Chipmunk 1.7 5.0 3.4 0.3 1.0 0.7 Fox squirrel 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Thirteen-lined ground squirrel 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2

Percentage of the 20 stations at which a species occurred.

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TABLE 4-12 MEAN % FREQUENCY

AND ABUNDANCE OF SPFCIES OBSERVED ALONG THE 20-MILE BYRON GENERAL WILDLIFE TRANSECT--WINTER 1978 Mean % Frequency Mean Abundance l

Species AM PM Overall AM PM Overall Game Birds Mourning cove

3. 3 1.7 4.3 2.2 Ring-necked pheasant 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.0

4. 3 2.7 Song Birds Common crow 68.3 30.0 49.2 24.7 10.0 17.4 House sparrow 60.0 26.7 43.4 46.7 19.7 33.2 Starling 31.7 38.3 35.0 22.3 33.3 27.8 Harned lark 31.7 6.7 19.2 12.0 1.3 6.7 I

Rock dove 8.3

8. 3 8.3 3.3

4. 7 4.0 Tree sparrow 71.7 3.3 7.5 9.7 1.7 5.7 Downy woodpecker 11.7 3.3 7.5 2.3 0.7 1.5 Dark-eyed junco 8.3 5.0 6.7 10.3 6.0 8.2 Black-capped chickadee 5.0 6.7 5.9 1.3 2.3 1.8 Blue jay 8.3 1.7 5.0 3.3 0.3 1.8 Cardinal 8.3 1.7 5.0

2. 7 0.3 1.5 Tufted titmouse 6.7 3.4 1.3 0.7 White-breasted nuthatch 6.7 3.4 1.7 0.9 j

Northern shrike 3.3 1.7 0.7 0.4 Unidentified 10.0

3. 3 6.7 2.0 0.7 1.4 I

Raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl l

Red-tailed hawk

3. 3 3.3 3.3 0.7 0.7 0.7 Rough-legged hawk 3.3 1.7 0.7 0.4 American kestrel 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 Unidentified hawk 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Unidentified owl 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Manmal s Fox squirrel 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2 Short-tailed shrew 1.7 0.9 0.3 0.2

Percentage of the 20 stations at which a species occurred.

4-54 l

TABLE 4-13 MEAN NUMBERS OF SPECIES AND INDIVIDUALS OBSERVED AT EACH STATION ALONG THE BYRON GENERAL WILDLIFE TRANSECT--SPRING 1977 Mean No. Species Mean No. Individuals Station AM PM Overall AM PM Overall 1

10.0 6.0 8.0 15.7 10.6 13.2 2

12.7 8.7 10.7 27.0 21.7 24.4 3

9.0 7.3 8.7 20.0 15.0 17.5 4

9.0 8.0 8.5 15.3 12.0 13.7 5

8.3 5.0 6.8 12.3 7.3 10.0 6

9.7 6.7 8.2 17.7 17.0 17.4 7

10.3 6.3 8.3 22.7 16.7 19.7 8

8.7 7.7 8.2 13.3 15.7 14.5 I

9 9.0 7.3 8.2 15.0 10.3 12.7 10 6.7 6.3 6.5 17.3 14.0 15.7 11 9.3 6.3 7.8 19.0 12.3 15.?

12 8.7 7.3 8.0 21.0 19.0 20.0-13 7.7 3.3 5.5 9.7 4.3 7.0 14 6.3 6.0 6.2 18.7 19.3 19.0 15 9.3 7.7 8.5 17.3 15.7 16.5 16 2.3 2.0 2.2 5.3 2.7 4.0 17 2.7 4.3 3.5 16.0 16.0 16.0 l

18 10.3 5.3 7.8 15.7 6.7 11.2 19 7.0 5.3 6.2 9.0 8.3 8.7 20 11.0 7.0 9.0 18.3 10.0 14.2 l

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TABLE 4-14 MEAN NUMBERS OF SPECIES AND INDIVIDUALS OBSERVED AT EACH STATION ALONG THE BYRON GENERAL WILDLIFE TRANSECT--SUMMER 1977 Mean No. Species Mean No. Individuals Station AM PM Overall AM PM Overall 1

8.3 9.0 8.7 22.3 14.7 18.5 2

9.7 6.7 8.2 27.0 9.0 18.0 3

9.3 6.0 7.7 38.0 15.0 26.5 4

11.0 7.3 9.2 19.3 9.3 14.3 5

4.7 3.0 3.9 8.0 3.7 5.9 6

8.7 6.3 7.5 24.0 13.7 18.9 7

9.3 8.7 9.0 44.0 36.7 40.4 8

10.0 7.3 8.7 20.3 24.0 22.2 9

10.3 7.7 9.0 15.3 16.3 15.8 10 5.7 5.3 5.5 15.7 15.0 15.4 11 9.7 8.7 9.2 32.3 21.0 26.7 12 9.3 8.3 8.8 29.7 29.7 29.7 i

13 6.7 6.0 6.4 16.7 19.6 18.2 14 4.7 5.0 4.9 7.0 7.7 7.4 15 10.3 10.0 10.2 28.0 23.3 25.7 16 4.3 4.7 4.5 8.7 6.3 7.5 17 4.7 5.3 5.0 18.3 23.3 20.8 18 7.3 5.0 6.2 11.0 11.7 11.4 19 8.3 9.3 8.8 11.0 16.0 13.5 20 9.0 11.7 10.4 19.0 19.3 19.2 I

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TABLE 4-15 MEAN NUMBERS OF SPECIES AND INDIVIDUALS OBSERVED AT EACH STATION ALONG THE BYRON GENERAL WILDLIFE TRANSECT--FALL 1977 liean No. Species Mean No. Individuals Station AM PM Overall N4 PM Overall 1

5.7 2.0 3.9 21.0 2.7 11.9 2

8.0 5.0 6.5 14.7 12.3 13.5 3

6.0 4.3 5.2 60.7 17.7 39.2 4

5.7 1.7 3.7 17.3 4.0 10.7 5

1.3 0.7 1.0 16.0 3.3 9.7 6

3.7 1.3 2.0 20.7 1.3 11.0 7

5.7 2.7 4.2 48.0 20.3 34.2 8

6.7 3.7 5.2 25.0 29.7 27.4 9

7.3 3.3 5.5 15.0 4.3 9.7 10 3.0 2.3 2.7 9.0 14.0 11.5 11 6.3 3.7 5.0 18.7 12.3 15.5 12 6.0 5.0 5.5 10.7 10.7 10.7 13 3.7 3.3 3.5 57.7 19.3 38.5 14 23 1.0 1.7 4.3 1.3 2.8 15 4.0 2.3 3.2 13.3 14.7 14.0 16 2.7 1.7 2.2 9.7 7.3 8.5 17 3.0 1.3 2.2 22.0 10.0 16.0 18 3.7 3.3 3.5 8.7 5.7 7.2 I

19 5.0 3.7 4.4 15.3 8.3 11.8 l

20 5.

2.0 3.7 14.0 7.0 10.5 I

I iI 4-57

TABLE 4-16 MEAN NUMBERS OF SPECIES AND INDIVIDUALS I

OBSERVED AT EACH STATION ALONG THE BYRON GENERAL WILDLIFE TRANSECT--WINTER 1978 Mean No. Species Mean No. Individuals Station AM PM Overall AM PM Overall 1

2.3 0.7 1.5 3.3 0.7 2.0 2

4.7 1.3 3.0 7.3 1.7 4.5 I

3 2.7 1.3 2.0

7. 7 2.3 5.0 4

3.7 4.0 3.9 10.3 19.3 14.8 5

0.7 0.3 0.5 1.7 3.0 2.4 I

6 1.7 0.3 1.0 4.0 0.3 2.2 7

2.3 1.0 1.7 14.3 3.0 8.7 8

3. 3 0.7 2.0 6.7 1.0 3.9 9

3.0 1.3 2.2 4.0 2.3 3.2 l

10 2.0 1.0 1.5 4.7 1.3 3.0 11 4.0 1.7 2.9 10.3 3.0 6.7 12 3.3 2.3 2.8 6.7 4.7 5.7 13

4. 0 1.7 2.9 10.7 5.0 7.9 I

14 2.7 1.3 2.0 7.0 3.3 3.7 15 3.0 2.7 2.9 5.0 17.3 11.2 lf 2.0 1.0 1.5 3.3 4.7 4.0 a

17 3.3

?0 2.7 16.0 7.0 11.5 18 3.0 1.0 2.0 5.3 1.3 3.3 19 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 1.7 2.4 20 5.7 1.3 3.5 20.7 2.7 11.7 I

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M M

M

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M TABLE 4-17 RESULTS OF AUDITORY CENSUS OF GAME BIRDS IN THE VICINITY OF THE BYRON SITE--SPRING AND SUMMER 1977 Average number of Maximum number of Average number Maximum number calling males / mile calling males / mile seen/ mile seen/ mile Spring Bobwhite 0.5 1.1 0

0 Mourning dove 0.2 0.4 0.5 1.1 Ring-necked pheasant 0.6 1.0 0.1 0.3 Hungarian partridge 0

0 0.1 0.2 Summer 7

Bobwhite 0.4

0. 8 0.1 0.4 we Mourning dove 0.3 0.6 1.0 1.7 Ring-necked pheasant 0.1 0.2 0

0 Gray partridge 0

0 0.1 0.3

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l ESPEY, HUSToN & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862 5.0 FOLIAR SURVEY I

The operation of the Byron Station's evaporative cooling towers will introduce a saline aerosol into the surrounding environ-ment.

The botanical effects of cooling tower aerosols are not well-known, but adverse effects can be anticipated under conditions of high relative humidity, high salt concentrations, and large particle sizes (McCune et al., 1977).

Salt injury symptoms occur in the form I

of marginal leaf burn.

Such injury is caused by the accumulation of soluble salts in leaf tissues, and a corresponding increase in cellular osmotic potential.

The cells eventually rupture as a result of excessive absorption of water.

Several chemicals capable of causing salt damage are normally present in the environment of the Byron Station.

These include fertilizers of all kinds, which l

are used commonly in the area, cement dust from the Byron Station, and rock salt used for de-icing roadways in the winter.

I 5.1 METHODS I

In order to assess the aerosol effects of the Byron Station's cooling towers when they become operational in 1981, I

CECO has instituted an annual foliar survey designed to document baseline conditions in the vicinity of the station.

The survey invo'ves the analysis of current color-infrared (IR) aerial photo-graphy of about 15 sq mi around the Byron Station, and the l

subsequent field examination, by a professional plant pathologist, of any areas which appear abnormal in the photographs.

The 1977 foliar survey was conducted by EH&A staff and Dr. F. F. Hendricks (Consultant to EH&A) on 10-11 August 1977, using aerial photography dated 13 July 1977.

Particular attention was given to foliar injura.es and disease resembling salt injury.

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ESPEY, HUSToN & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862 5.2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The IR photography proved to be an efficient means of rapidly surveying the project area.

Dead or dying foliage was distinguishable from normal foliage on the basis of signature differences in the photography; in many cases, individual dead trees were discernible.

Infertile, sandy, or saturated soils, and other edaphic problems adversely affecting vegetation were also discernible.

Specific areas in which abnormal foliage was ob-served are described below.

Most of the minor pathogenic I

problems observed were not extensive enough to be detectable on the photographs.

Extensive leaf-miner injury on oaks was observed in Forest 2 at the juncture of Razorville and Acorn Roads.

However, this was generally one of the healthiest stands observed.

Oak wilt was observed in a dooryard tree to the east of this stand on Razorville Road (IR photo 2-28).

Salt injury was observed in hickory in Forest 1 (im-mediately west of the plant site) near the cement plant (IR photo 3-43).

No other species were affected, suggesting a specific salt toxicity, rather than a general one.

Several trees had been I

killed and others were recovering.

The pattern of injury sug-gests that exposure to the toxicant occurred in the spring of 1977 and has not occurred since.

Cedar-hawthorne rust was observed on hawthorne in this stand.

A large amount of hawthorne foliage had been affected.

Several other hardwoods in this stand had assorted, unimportant leaf spots.

Powdery mildew was observed l

extensively on herbaceous undergrowth.

The salt injury on the hickory was the only debilitating problem observed in this stand.

Crope and wooded areas on German Church Road and Black Walnut Road were examined.

Areas in IR photos 4-56 and 4-58 were I

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l l ESPEY HUSToN & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Docunent No. 7862 studied in greatest detail since these areas are more likely to be affected by the cooling towers.

A wooded area 1 mi east of the plant on Black Walnut Road was examined (IR photo 4-96).

Two diseases which resemble salt injury were found.

These were Dutch elm disease on elms and l

oak wilt on oaks.

These diseases will spread and will be found in the area as long as either host tree is present.

Trees in the yard at 3525 Black Walnut Road were examined.

There were salt damage s mptoms on these trees, which line one I

side of the driveway.

It looked like a liquid ammonia truck might have been parked under them when the nitrogen was being applied to the corn.

Apple trees in the same area were about 50%

I defoliated due to apple insects and leaf spot diseases.

None of the symptoms resembled salt injury.

There was dieback of oak and hemlock in the yard.

This is typical of trees in the area around the plant.

The Illinois Extension Service Forester at Oregon indicated that tree growen is very slow in the area and that the general dieback symptoms could be attributed to climate, to a large extent, and to poor management of weedlots.

Soybeans were also examined on several roads in ' he area.

The general state of health was good.

Bacterial leaf spot was observed in all fields to a minor extent.

No symptoms of salt injury were found on soybeans.

I Vegetation on the NE transect (previously a salt drift monitoring transect--see EH&A's Year 2 Annual Report) directly across German Church Road from the plant was examined, particularly the drainage-way through the corn field (IR photo 4-58).

In the corn, corn smut and corn rust were observed.

These diseases in-volved less than 0.1% of the plants' foliage.

Both nitrogen and potassium deficiency were observed on the ends of the rows.

No salt injury symptoms were observed.

The corn would be described I

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ESPEY. HUSTON & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862 I

as having prospects for an excellent crop.

A large number of trees l

were dying in the wooded area along this transect.

Death of the elms was due to Dutch elm disease.

Other tree species were dying back from the top.

Presumably, this was due to climate and over-maturity.

In general, woodlots in the area did not appear to be I

managed very efficiently.

As traffic increases on German Church or other roads in the area, more salt may be used for snow and ice removal.

Drain-I age from the roads could lead to increased salt levels in vegeta-tion.

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g l ESPEY, HUSTON & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862 6.0 BIRD SALVAGE SURVEY The bird salvage survey began in fall of 1977 and will l

continue during spring and fall migration periods for the remainder of the monitoring survey.

I 6.1 METHODS I

During the fall migration period (August-October),

Commonwealth Edison personnel conducted morning searches for dead or injured birds around the bases of tall on-site struc-tures (e.g., containment vessels, meteorological tower).

Any specimens so salvaged were to be frozen and transferred to EH&A's Rockford laboratory for indentification.

I 6.2 RESULTS I

No dead or injured birds were found during the fall 1377 salvage survey.

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e 3010 S. LAMAR + AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862

7.0 CONCLUSION

S-IMPACT ASSESSMENT Camparison of the results of Year 3 of the monitoring program with those of Years 1 and 2 suggest little impact of construction activities on local terrestrial biota outside the effects of direct habitat preemption.

Comparisons of avifaunal species diversity, species richness, and abundance over the first I

3 years of the survey show similar seasonal patterns.

Species I

composition of both the bird and mammalian faunas has been quite similar.

An apparent decrease in overall bird abundance on the site in Year 3 is attributed partially to temporary habitat preemption (discussed below) by the makeup-blowdown pipeline right-of-way.

A few specific local adverse impacts are discussed below.

Construction noise is intense in the eastern portion of the disturbed forest stand which lies immediately west of the fenced plant site proper.

Bird usage of at least this portion of the stand seems to have decreased somewhat since the beginning of the monitoring survey, possibly due to proximity to the construc-tion activity and noise.

During the foliar survey, salt injury I

of undetermined cause was noted on hickory 'rees at the eastern edge of the disturbed forest stand.

No other species in the stand were so affected.

The construction of the make-up and blowdown pipeline (spring-fall,1977) affectec; local wildlife to the extent that habitat was lost and areas adjacent to the corridor disturbed by human activity and noise.

The acreage preempted by pipeline con-struction was determined by planimetering the corridor as it ap-peared on color-infrared aerial photographs taken in July 1977.

About 61 ac of various vegetation types have been preempted as follows:

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e 3010 S. LAMAR e AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Document No. 7862 Vegetation Type Acres Percentage of Corridor Cultivated land 2

3 Oldfield 14 23 Hayfield 20 33 I

Open Woodland 11 18 Woodland 14 23 k

100 The impact of temporary habitat preemption by pipeline construction will be mitigated by revegetation of the corridor, which is scheduled for fall 1978 or early spring 1979.

The ecological

" edges" created by clearing a portion of the corridor through open woodlands and woodland habitats should increase the attrac-tiveness of these areas for certain wildlife species and may generally enhance the wildlife habitat i.n these areas.

i The foliar survey resulted in the documentation of several cases of apparent salt-related foliar injuries in the I

vicinity of the plant as well as foliar abnormalities unrelated to salt.

Included was salt injury to hickory trees in the dis-turbed forest west of the plant which was discussed above.

The most productive anf diverse wildlife habitat on l

the 1000-ac site, the northern portion, has thus far shown no detectable adverse effects of plant construction.

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ESPEY, HUSToN & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Document No. 7862 8.0 LITERATURE CITED Burt, W.

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8-1

ML20010B731

Contents

Text

SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

7.0 CONCLUSION

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ML20010B731

Text

SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

7.0 CONCLUSION

Navigation menu

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