Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Flycatcher habitat is generally found within dense riparian vegetation patches, particularly dominated by willow (Salix spp.) or saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) near surface water or saturated soils of a watercourse or wetland (USFWS 2014). Flycatchers prefer patches at least 0.25 acre and a minimum of 30 feet wide as breeding habitat. There has not been a history of breeding by flycatchers in the enrolled lands, and the 2015 review of aerial imagery and field visits indicate no existing habitat where flycatcher nesting was likely. However, potentially suitable breeding habitat for flycatchers is anticipated to develop in the enrolled lands, mainly along the active flood channel and along drainage outfalls from surrounding areas. Qualified staff will strive to assess flycatcher suitable habitat on enrolled lands on an annual basis. At a minimum, surveys will be conducted prior to any ground-disturbing activities scheduled to occur in suitable habitat during the typical flycatcher breeding season (May 1-August 30). Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Western population Cuckoo habitat is generally found within native riparian vegetation patches with mixed canopy heights. They seem to colonize young restoration patches more readily than flycatchers. Cuckoos prefer patches at least 50 acres or more in extent as breeding habitat (Xxxxxxxxx et al, 2015). They have not been found nesting in isolated patches of 0.4-0.8 hectare (1-2 acres) or narrow, linear riparian habitats that are less than 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) wide, although single birds have been detected in such isolated patches or linear habitats during migration or the early breeding season (mid-late June) (Xxxxxxxxx et al 2015). Migrant or wandering cuckoos have been previously observed in or near the enrolled lands and potential foraging habitat currently exists along the active flood channel. Improved habitat for the cuckoo is anticipated to develop in the enrolled lands, mainly along the active flood channel. Qualified staff will strive to assess cuckoo suitable habitat on enrolled lands on an annual basis. At a minimum, surveys will be conducted prior to any ground-disturbing activities in suitable habitat during the typical cuckoo breeding season (June 1-August 30). Xxxx Xxxxxxx’x Rail (formerly Yuma xxxxxxx rail) Rail habitat is generally found in freshwater marshes dominated by cattail (Typha spp.) or bulrush (Scirpus spp.), generally in stands 10 meters by 10 meters and larger. Potentially suitable habitat can be ...
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. The federally listed endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) is one of five subspecies of the willow flycatcher currently recognized. Although information regarding the northern extent of the range of this subspecies is limited, the Service considers southwestern Colorado to be within the range of the southwestern willow flycatcher. This subspecies occurs in riparian habitats made up of dense shrubs and trees (Reclamation 1999). In 1994, Reclamation contracted with the National Biological Service (NBS) to conduct willow flycatcher surveys along the Animas, La Plata and Mancos River drainages. This study characterized habitat suitability for willow flycatcher along the Mancos River drainage as poor. They found that existing riparian habitat was limited and heavily impacted by grazing and the intrusion of exotic vegetation. (Reclamation 1995) The Service concurs with Reclamations determination that these water contracts will not affect the Southwest Willow Flycatcher, as well as be unlikely to affect critical habitat for the species. This conclusion is based on the fact that there will be no new depletions under the Carriage Contracts and no new irrigation lands will be developed.
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. The baseline in the project area for the southwestern willow flycatcher is zero. The baseline is zero because there is currently no habitat for this species. This species is a riparian obligate and the riparian habitat has been almost completely eliminated by overgrazing on the property. The southwestern willow flycatcher it is not found at this time as a breeding species in the project area due the absence of suitable habitat. However, it is possible, although unlikely, that it could be present during migration, because migrating birds in general have been reported from a wide variety of habitats and locations. The project area was surveyed for wildlife in January and June 2001. Although no southwestern willow flycatchers would be expected to be found during January because they are neotropical migrants, they would be expected to be found during June, which falls within their breeding period, if they were present in the project area. The results of the January and June 2001 surveys determined that no southwestern willow flycatchers were found to occupy the area. Because there is no suitable habitat in the area, no surveys were done in 2002 or 2003. Preliminary results of surveys for 2003 in the White Mountain area have detected two territories, one pair, and one nest for this region. This is a decrease of 1-2 territories and 1-2 pairs and an increase of one nest from the 2002 second survey period. The closest known breeding location for the southwestern willow flycatcher is approximately 15 miles west of the project area near the town of Greer, Arizona. The elevation of this site is approximately 8,500 feet. EC Bar Ranch is at an elevation of 7,600 feet. Surveys conducted in the summer of 2002 detected nests in Greer. However, preliminary surveys for 2003, have not detected southwestern willow flycatchers at the Greer site. Little Colorado spinedace The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) conducted a fish population survey on 1.27 miles of Nutrioso Creek on the Cooperator’s property in October 1999 (AGFD 2001). Three sample stations, each 50 meters in length, were established. A total of 287 fish were collected in the three stations surveyed. Nonnative fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) were the most abundant at 65.9% of the total fish collected. Little Colorado spinedace (Lepidomeda vittata) were next abundant at 14.3%, with speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) at 12.5% and bluehead sucker (Pantosteus discobolus) at 7.3%. Based on the information ...
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Conservation Measure 2: Suitable Habitat will be offset through the creation and/or acquisition and preservation of higher quality, native riparian replacement habitat at a 1:1 ratio.
