Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3
(Panjabi 2003). The species has been observed an average of three times per year since
bird monitoring began in 2001 (Panjabi 2005). In 2011, an active sharp-shinned nest was
found in site 030905-10 in the project area. Additionally, sharp-shinned hawks have
been observed within the town of Custer (personal observation).
Currently, the amount of potential nesting habitat (SS 3B and 3C pine) in the project area
is 2,565 acres or 10% of the project area.
Cooper’s Hawk (SOLC)
The Cooper’s hawk has been observed in a variety of habitats in the Black Hills,
including ponderosa pine, white spruce, riparian, shrublands, and burned areas (Panjabi
2001, 2003 and 2005; Peterson 1995). The species appears to be widespread but
uncommon on the Forest. Bird monitoring over the past three years has yielded an
average of about five sightings per year (Giroir et al. 2007).
The Cooper’s hawk is considered a habitat generalist but typically requires wooded areas
for nesting. The most common forest type in the Black Hills, ponderosa pine, is used for
nesting in other areas of the species range (Stephens & Anderson 2002). The bird is
known to nest in riparian, conifer, and aspen forests (Stephens & Anderson 2002).
Stephens and Anderson (2002) analyzed the likely habitat preferences of the Cooper’s
hawk on the Forest based on information from nearby regions. Range-wide, most pairs
nest in patches of mature forest with moderate-to-high (i.e., 60 to 90 percent) canopy
closure near openings (Stephens & Anderson 2002). Nest tree diameters are usually
larger than what is randomly available. The Cooper’s hawk forages opportunistically
across a diversity of habitats and preys on a variety of mid-sized birds and mammals
(Stephens & Anderson 2002).
In ponderosa pine, SS 4B (mature stands with 40 to 70 percent canopy closure) and SS
4C (mature stands with >70 percent canopy closure) correspond most closely to the
nesting habitat preferences of the Cooper’s hawk. The Cooper’s hawk often nests near,
and hunts, along forest edges and clearings. Riparian-woodland communities also
provide potentially important habitat for the Cooper’s hawk.
The Cooper’s hawk breeds throughout the United States, southern Canada, and northern
Mexico. Some birds may remain on their breeding ranges throughout the winter. In
South Dakota, the Cooper’s hawk is considered “uncommon,” with the only recorded
occurrences in the western part of the state (Peterson 1995). In Wyoming, it is regarded
as a “common summer resident” (Luce et al. 1999).
Active Cooper’s hawk nests (2) were discovered within the project area.
Broad-winged Hawk (SOLC)
The broad-winged hawk is one of eastern North America’s most common woodland
hawks. It is generally associated with dry to wet deciduous, mixed, or occasionally
coniferous forests (Johnsgard 1990). Broad-winged hawks forage in mature to oldgrowth
forests, along forest streams, roads, and openings (Stephens & Anderson 2003).
In the Black Hills, the broad-winged hawk nests primarily in ponderosa pine in mixed
pine and deciduous habitats, occasionally with a white spruce component (Powder River
Eagle Studies 2000). Although considered rare in both Wyoming (Luce et al. 1999) and
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