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5.7 Biological Resources

Threatened or Endangered species, the tricolored blackbird receives the same legal
protection afforded to an Endangered or Threatened species.

Grasshopper Sparrow
The grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) is a California Species of Special
Concern. This sparrow is an uncommon and very local summer resident along the coastal
slope of Southern California (Garrett and Dunn 1981). This is an inconspicuous bird of
grasslands with an insect-like song; it is declining throughout North America due to loss of
habitat and inhibition of fire. In the southwestern part of its breeding range, this sparrow
prefers more lush areas with some shrub cover in arid grasslands (Vickery 1996). Reports
of this species at Gorman Ranch, including a recent CNDDB report of 1 adult observed in
grasslands 0.8 mile northeast of the I-5/SR-138 interchange, are believable since this species
is migratory and can appear in places previously unknown (CDFW 2015a). Potentially
suitable habitat for this species is present in the grassland vegetation types of the Project
site. It has not been observed during the surveys and, since the Project site is outside the
historic and current known breeding range for the species, it is not expected to occur to
breed, though it may migrate through the site.

Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is a California Fully Protected Species, a California Species of Special
Concern Watch List Species, and is also protected by the Federal Bald Eagle Act. Habitat for
this species generally consists of grasslands, deserts, savannas, and early successional stages
of forest and shrub habitats. Broad expanses of open country are required for foraging, while
nesting is primarily restricted to rugged mountainous areas with large trees or cliffs
(Johnsgard 1990). The golden eagle is an uncommon resident throughout Southern
California, except in the Colorado Desert and Colorado River, where it is a casual winter
visitor (Garrett and Dunn 1981). This species is threatened by habitat destruction, shooting,
and human disturbance at nest sites (Remsen 1978). This species has been reported from
the Tehachapi Mountains two miles west-northwest of Quail Lake (CDFW 2015a).
Potentially suitable foraging habitat is present for this species throughout the Project site;
however, only limited nesting opportunities are present in woodland areas of the site. The
golden eagle was observed on multiple occasions soaring over the site (BonTerra Consulting
2008; Impact Sciences 2004a; BonTerra Psomas 2013). Golden eagle is expected to occur on-
site for foraging, and may occur on site for nesting.

Long-Eared Owl

The long-eared owl is a California Species of Special Concern. The breeding range of this
species in California includes Central and coastal Southern California (AOU 1998). This
species occupies coniferous, deciduous and evergreen forests, orchards, wooded parks, farm
woodlots, river woods, and desert oases. Wooded areas with dense vegetation are needed
for roosting and nesting, while open grasslands or shrublands are needed for hunting (Marks
et al. 1994; AOU 1998). Population declines in Southern California are attributed to loss of
riparian and grassland habitats to development (Marti and Marks 1989; Bloom 1994). This
species has not been detected on site; however there are records for this species in the
Project region (eBird 2016). The western portion of the Project site provides a limited

R:\Projects\PAS\CEN\000306\Draft EIR\5.7 Bio_051117.docx 5.7-114 Centennial Project
Draft EIR