APPENDIX F Sensitive and Endangered Species in the San Diego Creek Watershed

From: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2005. Upper Newport Bay/San Diego Creek Watershed Feasibility Study, Preliminary Draft, Appendix 7.1.

APPENDIX 7.1 SENSITIVE SPECIES

A brief description of sensitive plant and wildlife species known to occur or with the potential to occur within the San Diego Creek watershed, as described by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2001), State of California (2002), Reiser (2001), and Hamilton and Willick (1996), is presented below.

A. Plants

Sensitive plant species known to occur or with the potential to occur in the San Diego Creek watershed are listed in Table A-1. Sensitivity codes are listed in Table A-2.

1. Salt marsh bird's-beak (Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus) Salt marsh bird's-beak is federally and state listed as endangered. This species is a low- growing, semi-parasitic annual in the snapdragon family (Schropulariaceae), which has gray-green leaves that are tinged purple and small white flowers. This plant is found in salt marsh habitat along the coast from San Luis Obispo County south to Baja California, Mexico (Reiser 2001). Salt marsh bird's-beak prefers to grow on hummocks in salt marsh habitat; however, it is also known from coastal dune and salt pan habitats. The primary .<, threat to salt marsh bird's-beak is loss of habitat due to coastal development.

In Orange County, salt marsh bird's-beak occurs in Upper Newport Bay (Reiser 2001; State of California 2002).

2. Big-leaved crownbeard (Verbesina dissitu) Big-leaved crownbeard is federally listed as endangered and is a California Native Plant Society (CNPS) List 1B species. A member of the aster family (Asteraceae), big-leaved crownbeard is a low-growing, semi-woody perennial shrub with bright yellow flowers. This species is found on rugged hillsides in dense maritime chaparral from Laguna Beach in Orange County south to the Baja California, Mexico. Big-leaved crownbeard is also known to occur in Venturan coastal sage scrub (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] 1996a). Big-leaved crownbeard is threatened by urban development, fuel modification activities, and changes in the southern California fire regime (USFWS 1996a).

In Orange County, big-leaved crownbeard appears to be restricted to a five-mile stretch of coastline in Laguna Beach vegetated with southern maritime chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and mixed chaparral (USFWS 1996a). Populations have been estimated at several thousand plants (USFWS 2001). A large population of this species is found on private TABLE A-1 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED

StatelFederal CNPS Species Status List Habitat/Bloonling Period Comments

------Abronia villosa var. nurita -1- 1B Annual herb; sandy floodplains in inland, arid Moderate potential to occur in Chaparral sand-verbena areas of coastal sage scrub and open chaparral; appropriate upland habitat blooms Jan.-Aug.; elevation 3004,300 feet. throughout the SDC watershed.

Aphnnisma blitoides -1- 1B Annual herb; coastal bluff scrub, coastal sage Known to occur in UNB (State Aphanisma scrub; sandy soils; blooms March-June; elevation of California 2002). less than 1,000 feet.

Atriplex coulteri -1- 1B Perennial herb; coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, Known to occur at PCW, SJM, Coulter's saltbush coastal sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland, and historically known from alkaline or clay soil; blooms Mar.-Oct.; elevation UNB (State of California 2002; less than 1,050 feet. USFWS 2001).

Atriplex pacifica -1- 1B Annual herb; coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, Known to occur in UNB (State South Co 1st salt-scale coastal sage scrub, playas; blooms Mar.-Oct.; of California 2002). elevation less than 500 feet.

Atriplex pnriskii -1- 1 B Annual herb; chenopod scrub, playas. vernal pools; Not expected to occur. Parish's brittlescale blooms June-Oct.; elevation 100-6,500 feet. Historically known from Laguna Beach, presumed extinct. Not expected to occur.

Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii 1B Annual herb; coastal bluff scrub, coastal sage Known to occur in PCW and in Davidson's saltscale scrub, alkaline soil; blooms April-Oct.; elevation the vicinity of SJM (State of less than 1,000 feet. California 2002). TABLE A-1 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

StateFederal CNPS Species Status List Habitat/Blooming Period Comments

Brodiaea jlifolia CERT 1B Perennial herb (bulbiferous); cismontane Known to occur in SCC (State Thread-leaved brodiaea woodland, coastal sage scrub, playas, valley and of California 2002). foothill grassland, vernal pools, often clay: blooms March-June; elevation less than 4,000 feet.

Calochortzts catalinae -1- 4 Perennial herb (bulbiferous); chaparral, cismontane Potential habitat in BCC Catalina mariposa lily woodland, coastal sage scrub, valley and foothill (USACE 2001). grassland; blooms Feb.-May; elevation less than 2.300 feet.

Calochortus plliminerae -1- 1B Perennial herb; chaparral, coastal scrub, Known to occur in SCC (State Plumrner's mariposa lily cismontane woodland, valley and foothill of California 2002). grassland; granitic, rocky soil; blooms May-July; elevation 330-5.600 feet.

Calochortus weedii var. intemedius -1- 1B Perennial herb; chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and Potential habitat in BCC and Foothill mariposa lily foothill grassland; rocky soil; blooms May-July; SCC (USACE 2001). Known to elevation 590-2,830 feet. occur in Peters Canyon Regional Park in PCW (USFWS 2001). TABLE A-1 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

StatelFederal CNPS Species Status List HabitatBloorning Period Conunents

Centromadia parpi ssp. australis -1- 1 B Annual herb; margins of marshes ru~dswamps, Potential habitat in BCC, known Southern tarplant valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools; blooms to occur in the vicinity (USACE May-Nov.; elevation less than 1,400 feet. 2001 ;State of California 2002). Known to occur in PCW, UNB, SJM, SAD, SCC, SDC, and Sand Canyon (State of California 2002; USFWS 2001 ).

Cordylarlthus n~aritinl~rsssp. maritinlzis CEIFE 1B Annual herb; coastal dunes, coastal salt marshes Known to occur in UNB (State Salt marsh bird's-beak and swamps; blooms May-Oct.; elevation less than of California 2002). Potential 100 feet. habitat in SAD and SJM.

Dudleya blochmarliae ssp. bloclzmnniae -1- 1B Perennial herb; coastal sage scrub, coastal bluff Appropriate habitat in upland Blochman's dudleya scrub, chaparral, grasslands; blooms April-June; habitats throughout SDC elevation less than 1,500 feet. Known from fewer watershed. than 20 occurrences in California and fewer than 5 in Baja California.

Dudleya n~nltica~rlis -1- 1B Perennial herb; chaparral, coastal sage scrub. Known to occur in BCC, PCW, Many-stenuned dudleya grassland; mostly clay soils; blooms April-July; SCC, HRC, UNB, and in the elevation 2,600 feet. vicinity of SDC (USACE 200 1 ; State of California 2002). TABLE A-1 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

S tateEedera1 CNPS Species Status List HabitatBlooming Period Comments

Dudleya stolorl[fera CTIFT 1B Perennial herb; chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and Low potential to occur in SDC Laguna Beach dudleya foothill grassland, cismontane woodland; rocky watershed given the limited soils; bloonls May-July; elevation 30-850 feet. number of known occurrences. Known from only 6 occurrences near Laguna Beach.

Dudleya viscida -1- 1B Coastal sage scrub, mesic, north-facing slopes in Appropriate habitat in upland Sticky-leaved dudleya shade, gabbroic rock; May-June. habitats throughout SDC watershed.

Helianthis rzuttallii ssp. parishii -1- 1A Perennial herb; coastal and freshwater marshes and Historic 1918 occurrence in Los Angeles sunflower swamps; blooms Aug.-Oct.; elevation 30-1.650 UNB (State of California 2002). feet. Considered to be extirpated from Orange County (CNPS 2001).

Horkelia cuneata ssp. yuberula -1- 1B Perennial herb; chaparral, coastal sage scrub, Appropriate habitat in upland Mesa horkelia cismontane woodland; blooms Feb.-Sept.; habitats throughout SDC elevation less than 2,700 feet. watershed.

Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens -1- 1B Shn~b;chaparral, coastal sage scrub; sandy soils, Appropriate habitat in upland Decumbent goldenbush often in disturbed areas; blooms April-Nov.; habitats throughout SDC elevation less than 500 feet. watershed.

Jurlcus aczctus ssp. leopoldii -1- 4 Perennial herb; coastal dunes, meadows and seeps. Known to occur in riparian Southwestern spiny rush coastal salt marsh, riparian; blooms May-June: habitat in BCC, SAD, and SDC elevation less than 3,000 feet. (USACE 2001). TABLE A-1 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

StatelFederal CNPS Species Status List HabitatBlooming Period Comments

Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulreri -1- 1 B Annual herb; coastal salt marsh, vernal pools, Appropriate habitat in UNB, Coulter's goldfields playas; alkaline areas; blooms Feb.-June; elevation SJM, and SAD. less than 4,000 feet.

Lepidiunz virginicum var. robinsonii -1- 1B Annual herb: coastal sage scrub, chaparral; blooms Appropriate habitat in upland Robinson's peppergrass Jan.-July; elevation less than 1,700 feet. habitats throughout SDC watershed.

Nemacaulis denudata var, derzudata -1- 1B Annual herb; coastal dunes: blooms April-Sept.; Known to occur on UNB (State Coast woolly-heads elevation less than 300 feet. of California 2002).

Quercus dumosa -1- 1 B Evergreen shrub; closed-cone coniferous forest, Appropriate habitat in upland Nuttall's scrub oak coastal chaparral, coastal sage scrub, sandy and habitats throughout SDC clay loam soils; blooms Feb.-March; elevation less watershed. than 1,300 feet.

Rorippa gambellii CTIFE 1B Perennial herb; marshes and swamps; blooms Low potential to occur, Gambel's water cress April-Sept.; elevation less than 1,100 feet. Known considered extirpated from from only four occurrences in California. Orange County (CNPS 2001).

Sag it ta ria sarlfordi -/FC I B Perennial herb; shallow freshwater marshes and Low potential to occur. Sanford's arrowhead swamps; blooms May-Oct.; elevation 0-2.000 feet. considered extirpated from Orange County (CNPS 2001).

Suaeda esteroa -1- 1 B Perennial herb; coastal salt marshes and swamps; Appropriate habitat in UNB, Estuary suaeda blooms May-Oct.; elevation less than 20 feet. SAD and SJM. TABIJEA-1 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

------pppppp Statesederal CNPS Species Status List HabitaVBlooming Period Comments

Tetrarocczrs dioicus -1- 1B Deciduous shrub; chaparral, coastal sage scrub; Appropriate habitat in upland Parry's tetracoccus blooms April-May; elevation 500-3,500 feet. habitats throughout SDC watershed.

Verbesina dissita CT/FT 1B Perennial herb; maritime chaparral, coastal scrub; Known from approximately 5- Crownbeard blooms Apr-July; elevation 1,400-6,700 feet. mile stretch of Laguna Beach coastline and Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park (USnvS 2001).

NOTE: See Table A.2 for explanation of sensitivity codes. Location Code: BCC = Bo;\ita Creek Canyon HRC = Hicks and Rattlesnake Canyon Washes PCW = Peter's Canyon Wash SAD = Santa Ana Delhi SDC = San Diego Creek SC = Serrano Creek SJM = San Joaquin Marsh UNB = Upper Newport Bay TABLE A-2 SPECIES STATUS CODES

FEDERAL CANDIDATES AND LISTED PLANTS

FE = Federally listed, endangered FT = Federally listed, threatened FC = Federal candidate species (C2)

STATE LISTED PLANTS

CE = State listed, endangered CT = State listed, threatened

CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY LISTS

1A = Species presumed extinct.

1 B = Species rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. These species are eligible for state listing.

2 = Species rare, threatened, or endangered in California but more common elsewhere. These species are eligible for state listing.

4 = A watch list of species of limited distribution. These species need to be monitored for changes in the status of their populations. land, with a portion occurring in Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park (USFWS 2001 ).

3. Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) Thread-leaved brodiaea is federally listed as threatened, state listed as endangered, and a CNPS List 1B species. This species, a member of the lily family (Liliaceae), is a perennial bulbiferous herb with blue or red-purple flowers. Thread-leaved brodiaea is most commonly found in heavy clay soils in native grasslands or in association with vernal pools (USFWS 1998a). This species can also be found in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, cismontane woodland, alkali scrub, and floodplains (CNPS 2001). Its range extends from the foothills of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains through Orange County and western Riverside County to Carlsbad in northwestern San Diego County. Thread-leaved brodiaea has declined throughout its range as a result of habitat destruction and residential development.

In Orange County, thread-leaved brodiaea is known to occur in Serrano Creek Canyon (State of California 2002).

4. Southern tarplant (Centromadiu parryi ssp. australis) Southern tarplant is a CNPS List 1B species. This species, a member the sunflower

-/ family (Asteraceae), is an annual herb that grows about two feet tall and flowers from June to November. Southern tarplant grows in saline or alkaline seasonally moist grasslands and at the edges of salt marshes and vernal pools (Reiser 2001). Its range extends along coastal lowlands from Santa Barbara County to northern Baja California, Mexico, at elevations below 600 feet. Southern tarplant is highly restricted in its distribution throughout its range. The remaining populations are threatened by urban development; in Orange County, populations near Upper Newport Bay are threatened by recreational activities.

In Orange County, a number of scattered colonies occur near the bike bridge that crosses the Santa Ana Delhi channel; in Bonita Canyon; on the Irvine Campus; near the Peters Canyon channel between Harvard Avenue, Warner Avenue, and Irvine Center Drive; in the San Joaquin Marsh; in Upper Newport Bay; near San Diego Creek at Campus Drive; and in a ruderal alkaline meadowlgrassland in William R. Mason Regional Park in Sand Canyon (Reiser 200 1; USFWS 2001).

5. Many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis) Many-stemmed dudleya is a CNPS List 1B species. This perennial succulent in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae) is relatively large, with a rosette of 6 to 15 leaves that are up to six inches long, emerging from the corm in May and June. Many-stemmed . . --/ dudleya occurs in grasslands, coastal sage scrub, or chaparral on clay soils or sandstone below elevations of 2,000 feet (Reiser 2001). This species ranges from Los Angeles - County inland to western San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, and south through Orange County to northern San Diego County. In Orange County, the majority of extant populations are located in the Santa Ana foothills. Populations of many-stemmed dudleya are threatened by urban and agricultural development, proposed toll roads, competition with non-native plant species, grazing, off-road vehicle use, and fuel modification activities (USFWS 2001).

Within the San Diego Creek watershed, many-stemmed dudleya occurs in Bonita Creek Canyon, Peters Canyon Regional Park, Serrano Creek Canyon, and Upper Newport Bay; near Rattlesnake Reservoir; and upland from San Diego Creek (USFWS 2001; State of California 2002).

Wildlife

Sensitive wildlife species known to occur or with the potential to occur in the San Diego Creek watershed are listed in Table A-3.

1. Invertebrates a. Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni) -.-/ The Riverside fairy shrimp is federally listed as endangered. This small aquatic crustacean (Order Anostraca) occurs in vernal pools, pool-like ephemeral ponds, and human-modified depressions from Orange, San Diego, and western Riverside Counties south into Baja California, Mexico (USFWS 1993). Riverside fairy shrimp have the most restricted range of any fairy shrimp found in California (Eng et al. 1990). Riverside fairy shrimp are typically found in pools that are greater than I I inches deep. This species typically hatches in 7 to 12 days, but may require over 21 days of inundation to emerge. The Riverside fairy shrimp develops to the adult stage in 48 to 56 days, depending on water temperature. The primary threats to this species are habitat destruction and fragmentation, alterations of wetland hydrology, unauthorized fills, conversion to agriculture, off-road activity, and grazing.

In Orange County, Riverside fairy shrimp are known to occur in a seasonal stock pond pool in the proposed Habitat Reserve on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro (USFWS 2001).

b. Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) The quino checkerspot butterfly is federally listed as endangered. This species' historic range includes the coastal plain and inland valleys of southern California from the Santa Monica Mountains south to northern Baja California. Currently, this species is known d TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED

Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments

Invertebrates

Riverside fairy shrimp FE, * Vernal pools. Potential to occur at SCC (State of California Streptocephalus woottoni 2002). Known from a stockpond pool at MCAS El Toro (USFWS 200 1).

Saltmarsh skipper * Salt marshes. Host plant Distichlis Potential to occur in salt marsh habitat at SAD, Pa~zoquinaerrans spicata. Adult emergence July- SJM, and UNB. September.

Quino checkerspot butterfly FE Open, dry areas in foothills, mesas, lake Low potential to occur in appropriate upland Euphydryas editha quino margins. Larval host plant Plaiztogo habitats in SDC watershed. erecta. Adult emergence mid-January- April.

California brackish water snail * Freshwater, brackish marshes. Known to occur in UNB, SDC, and SAD (State of Tryonia imitator California 2002; USFWS 2001).

-Fish

Tidewater goby FE, CSC Coastal lagoons, brackish bays at mouth Potential to occur at UNB (USFWS 2001). Eucyclogobius newberryi of freshwater streams.

Amphibians (Nomenclature from Crother 2001 )

Arroyo toad FE, CSC Open streamside sandfgravel flats. Quiet, Low potential to occur in streams within SDC Bufo califomicus shallow pools along stream edges are watershed given lack of breeding habitat. breeding habitat. Nocturnal except during breeding season (March-July). TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Co~iments

Yestern spadefoot FC, CSC Vernal pools, floodplains, and alkali flats Potential to occur in BCC (USACE 2001); 'yea hamnzorzdii within areas of open vegetation. Known to occur in PCW, SCC, BeC, HRC, and Sand Canyon Reservoir in SCW (State of California 2002; Harmsworth Associates 1999).

:alifornia red-legged frog FT, CSC Slow-moving streams, ponds, with dense Low potential to occur within the SDC watershed !arza aurora druytotzii vegetation cover providing shade over given the lack of suitable undisturbed habitat. water surface.

Leptiles (Nomenclature from Collins 1997)

iouthwestern pond turtle CSC Ponds, small lakes, marshes, and slow- Potential to occur in BCC (USACE 2001). Jemmys marmorata yallida moving, sometimes brackish water. Known to occur in SDC, UNB, and SCC (Harmsworth Associates 1999).

:oronado skink CSC Grasslands, open woodlands and forests, Potential to occur in appropriate habitat lumeces skiltonia~zusi~zterparietalis broken chaparral. Rocky habitats near throughout the SDC watershed, especially in streams. reserve areas (USFWS 2001).

lan Diego homed lizard FC, CSC, * Chaparral, coastal sage scrub with fine, Potential to occur in BCC and HRC (USACE 'hrynosoma coronatum blainvillii loose soil. Partially dependent on 2001). Known to occur in SCC and BCW (State harvester ants for forage. of California 2002).

ielding's orangethroat whiptail FC, CSC Chaparral, coastal sage scrub with coarse, Potential to occur in BCC (US ACE 2001 ). ?~zemidophorushyperyrhrus beldi~zgi sandy soils and scattered brush. Known to occur in PCW, SCC, BCW, ACW, BeC, HRC, and Lion Country Area at SDC (State of California 2002). TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments

Coastal western whiptail FC, CSC Chaparral, coastal sage scrub with coarse, Potential to occur in appropriate habitat Cnemidophonrs tigris rnulticutatus sandy soils and scattered brush. throughout the SDC watershed, especially in reserve areas.

Silvery legless lizard CSC Herbaceous layers with loose soil in Potential to occur in appropriate habitat Arzrziella pulchra pulchln coastal scrub, chaparral, and open throughout the SDC watershed, especially in riparian. Prefers dunes and sandy washes reserve areas. near moist soil.

Coast patch-nosed snake FC, CSC Grasslands, chaparral, sagebrush, desert Potential to occur in appropriate habitat Salvadora hexalepis virgultea scrub. Found in sandy and rocky areas. throughout the SDC watershed, especially in reserve areas.

Two-striped garter snake CSC, #: Permanent freshwater streams with rocky Potential habitat may occur in Lion Country Area Thamr~ophishamrnondii bottoms. Mesic areas. of SDC (USFWS 2001).

Red diamond rattlesnake FC, CSC Desert scrub and riparian, coastal sage Potential to occur in appropriate habitat Crotalus exsul scrub, open chaparral, grassland, and throughout the SDC watershed, such as BCC, agricultural fields. especially in reserve areas (USFWS 2001).

Birds (Nomenclature from American Ornithologists' Union 1998)

Western grebe Bays, estuaries, inland lakes. Migrant and Potential foraging habitat in UNB and reservoirs. Aechmophorus occidentalis winter visitor, rare in summer, except on Known to occur in SDC (USACE 200 1). Sweetwater Reservoir.

American white pelican (nesting colony) CSC Lagoons, bays, estuaries, freshwater Foraging habitat in UNB, SJM (Hamilton and Pelecanus erythrorhynchos ponds; inland lakes during spring Willick 1996). Not expected to nest within the migration. Migrant and winter visitor. SDC watershed. TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments

California brown pelican (nesting colony) FE, SE, CFP. Coastal salt water. open ocean; rare Common along coastline prior to breeding season Pelecanus occide~ztaliscalijbmicus CSC vagrant inland. Non-breeding year-round Potential foraging habitat in UNB. Not expected visitor. to nest within the SDC watershed.

Double-crested cormorant (rookery site) CSC Bays, lagoons, estuaries. Non-breeding, Potential foraging habitat in UNB, BCC, and Phalacrocorax aurirus albociliatus year-round visitor. SDC. Non-breeding birds common along coastline (Hamilton and Willick 1996), observed flying over SDC (USACE 2001). Not expected to nest within the SDC watershed.

Western least bittern CSC Brackish and freshwater marshes in the Potential nesting habitat in SJM (Hamilton and Ixobrychus exilis hesperis coastal lowland. Rare summer resident, Willick 1996). rare in winter.

Great blue heron (rookery site) * Bays, lagoons, ponds, lakes. Potential foraging habitat in UNB, SAD, BCC, Ardea herodias Non-breeding, year-round visitor; some and SDC (USACE 2001). Rookeries not expected localized breeding. within the SDC watershed.

Great egret (rookery site) Lagoons, bays, estuaries. Ponds and lakes Potential foraging habitat in UNB, SAD, BCC, Ardea alba in the coastal lowland. Winter visitor, and SDC (USACE 2001). Rookeries not expected uncommon in summer. within the SDC watershed.

Snowy egret (rookery site) Coastal waters and freshwater ponds and Potential foraging habitat in UNB, SAD, BCC, Egretra thgrla thula lakes. Winter visitor, summer resident. and SDC (USACE 2001). Rookeries not expected Localized breeding colonies. within the SDC watershed.

Black-crowned night heron (rookery site) Lagoons, estuaries, bayshores, ponds, and Potential foraging habitat in UNB, BCC, and Nycticorax rzycticorax lakes. Often roost in trees. Year-round SDC (USACE 2001). Rookeries not expected visitor. Localized breeding. within the SDC watershed. TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments ------White-faced ibis (rookery site) CSC Freshwater ponds, irrigated fields, Potential foraging habitat in UNB, BCC, SJM, Yegadis rhihi brackish lagoons. Migrant and winter and SDC (USACE 2001). Rookeries not expected visitor, rare in summer. Very localized within the SDC watershed. breeding. hprey (nesting) CSC Coast, lowland lakes, rarely foothills and Potential foraging habitat in UNB, Peter's 7andior~halinetzrs mountain lakes. Uncommon falYwinter Canyon Reservoir in PCW, and Sand Canyon resident, rare in spring and summer. Fish Reservoir in SCW (USACE 2001). Known to are the primary prey item. occur in SDC (USACE 2001). Potential nesting habitat in UNB (Hamilton and Willick 1996).

White-tailed kite (nesting) CFP, * Nest in riparian woodland, oaks, Potential foraging habitat in UNB and BCC 7lanlrs lelrcunds sycamores. Forage in open, grassy areas. (USACE 2001). Known to roost at SJM Year-round resident. (Hamilton and Willick 1996). Potential nesting habitat in SDC.

3ald eagle FT, SE. CFP. Rivers, lakes. Rare winter visitor, rare fall Potential foraging habitat in reservoirs throughout Yaliaeetus leucocephulus B EPA migrant. Feed mainly on fish. SDC watershed. No nesting habitat potential. rlorthern harrier (nesting) CSC Coastal lowland, marshes, grassland. Potential foraging habitat in UNB. SAD, BCC. ,zrcus-. cyanezrs agricultural fields. Migrant and winter and SDC. Observed in SAD (USACE 2001). resident, rare summer resident. Potential nesting habitat in SJM (Hamilton and Willick 1996). iharp-shinned hawk (nesting) CSC Open deciduous woodlands, forests, Potential foraging habitat in UNB, BCC, and lccipiter striatlrs edges, parks, and residential areas. PCW (USACE 2001 ; Hamilton and Willick Migrant and winter visitor. 1996). Known to occur in SDC (USACE 2001). TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

-- - - Species Status Habitat

Cooper's hawk (nesting) CSC Mature forest, open woodlands, wood Potential foraging and nesting habitat throughout Accipiter cooperi edges, and river groves. Parks and SDC watershed. Known to occur in SCC residential areas. Migrant and winter (USACE 2001). visitor.

Swainson's hawk (nesting) FC, ST Plains, range, open hills, sparse trees. Potential foraging habitat in BCC and SJM Buteo swainsoni Uncommon spring migrant. Local (USACE 2001 ; Hamilton and Willick 1996). Not breeding population now extirpated. expected to nest within SDC watershed.

Ferruginous hawk (wintering) FC, CSC Require large foraging areas. Grasslands, Potential foraging habitat in BCC and SJM Buteo regalis agricultural fields. Uncommon winter (USACE 2001). resident.

Golden eagle (nesting and wintering) CSC, CFP, Require vast foraging areas in grassland, Appropriate foraging habitat in upland areas of Aqliila chrysaetns BEPA broken chaparral, or sage scrub. Nest in PCW, HRC, ACW. BCW, and SCC. Not cliffs and boulders. Uncommon resident. expected to nest within SDC watershed.

Peregrine falcon FE. SE. CFP Open coastal areas, mud flats; rare inland. Potential foraging habitat in UNB and BCC Falco peregrinus anatunr Rare fall and winter resident, casual in (USACE 2001). Not expected to nest within SDC late spring and early summer. Local watershed. breeding populations extirpated.

Prairie falcon (nesting) CSC Grassland, agricultural fields, desert Potential foraging habitat in UNB, SJM, SDC, Frrlco mexicanus scrub. Uncommon winter resident. Rare and BCC (USACE 2001). Not expected to nest breeding resident. within SDC watershed.

California black rail FSC, ST, CFP Tidal marshes, grassy marshes. Potential freshwater marsh habitat in SJM, known Laterallis jamaicensis cotunzicitlits to occur in UNB (USFWS 1999c; State of California 2002). TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

- - - - Status Habitat

Light-footed clapper rail FE, SE, CFP Salt marshes supporting Spartiiza foliosa. Known to occur in PCW, SJM, and UNB (State Rallus longirostris levipes Localized resident. of California 2002).

Western snowy plover (coastal population) FT, CSC Sandy beaches, lagoon margins, tidal mud Suitable nesting habitat in UNB (USACE 2001). Charadrius nlexandrinus nivosus flats. Migrant and winter resident. Migrants known to occur in SJM (Hamilton and Localized breeding. Willick 1996).

Mountain plover (wintering) FC, CSC Grasslands, fields, valleys. Localized Low potential to occur. No consistent wintering Charadrius nzontanus winter resident. sites present in SDC watershed (Hamilton and Willick 1996).

Long-billed curlew (breeding) CSC Tidal mudflats, salt marshes, bays. Fall Potential wintering habitat in UNB (USACE Nunzerlius americanus and spring migrant, winter resident, rare 2001). Known to winter in SJM (Hamilton and in summer. Willick 1996). Not expected to nest in SDC watershed.

California gull (nesting colony) CSC Coastal waters, lakes, ponds, garbage Roosts along coastline, suitable foraging habitat Lams califonzicus dumps. Common in San Diego County as in UNB, BCC, and SJM (Hamilton and Willick a winter species. 1996; USACE 2001). No nesting colonies are expected within SDC watershed.

Elegant tern (nesting colony) CSC Mud flats. sandbars, dunes, bays, lagoons. Potential foraging habitat in UNB (USACE Sterna elegans Summer resident. Localized breeding. 2001). Known to occur in SJM (Hamilton and Willick 1996). Not expected to nest in SDC watershed.

California least tern (nesting colony) FE. SE, CFP Bays, estuaries, lagoons, shoreline. Potential habitat in BCC, SJM. and SAD Stenza antillnrum brou~ni Resident. Localized breeding. (USACE 2001). Known to nest in UNB (Hamilton and Willick 1996). TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments

Black skimmer (nesting colony) CSC Mud flats, dikes. Resident. Conlmon in Potential habitat in SJM and BCC (USACE Ryrzchops niger south San Diego Bay. Localized breeding. 2001). Known to nest in UNB (Hamilton and Willick 1996).

Western burrowing owl (burrow sites) FC, CSC Grassland, agricultural land, coastal Potential to occur in BCC (USACE 2001). Single Speotyto cur1icularia hypugaea dunes. Require rodent burrows. Declining pair in vicinity near UCI (Hamilton and Willick resident. 1996). Known to occur in PCW, UNB, and near SJM (State of California 2002).

Sholt-eared owl (nesting) CSC Salt marshes, open grassland, agricultural Regular fall migrant to SJM and UNB (Hamilton Asio Jammeus areas. Rare and localized winter visitor. and Willick 1996). Not expected to nest in SDC watershed.

Vaux's swift CSC Riparian habitats. Potential spring migrant in riparian areas Chaetura vat~ui throughout SDC watershed.

Southwestern willow flycatcher FE, SE Nesting restricted to willow thickets. Also Potential nesting habitat in BCC (USACE 2001). Empidonax traillii extimus occupies other woodlands. Rare spring Not expected to nest in SDC watershed. and fall migrant, rare summer resident. Extremely localized breeding.

California homed lark FC, CSC Sandy shores, mesas, disturbed areas, Potential grassland habitat in BCC near UCI and Eremophila nlpestris actia grasslands, agricultural lands, sparse SDC (USACE 2001). creosote bush scrub.

Coastal cactus wren FC, CSC, * Maritime succulent scrub, coastal sage Known to occur in PCW, SCC, BCC, HRC, Canzpylorl~nchusbrunneicapillus couesi scrub with Opuntia thickets. Rare BCW, BeC, and ACW (State of California 2002). localized resident. TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments

Coastal California gnatcatcher FT, CSC Coastal sage scrub, maritime succulent Known to occur in BCC, PCW, SCC. HRC, SDC, Polioprila califor-r~icacalijor7iicxa scrub. Resident. UNB, SAD, BCW, BeC. and ACW (State of California 2002).

Loggerhead shrike FC, CSC Open foraging areas near scattered bushes Potential habitat in UNB, BCC, PCW, and HRC Lanius hldoviciartus and low trees. foothills (USACE 2001). Known to occur in SAD and SJM (USACE 2001: Hamilton and Willick 1996).

Least Bell's vireo (nesting) FE, SE Willow riparian woodlands. Summer Potential habitat in BCC (USACE 2001). Known Vireo bellii pusillus resident. to occur in SCC, BCW, BeC, ACW, and Sand Canyon Reservoir in SCW (State of California 2002). Recently documented nesting at Peters Canyon Reservoir, Rattlesnake Reservoir in HRC, Newport Aquatic Center, UNB, and the Lion Country Area on the lower reach of SDC (USFWS 2001 ;Harmsworth Associates 1999).

Yellow warbler (nesting) CSC Breeding restricted to riparian woodland. Potential habitat in BCC (USACE 2001). Dertdroica petechia brewsreri Spring and fall migrant, localized summer Breeding pairs of yellow warblers are known resident, rare winter visitor. from the Rattlesnake Canyon Reservoir in HRC, Peter's Canyon Regional Park in PCW, and William R. Mason Regional Park in SCW (Harmsworth Associates 1999).

Yellow-breasted chat (nesting) CSC Dense riparian woodland. Localized Known to occur in BCC, SCC, BCW, BeC, Irteriu vir-ens summer resident. ACW, Lion Country Area of SDC, Peters Canyon Regional Park, William R. Mason Regional Park, SJM, and UNB (State of California 2002; Harmsworth Associates 1999) TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comn~ents outhern California rufous-crowned sparrow FC, CSC Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland. Potential to occur in coastal sage scrub habitat in inlophila ruficeps carlescens Resident. BCC. SDC, and PCW (USACE 2001).

;ell's sage sparrow CSC Chaparral, coastal sage scrub. Localized Potential to occur in coastal sage scrub in San rtiphispiza belli belli resident. Joaquin Hills near BCC (Hamilton and Willick 1996).

;elding's savannah sparrow FC, SE Salt marshes, lagoons dominated by Potential nesting habitat in SAD, SJM, and BCC 'asserculus sarzdwichensis beldingi Salicomia. Resident. (USACE 2001). Known to occur in UNB (State of California 2002).

.age-billed savannah sparrow CSC Marshes. Potential habitat in SAD and BCC (USACE 'asserculus sarzdwichensis rostratus 2001). Known to occur in SDC, PCW, and SCC (USACE 2001). irasshopper sparrow (nesting) T Tall grass areas. Localized sumn~er Known to nest in William R. Mason Regional nlrnodrari~ussa\~anr1a1141n resident. rare in winter. Park in SCC and the San Joaquin Hills near BCC (Hamilton and Willick 1996).

'ricolored blackbird CSC Freshwater marshes, agricultural areas, Potential habitat in BCC (USACE 2001). Suitable gelaius tricolor lakeshores, parks. Localized resident. and historic breeding habitat in PCW and Lion Country in SDC (USFWS 2001 ). Known to occur in SCC and observed breeding in the San Joaquin Hills at 1-405 and Sand Canyon and on the Lomas de Santiago Ridge in the Santiago Creek watershed to the north of SDC (USACE 2001; Hamworth Associates 1999; USFWS 2001). TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

Species Status Habitat Occurrence/Comments ------Marnnials (Nomenclature from Jones et al. 1997)

San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit CSC Open areas of scrub, grasslands. agricul- Potential to occur in scrub and grassland habitat Lep~tscalifomicus bennettii tural fields. in BCC (USACE 2001).

Pacific little pocket mouse FE, CSC Open coastal sage scrub; fine, alluvial Known only from Dana Point to the south. Not Perognathus longimembris pacificz4s sands near ocean. expected to occur within the SDC watershed given limited range.

Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse CSC San Diego County west of mountains in Potential to occur in scrub and grassland habitat Chaetodip1is~fal1a.ufallax sparse, disturbed coastal sage scrub or in BCC (USACE 2001). grasslands with sandy soils.

Southern grasshopper mouse FC, CSC Alkali desert scrub and desert scrub Potential to occur in scrub and grassland habitat Olzychomys torridus rarnona preferred. Can also occur in succulent in BCC (USACE 2001). shrub, wash, and riparian areas; coastal sage scrub; mixed chaparral; sagebrush; low sage; and bitterbrush. Low to moderate shrub cover preferred.

Sati Diego desert woodrat FC, CSC Coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Potential to occur in chaparral and coastal sagc Neotorrta lepida intermedia scrub habitat throughout the SDC watershed.

American badger * Agriculture, grasslands, Sonoran desert Potential to occur in appropriate habitat near SDC Taxidea tarus scrub. and HRC. TABLE A-3 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES KNOWN OR WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE SAN DIEGO CREEK WATERSHED (continued)

SDC WATERSHED CODES ACW = Agua Chinon Wash SDC = SanDiego Creek BCC = Bonita Creek Canyon SCC = Serrano Creek Canyon BCW = Borrego Canyon Wash SCW = Sand Canyon Wash BeC = Bee Canyon Wash SJM = San Joaquin Marsh HRC = Hicks and Rattlesnake Canyon Washes UCI = University of California Irvine PCW = Peter's Canyon Wash UNB = Upper Newport Bay SAD = Santa Ana Delhi

STATUS CODES FE = Listed as endangered by the federal government F-r = Listed as threatened by the federal government FSC = Federal Species of Concern SE = Listed as endangered by the state of California ST = Listed as threatened by the state of California BEPA = Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act CFP = California fully protected species CSC = California Department of Fish and Game species of special concern FC = Federal candidate for listing (taxa for which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support proposals to list as endangered or threatened; development and publication of proposed rules for these taxa are anticipated) Taxa listed with an asterisk fall into one or more of the following categories: Taxa considered endangered or rare under Section 15380(d) of CEQA guidelines Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, or declining throughout their range Population(s) in California that may be peripheral to the major portion of a taxon's range, but which are threatened with extirpation within California Taxa closely associated with a habitat that is declining in California at an alarming rate (e.g., wetlands. riparian, old growth forests, desert aquatic systems, native grasslands) from southern San Diego County and southwestern Riverside County. Quino checkerspot _ _ butterflies occur at several locations on Otay Mesa and Jacumba in San Diego County and near Murrieta and Temecula and eastward to Hemet and Anza in Riverside County (USFWS 1997). In April 2002, the USFWS designated critical habitat for the quino checkerspot butterfly in portions of San Diego and Riverside Counties (USFWS 2002). The distribution of quino checkerspot butterflies is primarily defined by the distribution of its principal host plant, dot-seed plantain (Plantago erecta). Female quino checkerspot butterflies have also been observed depositing eggs on woolly plantain (Plantago patagonia), white snapdragon (Antirrhinum coulterianum), and thread-leaved bird's-beak (Cordylarzthus rigidus) (USFWS 2002). It is possible that members of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), including purple owl's clover (Castilleja exserta), are also used (Brown 1991; Mattoni et al. 1997). Threats to this species include habitat loss, fragmentation, and habitat type conversion.

In Orange County, portions of the Cleveland National Forest east of Peters Canyon Wash are within the 2002 Quino Checkerspot Survey Area. There are no California Natural Diversity Data Base records for quino checkerspot butterfly in the vicinity of the San Diego Creek watershed.

2. Fish Tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) -1 The southern populations of tidewater goby are federally listed as endangered. The northern populations of this fish are proposed for delisting. The tidewater goby is endemic to California and ranges from Tillas Slough in Del Norte County in northern California to Agua Hedionda Lagoon in northern San Diego County (USFWS 2000). Critical habitat was designated for the southern populations of tidewater goby in 10 coastal streams from Aliso Creek in Orange County to Agua Hedionda Lagoon in San Diego County in November 2000. The tidewater goby is a small elongate fish of less than two inches (50 millimeters) in length. The tidewater goby is restricted to coastal brackish waters, such as those that occur in lagoons and upper reaches of bays where freshwater from river mouths and streams flow. They persist in water that is slow moving but not stagnant (Moyle et al. 1995). Reproduction begins in April or May. Tidewater gobies are generalist feeders, having been documented eating small invertebrates, including mysids, amphipods, ostracods, snails, and aquatic insect larvae. Tidewater gobies have been extirpated from 74 percent of their native southern California habitat due to loss and degradation of habitat (USFWS 1999a).

In Orange County, tidewater gobies may have historically occurred in Upper Newport Bay and lower San Diego Creek, but none have been observed during recent focused surveys (Harmsworth Associates 1999). Though there are no records for the tidewater goby in the San Diego Creek watershed, it is possible that the fish occurred in the system --i at one time (Harmsworth Associates 1999). Upper Newport Bay is an important habitat ---- for many native marine and estuarine fishes (USFWS 1999a).

3. Amphibians a. Arroyo toad (Bufo californicus) The arroyo toad is federally listed as endangered and is a CDFG species of special concern. The arroyo toad ranges along the coast from San Luis Obispo County south into northwestern Baja California, Mexico, and in six drainages in the desert (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The arroyo toad is currently only known from headwaters of a few streams in small isolated populations, primarily on Forest Service lands, such as the Cleveland National Forest (USFWS 2001). It inhabits sandy banks of washes, streams, and arroyos with low currents and large deciduous trees. Arroyo toads breed in pools greater than one foot deep with a substrate of sand, gravel, or pebbles and are free of vegetation. Subadults and adults can range into surrounding uplands as much as 0.5 mile to 1.2 miles away from the stream (USFWS 1999b). Arroyo toads are nocturnal and breed from March to June, depending on local climate. The main threats to the arroyo toad are degradation and loss of riparian habitat and predation by non-native species.

In Orange County, the lower reaches of San Diego Creek historically were high-quality arroyo toad habitat until they were heavily modified to increase peak flows associated

.-/ with urban development (Harmsworth Associates 1999).

b. Western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) The western spadefoot toad is a CDFG species of special concern. This species ranges from central northern California through the Coast Ranges from San Francisco and south into Baja California, Mexico, at elevations from sea level to 4,500 feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994). In Orange County, the western spadefoot occurred in most of the upper reaches of the San Diego Creek watershed. Habitat for the western spadefoot includes lowlands, washes, floodplains of rivers, alluvial fans, alkali flats, valley foothill grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, temporary ponds, and vernal pools (Jennings and Hayes 1994; Stephenson and Calcarone 1999). The western spadefoot is almost completely terrestrial, entering the water only to breed. Surface activity occurs from October through April depending on rainfall, and oviposition occurs between late February and May (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The western spadefoot diet consists of crickets, butterflies, ants, flies, and earthworms (Morey and Gullin, as cited in Jennings and Hayes 1994). Decline in western spadefoot populations is primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation and possibly pesticide use.

In 1998, male spadefoots were heard calling adjacent to Agua Chinon Wash (Harmsworth Associates 1999). Male spadefoots were also heard calling in the vicinity of Sand Canyon Reservoir. Tadpoles were observed in the reservoir and also in pools near a bitumen plant at the intersection of Jeffrey Road and Hick Canyon Haul Road (Harmsworth Associates 1999). Western spadefoots are known from 14 locations in the San Joaquin Hills (Harmsworth Associates 1999) and on the proposed MCAS El Toro Habitat Preserve (LSA and P&D 1999).

c. California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) The California red-legged frog is federally listed as threatened and is a CDFG species of special concern. This southern subspecies of the red-legged frog (Rana aurora) ranges from Redding in inland Shasta County and Point Reyes in coastal Marin County south into Baja California at elevations between sea level and 5,000 feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The southern most localities are the Santa Rosa Plateau in Riverside County and the Castaic Region in Los Angeles County. California red-legged frogs prefer deep-water pools with overhanging willows (Salix spp.), and cattails (Typha spp.) and bulrushes (Scirpus spp.) at the margins of the pools. This species can be found in both permanent and ephemeral streams, but populations are unlikely to remain in ephemeral streams (Jennings and Hayes 1994; USFWS 1996b). California red-legged frogs estivate in small-mammal burrows and beneath leaf litter. This species typically breeds from November through April. Commercial exploitation of this species as a source of frog legs led to a decline of the California red-legged frog in the 1800s. Recent declines in red- legged frog populations have been attributed to creation of reservoirs, hydrology and habitat alteration, predation by introduced species including the non-native bullfrog ., (Rar~acatesbeiana) and exotic fishes, increased siltation, grazing, and off-road vehicle activities (Jennings and Hayes 1994; USFWS 2001).

The California red-legged frog was historically common in Orange County, but is considered to be extirpated from the area. The nearest known location of California red- legged frog is on the Santa Rosa Plateau in Riverside County (USFWS 2001).

4. Reptiles a. Southwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata pallida) The southwestern pond turtle is a CDFG species of special concern. Its range includes the coastal ranges from the San Francisco Bay region south into Baja California, Mexico, from sea level to 4,700 feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994). It is also known to occur in the desert in the Mojave River basin and San Andreas Canyon (Stebbins 1985; Jennings and Hayes 1994). Habitat for the southwestern pond turtle typically consists of ponds, small lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving streams. It is frequently associated with aquatic systems where aquatic vegetation is abundant. In southern California, the southwestern pond turtle is active year-round and may be seen basking on logs or mud banks. Breeding occurs between April and May and requires an upland location. Nests are typically dug in a high clay or silt substrate on south-facing slopes. The southwestern pond turtle's diet - consists of aquatic invertebrates, carrion, and occasionally aquatic vegetation. Threats to this species include loss of habitat, collection, non-native predators, and interspecies

- -/ competition from exotic freshwater turtle species (Jennings and Hayes 1994; Harmsworth Associates 1999; Stephenson and Calcarone 1999).

Recent surveys for the southwestern pond turtle documented its presence in San Diego Creek at the Lion Country Area; in Jamboree Road Creek at the southern border of Tustin Marine Base; in Shady Canyon upstream of the Sand Canyon Reservoir; in Veeh Creek in Lake Forest; and in ponds adjacent to Upper Newport Bay (Harmsworth Associates 1999).

b. Coronado skink (Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis) The Coronado skink is a CDFG species of special concern. The Coronado skink ranges from the San Gorgonio Pass in Riverside County south to Baja California, Mexico (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Coronado skinks are found in a variety of plant communities including grassland, open woodland, forest, and broken chaparral habitats and are often associated with mesic areas. The Coronado skink is diurnal and most active from early spring until fall; breeding occurs in June or July (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The diet of the Coronado skink consists of moths, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and leafhoppers. The Coronado skink is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from urbanization, agriculture, and possibly pesticide use (Jennings and Hayes 1994).

-/- In Orange County, Coronado skinks have the potential to occur throughout appropriate habitat in the San Diego Creek watershed, specifically in reserve areas (USFWS 2001).

c. San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii) The San Diego horned lizard is a CDFG species of special concern. This lizard ranges from coastal southern California to the desert foothills and into Baja California, Mexico. In Orange County, Coronado skinks have the potential to occur throughout appropriate habitat in the San Diego Creek watershed, specifically in reserve areas (USFWS 2001). It is often associated with coastal sage scrub, especially areas of level to gently sloping ground, with well-drained loose or sandy soil; but can also be found in annual grasslands, chaparral, oak woodland, riparian woodland, and coniferous forest (Mills 199 1 ; Jennings and Hayes 1994). This animal usually avoids dense vegetation, preferring 20 to 40 percent bare ground in its habitat. Where it can be found, the San Diego homed lizard can be locally abundant, with densities near 20 adults per acre. Adults are active from late March to late August; young are active from August to November or December. They are largely dependent upon native harvester ants (Pogonomymex sp.) for food. Populations along the coast and inland have been severely reduced by loss of habitat and over- collection. The invasion of non-native Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) into upland habitats has also contributed to the loss of their native ant food source (Suarez et al. 1998).

- / Within the San Diego Creek watershed, San Diego horned lizard is known to occur in

A Serrano Creek Canyon, Borrego Canyon Wash, Agua Chinon Wash, Peter's Canyon Wash, and Bee Canyon (State of California 2002). Potential habitat for the San Diego horned lizard is present in upland habitats adjacent to Bonita Canyon Creek and San Diego Creek.

d. Belding's orangethroat whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi) Belding's orangethroat whiptail is a CDFG species of special concern. This lizard occurs from southwestern San Bernardino County south into Baja California at elevations from sea level to 3,500 feet. Belding's orangethroat whiptail frequents areas of open coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and streamside growth with loose sandy soils (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Historically, Belding's orangethroat whiptail occurred on floodplains and terraces along streams (USFWS 2001). Belding's orangethroat whiptail typically hibernates during winter on south-facing slopes, emerging in February or March, but can be active year-round provided that temperatures are warm (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Breeding occurs from May through July. Belding's orangethroat whiptails feed primarily on insects such as termites (Reticulitermes sp.). The decline of this species is attributed to the loss of coastal sage scrub in southern California.

In Orange County, Coronado skinks have the potential to occur throughout appropriate habitat in the San Diego Creek watershed, specifically in reserve areas (USFWS 2001). -, Known locations within the watershed include Peter's Canyon Wash, Serrano Creek, Borrego Canyon Wash, Agua Chino Wash, and Bee Canyon Wash (State of California 2002).

e. Silvery legless lizard (Annielh pulchra pulchra) The California legless lizard is a CDFG species of special concern. This species ranges from Contra Costa County south along the Coast-Transverse and Peninsular Ranges into Baja California, Mexico, from sea level to 5,900 feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The silvery legless lizard occupies leaf litter and loose soil on beaches and in coastal scrub, chaparral, and open riparian habitats. Sandy washes and beach dunes are used for burrowing and logs and leaf litter for cover and feeding. This nocturnal lizard is susceptible to drying and must be in or near moist soil (Miller 1944). Breeding occurs between early spring and July. The silvery legless lizard is insectivorous and its diet consists of larval insects, adult beetles, termites, and spiders. Threats to this species include urbanization, agricultural and pesticide use, livestock grazing, and recreational activities.

In Orange County, silvery legless lizards have the potential to occur throughout appropriate habitat in the San Diego Creek watershed, specifically in reserve areas (USFWS 2001). f. Coast pa tch-nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea) The coast patch-nosed snake is a CDFG species of special concern. This species occurs in coastal California from San Luis Obispo County south into northwestern Baja California, Mexico, from sea level to 7,000 feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The coast patch-nosed snake inhabits sandy and rocky areas on the lower slopes of mountains within grassland, chaparral, sage scrub, and desert scrub habitats. This snake is diurnal and active from March to October (Klauber 1939), although juveniles can be active on warm winter days (Sweet, as cited in Jennings and Hayes 1994). The major prey item of the coast patch-nosed snake is the whiptail lizard (Cnemidophorus spp.). Habitat loss and fragmentation from urbanization and conversion to agriculture are the main threats to this species.

g. Two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii) The two-striped garter snake is a CDFG species of special concern. The two-striped garter snake ranges from San Luis Obispo County south to El Rosario in Baja California, Mexico, from sea level to 8,000 feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994). They are normally found in or near permanent fresh water, inhabiting streams, ponds, and lakes bordered by willow thickets or other dense vegetation throughout their range (Stebbins 1985), and can even be found in temporary bodies of water such as vernal pools (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The two-striped garter snake inhabits riparian areas during summer months and occupies adjacent coastal sage scrub and grasslands during the winter (Jennings and / Hayes 1994). The two-striped garter snake begins breeding in April and continues throughout the summer months. Adults feed on tadpoles, toads, insect larvae, fish, fish eggs, and earthworms. The population decline of the two-striped garter snake is generally attributable to impacts related to the loss of natural wetlands, creation of reservoirs, and increased development near and in suitable habitat.

The two-striped garter snake has not been recently documented in the San Diego Creek watershed; it likely still persists in the natural areas such as the Lion Country area of the San Diego Creek (USFWS 2001).

h. Red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus exsul) The red diamond rattlesnake is a CDFG species of special concern. This species occurs on both sides of the Peninsular Ranges of southwestern California from San Bernardino County south to Baja California, Mexico. Red diamond rattlesnakes inhabit coastal sage scrub, desert scrub, open chaparral, woodland, and grassland habitats, with a preference for rock outcrops as well as agricultural fields, from sea level to 4,000 feet (Stebbins 1985). Red diamond rattlesnakes are active year-round with peak activity occurring in April and May (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Breeding occurs from February through September. Their diet consists principally of small mammals, lizards, birds, and other snakes. Population declines of the red diamond rattlesnake are generally attributable to a .- reduction of habitat in the snake's restricted range due to urbanization and agriculture.

Red diamond rattlesnakes have the potential to occur throughout appropriate habitat in the San Diego Creek watershed, specifically in reserve areas (USFWS 2001).

5. Birds a. California black rail (Laterallusjamaicensis) The California black rail is a federal species of concern, state listed threatened species, and a CDFG fully protected species. California black rails occur year-round in the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta in northern California, along the Colorado River, near the Salton Sea, and in other desert locales in southern California. California black rails are found in saltwater, brackish, and freshwater marshes. The primary food items of the California black rail include isopods, insects, and other arthropods. This species has declined due to loss of coastal and inland marsh habitats due to drainage, dredging, and filling of habitat, and predation by various species during high tides when California black rails are vulnerable (USFWS 2001).

Suitable freshwater marsh habitat for the California black rail is present in Upper Newport Bay; the species has been frequently documented in portions of the upper bay

* (USFWS 1999~).

b. Light-footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes) The light-footed clapper rail is state and federally listed as endangered and a CDFG fully protected species. Historically, this species ranged from Santa Barbara County south to San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico. In Orange County, light-footed clapper rails are an uncommon and very localized resident found in tidal salt marshes. The light-footed clapper rail is found primarily in lower salt marsh habitat, especially in areas dominated by cordgrass (Spartina foliosa). Although this is its preferred habitat, it has also been found in virtually all marsh-like habitats, including pickleweed (Salicornia spp.) stands and freshwater marsh dominated by cattails. Nesting activity usually begins in March and ends by August. This bird builds platform nests concealed by a canopy of woven cordgrass stems or pickleweed (Zeiner et al. 1990). The clapper rail feeds mostly on crabs, small fish, snails, insects, and other invertebrates in shallow water or mudflats. Threats to the light-footed clapper rail include predation by mammals and destruction and degradation of habitat (Unitt 1984).

Light-footed clapper rails are known from Upper Newport Bay, the San Joaquin Marsh, and Peter's Canyon Wash (Hamilton and Willick 1996; State of California 2002). c. Western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) The western snowy plover is federally listed as threatened and is a CDFG species of special concern. Western snowy plovers winter from Washington south to Baja California, Mexico, the coast of mainland Mexico, Ecuador, and Chile. Their breeding range extends from Washington south to Baja Sur, Mexico and inland to the California and Nevada deserts (Page et al. 1995). In Orange County, western snowy plovers are regular breeders at Bolsa Chica State Ecological Reserve and the Santa Ana River in Anaheim (Hamilton and Willick 1996). In California, western snowy plovers will winter on sparsely vegetated sand beaches, dry salt flats, dredge spoils, and at salt evaporation ponds. Breeding generally occurs on dune-backed beaches, barrier beaches, and salt evaporation ponds (Page et al. 1995). In desert regions, the western snowy plover is found in sinks, playas, and receding lakeshores. Nesting may begin as early as February; nests are constructed in the sand near conspicuous features in otherwise barren areas (Page et al. 1995). The western snowy plover feeds by quickly running and picking up food or probing the sand at the surf line. Western snowy plovers consume a diet of marine worms, small crustaceans, snails, and other invertebrates. Human development and disturbance of sandy beaches and other coastal breeding habitat has caused a decline in western snowy plover populations.

Within the San Diego Creek watershed, western snowy plovers historically nested at Upper Newport Bay and still occur at San Joaquin Marsh during migration (Hamilton and .,. .,. Willick 1996).

d. California least tern (Sterna antillarum browni) The California least tern is federally and state listed as endangered. The California least tern breeding range extends from San Francisco Bay into Baja California (Thompson et al. 1997). Migration from wintering areas in Central and South America to southern California coastal areas occurs in the late spring and summer. In Orange County, California least terns are known to nest along the Santa Ana River, Bolsa Chica State Park, Upper Newport Bay, and Seal Beach. California least terns nest colonially along the coast and historically preferred colony sites located on bamer dunes at river mouths, at lagoon entrances, and along sandy strips of sparse coastal strand vegetation. Human encroachment of these areas has forced the birds to seek alternative colony sites and nest wherever flat, sandy ground with little or no vegetation cover is available. California least terns exhibit high nesting site tenacity and fidelity; however, colony sites may be abandoned if they become too overgrown with vegetation, if they are flooded by high tides or fresh water, if predation on chicks and adults is high, or if humans encroach. California least terns feed mostly on small-bodied fresh and saltwater fish, but also take small crustaceans and insects (Thompson et al. 1997). The primary threats to this species are increased use of breeding habitat for residential development and recreation, water diversions, destruction of river sandbars, and changes in vegetation structure from controlled water flow (Thompson et al. 1997). In the San Diego watershed, California least terns nest along Upper Newport Bay and are . 1 known to regularly forage at San Joaquin Marsh and the Sand Canyon Reservoir (Hamilton and Willick 1996). Potential foraging habitat occurs within the watershed in areas adjacent to golf courses and other similar areas within a mile or two from the coast (Hamilton and Willick 1996).

e. Black skimmer (Rynchops niger) Black skimmers are a CDFG species of concern. Black skimmers are found along the eastern and gulf coasts of the United States, the Salton Sea, and the Gulf of California. Black skimmers are usually found along beaches, sandbars, shell banks, islands, and marshes. At the Salton Sea, black skimmers inhabit gravel bars, low islands, and dikes. Black skimmers are regular breeders in Orange County. Black skimmers nest colonially, occasionally with terns, gulls, and plovers (Ehrlich et al. 1988). Their nests consist of four to five eggs laid in an unlined scrape in the sand or among shells. Black skimmers are tactile hunters, rapidly flying low over water, and skimming the surface with its lower mandible. Their diet consists primarily of fish and crustaceans (Ehrlich et al. 1988; Stokes and Stokes 1996). The primary threat to black skimmers is habitat disturbance, which can significantly reduce breeding colony reproductive success (Stokes and Stokes 1996; Ehrlich et al. 1988).

In the San Diego Creek watershed, black skimmers nest in Upper Newport Bay and .L forage daily at San Joaquin Marsh (Hamilton and Willick 1996).

f. Western burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypugaea) The western burrowing owl is a CDFG species of special concern. The western burrowing owl is primarily restricted to the western United States and Mexico. Habitat for the western burrowing owl includes dry, open, short-grass areas often associated with burrowing mammals (Haug et al. 1993). A year-round resident in Orange County, burrowing owls are known to occur near Seal Beach and the University of California at Irvine. The burrowing owl is nocturnal and perches during daylight at the entrance to its burrow or on low posts. Nesting occurs from March through August. Burrowing owls form pair-bonds for more than one year and exhibit high site fidelity, reusing the same burrow year after year (Haug et al. 1993). The female remains inside the burrow during most of the egg laying and incubation period and is fed by the male throughout brooding. When disturbed within their burrows, burrowing owls mimic the sound of a rattlesnake rattling (Ehrlich et al. 1988). Western burrowing owls are opportunistic feeders, consuming a diet that includes arthropods, small mammals, birds, and occasionally amphibians and reptiles (Haug et al. 1993). Urbanization has greatly reduced the amount of suitable habitat for this species. Other contributions to the decline of this species include the poisoning of squirrels and prairie dogs and collisions with automobiles. In the San Diego Creek watershed, the western burrowing owl is known from Peter's -./ Canyon Wash and the University of California at Irvine (State of California 2002). A pair of western burrowing owls is known from near Bonita Canyon Creek (Hamilton and Willick 1996).

g. California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris actia) The California horned lark is a CDFG species of special concern. Its range is limited to the coastal slopes of California from Sonoma County to San Diego County and includes most of the San Joaquin Valley at elevations from sea level to 8,500 feet and can occur as high as 1 1,500 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains (Small 1994). In Orange County, the California homed lark typically inhabits areas with sparse vegetation, including sandy shores, grasslands, mesas, and agricultural lands. Breeding occurs during the months of March through July, with peak activity occurring in May. California homed larks forage by walking and running on the ground. Their diet consists of spiders, insects and insect larvae, snails, buds, berries, waste grains, and seeds from grasses, weeds, and forbs (Green 1990). Horned larks usually forage in flocks except during nesting. Decline of this species is generally attributed to loss of habitat, urbanization, and human disturbance.

h. Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) The southwestern willow flycatcher is federally and state listed as endangered. This migratory bird breeds in southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, southern portions of 2. Nevada and Utah, western Texas, and extreme northwestern Baja California, Mexico (USFWS 1995). Southern willow flycatcher requires mature willow thickets in riparian woodland habitat for breeding and nesting activities. Nests are built in tall trees with a high percentage of canopy cover and dense foliage. Their diet consists mainly of insects and occasionally fruit (Sedgwick 2000). Southern willow flycatchers are extremely sensitive to human activity in riparian areas. Threats to the southern willow flycatcher include invasion of non-native species and the loss of riparian habitat due to water diversion, flood control, urbanization, and grazing. Parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothr~dsater) has been a significant factor in the decline of this species in California, Arizona, and elsewhere (Sedgwick 2000).

Until the 1960s, the southern willow flycatcher was an abundant breeder in Orange County; however, it ceased breeding in the county by the 1970s (Harmsworth Associates 1999). The occasional late migrant has been recorded since, although no record of breeding has been documented (USFWS 2001).

I. Coastal cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus couesi) The coastal cactus wren is a CDFG species of concern. The coast cactus wren ranges from southern Orange County through San Diego County into extreme northwestern Baja California (Proudfoot et al. 2000). In Orange County, coastal cactus wren populations are - P, regular and widespread. Year-round residents, coastal cactus wrens inhabit coastal lowlands containing thickets of cholla (Opuntia prolifera) and prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis) cactus in coastal sage and maritime succulent scrub (Unitt 1984). Coastal cactus wrens build their nests in the cactus and males often build secondary nests used for roosting by adults and fledglings and nesting for subsequent broods (Proudfoot et al. 2000). Nesting occurs from March through July; fledglings remain in the nest until September. Their diet consists mainly of grasshoppers, beetles, ants, wasps, butterflies, moths, spiders, occasionally vegetation, reptiles, and amphibians (Proudfoot et al. 2000). The primary cause for the decline of this species is degradation and loss of breeding habitat due to urbanization.

In the San Diego Creek watershed, coastal cactus wrens are known to occur in Peter's Canyon Wash, Serrano Creek, Borrego Canyon Wash, Bee Canyon, and Agua Chinon Wash (State of California 2002).

j. Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptih californica californica) The coastal California gnatcatcher is federally listed as threatened and is a CDFG species of special concern. The coastal California gnatcatcher is a non-migratory, resident species found on the coastal slopes of southern California. This species ranges from Ventura County southward through Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties into Baja California, Mexico (Atwood and Bontrager 2001). In Orange County,

.-./ coastal California gnatcatchers are fairly common on gentle to moderate slopes on the immediate coast. Coastal California gnatcatchers typically occur in or near sage scrub habitat, although chaparral, grassland, and riparian woodland habitats are used where they occur adjacent to sage scrub. Breeding occurs from February through August, and nests are constructed most often in California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). The coastal California gnatcatcher's diet consists mainly of sessile small arthropods such as leafhoppers, spiders, beetles, and true bugs (Atwood and Bontrager 2001). The primary cause of the decline of the coastal California gnatcatcher is habitat loss and degradation.

Coastal California gnatcatchers are known to occur within the San Diego Creek watershed in Peter's Canyon Wash, Serrano Creek, Borrego Canyon Creek, Bee Canyon, and Agua Chinon Wash (State of California 2002). Potential habitat for the species is also present in the Bonita Canyon Creek area.

k. Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludoviciunus) The loggerhead shrike is a CDFG species of special concern. This species inhabits most of the continental United States and Mexico and is a year-round resident of southern California. The loggerhead shrike prefers open habitat with perches for hunting and fairly dense shrubs for nesting (Yosef 1996). In southern California, loggerhead shrikes inhabit grasslands, agricultural fields, chaparral, and desert scrub (Unitt 1984). In Orange County, loggerhead shrikes are fairly common where suitable habitat remains in the coastal lowlands (Hamilton and Willick 1996). Loggerhead shrikes are highly territorial - and usually live in pairs in permanent territories (Yosef 1996). Loggerhead shrikes feed on small reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and insects that they often impale on sticks or thorns before eating. Loggerhead shrike population decline is likely due to urbanization and loss of habitat and, to a lesser degree, pesticide use (Yosef 1996).

In the San Diego Creek watershed, loggerhead shrikes are known to nest near San Joaquin Marsh (Hamilton and Willick 1996).

1. Least Bell's vireo (Vireo belliipusillus) The least Bell's vireo is federally and state listed as endangered. Its historical breeding range once extended from northwestern Baja California, Mexico, to interior northern California, as far north as Red Bluff in Tehama County, California (Franzreb 1989). It's current distribution is now restricted to eight southern counties, the majority occurring in San Diego County (USFWS 1998b). Least Bell's vireo winters in southern Mexico and breeds in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. This species is found exclusively in riparian habitats, including cottonwood-willow woodlands and forests, oak woodlands, and mule fat scrub, and require dense cover for nesting (USFWS 1998b). The least Bell's vireo arrives at the breeding grounds in mid-March and remains until September or October. Their diet consists primarily of insects and spiders and some fruit (Brown 1993). Populations of least Bell's vireo have declined drastically due to extensive

.- loss of riparian habitat to agricultural and urban development, including channelization and mining of streams, and nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds. The remaining least Bell's vireo habitat in Los Angeles and Orange Counties remains in the lower and middle elevations and are important "stepping stones" to the species continued northward expansion and recovery (USFWS 1998b).

In the San Diego Creek watershed, least Bell's vireos have been recently documented at Peters Canyon Reservoir, Rattlesnake Reservoir, Newport Aquatic Center, and Upper Newport Bay (USFWS 2001). In 1998, eight territorial males were documented at the Lion Country Area on the lower reach of San Diego Creek (Harmsworth Associates 1999).

m. Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia) The yellow warbler is a CDFG species of special concern. Yellow warblers breed from Alaska south to Peru, including most of the continental United States and Canada, and winter in Central and South America. In California, yellow warblers are an obligate riparian species, nesting and foraging almost exclusively in riparian habitats (Harmsworth Associates 1999). Nesting occurs from late May through early August and nests are typically three to five feet from the ground (Harmsworth Associates 1999). In Orange County, breeding warbler populations have declined since the 1950s; however, . .. . this species remains a common migrant. Yellow warblers primarily consume insects and other arthropods and occasional wild fruits. This species is declining due to the loss of , riparian habitat and as a result of nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Harmsworth Associates 1999).

Breeding pairs of yellow warblers are known from the Rattlesnake Canyon Reservoir, Peter's Canyon Regional Park, and William R. Mason Regional Park (Harmsworth Associates 1999).

n. Yellow-breasted chat (Zcteria virens) The yellow-breasted chat is a CDFG species of special concern. The yellow-breasted chat breeds across most of the United States and winters in southern Mexico and Central America (Eckerle and Thompson 2001). Breeding occurs in dense brush or scrub, usually along streams or marshy areas with dense riparian woodlands. Yellow-breasted chats arrive in California to breed during April or May. Their diet consists mainly of insects and berries (Eckerle and Thompson 2001). In Orange County, yellow-breasted chats were historically very common; however, their populations have declined in the past century (Harmsworth Associates 1999). Destruction of riparian woodlands by development and other human activities has caused population declines and it is possible that brown- headed cowbird parasitism may also have contributed to the decline of the species.

In the San Diego Creek watershed, yellow-breasted chats are known to occur in the Lion d Country Area of the San Diego Creek, Peters Canyon Regional Park, William R. Mason Regional Park, San Joaquin Marsh, and Upper Newport Bay (Harmsworth Associates 1999).

o. Belding's savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi) Belding's savannah sparrow is state listed as endangered. Year-round residents, Belding's savannah sparrows range along the coast from Morro Bay, California, south to El Rosario, Mexico (Wheelwright and Rising 1993). Belding's savannah sparrows nest from July through August in tidal salt marshes or around lagoons in low vegetation dominated by pickleweed. Small, cup-like nests are built on the ground with grasses and moss lined with hair or finer grasses from July through August. Foraging occurs in nearby mud flats, beaches, rocks, and low coastal strand vegetation (Unitt 1984). Belding's savannah sparrows eat mostly seeds but also insects, spiders, small mollusks, and fruit (Wheelwright and Rising 1993). Development, including dredging of salt marsh habitats, has greatly reduced available habitat for Belding's savannah sparrow.

In Orange County, Belding's savannah sparrow is known to occur in Upper Newport Bay (State of California 2002). Potential habitat for this species is present in San Joaquin Marsh and the Santa Ana Delhi channel. p. Large-billed savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis rostratus)

/ The large-billed savannah sparrow is a CDFG species of special concern. The large-billed savannah sparrow is a migratory species that breeds along the Gulf Coast of northeast Baja California and northwest Sonora, Mexico, and winters in California (Wheelwright and Rising 1993). Large-billed savannah sparrows nest in tidal salt marshes and coastal estuaries dominated by pickleweed. Non-breeding populations of large-billed savannah sparrows formerly wintered in a variety of habitats in southern California including beaches, wharves, and city streets, in addition to marshes (Unitt 1984). Breeding occurs from July through August. Large-billed savannah sparrows feed on the ground, eating mostly seeds but also insects, spiders, small mollusks, and fruit (Wheelwright and Rising 1993). Destruction of salt marsh habitats has greatly reduced available habitat for large- billed savannah sparrows. Large-billed savannah sparrow breeding populations at the mouth of the Colorado River are considered greatly reduced or extinct as a result of agricultural water use in the area (Wheelwright and Rising 1993).

Large-billed savannah sparrows are known to occur in San Diego Creek, Peter's Canyon Wash, and Serrano Creek (USACE 2001). Potential habitat for the species is present in San Joaquin Marsh, the lower portion of the Santa Ana Delhi Channel, Bonita Creek Canyon, and Upper Newport Bay.

q. Tricolored blackbird (Agehius tricolor)

2 The tricolored blackbird is a CDFG species of special concern. The tricolored blackbird ranges throughout lowland regions of California west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, from the Central Valley and surrounding foothills into southern California, and into Oregon and Baja California, Mexico (Beedy and Hamilton 1999). In Orange County, tricolored blackbirds historically nested throughout the San Diego Creek watershed. This bird is typically found in large flocks in freshwater marsh habitat and will forage in agricultural and disturbed areas, along lakeshores, and in wet meadows. This species nests in large colonies, which makes it particularly vulnerable to nesting failure if the colony is disturbed (Beedy and Hamilton 1999). Tricolored blackbirds are opportunistic feeders, consuming a diet of grasshoppers, grains, snails, small clams, and agricultural resources. Populations of this species are declining as a result of the elimination of wetlands and freshwater marsh habitat in California as well as nest destruction as a result of agricultural activities, poisoning by pesticides, and abandonment of nests as a response to human disturbance (Beedy and Hamilton 1999).

Tricolored blackbirds were recently observed breeding in a mustard (Brassica sp.) field in the San Joaquin Hills at Interstate 405 and Sand Canyon, near the Pacific Coast Highway, and on the Lomas de Santiago Ridge in the Santiago Creek watershed to the north of San Diego Creek (Hamsworth Associates 1999; USFWS 2001). Suitable and historic nesting habitat for the tricolored blackbird is present in Peters Canyon Wash, . ,- Bommer Canyon, and the Lion Country Area of San Diego Creek (USFWS 2001). C. References Cited

American Ornithologists' Union 1998 Check-list of North American Birds: The Species of Birds of North America from the Arctic through Panama, Including the West Indies and Hawaiian Islands. 7th ed. Committee on Classification and Nomenclature.

Atwood, J. L., and D. R. Bontrager 2001 California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). In Birds of North America, No. 574 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc. Philadelphia, PA.

Beedy, E. C., and W. J. Hamilton 1999 Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor). In The Birds of North America, no. 423, edited by A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill. The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Brown, B. T. 1993 Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii). In The Birds of North America, no. 35, edited by A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, pp. 1-17. The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Brown, J. W. 1991 Sensitive and Declining Butterfly Species (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in San Diego County, California. Draft, Dudek and Associates, May.

California, State of 2002 California Natural Diversity Database. Department of Fish and Game.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS) 2001 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. California Native Plant Society Special Publication No. 1,5th edition. Sacramento.

Collins, J. T. 1997 Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibiaizs and Reptiles. 4th ed. Herpetological Circular No. 25. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Department of Zoology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Crother, B. I., ed. 2001 Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico, with Comments Regarding Confidence in Our Understanding. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Herpetological Circular 29.

Eckerle, K. P., and C. F. Thompson 2001 Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens). In The Birds of North America, no. 575, edited by A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill. The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Ehrlich, P. R., D. S. Dobkin, and D. Wheye 1988 The Birder's Handbook: A Field Guide to the History of North American Birds. Simon & Schuster, New York.

Eng, L. L., D. Belk, and C. H. Eriksen 1990 Californian Anostraca: Distribution, Habitat, and Status. Journal of Crustacean Biology 1 0(2):247-277.

Franzreb, K. E. 1989 Ecology and Conservation of the Endangered Least Bell's Vireo. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington D.C. Biological Report 89(1).

Green, M. 1990 Homed Lark. In Birds. California's Wildlife, vol. 2, edited by D. C. Zeiner, W. F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K. E. Mayer, and M. White. State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento.

Hamilton, R. A., and D. R. Willick 1996 The Birds of Orange County, California: Status and Distribution. Sea & Sage Press, Sea & Sage Audubon Society, Irvine, CA.

Harmsworth Associates 1999 WetlandJRiparian and Grassland Species Reports, Orange County CentralICoastal NCCP Subregion. Report to the County of Orange, the Transportation Comdor Agencies, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Irvine Ranch Water District, the Santiago County Water District, Edison International, and the Irvine Company.

Haug, E. A., B. A. Millsap, and M. S. Martell 1993 Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia). In Birds of North America, No. 61 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc. Philadelphia, PA.

Jennings, M. R., and M. P. Hayes 1994 Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. Final report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, CA. Contract number 8023.

Jones, C., R. S. Hoffman, D. W. Rice, R. J. Baker, M. D. Engstrom, R. D. Bradley, D. J. Schmidly, and C. A. Jones 1997 Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University No. 173. December.

Klauber, L. M. 1939 Studies of Reptile Life in the Arid Southwest. Bulletin of the Zoological Society of Sarz Diego 14:1 - 100.

LSA Associates and P&D Consultants 1999 Draft Environmental Impact Report No. 573 for the Civilian Reuse of MCAS El Toro and the Airport System Master Plan for John Wayne Airport and Proposed Orange County International Airport. Appendix H technical report: Biological Resources. Prepared for County of Orange MCAS El Toro Local Redevelopment Authority.

Mattoni, R., G. F. Pratt, T. R. Longcore, J. F. Emmel, and J. N. George 1997 The Endangered Quino Checkerspot Butteffly, Euphydryas editha quino (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera 34: 99-1 18.

Miller, C. M. 1944 Ecologic Relations and Adaptations of the Limbless Lizards of the Genera Anniella. Ecological Morzographs 14(3): 27 1-289. Mills, M. 1991 San Diego Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii). San Diego Herpetological Society 13:9.

Moyle, P. B., R. M. Yoshiyama, J. E. Williams, and E. D. Wikramanayake 1995 Fish Species of Special Concern in California. 2d ed. June.

Page, G. W., J. S. Warriner, J. C. Warriner, and P. W. Paton 1995 Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus). Irz A. Poole and F. Gill, eds. The Birds of North America, no. 154. The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Proudfoot, G. A., D. A. Sherry, and S. Johnson 2000 Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus). In Birds of North America, No. 533 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc. Philadelphia, PA.

Reiser, C. H. 2001 Rare Plants of Sarz Diego County. Aquifir Press, Imperial Beach, California.

Sedgwick, J. A. 2000 Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailli). In Birds of North America, No. 533 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc. Philadelphia, PA.

Small, A. 1994 California Birds: Their Status and Distribution. Ibis Publishing Co., Vista.

Stebbins, R. C. 1985 A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. 2nd ed., revised. Houghton Mifflin, Boston.

Stephenson, J. R., and G. M. Calcarone 1999 Southern California Mountains and Foothills Assessment: Habitat and Species Conservation Issues. General Technical Report GTR-PSW-172. Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA.

Stokes, D., and L. Stokes 1996 Stokes Field Guide to Birds - Western Region. Little, Brown & Co., New York.

Suarez, A. V., D. T. Bolger, and T. J Case 1998 Effects of Fragmentation and Invasion on Native Ant Communities in Coastal Southern California. Ecology 79:2041 -2056.

Thompson, B. C., J. A. Jackson, J. Burger, L. A. Hill, E. M. Kirsch, and J. L. Atwood 1997 Least Tern (Sterna antillarum). In Birds of North America, No. 290 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc. Philadelphia, PA.

Unitt, P. A. 1984 Birds of Sun Diego County. Memoir No. 13. San Diego Society of Natural History. U.S. Anny Corps of Engineers (USACE) 2001 Newport BayISan Diego Creek Watershed Management Study, Orange County, California. Baseline Conditions Report (F-3 Milestone). September.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1993 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status for Three Vernal Pool Plants and the Riverside Fairy Shrimp. Federal Register 58(147), August 3. 50 CFR Part 17.

1995 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule Determining Endangered Status for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Federal Register: Vol. 60 (38), February 27. 50 CFR Part 17.

1996a Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered or Threatened Status for Four Southern Maritime Chaparral Plant Taxa from Coastal Southern California and Northwestern Baja California, Mexico. Federal Register 6 1 50 CFR Part 17.

1996b Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Threatened Status for the California Red-Legged Frog; Final Rule. Federal Register 61(101), May 23.50 CFR Part 17.

1997 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status for the Laguna Mountains Skipper and Quino Checkerspot Butterfly. Federal Register 62(11):2313 -2322, January 16.

1998a Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered or Threatened Status for Four Southwestern California Plants from Vernal Wetlands and Clay Soils. Federal Register 63(197), October 13. 50 CFR Part 17.

1998b Draft recovery plan for the Least Bell's vireo. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon.

1999a Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule to Remove the Northern Populations of the Tidewater Goby from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. Federal Register 64. 50 CFR Part 17.

1999b Arroyo Southwestern Toad (Bufo microscaphus califomicus) Recovery Plan. Portland, OR. 1999c Upper Newport Bay Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, Orange County, California: Planning Aid Report. Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District. Carlsbad Field Office, Carlsbad, CA.

2000 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Tidewater Goby in Orange and San Diego Counties, California. Federal Register 65, November 30.50 CFR Part 17.

2001 San Diego Creek Watershed Management Study, Orange County, California: Planning Aid Report. Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District. January.

3003 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Quino Checkerspot Butteffly (Euphydryas editha quino); Final Rule. Federal Register 67(72):18355 -18395, April 15.

Wheelwright, N. T., and J. D. Rising 1993 Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis). In Birds of North America, No. 45 (A. Poole and F.Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc. Philadelphia, PA.

Yosef, R. 1996 Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). In Birds of North America, No. 231 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc. Philadelphia, PA.

Zeiner, D. C., W. F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K. E. Mayer, and M. White, eds. 1990 California's Wildlife Volume 11 Birds. State of California, Department of Fish and Game. November.