Initial surveys must consist of a complete habitat assessment to develop a comprehensive list of possible endangered, threatened, special concern, and focal species that may utilize the site during all or a portion of their life cycle. The life cycle habitat requirements of the potential species on the site must be developed with appropriate references sited. Information from the NYS Natural Heritage Program must also be obtained prior to species surveys. Field surveys of the species listed as potentially found or using the site must be conducted during appropriate seasons and in the appropriate habitats in accordance with the life cycles of the species. Surveys must follow standard protocols to ensure that detectability is maximized and results are reliable. For example, bird surveys must occur during the spring breeding season (mid-May through early July) in the early morning hours (within 1/2 hour of dawn through 9:30 a.m.) under relatively fair weather conditions. The results of such breeding bird surveys reveal the suitability of on-site habitat: surveys which are conducted at other times or in poor weather are much less informative. Reptile and amphibian surveys must be conducted between March and October, with concentrations in March-April, May-June, midsummer, and September. Survey techniques include night searches, minnow/turtle traps, turning of cover, objects, and larval dip-netting and identification. For all taxa in question, surveys must be conducted within all habitats on site (e.g., grasslands, vernal pools, forested uplands, wetlands), regardless of where the proposed construction activities would take place. Many species utilize a complex of habitats within the course of their life cycles; therefore, developments may attempt to avoid disturbance of breeding habitat, but destroy foraging, roosting, or wintering habitat. Attention should be given to timing and seasonal constraints such as breeding, migration and germination. The landscape ecology of the site must also be detailed regarding the effect of development on the undisturbed range requirements of the identified species.