Citizen Science
The Tejon Ranch Conservancy’s citizen science program accomplishes two important objectives. First and foremost citizen science allows the Conservancy to utilize the knowledge and passion of interested experts to document and better understand the natural resources of Tejon Ranch. Citizen science activities also provide a directed form of pubic access to the Ranch.
Sacatara Canyon Migration Birding
On the Antelope Valley side of Tejon Ranch are several canyons running generally south to north up the slopes of the Tehachapi Mountains. We have recently noticed high numbers of birds moving through the lower reaches of these canyons during the spring migration period. Sacatara Canyon, approximately 4 miles from the eastern boundary of Tejon Ranch, appears to be particularly fruitful in terms of sheer numbers of birds observed. In 2009, during a morning birding trip, a total of 65 species of residents and migrants were observed, and warblers were seen literally dripping from the trees. This prompted us to return to Sacatara Canyon in 2010 for 3 days of birding with the intention of developing standardized annual migration surveys of Antelope Valley canyons on Tejon Ranch for the coming years. Sacatara Canyon migration results
Western Field Ornithologists Purple Martin Survey on Tejon Ranch
Purple Martins, while common and widespread in the east, are relatively rare and sparsely distributed in California.
Click link below to read article by Ed Pandolfino, Mike White & Andrea Jones:
www.westernfieldornithologists.org/10tejon.php
North American Field Herping Association field trips.
The North American Field Herping Association (NAFHA) has participated in a number of field trips to the conserved areas of Tejon Ranch. They have provided the Conservancy valuable expertise in the ecology of reptiles and amphibians, and have assisted with inventories and deploying sampling arrays. This is a great example of how partnerships with citizen scientists, such as NAFHA, can benefit everyone by providing citizens access to an otherwise closed area and providing the Conservancy with valuable expertise.
For more information on NAFHA and their work at Tejon Ranch go to: http://www.nafha.org/southern-california-chapter/tejon-ranch-conservancy
Christmas Bird Count
In December 2008, the Tejon Ranch Conservancy Initiated the first ever Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Tejon Ranch (CBC location code = CATJ). Despite cold and windy conditions, approximately 30 participants tallied 99 bird species. Notable findings included:
- Highest count of golden eagles in the U.S. (44)
- Highest count of lark sparrows in the U.S. (655)
- Second highest count of California Condors in the U.S. (4)
- Sixth highest count of rock wrens in the U.S. (51)
- Fourth highest count of ferruginous hawks in California (16)
- Ninth highest count of prairie falcons in California (7)
- Twentieth highest count of horned larks in California (1,207)
- Unusual wintering species such as rose-breasted grosbeak, Western tanager, and rough-legged hawk
California Native Plant Society field trips
The Kern Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) have participated in two field trips: one to Comanche Point in the San Joaquin Valley; and one to the Antelope Valley side of the Ranch. The field trips were led by Dr. Ellen Cypher, who worked with the participants to develop species lists of the areas.
Comanche Point plant list
Breeding Bird Blitz
Year 2009
On May 2, 2009, the Tejon Ranch Conservancy and Audubon California hosted the first annual Breeding Bird Blitz on Tejon Ranch. Three teams tallied 114 bird species, and witnessed an amazing flight of migratory birds into canyons on the Antelope Valley side of the Ranch. Highlights include large numbers of migrating black-headed grosbeaks (156), Wilson’s warblers (102), Western tanagers (42), warbling vireos (51), as well as 12 species of warblers.. 2009 Tejon Ranch Breeding Bird Blitz results
Year 2010
On May 29, 2010, the Tejon Ranch Conservancy conducted their 2nd annual Breeding Bird Blitz on Tejon Ranch. Twenty-two volunteers joined us for a fun-filled day of birding. Divided into four groups, everyone headed out with binoculars in hand to document all bird species seen. General areas covered included Tejon Creek and Old Headquarters/El Paso Creek are in the San Joaquin Valley, and several canyons in the Antelope Valley. A total of 93 different species were detected on the ranch. While there was less of an influence from migrating birds than last year, an impressive number of birds were recorded for the following species: western wood-pewee (52), ash-throated flycatchers (35), black-headed grosbeak (29), tri-colored blackbird (43), Bullock’s oriole (40), and Lawrence’s goldfinch (69). 2010 Tejon Ranch Breeding Bird Blitz results
