Birds of the Research Ranch

Nearly 250 bird species spend at least a portion of their lives on the Research Ranch. From the Montezuma Quail that gobble up Emory Oak acorns year-round, to the Botteri’s Sparrow whose vocal arrival marks the beginning of summer, to the Northern Harrier that sail over seas of grass on winter days, each season offers a new suite of birds, and each is reliant upon the healthy grasslands, oak woodlands, and riparian corridors found on the Research Ranch. 

Audubon works across the landscape to protect birds and the places they need. Here at the Research Ranch, we study the migratory patterns of Botteri’s, Cassin’s, and Grasshopper sparrows, we survey annually for the threatened Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, we keep track of our grassland obligates through annual Important Bird Area surveys, and we work with our neighbors to benefit birds beyond our fences.