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at higher altitudes). These species, including songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds find the <br /> mild winters of the Sacramento Valley suitable for over wintering (Sacramento Audubon <br /> Society 1987). During spring and fall, migratory birds pass through on their way to <br /> summer and wintering grounds. <br /> Many species that are seen overhead are not distinguished from those that actually utilize <br /> the property. Since our surveys began, we have observed CanadaB( rants canadensis), <br /> white-fronted Anser albif rn , and Snow geese h n caerulescens) all flying overhead <br /> but not landing on the property. Sandhill Crane is another species that has been observed <br /> in fields north of Buckeye Ranch and flying overhead, but has not been seen by the <br /> consulting team on the ranch. <br /> 2.51 The Oak-Buckeye Savanna <br /> Woody Vegetation: Trees and Shrubs <br /> The oak-buckeye savanna is characterized as a valley oak woodland sensu Holland (1986) <br /> and Mayer and Landenslayer (1988). Valley oak woodlands vary from savanna-like <br /> habitats to forest-like stands with partially closed canopies. At Buckeye Ranch, they are <br /> comprised mostly of winter-deciduous, broad leafed trees and this habitat tends towards <br /> the more open, savanna type association. This is due to the generally drier nature of the <br /> underlying soils and the fact that many trees have been cut down over the years, with few <br /> new trees having replaced them. <br /> The savanna tree species include buckeye, blue oak,interior live oak, and valley oak, an <br /> unusual assemblage. The presence of buckeye trees is especially uncommon in the valley <br /> oak woodland, though this association can also be found along the Cosumnes River. This <br /> Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) <br /> 35 <br />