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of factors, including the presence of annual exotic grasses that compete for moisture with oaks, ongoing grazing, and perhaps natural drought cycles. Despite at least fifty years of cattle grazing, a number of healthy looking, sapling-sized blue and valley oak were observed within the savanna. Generally the saplings are growing near the lake margins in the eastern part of the Ranch. Few sapling-sized oaks or buckeyes were noticed away from the lake edge. Natural regeneration is likely to remain at a similar level or, more likely, to increase in the absence of year round livestock grazing. Wildlife Associations The avifauna of the oak savanna is truly one of the California Realm. It is in this community where one can find such California specialties as the endemic yellow-billed magpie (Pica nutlalli), white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), and acorn woodpecker. In addition, it is in this community that red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicanus),flocks of blackbirds, including tricoloreds (Agelaius tricolor), western meadowlark (Stunella neglecta), and lark sparrows (Chondestes grammacus) are most prevalent. Extensive grazing of the forest's understory has impacted many species including foraging raptors and quail. Interspersed within the savannah are small pools that fill during winter. These pools are either the result of natural depressions or are man-made (levees that impound water). These pools attract numerous species including ducks, shorebirds, herons and egrets. Most of the bird species foraging in this community move freely into adjacent pasture lands to hunt. Magpies,raptors and large flocks of meadowlarks and blackbirds travel to the open pastures and farmlands to forage. This open pasture element in association with the savanna is essential if the raptor community is to be maintained on the ranch. Large open Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) 37