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for a longer period of time during flood events. Of particular interest to the future of the <br /> forest is the relationship between floods, forest stand structure (species, size, and age), <br /> regeneration, mortality, and growth. <br /> Wildlife Associations <br /> On Buckeye Ranch the live oak forest supports a rich avifauna at Buckeye Ranch. The <br /> forest includes small draws that support limited riparian vegetation. As such, differences <br /> in the avifauna utilizing the forest should differ from"classic"riparian habitat. Wildlife <br /> species characteristic of riparian woodlands are not necessarily found exclusively in this <br /> habitat type but nonetheless there are certain groups that are "more noticeable" in riparian <br /> forest. Studies in Sacramento Valley riparian habitats reveal that a riparian woodland's <br /> avifauna is characterized by a high degree of hole-nesting species, bark-gleaners, seasonal <br /> migrants, and neotropical migrant nesting species (Gaines 1980, Dawson et al. 1985). <br /> Buckeye Ranch live oak forest is characterized by an avifauna that is comprised mostly of <br /> foliage gleaners, understory foragers, and terrestrial scratchers. American wood warblers, <br /> vireos, gnatcatchers, kinglets, bushtits, and titmice dominate the live oak canopy. <br /> Towhees, terrestrial sparrows, thrushes, and wrentit are found in the understory. <br /> Woodpeckers are found, but are most common in the ecotone between the forest and oak <br /> savanna. Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorous), an oak-obligate species,is <br /> common at Brovelli, but is nearly absent from Cosumnes River Preserve only 4 miles to <br /> the north (San Joaquin Audubon Society field surveys). This colonial species is dependent <br /> upon a mixed crop of acorns for food reserves. We have located one storage granary tree <br /> on the property. No such trees are present on the Cosumnes Preserve. Plain titmouse <br /> (Parus inornatus), Hutton's vireo (Vireo huttoni), California towhee (Pipilo crissalis), and <br /> lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria), all commonly associated with live oak woodlands are <br /> Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) <br /> 48 <br />