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elements for bird use (Gaines 1980 and Dawson et. al. 1985). Younger forests (40 years <br /> or less) have few emergent trees and are not as suitable for cavity-nesting species. <br /> Numbers of cavity-dwellers (house wren, tree swallow, nuthatch, and woodpeckers) were <br /> significantly lower than in forests old enough to support emergent trees (Dawson et. al. <br /> 1985). The succession of species within the forest appears related to tree and forest <br /> development. <br /> Thus, bird guilds within restored corridors of South Tracy Lake will adapt as trees reach <br /> maturity through time. Canopy flycatchers, sparrows, and such will readily exploit young <br /> trees. Trees, five to ten years of age, creating thickets, will support nesting red-winged <br /> blackbirds, blue grosbeak and lazuli bunting. As trees get older and start to develop a more <br /> complex canopy structure other canopy species will become established. Northern orioles <br /> (Icterus galbula), black-headed grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus), scrub jay <br /> (Aphelocoma coerulescens), Bewick's wren (Thryomanes bewickii) and rufous-sided <br /> towhees are all common in this intermediate class. Once trees become emergent,resulting <br /> in canopy breaks, other species will become established. Swainson's hawk will nest in <br /> these trees, as will tree swallows, other raptors, woodpeckers, and magpies. Wood ducks <br /> use large natural cavities for nest sites. Mallards and teal forage in flooded riparian forests <br /> in the winter. <br /> The riparian corridors and greentree areas will also provide important habitat for other <br /> vertebrate species. The terrestrial fauna will be comprised of skinks, alligator lizards, <br /> snakes, and rodents. These small animals will attract predators such as raccoons, <br /> opossum, and coyote. <br /> Summary <br /> Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) <br /> 205 <br />