Biologists and volunteers from Audubon California and the Tejon Ranch Conservancy this weekend are taking part in a groundbreaking survey of birds on Tejon Ranch, a private, ecologically significant landscape in Southern California that has been off-limits to researchers for decades. Thanks to a recent conservation agreement between the owners of the sprawling property, the Tejon Ranch Co. and several environmental groups – included Audubon California – researchers are now getting to see just what treasures the Tejon Ranch holds.

“The spectacular diversity of flora and wildlife on this property is just breathtaking, but in many ways it is unexplored territory,” said Graham Chisholm, executive director of Audubon California and chairman of the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. “We really can’t wait to get on the ground and document what’s there. We expect more than a few surprises.”

The Tejon Ranch Conservancy, an independent organization charged with conserving the lands protected as part of the agreement, is overseeing the survey as part of its goal of opening up the ranch to researchers. This survey will build on the first-ever Christmas Bird Count of the Tejon Ranch in December.

“This is the really exciting part of our work,” said Tom Maloney, executive director of the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. “Our first priorities are to provide public access and to develop a ranch-wide conservation management plan. These types of surveys enable us to develop an understanding of the conservation values of the ranch and provide access to birders who have been wanting to explore the Ranch.”

Tejon Ranch encompasses more of California’s natural beauty and diversity than any undeveloped area of the state. Located at the junction of the Mojave Desert and the Sierra Nevada, central and coastal mountains, the enormous parcel is home to precious native grasslands, oak woodlands, Joshua tree woodlands and conifer forests. It is home to the endangered California Condor and more than two dozen state and federally listed plant and animal species.

In addition to the Condor, the Tejon Ranch hosts at least 17 bird species on the Audubon Watchlist, including Golden Eagle, Spotted Owl, Purple Martin, Willow Flycatcher, and Tricolored Blackbird.

“This is truly one of the best places for birds in California, and we’re pleased to be able to help the conservancy explore this important place,” added Chisholm.