Tejon Ranch

A mule deer on the 270,000 acre ranch.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

A valley oak stands on a ridge as a biologist and ranch employees take in a view of the Tejon Ranch.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Graham Chisholm, director of conservation for Audubon California, looks at a Bullock’s oriole nest during a tour of the ranch.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Pete Bloom calls for a spotted owl near Lopez Flats on Tejon Ranch.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Wildlife researcher Scott Thomas sets a net to capture screech owls so they could be tagged for future study.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Wildlife researchers Chris Neimela, left, and Scott Thomas untangle a captured screech owl on Tejon Ranch.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Researcher Chris Neimela extends the wing of a screech owl.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

An Injured red-tailed hawk is rescued by biologist Pete Bloom during a ranch tour.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Ranch employee Rob Peterson with a desert night lizard found on the property.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)