The Birds of Chileno Valley Ranch

Peter Fugazzotto - MALT

By Peter Fugazzotto, Director, Communications

May 29, 2019

Sally and Mike Gale, owners of Chileno Valley Ranch, regularly partner with PRBO Conservation Science (now Point Blue Conservation Science) and the Marin RCD to monitor birds on the ranch.

They host a bird count annually; a recent survey on their ranch found an impressive 33 species using the restored creek corridor in a single spring.

Sally relishes the return of the barn swallows after each winter, watching them from the porch as they gather mud for their nests in the barn rafters. Birds respond quickly to changes in their environment and serve as evidence that the ecosystem is thriving.

“I keep seeing new birds. Now we have lazuli buntings and yellow warblers. It is so exciting!”                                                   

Sally Gale

Birds Observed at Chileno Valley Ranch

More stories like this:

Can California’s protected farmland fight climate change?

August 14, 2023

One powerful tool to address climate change that does not receive a lot of public attention is employing land use planning policies that preserve working farms and ranches.

Read More

The view from the Duncan Ranch, with a heifer cow and two calves. - MALT

Duncan Ranch – 539 Acres Protected from Development Near Petaluma 

March 23, 2023

The 539-acre Duncan Ranch, just west of Petaluma, is now forever protected, preserving this landscape’s ecological richness and ensuring it remains in agricultural production in perpetuity. 

Read More

Rows of green swiss chard farm crops on Fresh Run Farms during a Field to Fork event, an example of a climate-smart buy-local strategy.

Marin Voice: MALT’s work to support ecosystem is part of a climate-smart strategy

February 22, 2023

Farmers and ranchers are among our greatest conservation allies and land stewards. We need to continue to invest in preserving agriculture to build economic and climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and connect our community.

Read More