GVL Visits Doodad Ranch!

3/27/2026

Graduate students Diana Munoz, Anderson Tate, and Carlos Esperanza spent the day at Doodad Ranch in Elverta, California with two main goals: obtain a genetic sample of a Western bluebird, and hang out with baby goats!

The captured Western bluebird, a charismatic and territorial male named Fauci, had established himself in a nest box on the property for the breeding season. Students collected physical data metrics such as beak size and body weight, as well as a blood sample. Fauci's genetic data will contribute to the Western bluebird population genetics project led by Carlos Esperanza* sponsored by the North American Bluebird Society. This project will inform on Western bluebird genetic diversity and how different populations relate to each other.

*Carlos Esperanza is permitted to safely collect blood samples from small birds.

Last but not least, our students paid a visit to the baby goats on the property who loved the attention and have been adopted as unofficial GVL members.