TIPS FOR VIEWING BIRDS OF PREY

TIPS FOR VIEWING
BIRDS OF PREY
Nothing captures the essence of wild
California better than the sight of a bird of
prey soaring over sun-bleached hills and
valleys.
Their majestic stature, large size and
sheer numbers
make
them an ideal focus of
your fall wildlife viewing.
Thirty-four
species of hawks, owls, eagles,
falcons and vultures can be found
throughout the state. As winter approaches,
many birds of prey, also
known as raptors, migrate into the
state from colder areas to the north.
Viewing birds of prey can be as simple as
watching roadside fence posts and power
poles for red-tailed hawks and kestrels. With
a bit more effort and a little studying, you
can easily spot five to 10 species of raptors
on a day’s excursion.
The first step is investing in a bird field
guide and reading about the habits of each
bird of prey found in the area you plan to
visit. The next step is to search out the natural
habitats where the birds reside. Start by
visiting a few of the watchable wildlife locations
listed below for guaranteed success.
Once you arrive, your bird guide is a must
for identifying one species from the next.
With a little practice, you will be
able to identify a raptor simply
by its shape, location,
and behaviors.
Viewing Tips
* Use binoculars to
get a close view. Do not
get close enough to disturb
the birds.
* Buy a good quality bird
field guide which provides natural
history information, range
maps and color drawings of the birds
of your area.
* Think like a mouse. You
will find raptors where their prey is
located. Unplowed fields with nearby
perches are ideal locations to view
raptors.
* Watch the skies in open areas for soaring
birds of prey. To save energy, raptors
glide around on uprising air currents to gain
height before moving to a different area.
* Scan solitary power poles, fence posts
or trees for perching birds of prey.
* In areas with cliff, barns or tall trees,
look for the whitewashed droppings of
hawks or the regurgitated pellets of owls.
These telltale markings will often lead you to
a raptor’s favorite perch. Some of the more
reclusive birds of prey are hard to spot any
other way.
Source: Outdoor California, US Fish &
Game by Bob Garrison