Hawk Watch 2009 starts Jan. 3

HAWK WATCH 2009 kicks off Jan. 3 and continues every Saturday through Feb. 28 in Ramona.

Sponsored annually by Wildlife Research Institute Inc. in January and February, HAWK WATCH provides the public with an opportunity to visit the Ramona Grasslands and observe the area’s wintering and resident raptors. Nineteen species of raptors alone have been recorded at this raptor hotspot.

Visitors will see wild raptors such as the golden eagle, wintering ferruginous hawk, red-tailed hawk, prairie falcon and red-shouldered hawk. Institute biologists will lead discussions about the life histories of the raptors and the significance of the Ramona Grasslands ecosystem to their survival, and there will be demonstrations of hawk banding and tracking eagles with transmitters.

The free, educational program is open to all ages. It begins promptly at 9 a.m. each Saturday in January and February and lasts about three hours.

Participants are asked to bring binoculars if they have them. Scopes will be available for those without binoculars. Layered clothing and walking or hiking shoes are recommended.

The program starts at Wildlife Research Institute headquarters, which is located at 18030 Highland Valley Road near the intersection of Rangeland and Highland roads.

For large groups or more information, call 789-3992.

The Wildlife Research Institute Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation for wildlife research, conservation and education.

Its Web site is www.wildlife-research.org.