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Hawk Watch starts Saturday

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Hawk Watch 2013 — an event that will offer up-close viewing of wild raptors in the Ramona Grasslands — will be held every Saturday in January and February from 9 a.m. to noon.

Conducted each year by the Wildlife Research Institute at its Highland Valley Road headquarters, Hawk Watch attracts hundreds of people to this free program that provides the viewing of hawks and eagles, and their life histories. WRI biologists also explain the significance of the Ramona Grassland ecosystem to the raptors’ survival.

Visitors will see such raptors as the golden eagle, wintering ferruginous hawk, red-tailed hawk, prairie falcon, red-shouldered hawk, and burrowing owl. Nineteen species of raptors have been recorded in the grasslands.

Demonstrations of trapping and tracking golden eagles with transmitters will also be part of the program.

All ages are welcome to the event. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, and WRI has scopes for use. The research institute also recommends wearing layered clothing and sturdy shoes, and arriving at 8:30 a.m. for free coffee and doughnuts.

Hawk Watch will be held Jan. 5, 12, 19, and 26, and Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23.

WRI headquarters is at 18030 Highland Valley Road. From State Route 67, turn north on to Highland Valley Road and travel about 2.5 miles. The Wildlife Research Institute sign will be on the right. Parking is along Highland Valley Road.

For more information visit, wildlife-research.org/hawkwatch.html.

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