Hawk Watch returns to grasslands
Like the little engine that could, organizers of Hawk Watch returned to the Ramona Grasslands with a new and improved program.
Hawk Watch is a free program put on by the nonprofit Wildlife Research Institute every Saturday morning in January and February. The purpose, say organizers, is to educate the community about the many birds of prey that call Ramona home and the need to conserve their habitat.
“It’s just a great opportunity for everybody to come learn about birds of prey,” said WRI Executive Director Dave Bittner, noting that watchers this year will be treated to up-close-and-personal views of nearly a dozen birds as opposed to the three or four in years past.
They’ll also be viewing the birds in a new location.
Prior to a hiatus last year, Hawk Watch was held at the institute’s previous headquarters on Highland Valley Road. Because the institute has moved to Julian, this year’s Hawk Watch is being held at the privately owned Begent Ranch at 18528 Highland Valley Road, not far from the old location.
“You’ve heard of retail therapy, this is your eco-therapy each week,” said Leigh Bittner, who runs the Wildlife Research Institute alongside her husband.
The couple strongly encourages families to attend Hawk Watch to educate future generations to keep conservation efforts going.
During Hawk Watch, the crowd — usually numbering in the hundreds — sits or stands as falconers bring out various birds for viewing and Bittner and other bird experts share details about everything from the birds’ eating habits to their mating practices.
Demonstrations of speed and trapping practices are also part of the show.
Assisting Bittner’s group are other nonprofits such as the Raptor Institute, which provides most of the birds seen during Hawk Watch.
Birds brought out for display include red-tailed hawks, great horned and barn owls, a Harris’ hawk, kestrels and a peregrine falcon.
The rarest of the birds brought out is a gyrfalcon. This is the first year the Arctic Circle native has been in the Hawk Watch lineup.
Before, during and after the program, watchers are also encouraged to take a peek into scopes provided by the institute. The scopes are strategically placed about the ranch so that watchers can catch of a glimpse of some of the birds that call the Ramona Grasslands home, including a pair of bald eagles.
Watchers are welcome to bring their own binoculars to view the wild birds, if they like.
Hawk Watch begins promptly at 9 a.m., with gates opening at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine. Free refreshments are provided.
Hawk watchers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and dress for colder weather or layer clothing.