This April 13, 2021 was the first time nesting Swainson's hawk pairs have been seen and recorded at SLP since April 3, 2018. This raptor is a California Threatened species that has declined due to loss of nesting and foraging habitat.
Both nests are further downriver than we've ever seen. One nest is in a Black Locus tree, another first for me, and the other is in a Cottonwood tree, the type of tree all other Swainson's hawk pairs have used here in the past.
We are delighted to see Swainson's hawks return and wish them success!