The original 2017 "Welcome the Swainson's Hawks back to Sutter's Landing Park" event was to be held in April, a normal time for this popular FORB event. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and we had to reschedule for later in the summer near the end of the nesting season for this very popular and still threatened raptor species. Once again the California Raptor Center from UC Davis came through and brought two very special "ambassador" Swainson's hawks, "Grasshopper" and "Whistler" delighted the small crown that braved July heat to appreciate and learn more about this amazing species. These and other raptors can be seen at the Raptor Center in Davis where much good work is done to protect, educate, and rehabilitate native wild raptors. Some birds can't be returned to the wild due to health or behavioral reasons but they are well cared for at the Raptor Center and can contribute to better understanding and appreciating these special birds.
Among the many facts that were shared is that the species is doing somewhat better in California now but still suffer from a lack of good foraging and nesting habitat and a number of Swainson's hawks and other native raptors are brought in to the Raptor Center each year due to injuries from humans and otherwise. Among the many examples of ongoing problems for the species is a new "mitigation" site proposed adjacent to increasingly busy Sacramento Airport where there will be a risk of increased mortality from collisions with air craft. During this event several wild raptors were seen foraging on the former landfill mound and nearby American River Parkway including a pair of Kestrels, a Red-tailed hawk, a Turkey vulture, and a Swainson's hawk that could have been one of several pair being monitored by FORB volunteers this season. A very good day indeed.
(Photos by Robert Sewell unless otherwise labeled.)
Among the many facts that were shared is that the species is doing somewhat better in California now but still suffer from a lack of good foraging and nesting habitat and a number of Swainson's hawks and other native raptors are brought in to the Raptor Center each year due to injuries from humans and otherwise. Among the many examples of ongoing problems for the species is a new "mitigation" site proposed adjacent to increasingly busy Sacramento Airport where there will be a risk of increased mortality from collisions with air craft. During this event several wild raptors were seen foraging on the former landfill mound and nearby American River Parkway including a pair of Kestrels, a Red-tailed hawk, a Turkey vulture, and a Swainson's hawk that could have been one of several pair being monitored by FORB volunteers this season. A very good day indeed.
(Photos by Robert Sewell unless otherwise labeled.)
"Grasshopper" preens for the group
Available shade was appreciated and well used during the event.
"Grasshopper" and "Whistler" enjoyed watching the crowd and all the other activity in the area.
"Grasshopper" showing off some color and form
The mound just beyond the event provides good foraging habitat for a number of raptors including Swainson's hawks
Looking for a better future for native species
Raptors like "Grasshopper" need our help
"Whistler" showing off the colors of a dark morph Swainson's hawk very well.
Nearby, in nests like this one being monitored by FORB volunteers in Midtown , a young wild Swainson's hawk was recently seen stretching its wings for the long flights ahead.
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