Bird of prey picture from Hawk Watch in Julian

Bird of Prey photo courtesy of Hawk Watch in Julian.

It’s a beautiful thing – sitting close to a wild red-tailed hawk, noblest of birds of prey.
Ramona Wild Life Research Institute bird of prey

Taken at the former Ramona Wild Life Research Institute.

If you can make it to Ramona, in San Diego’s east county, and the Wildlife Institute, you’ll sit near them as they are prepared for tagging. I dragged my 14 yr. old son out of his Sat. morning sleep in and he brightened up as the birds came near. The preserve also houses Ground Owls, Buffalo and Canadian Geese are visiting the pond less than a mile away. Wonderful to support the educational and conservation efforts.e took a little road trip to the country last weekend. It’s a beautiful thing – sitting close to a wild red-tailed hawk and other birds of prey.

If you can make it to Ramona, in San Diego’s east county, on Saturday mornings in January through February, you’ll sit near them as they are prepared for tagging. I dragged my 14 yr. old son out of his Sat. morning sleep in and he brightened up as the birds came near. Free event. The preserve also houses Ground Owls, Buffalo and Canadian Geese are visiting the pond less than a mile away. Wonderful to support the educational and conservation efforts. They showed demonstrations of the bird’s speed and trapping instincts.

UPDATE: The Ramona location has closed. It is now open in January and February at a private ranch in Julian. You can find out the times and schedule at the new Hawk Watch site. Seeing these raptors so close is a perfect dose of ‘eco-therapy.’

 

Copyright 2010, Elaine J. Masters, The YoGo Project