The Nat and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are gathering information on birds of prey that are nesting in the area this spring (their nesting season is typically midwinter through the middle of summer). We are specifically interested in the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and American Kestrel.  

Between now and the end of July, we need the community’s help to document each nest in the Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve and the surrounding neighborhoods that are within a mile of the lagoon (roughly bordered by Poinsettia Lane to the north, Leucadia Blvd. to the south, and the Omni La Costa golf course to the east).  

Nat scientists regularly monitor nests in and around the lagoon. But we need help from the public because many of these birds nest in backyards or on private property that we can’t access. And with more people getting outside into nature during the pandemic, it’s an opportunity for people to learn about and contribute to science.  

The data we gather will help inform conservation efforts at the Reserve. By comparing observations this year against observations last year, we can determine how nest success and the nesting density of raptors has changed, and what nests are being reused in 2021. In addition, we can continue to document when and where raptors are nesting, what trees they use for nesting, and what prey they bring to feed their young. 

If you live in this area and know of any nests or nesting raptors in your back yard or neighborhood, please email raptors@sdnhm.org or post your observations to the iNaturalist app using the Birds of Prey at Batiquitos Lagoon Project. New to iNaturalist? Find more information here, including a downloadable guide on how to use the app.  

Visit the San Diego County Bird Atlas’ online database to learn more about these birds, what they look like, and their nesting behaviors.