Raptors educate and entertain the crowds at Hawk Watch in Ramona

It’s hard to miss the many hawks and owls that call Ramona home, but there is more to these large birds than what can be seen by spotting them in the sky.

Hawk Watch, an annual event held on Saturdays in January and February, allows the public to learn about the animals in a fun, interactive format.

“Hawk Watch is a free afternoon of good clean fun, connecting people with the wild world around us, but with deep purpose,” said Katie Quint, research director at the nonprofit Wildlife Research Institute, which hosts the event. “I consider it to be a seasonal staple of the outdoor offerings in San Diego County and Ramona.” 

The presentations from biologists, animal ambassador handlers and local falconers allow participants to “take a deep dive into our curiosities about adaptive physiology, conservation, ecology and so much more,” Quint said.

Both permanent and migrant raptors, or birds of prey such as bald and golden eagles, red-tailed, red-shouldered and ferruginous hawks, falcons and harriers — nearly 20 species in all — have been recorded at the Ramona grasslands. 

Hawk Watch takes place at the Begent family ranch, at 18528 Highland Valley Road. The ranch overlooks the 5,000-acre Ramona Grasslands Nature Preserve, which is under the stewardship of San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Presenters are quick to halt their discussions during their talks, and point out any raptors, so visitors can use provided spotting scopes or their own binoculars to see the animals for themselves. 

Stacey Mae Rudge, founder of Ramona Barn Owls, has volunteered at Hawk Watch for the past few years. She promotes Poison-Free California, which advocates letting hawks and owls control rodents as opposed to using rodenticides or poisons.

“We try to be entertaining, as well as educational,” Rudge said. “We have a lot of education about not using poison and showing people other methods of rodent control.”

Rudge also manages the kid’s pavilion at the event, which offers one-on-one craft time for youngsters, as well as wildlife education.

“We want them to fall in love with raptors and owls, because they are less likely to want to harm these animals later, especially with poison,” Rudge said.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs for the stationary talks, which are held outdoors rain or shine. Complimentary coffee and donuts are available and parking is free.

The event features a nature-themed pop-up gift shop, with all proceeds going to WRI research. Visitors can also view and touch snakes displayed by the San Diego Herpetological Society, take photos inside a replica eagle nest in the art barn and visit informational booths from local wildlife organizations.

Between 200 and 400 people typically attend each Saturday. The program starts promptly at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive by 9:30 a.m. and can view some wildlife on their own from selected spots along the road when the program ends.

“We hope that the folks who attend Hawk Watch leave with more awareness and inspiration for becoming a better steward of this shared environment we have with wildlife,” Quint said.

The remaining days for the event are Jan. 17, 24 and 31 and Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28.

For more information, contact 760-765-1957 or www.wildlife-research.org; large groups can email: leighbittner@wildlife-research.org.