Hawk and Owl Paradise Near Davis
By Dave Rosenberg Yolo County Supervisor, 4th District
Hawk and Owl Paradise Near Davis Where can one see wild hawks and owls
up close and personal? Just outside of Davis, the Hawk and Owl Preserve
is a place where many species of raptors congregate to forage on a rich
food supply. These birds of prey can be easily and safely observed close
at hand, like nowhere else in Yolo County. The Hawk and Owl Preserve is
a unique natural resource that provides educational opportunities and exciting
?watchable wildlife? for school children, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts
alike.
The Hawk and Owl Preserve was a cooperative venture between the Yolo Audubon
Society (YAS) and the Hunt-Wesson Company. The now-defunct cannery disposed of
its wastewater through large sprinkler heads scattered throughout an approximately
300-acre parcel of land. This watering regime created a wet grassland, which
provided ideal conditions for rodents and the raptors that prey on them. Maintaining
a similar watering regime will be critical for preserving this unique resource
into the future.
During the daylight hours of the winter months, many Northern Harriers can be
observed flying low and slowly moving back and forth over the preserve. The ?gray
harriers? are the males, while the ?brown harriers? are females or immatures.
White-tailed Kites can also be observed hovering above the preserve. One can
easily see why the colloquial names of the kites are ?angel hawk? or ?hover hawk?.
At dusk, the moth-like Short-eared Owls emerge to patrol the preserve. The last
foraging runs of the harriers and the initial hunting flights of the owls coincide,
making for interesting interactions for one to observe. When darkness is complete,
Barn Owls, like small white ghosts, arrive from their neighboring roost sites
and join in the rodent feast.
Some pairs of harriers and a few pairs of Short-eared Owls often remain to nest
on the preserve throughout the spring and summer months. Both species nest and
roost on the ground, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the wet grassland
habitat of the preserve.
Other birds of prey that utilize the Hawk and Owl Preserve on a seasonal basis
include Great Horned Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Swainson?s
Hawks. Less frequently, one can observe a Ferruginous Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk,
or Prairie Falcon during the winter months. Also, a pair of Burrowing Owls is
resident along the western border of the preserve.
The Hawk and Owl Preserve is located just west side of the Yolo County Landfill
on Road 28H (approximately 2.5 miles northeast of the Davis City Limits). The
easiest way to get to the preserve is by driving north on Road 102 (Pole Line
Road) from the junction with Covell Boulevard in Davis and then turning right
or east on Road 28H. The Hawk and Owl Preserve will be on your left, about two
miles east of Road 102 (Pole Line Road). Gravel Road 104 runs north south along
the east border of the preserve. Road 104 provides the best area from which to
view the birds of prey at the preserve. There is plenty of room for individuals
and groups to park along the side of the road. The YAS and other groups regularly
lead field trips to the Hawk and Owl Preserve.
To find out more about becoming a member of YAS and its various activities, please
contact Kevin Gus? at (916) 452-9801. You can also find out more information
through our website or by mailing an inquiry to the address listed below. Please
come join us for a field trip or an evening program. We welcome the opportunity
to share our knowledge and passion for birds and other wildlife.
Kevin Gus?
President
Yolo Audubon Society
P.O. Box 886
Davis, CA 95617
www.audubon.org
Dave Rosenberg
Yolo County Supervisor, 4th District