Irvine Nature Center

Even though the days are cold and gray, there’s still plenty of nature out there to experience.  One of my favorite parts about the winter is that I seem to have an easier time spotting some of my favorite creatures- raptors.  With the leaves off of the trees, it is much easier to spot a hawk perching on a branch.  This is even easier when we have snow and the brownish bird is set against the white background.

Some of our native raptors leave for the winter time for warmer climates, but many stay here.  Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and American Kestrels all stay around through the winter.  Next time you’re driving along the highway, take a glance at the trees, fences, and telephone wires for these birds.  During a four hour drive during the holidays, I spotted more than ten raptors perching in spots on the side of the road.