In 2012, nearly 150 raptor territories were surveyed within the Landmarks and adjacent properties, from Newport Bay to Weir Canyon. The survey was conducted by Bloom Biological Inc., which has conducted this survey annually since 2004. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy supports this survey as part of its land stewardship responsibilities.
To ensure that nesting raptors are not inadvertently disturbed, the Conservancy utilizes each year’s early nest survey results collected by Scott Thomas of Bloom Biological, Inc. to identify active nests that may be near trails. They work with landowners such as OC Parks and City of Irvine to help identify trails that may need temporarily closures or re-routing when nests are at risk. Public activity can disrupt nesting activity, potentially causing the birds to abandon their nests. And even temporary absence of an incubating or brooding adult at the wrong time, or for too long, can be a serious problem for nests with eggs or small young.
Nest occupancy and success is an indicator of the overall biological health of the Landmarks and nearby lands, since healthy raptors mean healthy prey. This information is further used to help access the overall health of the ecosystem and the news from the 2012 report is pretty good, with 70 nests active.
Watch for “Raptor Nesting” signs along trails, and be sure to stay quiet in these areas. In especially sensitive areas, trails may be closed entirely for the season, so for the benefit of these beautiful raptors, take another route. You’ll be rewarded with increased raptor sightings in the future.