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Wildlife Spotlight: White-tailed Kite

2/24/2022

 
PictureWhite-tailed Kite
​A small to medium-sized raptor, the white-tailed kite is a sight to see with its snow-white feathers, black markings and piercing red eyes. Mostly found in grasslands, open woodlands, savannas, marshes, and cultivated fields, the white-tailed kite is known for its interesting hunting style.
 
When searching for its next meal, a white-tailed kite will hover up to 80 feet above an open area, rapidly beating its wings and facing into the wind, pausing in mid-air almost as if it were attached to a string. Once its prey has been spotted, the white-tailed kite will dive down to try and capture the animal in its talons. The white-tailed kite’s hunting style is so distinctive that it has become known as “kiting.” This raptor species mainly eats small mammals, but has been known to eat birds, lizards, and insects on occasion.  


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Fox Run Trail in the City of Irvine Opens After Undergoing Improvements

2/17/2022

 
Picture
Fox Run Trail in the City of Irvine
After a seven-month closure, Fox Run Trail in Shady Canyon is ready to welcome back hikers and bikers to experience the newly improved trail. During the closure, Irvine Ranch Conservancy conducted trail restoration and improvements including compacting the trail and perfecting the tread, as well as passive restoration to allow for the surrounding habitat to be reestablished.
 
“The Fox Run Trail was originally very steep and had quite a bit of erosion damage, making it one of the least used trails in the area,” said Adam Maywhort, IRC Director of Planning and Infrastructure. “The newly redone trail meets the criteria for a world class trail and will be an exciting technical route for hikers and especially for mountain bikers.”

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Invasive Plant Profile: Sahara Mustard

2/10/2022

 
PictureA small population of Sahara mustard.
​Winter rains and spring sunshine bring a variety of lush greenery and brightly colored flowers to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, but not all of the blooms we see are native to the land. Plants like the Sahara mustard might look pretty with their small yellow flowers, but they are actually a highly aggressive invasive weed that threaten the health of native habitats.
 
Sahara mustard is a top priority for removal when spotted on the Landmarks, as the weed begins to grow earlier than most native plants and has the ability to spread seed quickly and grow rapidly. Spreading of Sahara mustard throughout local habitats can use up vital natural resources, preventing native plants from establishing and driving out wildlife that depend on native plants for food and shelter. 


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Explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as a Family

2/3/2022

 
PictureA family explores nature in Orange County
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks provide a wide variety of history, geological formations and rare natural habitats that can only be found in Orange County. Nature lovers of all ages can explore these natural wonders as a family with free guided activities on the Landmarks.
 
Introducing children to the outdoors and allowing them to experience nature is the best way to grow the next generation of nature enthusiasts, while making life-long family memories. Families interested in exploring the Landmarks can do so by signing up for a family activity through LetsGoOutside.org. Each Let’s Go Outside activity is led by an experienced volunteer trained to lead nature lovers of all ages and skill levels on an informational exploration of the Landmarks. 


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    About

    Welcome to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy "News from the Field" blog. These articles are written by Conservancy staff about activities and projects in and near the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. 

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Irvine Ranch Conservancy  •  4727 Portola Pkwy. Irvine, CA 92620  •  714-508-4757  •  info@irconservancy.org

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  • Home
    • Landmarks Blog
  • What We Do
    • Programs >
      • Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
      • Wildfire Prevention
      • Community Engagement and Education
      • Invasive Species Control
      • Plant Materials
      • Monitoring and Research
      • Planning and Infrastructure
      • Volunteer Management
    • Where We Work
    • About Us >
      • Meet the Team
      • Our Partners
      • Careers
      • Contact Us
  • Volunteer
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