It’s winter on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! While many U.S. states are experiencing snow, Orange County residents get to enjoy comfortable temperatures year-round thanks to our Mediterranean climate. And we’re not the only ones who take advantage of our favorable winter weather.
 
During wintertime, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks experience a substantial increase in bird activity due to seasonal migrations. These migrations are in response to changing weather and availability of food and nesting locations. Winter rains rejuvenate and bring life to the Landmarks, providing an abundance of food and shelter for local and migratory birds.

Many of the raptors seen throughout the developed parts of Orange County were likely born and raised on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.  With plenty of quiet places to nest, and an abundance of food in the springtime, it’s no wonder many raptors decide to raise their young here.  However, nesting season can be a stressful time for raptor families, and they are easily spooked by human activity. 

​The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to a diverse group of plants and animals, including over 15 raptor species that can be found nesting in trees, cliffs, and even on the ground. With the spring season in full effect, the Conservancy has partnered with internationally acclaimed Raptor biologist Peter H. Bloom to locate and monitor raptor nests throughout the Landmarks while also documenting egg laying, incubation, hatching and fledging.
 
While many of the raptors spotted throughout Orange County are likely born and raised on the Landmarks, the Red-Tailed Hawk is the most abundant raptor species, mainly found in willows, oaks, eucalyptus, sycamores, cliffs and power towers. Other raptor species and nesters on the Landmarks include the Cooper’s Hawk, Golden Eagle, Barn Owl, Red-Shouldered Hawk and more.

In the fall, birds really do "fly south for the winter." Luckily the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are far enough south that a large variety of migratory birds make their way here each year and stay for the winter.  After spending the spring and summer further north, they return to ride out the cold months in Southern California’s balmy Mediterranean climate.
 
According to The Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, "birds migrate to move from areas of low or decreasing resources to areas of high or increasing resources. The two primary resources being sought are food and nesting locations."

Great egrets are members of the heron family. With white plumage, sharp yellow bills and legs made for wading, they make their homes in warmer climates close to water. They are often found spearing fish in marshy areas, but are also powerful fliers, achieving speeds of up to 25 miles an hour in flight.

The great egret is considered a wildlife conservation success story. During the 19th century, large numbers of egrets were killed for the showy feathers they grow during mating season. The damage this caused to the great egret population has been reversed over time due to strong conservation efforts, including those mounted by the Audubon society, which was originally established to combat the practice of poaching birds for their feathers. Fittingly, the Audubon Society chose the great egret to be its symbol. Today, the great egret is no longer endangered, and can be found in many different parts of the world. We are lucky to have strong numbers of great egrets who call the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks home.
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You can celebrate the good health of the great egret population by joining birdwatching programs offered through the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, or by joining any program that takes you out on the land. Great egrets are just one of many bird species who share the land in Orange County’s backyard.