Annual Raptor Nest Monitoring Begins Across Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Each spring, something incredible is happening high above the trails and canyons of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks: raptor nesting season! From soaring hawks to elusive owls, birds of prey are now preparing nests, laying eggs and raising the next generation. 

To help protect these remarkable species, annual raptor nest monitoring is now underway across the open spaces. Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) has been monitoring raptor nests for over a decade, but every year is a little different, emphasizing the need for monitoring to track trends.

Why Raptor Monitoring Matters

Raptors, including the most common raptor species on the Landmarks, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls and Cooper’s Hawks, play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. As top predators, they help control rodent and small mammal populations, contributing to ecological balance throughout the native wildlands. Tracking population trends over time helps IRC gain valuable insights into the overall well-being of the raptor population and, therefore, the overall well-being of the entire ecosystem.

Monitoring raptor nests allows IRC and its partners to:

• Identify active nest sites
• Track breeding success and chick development
• Gain insights into the overall population
• Ensure nesting areas remain undisturbed

To efficiently monitor these nests, IRC collaborates with local biologists from Bloom Biological Inc. and Endemic Environmental Services who have been monitoring nests in the Orange County area for decades. Once the nesting season begins, these experts survey the open spaces to identify nests and continue to check on them throughout the nesting season, sharing their notes in a comprehensive database that tracks every nest discovered. Trained IRC volunteers contribute to data collection by conducting frequent nest visits and providing time-sensitive updates on the status of their assigned nests to the professional biologists.

These researchers, staff and trained volunteers monitor the raptor nest by:

• Observing nests from a safe distance using binoculars and scopes
• Recording nesting activity and chick growth
• Avoiding direct interaction with birds
• Following strict wildlife protection protocols

All monitoring is done with minimal impact to ensure the safety and well-being of the birds.

Interested in Helping?

Community involvement is at the heart of IRC’s mission. If you are passionate about wildlife and want to make a difference, consider becoming a volunteer! Volunteers support a wide range of programs, including wildlife monitoring, and receive training to help protect the land responsibly. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to get involved by visiting our website.

Why Some Trails May Temporarily Close

If you notice temporary trail closures this spring, there is a good reason: protecting nesting raptors. Because raptors are especially sensitive during nesting season, even minor disturbances can cause adults to abandon nests. That is why monitoring is so important, as it helps protect wildlife while still providing meaningful public access.

These small seasonal changes make a big impact on wildlife. Closures are carefully evaluated and only implemented when necessary to prevent disturbance near active nest sites. These adjustments are typically short-term and lifted once chicks have successfully fledged.

As we welcome another nesting season, we are reminded how special these native lands truly are. With the community’s support, IRC can continue protecting raptors and the natural habitats they depend on for generations to come. Thank you for helping keep the land wild!