Antelope Valley, a couple of hours northwest of Idyllwild, is an area filled with small towns in the Mojave Desert. It is also a place where resident and migratory raptors and other birds seek shelter, food and water.
A Red-tailed Hawk is amazing to see up close. Usually they are seen at a great distance soaring overhead or perched on a post or wire overlooking a field. Audubon Chapters across the US have unique opportunities to see and learn more about the birds that surround us. Sea and Sage Audubon recently sponsored a trip to Antelope Valley for a chance to see some of these majestic birds with professional experts.
Scott Thomas is an expert Field Biologist who has studied birds of all kinds for 20 years. On this day, he temporarily caught this bird so it could be assessed and banded before being released back into the skies.
When a bird is "banded", a small lightweight bracelet is attached to one of their legs. The information on the band is linked to the bird researcher. If the bird is found in the future, a central registry will link the researcher to the new location of where the bird has been discovered. This is only one of the techniques for studying bird behavior.
The American Kestral is the smallest member of the Falcon family. It perches or hovers over fields looking for its next meal. After recently seeing them on our desert camping trip, it was great to see this beautiful bird up close.
Pete Bloom, a highly experienced raptor expert, conservationist and consultant, seeks to minimize negative impact that development may have not only on these impressive birds but also on endangered species such as the Golden Eagles and California Condors.
Quite a precarious perch for this Prairie Falcon.
This was the first time for me to see a Prairie Falcon. This uncommon bird managed to not be banded.
It kept a vigilant eye on the numerous birds in the nearby field.
A huge flock of Mountain bluebirds were in one of those nearby fields. If you happen to discover a banded bird, contact the national registry. You'll be helping researchers when you report your discovery. Another way to help is to report your bird sightings on Ebird sponsored by Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
