West County Hawkwatch 2020/2021 Event dates are listed below, More dates coming soon. We are a North Bay Area, (Ca.) group bringing attention to North American Birds of Prey and the threats they face. We provide Identification and Education Programs, Hikes, Tours and ID Workshops. We also monitor encroachment of wind turbines into the North Bay, we do Nest Site protection, Raptor Migration counts, Studies and Documentation. Donations received fund youth Educational and Book Programs.
Solano Land Trust and Solano County Parks are proud to present this popular series of birds of prey hikes of the winter migration season. Lynch Canyon is home to golden eagles and hawks. It is also a magnet for migrating and over-wintering birds of prey. It provides them with over 1,000 undeveloped acres where they can hunt and rest. Some feathered visitors come from as far away as the Arctic Circle. This hike will be between 4-6 miles. Meet in the parking lot.
COST: The guided hike is $10 per person. You can pay online when registering, or bring cash/check, payable to Solano Land Trust.
*NOTE: There is a separate parking fee of $6 at Lynch Canyon, cash or check, payable to Solano County Parks.
Despite a wingspan of almost two and a half meters, this golden eagle hides its presence by hugging the mountain slopes, hoping to catch its prey off-guard.
This unrivalled predator feeds on a wide range of prey, including many species of birds and reptiles, but mostly it prefers mammals such as rabbits, hares and groundhogs; it will even hunt foxes, boars and deer.
The domains of this majestic bird of prey range from the highest peaks to the deepest valleys, and cover a hunting territory of up 100 square km.
The domains of this majestic bird of prey range from the highest peaks to the deepest valleys, and cover a hunting territory of up 100 square km.
It hunts at low altitude, sticking close to the mountainside with its languid flight, then diving suddenly onto potential prey. In the mountains during the spring, young groundhog pups are a vital food source for its own brood.
But groundhogs are extremely cautious animals, and work together to stay on watch:a system of call signals warns of any danger.
Hidden between the slopes, the eagle evades the vigilant eyes of its unsuspecting victim.
This incautious groundhog can do nothing when confronted with the king of the skies.
