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Endangered Habitats League
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Observations
of White-tailed Kite Nests Needed |
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Photo
of White-tailed Kite by Gary Meredith |
Sea
and Sage Audubon is now conducting a survey of White-tailed
Kite nesting territories in Orange County. We are looking
for any and all information about the location of kite
nests, or nesting activities, within the county and will
appreciate any information, from as little as single nest
sightings, to regular observations at a territory. Pertinent
information needed includes: the location, date, how many
birds observed, and any behavioral information. Please
remember that while we need information, it is very important
to stay far away from an active nest and to avoid any
disturbance in the nest area. A copy of the White-tailed
Kite observation form can be obtained by clicking here.
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White-tailed
Kites (Elanus leucurys) in Orange County |
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Not that very long
ago, White-tailed Kites were considered a common species in
Orange County. In fact, in the 1970’s, communal roosts
of over 100 individuals were regularly seen in the San Joaquin
Marsh. Well into the 90’s, roosts of 75 or more kites
were found in places like the Arroyo Trabuco in southern Orange
County. You may even remember the nickname “Freeway Hawks’,
given to these birds, because they were so commonly seen foraging
along our freeway ramps and grass covered center dividers. Now,
however, they have become much less abundant and successful
nesting pairs appear to be few and far between.
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| White-tailed Kite
breeding patterns are naturally quite cyclical. In large part
this is related to population swings of their main prey species:
meadow voles, gophers and mice. However, this cannot account
for the rapid decline of breeding pairs. It is believed that
about 75 to 100 pairs nested within Orange County as late as
the 1980’s. Now, we estimate there may only 15 to 20 pairs
nesting in good years, perhaps even fewer in poor years. |
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| Outright habitat
loss and habitat conversion are the main culprits that have
taken a heavy toll on this species throughout southern California.
Kites need open grasslands for foraging and a level of seclusion
for successful nesting and the fledging of youngsters. Unfortunately,
there is little undisturbed open space or grasslands left in
Orange County. Many of the remaining pairs are found near coastal
reserves where small remnant territories still exist. In these
areas there are increased numbers of predators, natural enemies,
and human related challenges. Each year the Orange County Bird
of Prey Center, and other wildlife rescue facilities in the
area, receive injured or very ill fledgling Kites which are
usually the result of human interactions such as, car strikes,
attacks by crows and ravens, or starvation due to habitat and
territory fragmentation. We are concerned that the condition
of these young birds represents the fate of most of the fledglings
in areas near urbanization and that few, if any, actually reach
adult status. |
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| There is real concern
that the combination of habitat loss, urban pressures and natural
breeding fluctuations are threatening the extirpation of the
remaining Orange County population. After a severe drought in
1999, there was a significant reduction in White-tailed Kite
nests, county wide in 2000. We could easily loose this bird
as an Orange County resident in the near future. In order to
track the problem, and hopefully help seek solutions, we are
initiating a census of White-tailed Kite nesting pairs in the
county, as well as documenting the success of these nests. No
one else is paying attention to the decline of these birds throughout
southern California, so it’s up to us to take the lead.
If you would like to help or simply report the observation of
a nest(s), please contact Scott Thomas. |
| White-tailed
Kite observation form |
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Scott Thomas
Conservation Director – Orange County
(949) 293-2915 or (949) 858-0309
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