Come to Audubon California Starr Ranch Sanctuary and join sanctuary manager, Pete DeSimone, and Scott Thomas on a tour of the ranch and have the unique opportunity to observe hawk and owl chicks right at their nests. These special Hawk & Owl Banding field trips are conducted as part of a long term study of raptors here in Orange County. Previously, the public attended these trips annually, but now these trips occur less frequently due to recent weather conditions.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet science and raptors up close and personal. Pete and Scott have both been working with raptors for decades (longer than they like to admit); this is an opportunity to really learn about our Southern California hawks and owls. On each trip, Pete, Scott, and other biologists, will bring hawk and/or owl chicks (of the proper age) down from their nests to the group, where they will take their measurements and place identification bands on them, before returning them to their nests. Field trip participants will be able to help out and get right in the action with the young raptors. (This is also a great opportunity for those of you with cameras to photograph the young birds up close.)

The field trips, which fill up fast, will take place in April (we expect both hawks & owls), and May when there should be lots of hawk chicks, maybe even some Cooper's hawks or Barn Owls. Each trip consists of about 20-25 people who are shuttled around in our special people mover open-bed truck and several SUVs. The trips include about 3-4 hrs. in the field and lunch is provided.

Morning trips run from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and afternoon trips run from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The overlap from 12 to 1 is lunch hour for both the morning and afternoon groups. Sandwiches, chips, fruit and drinks are included. The April trips are almost filled so please check with Nancy Kenyon, field trip chair, ( ) before sending in your reservation..


Trip fee is $40 per person; full time students and children under 10 are $25. Advanced reservations are necessary. Make checks payable to SEA & SAGE AUDUBON and mail to: Banding Trips, c/o Nancy Kenyon, 32 Almond Tree Ln, Irvine CA 92612. Be sure to include your phone number and your email address for trip confirmation & information.