Nesting Season

Love is in the air during springtime months on the Preserve! As the days begin to lengthen and weather warms, wildlife activity will begin to ramp up and this is particularly true for our feathered bird friends. Although raptors and hummingbirds are already hard at work courting mates and selecting prime nest locations, the start of the nesting season for most birds is considered March 15^th and will extend until August 31^st. (and the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher that occupies some areas in the Preserve may start breeding behaviors as early as February). During this time period, Habitat Authority staff and contractors diligently oversee activities across the Preserve to ensure that they are conducted in a way that avoids any potential impacts to nesting birds. Disturbance near an active nest, such as prolonged activity or loud noise, can cause adult birds to abandon eggs or chicks, and some human activities can cause mortality of the nest itself. Because birds nest in a variety of locations in addition to trees, such as tree cavities, on the ground, and in shrubs just a few feet off the ground, even seemingly benign activities may have potential impacts, so we ask that our neighbors and partners join us in keeping a watchful eye out on behalf of our feathered friends this spring!