Santee’s Bird of the Month

We found  our bird of the month for March, an immature or juvenile red-shouldered hawk, perched on a branch and scanning for a meal along the San Diego River at Town Center Community Park.

Red-shouldered Hawk at Town Center Community Park

These forest hawks are typically found in habitats that feature tall woods and water. They prey on everything from small mammals to frogs and snakes. Red-shouldered hawks are smaller than red-tail hawks, which have broad, pale wings with a dark bar at the leading edge.

Santee has a wealth of  riparian habitat along the San Diego River, as well as hillsides with chaparral and coastal sage scrub surrounding the city that offer great bird-watching opportunities.