Over-wintering Birds-of-Prey Hike at Lynch Canyon

Sunday, December 8, 10am to 2pm
Solano County, California – Join Larry Broderick and the Solano Land Trust Raptor Team for a Birds of Prey Migration Hike at Lynch Canyon Open Space Park on Sunday, December 8th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This hike will offer raptor identification tips and views of resident and over-wintering birds of prey.  Previous sightings include golden eagles, bald eagles, rough-legged hawks, Cooper's hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, ferruginous hawks, peregrine falcons, prairie falcons and other more common birds of prey.

Broderick, an interpretive specialist focusing on field identification, census and the natural history of raptors, brings over 25 years of experience studying, researching, identifying, rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey. Over the last decade he has been sharing his love of hawks on these hikes and tours. He’s a gifted and entertaining teacher who is anxious to share his knowledge of and passion for raptors with anyone who is interested. He distinguishes a ferruginous hawk from a red-tailed hawk or a prairie falcon from a peregrine falcon from great distances. He is known to demonstrate wing beat movements and wing configuration patterns of different species using his spread arms.

All ages are welcome, but participants must be prepared for a moderate pace covering about 4 miles, possibly off-trail in places, up and down rugged, steep, and slippery hills that are full of sticky seeds, thorny plants and thistle, and passing free range cattle along the way.

An RSVP is requested to Mary Beth at mbcrittendon@comcast.net or 707-685-5908.  Meet at the Lynch Canyon parking lot by 10am sharp.  Bring $5 cash for parking; a backpack with plenty of water and snacks; boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes with tread for rough, steep and slippery terrain; long, sturdy pants and layered clothes that you don't mind getting dirty; and protection from sun, wind, fog and rain. Binoculars, a camera, bug repellent and hiking sticks are also recommended.  A donation is suggested to help sustain these tours.  Constant or heavy rain cancels the hike.

Lynch Canyon Open Space Park is owned by the Solano Land Trust and is a part of the Solano County Parks system.  Because it is a working cattle ranch, pets are not allowed.  Visit www.solanolandtrust.org for further information.

Who:  Solano County Parks and the Solano Land Trust
What:  Birds of Prey Migration Hike
When:  Sunday, December 8, from 10am to 2pm
Where:  Lynch Canyon Open Space Park’s address is 3100 Lynch Road, Vallejo, CA.  The entrance gate is at the intersection of Lynch Road & McGary Road, Vallejo, CA.
Why: Discover and learn about eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey in Solano County.
Cost: A donation for the tour is suggested but not required.
RSVP:  Requested but not required:  Mary Beth at mbcrittendon@comcast.net or 707-685-5908.