Raptors top the food chain in local wetlands

The American kestrel is one of several raptors at Ballona Wetlands.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Bill Beebe

Did you know there are raptors right here in Southern California? No, we're not talking about raptor dinosaurs but birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk, the white-tailed kite and the American kestrel. They can be seen at the Ballona Wetlands in Playa del Rey. The wetlands provide open space and abundant food for these magnificent creatures.

Raptors have awesome vision and razor-sharp talons and beaks. Flying high, they can spot even the smallest rodent or snake hiding in the pickleweed, a common wetlands plant. They are all champion hunters, but because their bodies and wings vary in size and shape, they use different hunting techniques.

* The red-tailed hawk is a large bird with a distinctive red tail. It likes to perch or sit in high places, patiently waiting for mammals to prey on. This raptor will utilize its great vision and flying skills by "kiting" -- a type of flying where the bird is able to stay in one place by hanging in the wind.

* The white-tailed kite hunts small rodents by both kiting and "hovering" -- a flying technique in which the bird holds its position by quickly beating its wings. The bird's head remains motionless while it scans the ground for prey. Once it spots a rodent, this raptor will "dive-bomb" and quickly snatch its prey from the ground below.

* The smaller American kestrel captures insects and small mammals by hovering and "perching" -- sitting patiently in wait of prey.

To schedule a visit to the Ballona Wetlands, contact Abby Fox, educational outreach director of the Wonders of Wetlands (WOW) Team at (310) 342-0100.

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