This morning, while leading a bird walk for the docents of the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve in Murrieta, I was stunned to find a juvenile Harris's Hawk perched in a dead snag just behind the Visitor Center along Waterline Road. The bird perched comfortably out in the open for about 20 minutes, where we were able to study it through scopes, with everyone obtaining excellent looks. The bird even preened briefly where we could see key field marks. The bird had no jesses or bands. It flew off to the northeast, directly towards the city of Murrieta. Others checked various locations in Murrieta with no success, but the bird could still be around somewhere. Photos will be posted on eBird.Charity HagenLake Elsinore
