
Red-tailed Hawk
Lots of raptors at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area with Red-taileds everywhere on Dec 27. Don’t go on Wed or Sat for birding as those are duck hunting days.

Northern Harrier
Another hawk common at Jacinto. It has an owl-like head and flies low over grasslands to feed on small birds and rodents.

Red-tailed Hawk landing on tree

Virginia Rail
Virginia Rail found to the south of pond 4 in a pool directly east from the blue Porta Potty at end of ditch.

Sora
Sora in the same location. Note the yellow bill vs the rail which has a longer orange bill. There were at least 3 Virginia Rails and 2 Soras. Thanks to Charity Hagen for ID on Rail. Both of these birds are heard more often than seen and hide in vegetation unless you remain still and wait for them to come out.