Ramona Grasslands Hawk Watch Bird Show Canceled After 23 Years

A free educational bird show that's been held in winter months at the Ramona Grasslands Preserve for the last 23 years has been canceled, according to the Wildlife Research Institute (WRI) website.

Thousands had attended the Hawk Watch programs over the years, which were held on Saturday mornings in January and February and were free to the public.

WRI Executive Director Dave Bittner had legal troubles earlier this year, he was sentenced to three years probation for capturing raptor birds for educational use without the right permits. U-T San Diego quoted Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Pierson, who sentenced him: "Bittner repeatedly violated the law by capturing and banding birds without federal and state permits..."

The U-T article suggests that a decrease in membership and fewer donations tied to Bittner's legal issues explain the cancelation of Hawk Watch and WRI's move to a new location in Julian.

"We encourage you to personally visit the Ramona Grasslands during migration to view wintering hawks and other birds anytime," the WRI website says.

The Ramona Grasslands Preserve is open 7 days a week, year-round. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the fall and winter; and 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. during the summer months.