2025 Raptor Nest Monitoring - RTH-OR-338 - Limestone Canyon

The coordinates of the active nest are shown below:

RTH-OR-338 (Limestone Canyon)
117.6703660°W 33.7353471°N

This nest is located in the usual oak tree, just south of where rifle range meets with lower Weir Canyon. Coordinates above should be fairly accurate to the nests location.

Submit data on Survey123 (phone app) or via browser within 1 week of visiting answering questions on the provided survey link:https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/9869abbdf41e45a6a1d5618b035f924f

Please adhere to proper trail etiquette by staying on trails. Please review your map. Nest Map.

Adhere to inclement weather (including rain, trail conditions and Red Flag Warning) policies. We will contact you if your patrol is cancelled for Fire Watch.

You and all IRC volunteers must be in IRC uniform (with proper landowner identification/patch), including your badge(s).

Before leaving your home to report for the activity, fill your water bottle, bring everything you need to be healthy, Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Overview of Process:

Surveys conducted on foot/bike/car if approved for driving.
Active nests are monitored regularly to document egg-laying, incubation, hatching, and fledging.
Please try and visit the nests once every two weeks at least but no more than once per week.

Items to Bring:

A paper copy of the survey questions if you have not downloaded the survey questions.
binoculars & spotting scopes (scope can be checked out with IRC, but must be arranged 48 business hours or more in advance.)

Protocols to Ensure Nest Safety:

Minimize time spent at the nest—just enough to determine nesting status
Leave or back off if you flush a raptor from its nest or if you think you are disturbing the adults or chicks
If a new nest is observed, do not approach a nest closer than about 75 ft. and inform IRC Staff about the discovery. Log the nest into Survey 123 using the other tag for the Nest ID.
The use of audio playback (phishing) to induce visual observation or vocalization is prohibited (We have a protocol if you need a copy)
Participants should not linger at nest site unnecessarily or use this program as an opportunity to pursue other interests like bird watching or hiking
Avoid, when feasible, attracting the attention of others to the nest location

General Trail Reminders:

Stay on existing trails as much as possible.
IRC Staff will coordinate and approve any off trail needs on a case by case basis.
Avoid conversation if surveying with another individual to maximize your ability to see and hear signs of raptor activity or nest.