Those who have spent time around the Wavecrest Open Space have likely crossed paths—directly or indirectly—with the work of long-time CLT volunteer Emi Calouri. With a birder’s eye and a conservationist’s heart, Emil has been a tireless caretaker of this land- pulling invasive plants and tracking birds. He’s even received our Like a Hawk award for his dedication—and it turns out, that name continues to be fitting.
Recently, Sara Polgar (CLT COO) joined Emil on a walk through the eucalyptus grove at Wavecrest. Their mission: to identify the tree that hosts a known red-tailed hawk nest. This is an important step in ensuring that the upcoming fuel reduction and monarch habitat improvement project, led by the San Mateo Resource Conservation District, avoids the nest.
Good news: it looks like the hawk nest is located just north of the CLT property line—outside of the project area, also perched high in one of the largest eucalyptus trees, far above the reach of the work planned. As the project begins this fall, only trees less than 8 inches in diameter will be removed, and the remaining trees will be limbed up to 10 feet to reduce ladder fuels and fire risk. All of the material will be chipped on-site, providing mulch that our Junior Land Stewards and habitat restoration volunteers can use to support ongoing native plant work across the 50-acre preserve.
As they walked the grove, Sara and Emil were treated to an incredible aerial show. Sara Polgar shared that, “Many, many swallows (Tree Swallows, Violet-Green Swallows and Barn Swallows) were swooping all around us hunting for bugs. It was incredible!”
Emil pointed out fledglings among the mix, and Sara managed to catch a photo of a young Tree Swallow perched on a post.
You can also watch Sara’s video capturing the swallows in action—and catch some of the deep love and passion she holds for Wavecrest Open Space and all who call it home.
Sara and Emil explored deeper into the eucalyptus and the nearby tree tunnel, on the lookout for signs of owl activity. Years ago, Emil recalled, the grove was filled with barn owl pellets under multiple trees—a sure sign of healthy roosting. Though he hadn’t seen many in recent seasons, they were both delighted to discover a few pellets and whitewash markings, hinting that these silent hunters may still call the grove home.
Other sightings from their walk included a junco hopping through the grass, flashes of goldfinches, cooing mourning doves, and—most exciting of all—a red-tailed hawk soaring above them, likely the parent of the fledgling from the very nest we had come to find.
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Photo Credit: Sara Polgar
