Sunny Morning at Ramona Grasslands

Ferruginous Hawk

Last weekend, we spent a beautiful November morning hiking the Ramona Grasslands Preserve Trail near Ramona, California. The air was warm, the sky perfectly clear, and the wide-open landscape shimmered under the late-autumn sun. It was one of those days where the light and the breeze seemed to work together to make everything feel calm and alive.

Trail View

A Peaceful Start

Trail View

The trail, an easy 3.3-mile loop, welcomed us with golden fields stretching in every direction. The gentle terrain made for a relaxing walk, with plenty of time to look around and listen to the sounds of the morning — the rustle of dry grass, distant chirps, and the soft rhythm of our footsteps on the dirt path.

Trail View

The Open Beauty of the Grasslands

California Buckwheat

There’s something special about the Ramona Grasslands. Its vast, open spaces make it a haven for raptors and songbirds alike, and on a warm morning like this one, the whole preserve seemed alive with motion. We could see the rolling hills fading into the distance, dotted with oaks and patches of chaparral.

Trail View

First Sightings

Say’s Phoebe

Early in the hike, we spotted a Say’s Phoebe perched on a fence post, flicking its tail as it scanned for insects. A few Yellow-rumped Warblers fluttered nearby, busy among the low shrubs. Their cheerful calls added a gentle soundtrack to the quiet morning.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Sparrows and Larks

Lark Sparrow

Further along, a group of Lark Sparrows hopped along the trail, their striking facial patterns catching the sunlight.

Overlook

Not far from them, a couple of Horned Larks foraged in the open grass, their tiny “horns” just visible when the wind lifted their feathers. Watching them move through the golden fields felt like seeing the landscape come to life.

Horned Lark

Winged Watchers Above

Turkey Vultures

As the sun climbed higher, we noticed a pair of Turkey Vultures gliding effortlessly in the sky above. Their wide wings moved gracefully in slow circles, joined soon after by a soaring Red-tailed Hawk. The open sky above the grasslands always feels like a stage for these magnificent birds.

Red-tailed Hawk

A Tiny Burst of Color

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

In a shady stretch lined with scattered trees, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet appeared — darting between branches and flashing its tiny red crown for just a moment. It’s always a joy to catch sight of one, especially since they move so quickly that each glimpse feels like a lucky surprise.

Overlook

The Ferruginous Hawks

Ferruginous Hawk

The highlight of our hike came toward the end when we spotted two Ferruginous Hawks soaring high above us. Their large, pale wings stood out beautifully against the blue sky. We watched them circle gracefully, their slow, deliberate movements commanding our full attention. Seeing such rare and powerful birds was an unforgettable moment.

Trail View

A Perfect November Morning

Overlook

As we made our way back to the trailhead, the grasslands glowed in the warm light of late morning. The Ferruginous Hawks lingered in our minds as we reflected on how special it is to share these moments together.

Overlook

Ramona Grasslands once again offered us not just a walk in nature, but a reminder of the quiet wonder that fills even the simplest of trails.

Goldenbush