Northern harrier is a species that has disappeared as a breeding resident from many areas in southern California. Once
abundant and widespread in San Diego County, there are few known breeding populations remaining in marshes and grasslands
on Conserved Lands. In 2021, AECOM surveyed for northern harriers at historic and recently documented
breeding sites and in other suitable habitat to determine if harriers are present during the breeding season, and to estimate population size and breeding status. AECOM used an SDMMP protocol to evaluate habitat quality and threats at each
suitable habitat site, even those without northern harriers. SDMMP will use these data, and data from subsequent surveys, for the development of management priorities.