On May 16, Friends of the Swainson's Hawk learned of this destruction of riparian and Swainson's Hawk nesting habitat in Natomas. (Aerial below) This parcel has been idle for many years and lies just west of new homes on the City of Sacramento border, immediately south of I-5. It is owned by Leonard Padilla who authorized the destruction of the riparian habitat and Swainson's Hawk nesting tree.

To the south, to the north and to the west are parcels owned by AKT. AKT has been seeking to develop all of these properties for several years though they lie outside the City and the City's permit area for destroying endangered species and their habitat. The destruction has been reported to state and federal authorities for enforcement action.

In the last few years quite a few nesting sites have similarly been destroyed. The City has had a permit from wildlife agencies and has removed several nest trees (not during the breeding season however). In 2002 the Airport took out at least three known nesting sites near this area prior to the beginning of nesting season. (Link to Spring 2003 update on airport tree cutting page). (Link to before/after photos on Pritchard and Jacobs tree cuttings.)