The greater More Mesa ecosystem includes approximately 400 acres of coastal bluff, grasslands, wetlands, coast live oak, and riparian woodlands. The ecosystem includes the mesa itself and extends north into the oak and riparian woodlands along Atascadero Creek, which are part of the County’s protected More Mesa Open Space, as well as farther upstream and downstream along the creek. The heart of this ecosystem is the 300+ acre coastal bluff, consisting largely of a level terrace vegetated with non-native grassland and bisected by two large canyons. These canyons, dominated by extensive wetlands and woodlands, drain northward into Atascadero Creek and provide key wildlife corridors. This combination of expansive grasslands and wetlands adjoining a large native coastal riparian forest is increasingly rare in Southern California.
In addition to its extensive wetland, woodland, and grassland habitats, More Mesa is home to several notable ecological resources, including the largest historic roost on the South Coast for the white-tailed kite, a fully protected raptor. In the winter months, between 60 and 80 of these striking birds of prey have historically gathered in the area. While kite roosts can shift over time, in 2021 local residents documented over 20 kites roosting in one of More Mesa’s canyons at sunset. More Mesa also supports several kite nesting sites and provides critical habitat for other sensitive species, including the burrowing owl and the loggerhead shrike—both listed as Species of Special Concern by the state and federal governments. Other species on California’s list of concern that utilize this habitat include the short-eared owl, Cooper’s hawk, and northern harrier. A variety of other birds and mammals such as coyote, bobcat, and fox also rely on this rare mosaic of habitats in the rapidly urbanizing South Coast region.
Northern Harrier and Short-eared Owl
Burrowing Owl
Loggerhead Shrike
White-tailed Kite
Recently fledged Cooper’s Hawk