Which of the following hawks have a restricted capture period in California?

The passage merlin has a restricted capture period in California due to specific regulations aimed at protecting the species during critical times in its life cycle. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the population is not adversely affected by capture activities, as this particular species may face significant risks during certain periods, such as breeding seasons or migration.

The other species listed do not have such stringent restrictions or their capture periods may be more flexible and hence not termed "restricted." For instance, red-tailed hawks are common and widely available for falconry in California, making their capture less regulated. Similarly, the marsh hawk, while protected, has fewer restrictions surrounding capture. The prairie falcon is also generally available for falconers, with more lenient capture guidelines. Understanding these regulations not only helps in compliance with conservation laws but also fosters responsible hawking practices.