Our purpose is to conduct long-term studies of the seasonal movements of birds of prey along the Pacific Coast—particularly over the Marin Headlands—and to dedicate that work to the preservation and restoration of raptor populations. As a part of that dedication to conservation, we are committed to public education. Our proactive volunteers learn every aspect of our research. We also use Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands as a living—even flying—classroom for children and adults alike.

GGRO VOLUNTEER HAWKWATCH PROGRAM
Passing hawks are identified and tallied by a team of volunteer Hawkwatchers, working under the leadership of an experienced dayleader. Slide ID training and field training are conducted in July and early August for the mid-August to mid-December field season.

GGRO VOLUNTEER BANDING PROGRAM
Passing hawks are trapped, banded, measured, and released to continue their journey, all within a few minutes. Volunteer banders go through intensive training in July and early August including a workday, in preparation for the mid-August to mid-December field season.

GGRO VOLUNTEER TELEMETRY PROGRAM
Hawks are trapped and fitted with radio transmitters and followed by volunteer trackers as they continue their movements through California.

GGRO VOLUNTEER DOCENTS
Docents present Hawk Talks and Banding Demonstrations to the public on Hawk Hill every Saturday and Sunday in September and October (October only in 2010 due to road closures in the Marin Headlands). Hints on species ID, statistics on numbers and dates of passage, and research results are presented. A wild, recently trapped, and banded hawk is brought to the public area. The banding process is explained and then the hawk is released in front of the crowd to continue its journey.