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Birds in the Golden Gate National Parks

Learn more about birds and birding in the parks.

A photo of a Brandt's Cormorant on Alcatraz Island.
Parks

Brandt’s Cormorant

Urile penicillatus

Best viewed on Alcatraz Island from February through July during the breeding season. Look for active nesting colonies along the western cliffs and rocky ledges.
Parks

Watch the Brandt’s Cormorant nest webcam on Alcatraz Island

Tune into the livestream from Alcatraz to see the fledgling Brandt's Cormorants family grow before your very eyes.
White Crowned Sparrow
Events

Beginner Birding

Sat, May 31 11:00am-12:30pm
Rodeo Beach/Fort Cronkhite parking lot
Come join a Ranger Guided Hike and Birding Program with a Marin Headlands Interpretation Ranger! Learn all about the many different types of birds that call the Marin Headlands home while hiking along the scenic Rodeo Lagoon Loop Trail beginning at Rodeo Beach.
A Peregrine Falcon fledgling looks at the screen, while its mother feeds the rest of the chicks with her tail to the camera.
Parks

Peregrine Falcon Nest Highlights from Alcatraz Webcam 2024

Recap of the 2024 Peregrine Falcon nesting season on Alcatraz Island

Enjoy this recap of the 2024 Peregrine Falcon nesting season.
Portrait of birder Daniela Sánchez with binoculars on a birding trip.
Gateways Article

How to find birds 'slowly' in national parks

Many people flock to birding because they love birds' beautiful plumage, their intricate songs, or their entertaining antics. For Daniela Sánchez, it was serendipity.
Peregrine Falcon with chicks
Parks

Expert Peregrine Falcon viewing tips from Alcatraz Biologist Lidia D’amico

For the first time, you can see the fledgling family of Peregrine Falcons growing up on Alcatraz! See expert tips how to spot these birds of prey while visiting the island.
A brownish Red-tailed hawk perches on green evergreen branches with a blue sky background.
Conservation

How are rodenticides affecting raptors?

Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) are used to control pests, but secondary exposure can affect non-target species like raptors. Researchers tested juvenile Red-tailed Hawks to learn more.
A small bird sits in the center on a branch with a white sky background and many green oak leaves and brownish twigs below.
Conservation

What's causing changes in Kestrels?

Data from seven fall raptor migration sites show that not only have kestrel numbers have been declining across North America, they've also been getting smaller.
A woman in a purple coat stands at the right of the photo with arm extended. A brown & cream hawk flies with wings extended on left. Background is a partly cloudy sky with the Golden Gate bridge and San Francisco Bay, and in the foreground green shrubs
Conservation

Which Red-tailed Hawks migrate when?

Red-tailed Hawks are common raptors in the Bay Area, yet males and females can be difficult to tell apart. Researchers used DNA and small differences in size to better understand their migration.
Close-up of a kestrel's face.
Conservation

How does raptor migration timing vary?

At GGRO, we observe that female raptors typically migrate before males and juveniles typically migrate before adults. How does this compare to findings at other observation stations?