Birds in the Golden Gate National Parks

Learn more about birds and birding in the parks.

Hawk watch
Our Work

Golden Gate Raptor Observatory

Thousands of raptors fly over Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands, and hundreds of volunteers stand atop to count them.
Red-tailed Hawk monitoring
Our Work

Golden Gate Raptor Observatory

In 2012, the GGRO is able to use brand-new technology to help us track bird movements.
Hawk Hill
Our Work
Raptor tracking provides a more complete picture of raptor movements between banding and recovery
bird watching
Park E-Ventures Article
When volunteer Christina Cambie “migrated” from England, she had no idea she would find comfort and community in her new home by studying another migration—that of raptors over Hawk Hill.
Turkey Vulture
Park E-Ventures Article
Here’s one “turkey” you might not want around your Thanksgiving dinner. The Turkey Vulture defecates on its feet, vomits as a defense, and feasts on carcasses. But it’s also one of the most fascinating animals in our parks. Learn how the GGRO is trying to unravel its mysteries.
Park E-Ventures Article
What’s even better than catching a rare Pokémon? Spotting a seldom-seen raptor from Hawk Hill.
Marion Weeks holds a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk for radiotelemetry
Park E-Ventures Article
Interested in studying hawks, falcons, and eagles as a volunteer with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory? Learn about May recruitment meetings, and hear about the wonder of this work from current banders and hawkwatchers—some of whom have been volunteering for over two decades!
Western Snowy Plover
Park E-Ventures Article
In January 2016, a record number of Western snowy plovers were spotted at Ocean Beach. What are some possible reasons for this sky-high count? Read the latest on park monitoring of these threatened species—and learn what you can do to help their chances of survival.
Northern Goshawk, GGRO
Park E-Ventures Article
Nearly 400 biologists from 12 countries gathered in Sacramento in January 2016 for a milestone conference on birds of prey. How did it go? Read the reflections of Allen Fish, director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, which helped host the historic event.
Northern Goshawk, GGRO
Park E-Ventures Article
Fifty years ago, biologists gathered a convening with an unprecedented specific purpose—saving a species on the brink, the Peregrine Falcon. Learn about that pivotal event and how you can support the GGRO’s hosting of an important raptor conference this fall, which continues to draw inspiration from the ’65 meeting.