Raptors

“It has begun.” So begin the reflections of Laura Echávez, a Golden Gate Raptor Observatory intern, as she experiences her first fall migration from Hawk Hill. Discover how she draws parallels between her immigration story and the birds’ journey along the Pacific flyway.

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.

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.

What’s even better than catching a rare Pokémon? Spotting a seldom-seen raptor from Hawk Hill.

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.

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.

What’s the greatest number of raptor (bird of prey) species seen in one day on Hawk Hill? And what’s the highest volume of raptors spotted in a day? Read on to find out—and learn how you can witness a possible “best day” at the West Coast’s premier hawk migration monitoring spot.

What do you call two smiling raptor banders? A pair o’grins! Beaming faces were abundant on Hawk Hill during the fall 2014 migration season, which featured plenty of “celebrity” raptors, a loopy Redtail, a bald eagle flyby, and 300 intrepid Golden Gate Raptor Observatory volunteers.

In the heart of 49er country, two GGRO volunteers are working to monitor the Bay Area’s population of osprey (aka “sea hawks”). Learn how these citizen scientists are harnessing the power of the people to protect these magnificent birds.