Marin raptor enthusiasts can rejoice at the outstanding opportunities existing close to home.
Hawk Hill, located in the Marin Headlands, offers world-class viewing of these birds of prey along with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean.
Stressors magically melt away as one ascends the hill. The majestic beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge slowly unfurls and grants the viewer one of the most scenic and iconic views on the West Coast. This spot has been immortalized in countless Hollywood films.
From this high perch, one is likely to see all kinds of raptors. The American kestrel is our smallest falcon, and these birds pass through the area on their migration south. This fierce sky hunter ranges from Alaska to south of the United States border and can be found throughout the continent. This tiny, fierce raptor can be seen nesting in three cavities.
Nineteen species of raptors pass through this area annually, according to the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. The observatory has a mission to inspire the preservation of California raptor populations. They have been monitoring the raptor migration for more than 40 years. The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory seeks volunteers to help them with this important work. For information, email ggrow@parksconservancy.org.
A peregrine falcon sails over the Marin Headlands in 2015. (Frankie Frost/Marin Independent Journal)
Related Articles
Want to see birds? Go to a park in Marin
Should Bay Area birdwatchers take down their feeders to avoid avian flu?
Views on garden insects are changing. Why many former ‘pests’ are now valued
How DNA could help save California’s historic pheasants
Why can’t Oakland hummingbird decide whether to sit or hover at the feeder?
The peregrine falcon is one of the faster bipedal predators and can reach speeds up to 34 miles per hour. This falcon is one of the most widespread birds in the world. It lives on all continents with the exception of Antarctica. This statuesque-looking bird was one of the beneficiaries of Rachel Carson’s seminal book, “Silent Spring.” Carson’s work informed the world that synthetic chemical pesticides, such DDT, bioaccumulate in the food chain, causing bird eggshells to become thin and too fragile to survive. When her book was read by then-President John F. Kennedy, he was moved to begin the process of forming the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Since then, populations of the peregrine falcon have been brought back from the brink of elimination.
With some perseverance, and a little bit of luck on the hill, one may even be able to bear witness to the awesome site of a small group of raptors, known as a kettle, flying over the columns of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast. Please remember to bring extra-warm clothes on your adventure. Also there are no facilities on the hill, so be prepared to bring snacks and water along with optics and a guidebook.
One bird you may be likely to see is the ubiquitous turkey vulture. Yes, this large carrion eater is also considered a raptor. As the sun heats the surface of the planet, warm thermal plumes rise up and create lift for these birds to glide on, keeping them aloft. They soar high in the sky, trying to catch the sweet scent of decaying flesh on which they like to feed. These unique birds have developed a heightened sense of smell, as well as very strong stomach acid that allows the birds to dine on meat that has been sitting out and becoming fetid. With these enhanced stomach acids, the turkey vulture has the ability to sustain itself on carrion. They have also developed featherless heads that allow them to push their beak into decaying flesh without getting any of it stuck in the head feathers. These birds are also known for sleeping in groups overnight on the ground.
Prior to taking the trip up Hawk Hill, it will be beneficial to check weather conditions as this area can get fogged in, which will limit visibility greatly. But, even on a foggy day, it’s a magical place to visit. Pack a lunch and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the Marin Headlands.
