MDAS Field Trip -- Raptor Migration at Hawk Hill
2023-09-23 10:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hawk Hill Conzelman Road, Sausalito, California 94965, Conzelman Road, Sausalito, 94965, United States
Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands is one of the best spots in the entire US to see raptors during the fall migration! We’ll also have stunning views of the Golden Gate, San Francisco, and the Pacific Ocean.
We’ll meet at the parking lot at Hawk Hill at 10:30am. From there it’s a short walk up a fairly steep but well-graded trail to the observation area at the top of the hill. We’ll station ourselves there to watch for hawks, falcons, eagles and vultures migrating down from the north, and using the thermals to gain altitude before they glide south over the Golden Gate on their southerly migration. Sometimes they’re high in the sky, though often these spectacular predators zoom and circle right at eye level.
For more info on the migration check out the GGRO website: https://www.parksconservancy.org/programs/golden-gate-raptor-observatory
Weather is very changeable on this hill overlooking the Golden Gate, so dress in layers. We will be stationary for some time, so bring a lawn chair if you like. Also a hat, water, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a snack. This is a birding expedition though, not a picnic, so please no elaborate spreads.
Peak hawk-spotting doesn’t begin until around 11AM, sometimes later if the morning is foggy. We’ll plan to arrive at Hawk Hill at 10:30 to find parking and get organized. If you’re a little late, we’ll be up the Hill…but be advised parking gets tight before mid-day. Birders who’d like to start earlier might bird Rodeo Lagoon north of Hawk Hill, or other sites in the Marin Headlands. Leader may email participants about an optional early meeting point a day or two before the trip.
Leader: Matt Tarlach, mtar925@gmail.com, 925-482-6129
Meet: Hawk Hill Parking Lot on Conzelman Rd
Directions: Input ‘Hawk Hill Conzelman Rd’ into Gmaps
All Field Trips are first-registered, first-served. Participants acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration)
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raptor-migration-hawk-hill-tickets-695156861887
(Sharp-shinned Hawk, image by Jerry Britten)

Hawk Hill Raptor Migration
2019-09-21 11:00 - 13:00
Hosted by Mount Diablo Audubon Society Young Birders Club
