Golden Gate Raptor Observatory

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Why are they here?

The Marin Headlands area raptor migration thoroughfare. Many raptors migrate south from their northern or higher altitude nesting areas to find better sources of prey during fall and winter.

While on migration, birds of prey use air movements, such as rising thermals and updrafts on wind-facing hills, to maintain their altitude. A preference for flying over land keeps many hawks from readily flying over open water.

Moving toward the Marin peninsula's southern tip in the Headlands, the "front" of migrating raptors is squeezed by San Francisco Bay on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west.

When the raptors reach the Golden Gate, they may zip across the 2 mile gap to San Francisco if they have a good tailwind. Otherwise they may slow down to gain a little altitude before crossing, or perhaps not cross at all.

If you want to learn more about being a GGRO volunteer, visit our Volunteers link or contact the GGRO.

Contact the GGRO:

Mail:
Golden Gate Raptor Observatory
Building 201, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:
(415) 331-0730

E-mail address:
ggro@parksconservancy.org

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