Here come the hawks

"Birds of prey know they're cool," says a Gary Larson cartoon showing eagles wearing shades and headphones.

Among viewers, hawks are hot, and the best place to see them now is the Bay Area. In fall, some 16,000 hawks of 19 species cross the Golden Gate in the West's largest hawk migration. Last year, peregrine falcon and HPH (hawks per hour) sightings were up at Marin's Hawk Hill, where nonbirders can become aficionados by listening to "hawk talks." They can also learn birding with the help of experts, or attend classes (new this year). Or try four other Bay Area migration-watching hills, all with dazzling vistas.

Funneling down from as far as Alaska, hawks mass over Bay Area peaks en route to southern feeding grounds. Scientists know little of the birds' final destinations. Migration peaks mid-September to mid-October, with up to 500 hawks daily.

Best viewing is between 10 and 2 as hawks soar and glide on midday thermals. Stay home when it's foggy or rainy--the birds don't seem to migrate then. Bring binoculars and a field guide.

Don't-miss migrants

You may see Cooper's, red-tailed, or rough-legged hawks, kestrels, and more. These rare birds are worth waiting for:

Golden eagle. The largest migrant, it has 90-inch wingspan. Dark brown. Slow wingbeats; glides with wings nearly horizontal.

Peregrine falcon. Medium body; short, pointed grayish wings; and buff breast. Wide, dark mustache mark and black helmet are tip-offs. Noted for fast flight and steep, dramatic dives after prey.

From Hawk Hill to Russian Ridge

At Marin Headlands, in Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), Hawk Hill offers dramatic views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. Go early for easiest parking; bring a picnic. Avoid Fleet Week, October 12 through 17, when jet flybys disturb migration.

In September and October, you can listen to a hawk talk at 10 on Wednesdays and at noon on Saturdays, or watch birdbanding at 2 on Saturdays. August 19 through December 15, volunteers help you learn about and identify hawks between 10 and 4 daily. Activities, sponsored by Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO) with the GGNRA, are free (rain or fog cancels). To join a hawk identification class ($40) or volunteer with GGRO, call (415) 331-0730.

From U.S. 101 Highway in Sausalito, take Alexander Avenue under the freeway toward Fort Barry, then take Conzelman Road 1 3/4 miles west. Where the road becomes one lane, park and walk up Hawk Hill.

Other hawk-watching sites. On the peninsula: San Bruno Mountain State and County Park, Sweeney Ridge, Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. In the East Bay: Mount Diablo State Park.

COPYRIGHT 1991 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group