Wings Over Sonoma: Raptor Migration in the Sonoma Coast
Raptor perched at Jenner Headlands Preserve | photo by Adrian Johnson
Every fall, the skies above the Sonoma Coast come alive with wings. From faraway northern nesting grounds, raptors converge on the Jenner Headlands Preserve to hunt and rest during the great migration. Some of these birds of prey travel from their summer nesting areas in the far north or are just passing through on their journey further south — but the majority are hoping to take advantage of the prime coastal prairie habitat of the Jenner Headlands and Estero Americano Coast Preserve to overwinter. For visitors, this migration is impossible to miss. Hawks, eagles, falcons, and harriers circle the coastal updrafts, their sharp silhouettes outlined against the horizon.
Raptor in flight at Jenner Headlands Preserve | photo by Adrian Johnson
Dozens, even hundreds of individual birds, may be spotted in a single outing — osprey diving into the surf, red-tailed hawks gliding effortlessly overhead, or even a northern harrier skimming low across the grasslands. If you're lucky visitors may see a rare Merlin, Ferruginous hawk or Rough-legged hawk. Even Broad-winged hawks and Golden eagles made appearances!
The reason these birds gather here is simple: abundance. Our Sonoma Coast Preserves sit along the Pacific Flyway where the coastal prairie habitat supports a huge prey base for the mice, rats, moles, voles, and other small mammals that sustain both resident raptors and their migratory kin through the cold, wet months.
The birds of prey act as more than a spectacle: they are an indicator of ecological health. Their presence signals balance, and if their numbers decline then immediate action is needed. West County Hawk Watch — volunteer community scientists — have been carefully monitoring raptor movements to not only document change, but also help connect people to the wonder above them. They also partner with us to lead outings here at both of our Sonoma Coast preserves.
This season, don’t just watch the migration. Step into it. Join a guided raptor hike with Hawk Watch volunteers, learn to read the wind and silhouettes, and feel what it means to be part of a landscape alive with motion and purpose. The sky will be crowded — and if you’re there when a golden eagle drifts past, you’ll know exactly why we protect this place.