Meet at Ballou Point, which is approximately 1 mile north west of the Rock Spring Parking Area along West Ridgecrest Ave (towards Bolinas Fairfax Road).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hhv8mc9gB25MT1ve8
Parking is limited
Learn how to see and identify Raptors with Allen Fish. Great intro to hawk watching for beginners.
Allen will give an overview on how to identify Raptors in the sky and then the group will actively explore the sky for Raptors sightings.
Tamalpais Ridge is just a few miles north of the Marin Headlands, home of the largest raptor migration numbers in the Western States. There's a chance of seeing any of California's hawks, eagles, falcons, kites, harriers, osprey or vultures. So bring your curiosity, your optimism, and your eagle-eyes, and we will discover the Pacific Raptor Flyway together.
Bring Binoculars if you have them. Also might be useful: Bird or raptor field guide, folding stool, sunscreen, hat, and layered clothing.
Berkeley resident, bird ecologist, and writer Allen Fish was director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory for four decades, and a lecturer in Raptor Biology at UC Davis. Scientific advisor to Cal Falcons and Raptors Are The Solution, Allen has studied birds of prey in California, but also in Mexico, Taiwan, France, Spain, and Scotland. He has authored or co-authored dozens of scientific and layperson articles on raptor ecology and migration. Allen’s most recent article “Putting on Moth Goggles” appeared in the Bay Nature, Spring 2026 issue.
GENERAL THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SCIENCE QUEST EVENTS
CAPACITY: Only RSVP if you are able to attend. Most events have limited capacity - No Shows will likely prevent someone else from attending.
PARKING: We strongly recommend carpooling and arriving at least 30 minutes early to locate parking. Pantoll, Bootjack, and East Peak require a $8 fee - bring exact change! You can also pay through the Yodel app (https://www.yodelpass.com) . The Quarry Parking lot (just past Mountain Theater towards East Peak) is an option if Rock Spring Parking lot is full. Pantoll parking is very limited – BootJack sometimes will have open spots. Bus service schedule is available at https://marintransit.org/routes/61.
FAMILIES: Hikes are suitable for families with children who are interested in nature and are comfortable hiking 2-4 miles. "Kid Friendly" events have no age limit.
DURATION: Each timed event is scheduled to last no more than 2 hours (except Astronomy).
CANCELLATIONS: Rain, red flag days, winds above 30 mph, and unforeseen circumstances will cancel. Check the Friends of Mt Tam Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfMtTam
WATER: Bring your own water. Most hikes do not pass by public drinking water sources.
CLOTHES: Weather on Mt Tam can be very unpredictable and can change quickly. Dressing in layers is recommended.
STURDY BOOTS: Trails are uneven, rocky and can be very steep in places. Sandals, sneakers, and running shoes are not recommended for hikes.
EQUIPMENT: Many events are enhanced with Binoculars (Birding, East Peak Fire Lookout, etc.). Lichen hike recommends bringing a magnifying glass.For presentations at Pantoll, bring a folding chair.
Dogs(except for service animals) are not allowed
Public Restrooms: Available at East Peak, Rock Spring, Bootjack, Mountain Home, and Pantoll.
