Date: 5/6/26 3:56 am From: Erick Masias via groups.io <erickjmasias...> Subject: [SFBirds] Dolores Park RTHA Chicks
Hi all,
Maybe not as exciting news as our spring rarities but I’m writing to share that the chicks in the Dolores Park nest are now visible!
Sharing some details here with the understanding that we won’t try to fly any drones near them, their nest is otherwise well out of the way of human interference. Their nest is on the southeast corner of the mission Dolores high school tower, between the brown/bronze vase-like football shaped dome and the main structure. The best place to stand for a good angle is here (37.7598429, -122.4276559) right next to the light post, scope definitely helpful.
Yesterday was also the first day I didn’t see the male hawk (Unbanded, female is banded). Hoping he’s ok, but mama was holding it down yesterday both hunting and keeping a watchful eye over the nest. There’s already some sibling rivalry fights breaking out as expected, with one chick appearing more dominant, but none appear significantly smaller at this time. I estimate they are about 1.5-2.5 weeks old. The adults began incubating about March 19th and the typical range is 28-35 days to hatching. I saw them get fed last week but couldn’t actually see their heads.
If you missed it, they were featured in a mission local article ( https://missionlocal.org/2026/03/sf-hawks-nest-mission-high-school/ ). I’ll reach out to the reporter and ask her to update the story to discourage drone usage — she did a great job with the story, covering many important angles imo!
I figure some of us might find ourselves at the park for other non-birding activities, hope you all get to spread some birdjoy to non-birder friends if you’re in the neighborhood! Hoping to meet you all out in the field soon at a rarity chase, sea or sky watch when my work obligations finally allow it.
