In the charming landscapes of New Hampshire, ranging from the coastal areas to the majestic White Mountains, a variety of birds of prey, including several species of hawks, thrive. Renowned for their keen eyesight, swift flight, and unparalleled hunting abilities, these hawks in New Hampshire contribute significantly to the natural balance of the state’s ecosystem.
Types of Hawk in New Hampshire
Red-tailed Hawks: A common sight across New Hampshire, the Red-tailed Hawk is frequently seen soaring above open fields and highways, including the picturesque landscapes of the White Mountain National Forest.
Broad-winged Hawks: Known for their distinctive high-pitched whistle, Broad-winged Hawks are often spotted nesting in the deciduous forests in the Monadnock Region during the summer months.
Cooper’s Hawks: The agile Cooper’s Hawk is a common resident of wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods in towns like Concord and Manchester.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: The smallest hawk in the state, the Sharp-shinned Hawk can be found darting through the forests of Franconia Notch State Park in pursuit of smaller birds.
Northern Harriers: Northern Harriers, distinguished by their owl-like facial disc, can be seen flying low over open fields and marshes in areas such as the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Red-shouldered Hawks: Red-shouldered Hawks, with their distinctive red shoulders, are typically found in the wet woodlands around Nashua and other urban locales.
Northern Goshawks: An elusive sight in the state, Northern Goshawks prefer the large, undisturbed forests of the North Country region, including those of the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters.
Rough-legged Hawks: Rough-legged Hawks, known for their feathered legs, are winter visitors to New Hampshire and can be spotted in the open fields and farmlands in the Upper Valley region.
New Hampshire Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in New Hampshire
Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory: Located in Miller State Park, the observatory is a well-known spot for fall hawk migration. Hawk-watchers can spot a variety of species, including the Sharp-shinned Hawk and Broad-winged Hawk, as they pass through the region.
Carter Hill Orchard, Concord: This site is popular among bird watchers during the migration season as it provides an excellent vantage point for observing hawks in flight, particularly the Red-tailed Hawk.
Mount Watatic in Ashburnham: Just south of the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border, this mountaintop location provides an excellent vantage point for observing these secretive birds as they migrate south, especially during the fall migration season.
Pawtuckaway State Park: Known for its varied habitats, this park in Southern New Hampshire attracts a diverse array of hawk species, making it an excellent year-round hawk-watching spot.
Hawk watching in New Hampshire offers a unique experience due to the state’s varied topography and climate. Venturing into neighboring states provides hawk-watchers the opportunity to spot different species in new habitats, offering a broader understanding of these magnificent birds in the New England region.
| Neighbouring State's Hawks | Hawk Watching Site |
|---|---|
| Hawk Species in Maine | Bradbury Mountain State Park |
| Hawk Species in Massachusetts | Wachusett Mountain State Reservation |
| Hawk Species in Vermont | Putney Mountain Hawk Watch |