In the diverse ecosystems of New York, from the bustling urban parks to the serene Adirondacks, an array of hawks claim the skies, offering a captivating spectacle for both the casual observer and avid birdwatcher.
Observing hawks in New York provides an engaging window into the natural world, promising exciting discoveries for all who embark on this avian adventure.
Types of Hawk in New York
Red-tailed Hawks: Commonly spotted soaring over open fields and highways throughout the state, including the expansive farmlands of the Hudson Valley.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: Frequent visitors of mature forests, they can often be seen in areas like the Adirondack Mountains.
Cooper’s Hawks: Predominantly found in woodlands, they are also a common sight in city parks, including the famous Central Park in New York City.
Northern Harriers: Known for their low flying hunting style, they are common in marshlands like those found in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.
Osprey: These fish-eating birds, also been given nicknames like River Hawk, can be regularly seen near large bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes and along the Hudson River.
Broad-winged Hawks: Often spotted during their migration seasons, particularly in locations like the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in the Catskill Mountains.
Red-shouldered Hawks: These hawks with dark and white checkered wings and reddish barring on the breast prefer the dense forests and are often spotted in areas like the Allegheny State Park.
Northern Goshawks: Though rare, they have been seen in dense, mature forests like those found in the Finger Lakes National Forest.
Rough-legged Hawks: Visitors during the colder months, these hawks are often spotted in open areas, particularly in the fields of the northern part of the state near the Canadian border.
New York Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in New York
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Located in Seneca Falls, this location boasts a rich variety of hawks, including Red-tailed, Broad-winged, and Rough-legged hawks.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
With a large count of hawks each fall migration, bird watchers can often spot species such as Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk, and more.
Braddock Bay Raptor Research
Based near Lake Ontario, this is a prime spot for observing migratory hawks including Red-tailed Hawk and Northern Harrier.
Derby Hill Bird Observatory
This site, located on the southeastern corner of Lake Ontario, is renowned for its spectacular spring raptor migration, especially Broad-winged Hawks.
Fire Island National Seashore
During migration season, visitors can observe a wide variety of hawks, including the Osprey and Northern Harrier.
Our New York hawk guide opens up a fantastic opportunity to understand and appreciate the rich diversity of hawks in this state. Expanding your horizons to neighboring states will introduce you to unique habitats and even more opportunities for observing these migrating hawks.
| Neighbouring State | Best Hawk Spotting Site |
|---|---|
| Connecticut Hawks | Lighthouse Point Park |
| Massachusetts Hawks | Wachusett Mountain State Reservation |
| New Jersey Hawks | Cape May Hawk Watch |
| Pennsylvania Hawks | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary |
| Vermont Hawks | Mount Philo State Park |
Do remember that spotting hawks is often a seasonal activity and can require a fair amount of patience and understanding of their habits. Always treat nature and wildlife with respect whilst bird watching.