In Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes, ranging from the mountainous Appalachian regions to the sprawling farmlands and dense forests, these species of hawks find a perfect setting to thrive. These formidable birds of prey, admired for their agility in flight and adept hunting skills, offer a captivating experience for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Types of Hawk in Pennsylvania
Red-tailed Hawks: Known for their broad, rounded wings, Red-tailed Hawks are common throughout Pennsylvania and can frequently be spotted soaring over the fields of Gettysburg National Military Park.
Sharp-shinned Hawks: Preferring the dense forests, Sharp-shinned Hawks can often be seen darting through the trees in Cook Forest State Park in pursuit of small birds.
Cooper’s Hawks: Inhabitants of wooded areas, Cooper’s Hawks are regularly seen in the wooded trails of the Appalachian Mountains, renowned for their fast and agile hunting tactics.
Broad-winged Hawks: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton is one of the best places to spot Broad-winged Hawks during their fall migration, making it a must-visit spot for hawk watchers.
Osprey: These “fish hawks” can be observed diving for fish in the waters of Lake Erie. Presque Isle State Park is a particularly good viewing location in the breeding season.
Northern Harrier: These hawks can be spotted hunting over the grasslands and wetlands of Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. Look for their unique, low-gliding flight pattern.
Red-shouldered Hawks: The wet deciduous forests of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provide an ideal habitat for Red-shouldered Hawks, with their distinctive reddish-brown shoulders.
Northern Goshawks: Known to reside in mature forests, Northern Goshawks can occasionally be sighted in the extensive woodlands of Allegheny National Forest.
Rough-legged Hawks: During the winter months, Rough-legged Hawks migrate south and can often be seen in Pennsylvania’s farm fields, especially around the town of Lancaster.
Pennsylvania Hawks Photo Guide
Where to Spot Hawks in Pennsylvania
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: One of the best places in North America for hawk watching, this sanctuary in Kempton offers views of a variety of migrating raptors, including Red-tailed Hawks, Ospreys, and Northern Goshawks.
Tussey Mountain: Located in State College, this is an important migration flyway in the spring, particularly for Golden Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks.
Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch: Situated on the Kittatinny Ridge, this spot is excellent for observing fall migration, with Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and Northern Goshawks among the species sighted.
Second Mountain Hawk Watch: This site near Fort Indiantown Gap provides great opportunities to view a wide range of hawk species during fall migration.
Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch: Located in Media, PA, this hawk watch spot offers prime viewing during the fall migration season, with potential to see Sharp-shinned Hawks, Red-tails, and more.
With the vast landscapes of Pennsylvania providing plenty of opportunities for observing a variety of hawks, bird watchers are in for a treat. Yet, neighboring states also have unique habitats and hawk species that make it worthwhile to extend your bird-watching journey beyond Pennsylvania’s borders.
| Neighbouring State's Hawks | Hawk Watching Site |
|---|---|
| Hawk Species in New York | Franklin Mountain State Forest |
| Hawk Species in New Jersey | Cape May Bird Observatory |
| Hawk Species in Delaware | Ashland Nature Center |
| Hawk Species in Maryland | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary |
| Hawk Species in West Virginia | Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory |
| Hawk Species in Ohio | Lake Erie Bluffs |