Published by: Almanac
Every fall, hawks put on quite a show as they take flight by the thousands for their annual migration. Where are the hawks going? Learn more about this amazing natural spectacle—and how to help migrating hawks.
Do Hawks Migrate South for the Winter?
Most hawks migrate south in autumn, though not all hawks. You’ll see Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s hawks, Sharp-shinned hawks, and many others start streaming through the air.
Migrating hawks travel southward out of Canada and the northern United States, along both coasts of North America, around the Great Lakes, over the Great Plains, down the Appalachians and the Rockies, pressed together into the funnel of Mexico. Some pour down into Central America.
When do Hawks Migrate?
Most hawks migrate in October, though timing can range from September to mid-November based on weather and other factors.
When to Watch Hawks
The best times to watch hawks are in mid-morning (10 to 11 am) and mid-afternoon (3 to 4 pm). Why? This is the peak thermal activity in the skies, which gives the quickest ride for migrating birds!
In autumn, hawks are especially attracted to a sunny day after a cold front passes with northwest winds about 15 to 20 mph for good speed!
Where to Watch Hawks
If you’d like to join a hawk watch, the best sites are generally on mountain ranges and shorelines throughout North America are places where hawks concentrate in significant numbers. Hawk migration counts are conducted at many locations where raptors are known to be abundant. The Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA) lists over 1,000 hawk migration sites in North America.