Hawks in Maryland: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them

Hawks in Maryland are most often seen in open habitats with good vantage points. The Appalachian Mountains, especially ridges like South Mountain, act as migration corridors. Coastal areas along the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore also concentrate hawks. Local hotspots include Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area in Owings Mills and the Patuxent Research Refuge near Laurel. During migration, look for hawks circling over fields and forests in the early afternoon.

Fall migration (September through November) is peak season, with large numbers of Broad-winged Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks moving south. Spring migration (March through May) is also productive but less concentrated. The best time of day is mid-morning to early afternoon, after the sun has warmed the ground and created thermals that hawks ride. On clear days with light northwest winds, you’ll have the best odds of seeing multiple species.

Start with size and shape. Red-tailed Hawks are bulky with a short, broad tail and a dark belly band. Cooper’s Hawks are medium-sized with a long, banded tail and rounded wings, often seen darting through woods. Compare with Turkey Vultures, which hold their wings in a shallow V and rock side to side, and Bald Eagles, which are much larger with a white head and tail on adults. Use a field guide from our hawk identification hub to compare silhouettes and key field marks.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Maryland hosts several year-round residents and migrants. Red-tailed Hawk is the most common, seen perched on poles and soaring over fields. Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk are forest accipiters often found near bird feeders. Broad-winged Hawk is a common migrant that nests in deciduous woods. Red-shouldered Hawk prefers wet forests and is often heard before seen. Rough-legged Hawk visits only in winter from the Arctic. Check Maryland wildlife pages for seasonal updates.

Top hawk watching sites include the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (just over the border in Pennsylvania but a classic), and within Maryland: the Washington Monument State Park (an official hawk watch), Soldiers Delight, and the Patuxent Research Refuge. The [Maryland Ornithological Society] operates counts at several spots. For a full list, visit our Maryland wildlife guide.