Hawks in Pennsylvania: where to see them and how to identify them

Pennsylvania offers diverse habitats that support several hawk species. Start with the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, especially Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County, known for fall raptor counts. The rolling farmlands of Lancaster and Chester Counties also host red-tailed hawks. Forested areas in the Pocono region and along the Susquehanna River are good for Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks. For a detailed overview, check out our Pennsylvania wildlife page and the hawk identification guide.

In Pennsylvania, hawks sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

Fall migration from September through November is the peak season for hawk watching in Pennsylvania. Early morning, just after sunrise, offers the best activity as hawks ride thermals. Spring migration (March to May) is also productive but shorter. In summer, look for resident hawks like red-tails and broad-wingeds in open areas. Winter brings northern harriers and rough-legged hawks to the state.

Red-tailed hawks are the most common. Look for their broad, rounded wings and short, wide tail with a reddish top. Broad-winged hawks have a distinctive black-and-white banded tail. Cooper's hawks are smaller with a long, banded tail and rounded wings; they often hunt at bird feeders. Compare with sharp-shinned hawks which have a square tail and smaller head. For more details, see our comprehensive hawk species page.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Hawks have broader wings and shorter tails compared to falcons. Peregrine falcons have pointed wings and a mustache mark. Bald eagles are much larger with a white head and tail. Turkey vultures rock in flight with wings held in a V. Knowing these differences helps in the field.

Top hawk watching sites include Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (daily count in fall), Tuscarora State Forest, and the Allegheny Front. Many state parks also host hawk watches; check the Pennsylvania Audubon calendar. The best odds are from mid-September to late October. Visit our Pennsylvania wildlife page for more regional guides.