Best Time to See Hawks in Louisiana
April, January and May is the best time to see hawks in Louisiana. Based on 6,937 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks are most active across the year in Louisiana.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
6,937 verified observations of hawks in Louisiana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in Louisiana
Peak month
April
1,006 records (14.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 743 | 10.7% |
| February | 624 | 9% |
| March | 557 | 8% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,006 | 14.5% |
| Maypeak | 713 | 10.3% |
| June | 464 | 6.7% |
| July | 379 | 5.5% |
| August | 372 | 5.4% |
| September | 227 | 3.3% |
| October | 484 | 7% |
| November | 677 | 9.8% |
| December | 691 | 10% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1,342 |
| Mississippi Kite | 1,300 |
| Bald Eagle | 1,204 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 1,155 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 653 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 328 |
| Northern Harrier | 324 |
| Swallow-tailed Kite | 259 |
Sightings of hawks in Louisiana peak in April, when 1,006 of the year's 6,937 verified observations are logged — about 14.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, January and May.
The quietest stretch is September, when hawks are hardest to find — September sees just 227 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hawks you are most likely to encounter in Louisiana are Red-tailed Hawk, Mississippi Kite and Bald Eagle — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see hawks in Louisiana
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve — National Historical Park and Preserve
- Cane River Creole National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Poverty Point National Monument — National Monument
- Vicksburg National Military Park — National Military Park
Plan your hawk trip in Louisiana
Start with live tours near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hawk viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hawk viewing area in Louisiana.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hawk tour in Louisiana
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hawks in Louisiana?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, January and May, based on 6,937 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in Louisiana?+
September is the quietest month for hawks in Louisiana, with only 227 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in Louisiana?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Louisiana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.