Best Time to See Hawks in New York
January, March and February is the best time to see hawks in New York. Based on 27,209 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks are most active across the year in New York.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
27,209 verified observations of hawks in New York, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in New York
Peak month
January
3,038 records (11.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 3,038 | 11.2% |
| Februarypeak | 2,851 | 10.5% |
| Marchpeak | 2,970 | 10.9% |
| April | 2,850 | 10.5% |
| May | 1,804 | 6.6% |
| June | 1,309 | 4.8% |
| July | 1,496 | 5.5% |
| August | 1,735 | 6.4% |
| September | 1,967 | 7.2% |
| October | 2,266 | 8.3% |
| November | 2,419 | 8.9% |
| December | 2,504 | 9.2% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | 12,928 |
| Bald Eagle | 5,321 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 4,200 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 1,121 |
| Northern Harrier | 1,013 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 799 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 625 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 324 |
Sightings of hawks in New York peak in January, when 3,038 of the year's 27,209 verified observations are logged — about 11.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, March and February.
The quietest stretch is June, July and August, when hawks are hardest to find — June sees just 1,309 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 New York are Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle and Cooper's Hawk — 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 New York
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake Bay
- Fire Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- National Parks of New York Harbor
Plan your hawk trip in New York
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hawk viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hawk viewing area in New York.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hawk tour in New York
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 New York?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, March and February, based on 27,209 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in New York?+
June is the quietest month for hawks in New York, with only 1,309 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in New York?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New York, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.