Best Time to See Hawks in Texas
January, December and April is the best time to see hawks in Texas. Based on 112,388 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks are most active across the year in Texas.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
112,388 verified observations of hawks in Texas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in Texas
Peak month
January
13,646 records (12.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 13,646 | 12.1% |
| February | 11,384 | 10.1% |
| March | 10,512 | 9.4% |
| Aprilpeak | 12,197 | 10.9% |
| May | 9,988 | 8.9% |
| June | 6,554 | 5.8% |
| July | 5,771 | 5.1% |
| August | 6,299 | 5.6% |
| September | 6,169 | 5.5% |
| October | 7,627 | 6.8% |
| November | 10,023 | 8.9% |
| Decemberpeak | 12,218 | 10.9% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 27,368 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 24,056 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 13,052 |
| Mississippi Kite | 10,851 |
| Bald Eagle | 7,156 |
| Northern Harrier | 5,063 |
| Swainson's Hawk | 4,881 |
| Harris's Hawk | 3,744 |
Sightings of hawks in Texas peak in January, when 13,646 of the year's 112,388 verified observations are logged — about 12.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, December and April.
The quietest stretch is July, September and August, when hawks are hardest to find — July sees just 5,771 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 Texas are Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk 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 Texas
- Amistad National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Big Bend National Park — National Park
- Big Thicket National Preserve — National Preserve
- Chamizal National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Davis National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park — National Park
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Amistad National Recreation Area
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hawk viewing in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hawks in Texas?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, December and April, based on 112,388 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in Texas?+
July is the quietest month for hawks in Texas, with only 5,771 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in Texas?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Texas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.