Hawks in Utah: Summer Sighting Guide
Summer in Utah is when the local hawk population settles into the hard work of raising the next generation. While the massive migration clouds of April have passed, the long July days offer the best light for studying the behavior of our resident Red-tails and Cooper's Hawks. The intense heat forces these birds to be more strategic with their hunting windows.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 1, 2026.
- January, February, April
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
10,209 verified observations on iNaturalist of hawk have been recorded in Utah, most often in January, February, April.
Summer in Utah is when the local hawk population settles into the hard work of raising the next generation. While the massive migration clouds of April have passed, the long July days offer the best light for studying the behavior of our resident Red-tails and Cooper's Hawks. The intense heat forces these birds to be more strategic with their hunting windows.
Where do hawks nest in Utah during summer?
Most Red-tailed Hawks prefer high perches on rocky ledges or in sturdy cottonwoods near open fields. Cooper's Hawks are more secretive, often choosing dense oak brush or mountain woodlots where they can hide their nests from larger predators. Watching a nest site from a safe distance is a great summer activity in the Wasatch Mountains.
What do Utah hawks eat in the warmer months?
The abundance of ground squirrels and small reptiles in June and July keeps the hawks busy. You might see a Red-tailed Hawk patrolling the desert floor for a quick meal. Bald Eagles stay close to the mountain reservoirs, where the summer fish activity provides a steady source of food for their growing chicks.
Are there specific summer spotting tips for Utah?
Start your day early before the heat creates too much shimmer in the air. Hawks are often most active in the mid-morning when the first thermals begin to rise off the red rocks. Look for them soaring over agricultural fields in the Cache Valley or along the edges of the high plateau forests.
How to tell adults from fledglings in July?
By late summer, you will start seeing young hawks testing their wings near the nest sites. They often lack the crisp markings of the adults and may seem more clumsy in their flight patterns. A young Red-tailed Hawk will not have its namesake red tail yet, showing a brown, banded tail instead as it learns to hunt.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
Where do hawks nest in Utah during summer?+
Most Red-tailed Hawks prefer high perches on rocky ledges or in sturdy cottonwoods near open fields. Cooper's Hawks are more secretive, often choosing dense oak brush or mountain woodlots where they can hide their nests from larger predators. Watching a nest site from a safe distance is a great summer activity in the Wasatch Mountains.
What do Utah hawks eat in the warmer months?+
The abundance of ground squirrels and small reptiles in June and July keeps the hawks busy. You might see a Red-tailed Hawk patrolling the desert floor for a quick meal. Bald Eagles stay close to the mountain reservoirs, where the summer fish activity provides a steady source of food for their growing chicks.
Are there specific summer spotting tips for Utah?+
Start your day early before the heat creates too much shimmer in the air. Hawks are often most active in the mid-morning when the first thermals begin to rise off the red rocks. Look for them soaring over agricultural fields in the Cache Valley or along the edges of the high plateau forests.
How to tell adults from fledglings in July?+
By late summer, you will start seeing young hawks testing their wings near the nest sites. They often lack the crisp markings of the adults and may seem more clumsy in their flight patterns. A young Red-tailed Hawk will not have its namesake red tail yet, showing a brown, banded tail instead as it learns to hunt.
Keep exploring
More places to see hawk
More wildlife in Utah
Common questions about hawks