Best Time to See Hawks in Vermont
April, March and January is the best time to see hawks in Vermont. Based on 8,106 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks are most active across the year in Vermont.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
8,106 verified observations of hawks in Vermont, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in Vermont
Peak month
April
1,014 records (12.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 891 | 11% |
| February | 750 | 9.3% |
| Marchpeak | 955 | 11.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,014 | 12.5% |
| May | 866 | 10.7% |
| June | 460 | 5.7% |
| July | 436 | 5.4% |
| August | 644 | 7.9% |
| September | 603 | 7.4% |
| October | 454 | 5.6% |
| November | 486 | 6% |
| December | 547 | 6.7% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | 2,295 |
| Bald Eagle | 2,097 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 1,140 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 730 |
| Northern Harrier | 491 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 412 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 410 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 285 |
Sightings of hawks in Vermont peak in April, when 1,014 of the year's 8,106 verified observations are logged — about 12.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and January.
The quietest stretch is July, October and June, when hawks are hardest to find — July sees just 436 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 Vermont are Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle and Broad-winged 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 Vermont
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Dead Creek WMA IBA
- Missisquoi NWR IBA
- Shelburne Bay
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hawk viewing in Vermont.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hawks in Vermont?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and January, based on 8,106 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in Vermont?+
July is the quietest month for hawks in Vermont, with only 436 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in Vermont?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Vermont, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see hawks
More wildlife in Vermont