Red-Tailed Hawks & The Highway
—Jeni Vogel, Education & Program Coordinator
Photo: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
This past winter, driving to and from Rye, I noticed more red-tailed hawks along the 684 corridor of Westchester County compared to the summer months. As I glanced at these magnificent creatures, I wondered is it because the trees are bare making them easier to spot? Are there actually more hawks soaring overhead? Why is it that I spot them often along the highway and seldom in my backyard?
Red-tailed hawks are birds of prey. Their sharp vision, and powerful talons and beaks place them at the top of the food chain. These birds are constantly looking for food including mice, rabbits, squirrels, small reptiles, and other birds. In order to capture their prey, red-tailed hawks prefer an open field adjacent to forest and a high place to perch. As open fields become harder to find, it is not surprising that red-tailed hawks are more frequently spotted near highways. Highways like 684 have a grass median, so they become a hawk hunting ground. Hawks are not above scavenging either. They are content to dine on roadkill, and unfortunately there is a lot of it on our highways.
Photo: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Red-tailed hawks are one of the most widespread birds of prey in North America and are able to adapt to many climates. They are considered a partial migrant, meaning many of these raptors will migrate while others will not. Looking at the red-tailed hawk migration map, you will notice the majority of migrating hawks are from Canada and the Northern United States. As these hawks migrate south, we find them overwintering locally in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Fairfield counties. Therefore, while they may be easier to spot with the trees bare, overall there are more hawks locally in winter compared to summer.
On your next road trip along a highway corridor, keep your eyes open for these raptors overhead. With a wingspan between 44 to 52 inches as they soar, they will not be missed. If you have any question whether or not it is a red-tailed hawk, search for reddish-brown coloring on the top section of the tail. Remember, binoculars are for non-drivers only! Good luck and happy hawk adventures!
