Where to See Hawks in New England

Each fall, as thousands of raptors fly southward over New England, hundreds of volunteers watch and keep count (see New England Hawk Migration | Watching the Skies). Hoping to spot a few of your own this year? Here are some of our favorite spots to spot hawks in New England.

WHERE TO SEE HAWKS IN NEW ENGLAND

WHERE TO SEE HAWKS IN MASSACHUSETTS

Mount Wachusett The summit offers a 360-degree vista and a view of the Boston skyline in addition to raptors. Last fall volunteer spotters, who help visitors identify species, counted more than 5,000 hawks, eagles, falcons, and ospreys.

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Mountain Road, Princeton, MA. 978-464-2987; mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wach.htm

Mount Watatic This long, steep hike brings fewer people and more room to view raptors throughout the fall.

Midstate Trail and Wapack Trail, off Route 119, Ashburnham, MA. 978-597-8802; mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/rmp/rmp-mtWatatic.htm; midstatetrail.org

WHERE TO SEE HAWKS IN CONNECTICUT

Lighthouse Point This coastal plain site overlooks scenic views of Long Island Sound. The “Migration Festival” here (September 27 this year) is filled with live bird-of-prey demonstrations, guided tours, and fellow enthusiasts.

2 Lighthouse Point Road, New Haven, CT. 203-946-8790; cityofnewhaven.com/parks/ranger/eastshore.asp#hawkwatch

WHERE TO SEE HAWKS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Pack Monadnock Miller State Park’s auto road takes you to the summit parking lot and the trail to the observation site, where during the fall you’ll find Audubon guides to help you identify red-tailed, broad-winged, and sharp-shinned hawks.

Route 101, Peterborough, NH. 603-924-3672; nhstateparks.org; nhaudubon.org/center_pack.php

WHERE TO SEE HAWKS IN MAINE

Cadillac Mountain You can either drive or climb to the top of the highest peak on the Eastern Seaboard’s coastal islands. Soaring raptors compete for your attention with spectacular views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay.

Cadillac Mountain Road, Acadia National Park, ME. 207-288-3338; nps.gov/acad/naturescience/hawkwatch.htm

WHERE TO SEE HAWKS IN VERMONT

Putney Mountain The survey point here is considered one of the most important along the entire Atlantic flyway. This easy-to-moderate half-mile hike over gentle terrain offers a great view of the Connecticut River Valley and the spine of the Green Mountains.

Putney Mountain Road, Putney, VT. 802-434-3068; putneyvt.org/hawks/index.php

Do you have a favorite spot for where to see hawks in New England? Let us know!

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