Some really good observation points in Vermont include Mount Putney in the south and Mount Philo in the north. Wednesday In mid September, broad-winged hawks are beginning their annual migration to warmer climates. Later in the fall, the red-tailed hawk, another common raptor, is on the move. While many of this species migrate south in the fall, some of the birds are present in our area throughout the year. Red-tails usually do not begin breeding until their third year.
Pairs build large stick nests near the top of trees at the edge of the woods.
Two to four eggs are usually laid in the spring, hatching in about 30 days. Young remain near the nest until they can fly, then shadow their parents as they learn to forage for themselves. Red-tails feed on small rodents, rabbits, medium sized birds, and snakes. Thursday Buteos, like the broad-winged hawk, are birds built for soaring. They have long, broad wings and a short, fan shaped tail, and are a favorite sight of bird watchers observing the annual hawk migration.