Hawks are a prominent feature of Michigan’s skies throughout the year, with a diverse population that shifts dramatically with the seasons. The state’s unique geography, bordered by the Great Lakes, positions it as a significant habitat and a major migratory corridor for birds of prey. Diverse ecosystems, from dense northern forests to open agricultural fields, provide abundant hunting grounds for multiple species of these powerful raptors. Michigan’s position near the Great Lakes creates natural funnels that concentrate migrating hawks, leading to spectacular viewing opportunities.
Seasonal Presence: Residents and Migrants
Hawk populations in Michigan are divided into year-round residents and seasonal migrants, a pattern shaped primarily by food availability and the state’s harsh winters. Resident hawks, such as the Red-tailed Hawk, can be found during all four seasons. They often remain in the lower half of the peninsula where prey is more accessible despite the snow cover, as they are adapted to hunting small mammals and are hardy enough to withstand sub-zero temperatures.
Migrant species fall into two categories: summer breeders and winter visitors. The Broad-winged Hawk is a summer breeder, arriving in the spring to nest in Michigan’s forests before migrating south to Central and South America in the fall. Conversely, the Rough-legged Hawk is a winter visitor, migrating south from its Arctic breeding grounds to spend the colder months hunting over Michigan’s open fields and grasslands.
The Great Lakes play a large role in defining these seasonal movements by creating a geographical barrier that raptors prefer not to cross. Hawks rely on columns of rising warm air, called thermals, to conserve energy during long-distance flight. Since thermals do not form efficiently over large bodies of cold water, migrating hawks are funneled around the lake edges, concentrating their numbers along the shorelines. This “bottleneck” effect leads to massive, synchronized movements, particularly during the autumn migration period.
Identifying Michigan’s Most Common Hawks
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most frequently seen raptor in Michigan, recognized by its bulky, broad-winged shape built for effortless soaring. Adults are easily identified by the namesake reddish-brown tail, visible when they circle high above open country or perch on roadside utility poles. These large hawks have a pale underside often featuring a distinct band of dark streaks across the belly. Their flight is characterized by slow, powerful wingbeats followed by long, controlled glides.
The Cooper’s Hawk is a smaller, stealthier species often found near suburban backyards, mastering navigation through dense tree cover. This raptor has short, rounded wings and a long, rudder-like tail that helps it maneuver quickly while chasing smaller birds. Adults display a slate-blue back, a dark cap, and fine reddish barring across their chest. When perched, their large head often gives them a distinctive expression.
The Broad-winged Hawk is a stocky, medium-sized raptor known for its spectacular migration behavior. During seasonal movements, these hawks gather into immense, swirling flocks known as “kettles,” utilizing thermals to gain altitude before gliding en masse. In flight, the Broad-winged Hawk appears compact with short, broad wings and a tail marked by bold, alternating bands of black and white. They are primarily a forest-dwelling species during the summer, making them less conspicuous outside of migration periods.
Best Locations for Hawk Viewing
To observe hawk migration, focusing on the geographical bottlenecks created by the Great Lakes offers the best chance for high-volume sightings. Southeastern Michigan, particularly the area around the mouth of the Detroit River, is a globally recognized corridor for fall raptor movement. Sites like the Detroit River Hawk Watch at Lake Erie Metropark or Pointe Mouillee State Game Area are prime locations where thousands of hawks, including Broad-winged Hawk kettles, can pass overhead in a single day.
For spring migration viewing, the northern parts of the state act as a major funnel as raptors return to their breeding grounds. The Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch in the northern Lower Peninsula and Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in the Upper Peninsula are excellent choices. These sites often provide close-up views of species like the Rough-legged Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk as they follow the shorelines.
Hawk watching is best done mid-morning to early afternoon on clear, sunny days following the passage of a cold front, when the sun has warmed the earth enough to generate strong thermals. All native hawks are protected under federal and state laws. Responsible viewing requires maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding any disturbance to the birds or their habitats.