Hawks are birds of prey characterized by sharp talons, hooked beaks, and exceptional eyesight, making them highly efficient predators. Attracting these hunters is desired both for the reward of observation and the practical benefit of natural pest management. Property owners can encourage hawks to take up residence by establishing a welcoming habitat. Successful attraction requires deliberate modification of the landscape to meet their specific needs for hunting, perching, and safety.
Essential Perching and Hunting Structures
Hawks are largely perch-and-pounce hunters, meaning they require high vantage points to scan the ground for movement, especially species like the Red-tailed Hawk. Maintaining tall, dead trees, often called “snags,” is beneficial as they provide sturdy, unobstructed perches that offer an expansive view of the hunting grounds. If natural snags are not available, property owners can install artificial structures known as raptor poles or T-perches, which are typically 10 to 20 feet high with a horizontal crossbar.
Artificial perches should be placed in open areas away from dense tree canopy to ensure a clear flight path for landing and taking off. The open space beneath the perch is equally important, allowing a clear line of sight to spot prey like voles and mice. While smaller raptors, such as the American Kestrel, may use utility lines, larger species require the height and stability of tall structures. Providing numerous suitable perches across the property increases the likelihood that a hunting hawk will stop to rest and survey the area.
Cultivating a Reliable Prey Source
The greatest factor in attracting a hawk is maintaining a dense and reliable food supply, as these predators are drawn to areas with abundant prey, not direct handouts. Hawks do not eat birdseed, so the focus must shift to encouraging the populations of their natural food items, which include rodents, large insects, and sometimes small birds. This means tolerating a certain level of what might otherwise be considered “pests” on the property.
To support the prey base, property management should include the retention of natural elements like brush piles and areas of tall, un-mowed grass. These dense ground covers provide shelter and nesting sites for primary food sources such as mice, voles, and rabbits. Planting native vegetation that attracts large insects, including grasshoppers and beetles, also contributes to prey availability. This creates a complex habitat where prey can thrive, establishing consistent hunting opportunities for a resident hawk.
Removing Common Hazards and Deterrents
Successful hawk attraction is also about eliminating the threats that actively repel or harm these sensitive birds, with chemical agents being one of the most significant dangers. The use of rodenticides, particularly second-generation anticoagulant poisons, poses a serious risk of secondary poisoning to raptors. A hawk that consumes a poisoned mouse or rat will ingest the toxin, leading to illness or death.
Another major hazard is reflective glass, as hawks frequently collide with windows that mirror the sky or surrounding vegetation. These strikes can be fatal, but mitigation can be achieved by applying window film, decals, or external screens to break up the reflection.
Fine netting, such as soccer nets and garden mesh, is a serious entanglement hazard that can trap and injure a hunting hawk. Native hawks are protected by federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm or capture them.