Red-Tailed Hawks in downtown Toronto

by Brendan
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

I saw two very big birds of prey flying over my building in downtown Toronto on Saturday, January 14th.

It was just west of Queen and Bathurst, at Trinity-Bellwoods Park.

I think the were Red-Tailed Hawks, but both were very big, larger than Red-tailed hawks I'd seen in the past.

They were calling as well, that very distinct almost 'Hollywood' sounding hawk cry (please forgive my description!!)

Just wanted to mention as I thought it unusual to see two such large birds of prey in the heart of the city.

Wow, you are lucky!

Thank you for sending us this report of your Hawk sighting, please tell us next time you see any interesting or unusual wildlife!

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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-tailed hawk in my balcony
by: Luciana

I live at St George Street @ Bloor and there’s a Red-tailed Hawk in my balcony for over an hour now. It’s an amazing bird! I feel so lucky to be able to see it so close!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Scarborough
by: Anonymous

I photographed one quite a number of years ago (early 2000s) in my backyard feasting on a pigeon in the Oakwood Village. I've been obsessed with getting an updated picture with new camera gear. I noted a few, confirmed with their distinct call, in my new area of residence in the Scarborough Village. I have yet to capture one clear shot.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bloor-Church
by: Ash

Appear to have 2 Red Tailed Hawks nesting on top of the Klick building (175 Bloor St E Suite) They both were out flying real low around Asquith and Park Road and then flew to the top of the building serval times. So majestic, I hope they are eating well.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Allan Garden Red Tails
by: TeegyTufty

I've had the joy of watching a Red Tail pair hunt in the Allan Garden hood for a while now. They made a nest on one of the medical facilities in the area and today I took a great video of the three babies stretching their wings out. I do hope the fellow dog owners in the neighbourhood are very careful, because this is very close to the off leash parks in the area. But there are plenty of pigeons and rats in the area to keep them well fed, so let's hope they leave the dogs alone.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-Tailed Hawk Seen at Victoria Park/Eglinton Area
by: Anonymous

We've been seeing this hawk for the past year now. At one point, while our balcony railings were removed prior to being replaced, it sat right at the edge of our balcony. Today, it's been flying right by us all afternoon. What a sight! Very beautiful.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Re: Redtails in TO
by: Anonymous

I have two mating/hunting pairs where I work. Tbh they seem very large for Redtails so was wondering if they may be something else. Don Mills / Sheppard region.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Balliol Street, Midtown Toronto
by: Anonymous

As I am at home most of the time during Covid19, I have more time to look out the window on the 27th floor of my apartment building.
I have lived in my building for 19 years and over the years have had the pleasure of viewing the resident red tailed hawks on the rooftop.
Most years the hawks produce from 2-3 offspring and it's a wonderful sight to see them teaching their young how to fly. They fly from the roof of my building to the roof of the apartment across the street and perch overlooking the area for their next meal. I never have my camera ready for their return to my building but what a sight as you can see their underbelly with outspread wings (the male appears to be larger). Both are excellent parents and look after their young diligently. I appreciate the decrease of pigeons in the area over the years. The hawks are noble creatures.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Watching hawks
by: Anonymous

I live at Spadina and Bloor and get to see Red Tailed Hawks almost daily. One of them sat on the chimney next door plucking and eating a pigeon the other day. There are three of them - I assume the parents and a chick.
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starstarstarstarstar 		hawk siting
by: Anonymous

I saw a hawk in my garden December 30th at Yonge and Eglinton. It was eyeing a prey and finally got a rodent in my garden and flew off. It was a very impressive bird up close!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail Spectacle
by: Anonymous

I live in the east tower of The Crossways twin towers at Bloor W and Dundas W in West Toronto. This year we had a nest on the roof, evidenced by a Red Tail going back and forth often with some sort of food scrap. Typically, a single hawk would be seen patrolling the local sky at around 11 am, and again around 5 pm. Almost always a single hawk, and rarely 2 at a time. Then one day, at 11 am, I saw something unbelievably beautiful as 1, then 2, then 3 and 4, and in total 12 Red Tails were cruising gracefully, in lose pairs without a single flap amongst them. They were gliding on a mild descent towards High Park. It was as if they had met up at some downtown juncture, and were of for a day of fun at the park. I doubt that I'll be lucky enough to witness that spectacle again.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk at Yonge and Finch
by: Anonymous

I recently saw a Hawk on my Terrace rail on the 17th floor at Yonge and Finch. Should I be afraid? My cat goes out on my terrace all the time. If he comes around unexpectedly and I happen to be inside grabbing something while my cat is outside on the terrace. If the Hawk comes around and sees my cat, will he grab him? I have been here for 3 yrs and have never seen a Hawk before on my terrace railing.

I'm not sure whether your cat will be in danger or not, but to be safe, don't let kittie out by himself on the terrace, he would be a tasty snack for the Hawk, and that would be terrible.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Saw a Red Tailed Hawk Catch a Pigeon Today in Midtown
by: StreetcarKid

This afternoon, while speaking to someone on the phone, something outside my window caught my eye. Much to my surprise, it was a giant bird of prey, with a 5 foot wingspan, which took out a pigeon near the corner of Dufferin & Eglinton. After I got off the phone and researched the bird by it's description and predatory habits, I determined it was a Red Tailed Hawk. Living in Midtown Toronto, the last think I expected to see was a bird of prey catch a pigeon outside my apartment window.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawks at Yonge and Eglinton
by: Anonymous

Staring a few years ago, I saw a single hawk living at Yonge and Eglinton. The following year, I noticed another had joined and was hoping that it would be a breeding pair. Last year, I recall seeing one or two more, thinking that the pair had successfully started a family. And this year, I now see 4 of them flying overhead! They typically arrive in the early summer and nest atop a high-rise here. It's really wonderful! I often wonder what they eat and interestingly, see far less pigeons in the area. I guess that's the answer to my question. We are so blessed to have these birds in mid-town Toronto!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Unexpected Visitor
by: Anonymous

Don Mills Rd / Sheppard Ave E. I watched a Red Tailed Hawk sit on my 16th floor balcony rail last week. It was windy and he found a sheltered spot to do some preening. I went to the door, he looked at me, I saw he was not a pigeon, I went back to my chair and he stayed about an hour. He checked out my Hummingbird solar light and bumblebee. Nothing to eat here - then he left. Came back a couple of days later.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Redtailed Hawks gone from Toronto?
by: Anonymous

I have been seeing at least one for several months, but for the last three weeks they are gone. Has the nest moved from downtown Toronto?

UPDATE: August 9th 2017 - After a period of three weeks or more, I saw a red-tailed hawk flying by my window. As I said in my last comment, I had been seeing them uninterrupted for many months so that their recent absence was an anomaly.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawks in East York
by: Steph

I've seen red tailed hawks flying around my house and perched on a couple tall trees out in the backyard since Jan/Feb 2017. To my surprise 2 have made a nest in a cluster of very tall fir trees in my neighbour's yard. Their offspring must have recently hatched because just this week I hear the baby hawks crying out for food. It's been amazing to watch them soar high above and I hope I get to see the little ones leave the nest when its time to venture out. I was able to take a clear, up close picture of the hawks in flight from the ground, and it showed a silver band on one of its feet/claws. I'm wondering if they were or are part of hawk/bird study?
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk in your yard
by: Anonymous

Get a cat! We have two cats and the family of Red Tails on our street (two houses away) stay out of our yard...other than that...I'm not sure.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red tail hawk
by: Shaenna

Hi, I have been having a hawk in my back yard since last summer. In the winter I do feed birds and now he is standing around and also bringing his lunch to eat also pigeons most of the time where I end up picking up only back wings and some feathers. This is starting to bother me because I am worry he will catch some of those beautiful species that I usually see around, because when he is there those birds hide. What can I do to make him go away without disturbing his natural wildlife habits?
Thank you.

Hello Shaenna - I'm not sure what you can do, other than try to scare him away when you see him in your yard.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk at my Window
by: Craig

There's been a Hawk perched on top of my air conditioner since this afternoon. My apartment building has an overhang directly over my window, so I suspect he picked my air conditioner as a shelter spot from the weather, but he's been sitting there for at least four hours now. Sometimes he's looking in the window at me, while other times he turns around and faces outward, but he's not causing too much ruckus and doesn't seem too afraid of me if I approach the window to get a closer look.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawks in Scarborough
by: Anonymous

They weren't hawks they were turkey vultures.
My neighbour and I saw the massive convergence of them a couple of weeks ago. There was about 50 and more were arriving and following. Today and yesterday there were 7 circling. Something juicy must have died.

Interesting ... both Hawks and Turkey Vultures are gathering at this time of year, for their mass migration south - over the years I have seen flocks with hundreds of individual Hawks or Vultures in them.

If you want to see hundreds of Turkey Vultures, now is the time to head to Port Stanley, Ontario, as there are hundreds of them waiting there to migrate.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk sightings Oct 2016
by: Anonymous

We just saw about three groups of around five or more hawks circling around southwest Scarborough, Ontario. A friend of ours saw about 100 all at the same time last week in the Davenport area.

Thanks for the info. Many Red Tailed Hawks migrate south for the winter, although some do stay in Southern Ontario, the majority head to somewhere warmer until Spring. What you probably saw was a flock of them heading south.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dovercourt / Dupont
by: Paul

Came home and looked out the back window to see what I think was a Red Tailed Hawk perched on a fence post. Sat for a while and I was worried there was something wrong. But no, it let out a squirt of poop like a king and flew off. Funny, a squirrel was checking it out from the next fence over, kind of brave of him.
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starstarstarstarstar 		UTSG near Gerstein
by: Anonymous

I was on my way to the pokestops behind Gerstein Library when I looked up and there was a big hawk perched on the tree above. Real life pidgeotto folks!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawks at Bloor and Dovercourt
by: Anonymous

We have a pair of hawks that come back to our neighbourhood every year, including this year. I can hear their cries and see them circling overhead. They like to perch on local buildings, including a church, just high enough to be a little outside of the range of my camera!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yonge St & Yonge Blvd
by: Anonymous

I saw a hawk flying around with a squirrel it caught. I might have seen it last week as well, flying over my street.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two Hawks in Riverdale
by: Job

Sitting at my deck I see one hawk 5 meters above me looking for prey. Another one just flew by. Lots of panic amongst the regular birds and the squirrels. Toronto is an open air ZOO!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail Hawk and babies
by: Anonymous

Mom and babies in nest high in tree over first bridge south of Ellesmere in Birkdale Ravine. Beautiful!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-tailed Hawks in Allan Gardens downtown Toronto
by: Anonymous

One adult and two juveniles in Allan Gardens. I believe they are red-tailed hawks. I have been trying to do some research so I can be sure. Saw the young ones swooping at squirrels and hopping around on the ground calling to the adult (mom?). I held on tight to my chihuahua!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail Hawks
by: Anonymous

Nesting at Victoria Park and St Clair. We've watched the babies grow from birth and they are all flying around now. Best pigeon control around!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two Hawks with babies at Don Mills and Sheppard
by: Ash the Hawk Master

There have been two Hawks nesting with babies in a tree near Don Mills and Sheppard. There are virtually no pigeons here because of the Hawks and I've seen them hunt squirrels and feed them to their babies. Absolutely stunning bird! I was wondering if these are the same hawks everyone is talking about or does Toronto have more than two?
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starstarstarstarstar 		Moss Park Hawks
by: Anonymous

Nesting on light post at baseball diamond, beautiful sight, could be 2 or 1 little ones.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk - Danforth and Woodbine
by: Anonymous

Yesterday morning I saw a Red Tailed Hawk (I think) pluck a baby squirrel out of a nest in a neighbours roof. Chilled in a tree and then a hydro pole before flying off with him. I've seen a similar bird eating a squirrel on a neighbours roof last year...watch your cats and small dogs!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Just watched a hawk eat a pigeon at Davisville and Yonge
by: Anonymous

Watched in amazement as the hawk brought its prey into a tree over the playground and stripped the feathers. Huge healthy Red-Tail.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Multiple re
by: Anonymous

Yes two hawks in and over the Trinity Bellwood Park every day. Magnificent breath-taking birds, so powerful. Their taupe coral tawny plumage unlike pictures I've seen posted, even more stunning viewing in real time. I watch them thru galactic binoculars - what can I say. ;)
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starstarstarstarstar 		I just saw a Hawk kill a pigeon!
by: Anonymous

Hi All, I work at Queen St at Markham St (just west of Bathurst), and when pulling into my parking spot behind Queen, I saw a Hawk dive bomb a pigeon! This happened about 10 minutes ago so I am still slightly traumatized. It kept bombing it until the pigeon was dead, then sat on top of it. It didn't even move when I got out of the car. I sure hope it takes the pigeon carcass AWAY from my back door and doesn't just gobble it up there. YUCK. lol
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starstarstarstarstar 		Crows Rule!
by: Anonymous

Saw a large Red Tail (juvenile I think) in park near Christie & St Clair that was being harassed by two crows. Hawk just sat in a tree while the crows did their utmost to bother him from a safe distance. When hawk had enough, he circled the park and landed in another tree only to be followed by the crows who never stopped vocalizing. The hawk sat a while then flew and circled over streets north of the park (followed by annoying vocal crows) but could not land again and all flew south in big slow circles. The hawk and crows parted company somewhere south (probably between Davenport & Dupont if my sight guess is right.). No one came back.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two Red-tailed hawks nesting in our backyard
by: Anonymous

Two red-tailed hawks built a nest in our backyard (Mount Pleasant / St Clair area). Haven't heard any juvenile calls yet. Got some great pics, cant wait to see the hatchlings!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Nesting again
by: Markham Street

The Red Tails are nesting on Markham Street again - the neighbours tell me they've been returning to the same tree for years and simply repairing the same nest. This will be the third spring we've had the pleasure of observing them, day in and day out. Fantastic!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawk on Russell Street
by: Sarah

I was greeted this morning upon arriving at the Earth Sciences Department on Russell Street, by a large Red Tailed Hawk feasting on a pigeon. A majestic bird and how inspiring to see a little bit of wild on our downtown campus.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tails at Yonge-York Mills
by: Anonymous

Two Red-Tails spotted in the forest at Yonge and York Mills. Some older nests seen in the area so likely going to stick around for the spring.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawk in Dufferin Grove
by: Anonymous

Just saw a juvenile RT hawk in our back yard, perched on the railing of our deck, with a rodent in its talons. Watched it for a few minutes before it flew off with what was left of its kill. Never had one that close to the house before. Amazing to watch from up close. Didn't realize they were so common in the city.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk in East York March 3 2016
by: rdglider

I was looking out my bathroom window on the second floor of my house at Woodbine and Mortimer, when a large bird glided past and landed on the tree not 15 feet from me. I think it was looking for a tasty sparrow at my neighbour's feeder. It was a magnificent Red Tailed Hawk, he sat there for a while and flew away, maybe going to the pigeon area a few streets over. I wish it well!

Best way to start a day!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pair of them
by: UofT Student

Definitely seen the same pair of Hawks on U of T Campus. For a week or two there was one, and sometimes two, hanging out on Robarts Library, St George Street side, usually seen about midday, 1200-1400. Saw them during the defrost when weather was more mild, I don't see them on the truly frosty days.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-Tailed Hawk in my backyard
by: Anonymous

I just saw a Red-Tailed Hawk in my backyard, in the Don Mills and Sheppard area. I then saw it flying around, followed by another sighting in the backyard. I didn't know it was there, and as I approached quickly from another room in the house, it flew off. There is a dead squirrel lying where it had been. I'm surprised it left its kill so easily, but hopefully it'll come back and finish it!
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starstarstarstarstar 		A frequent visitor to Dovercourt village
by: Kathryn

I have seen a red-tailed hawk perched in the large maple across the street from my bedroom window nearly every day for the last couple weeks. What a treat!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawk perched on my balcony
by: Jenny

As I am writing this message it is perched on my balcony rail. Our apartment is on the 19th floor. It has been just sitting here calmly now for At least 20 minutes, in which time, I had to research what kind of bird it is. I'm new in Toronto and this is my first encounter. They are beautiful birds.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dufferin and Dundas
by: Anonymous

This is the third time I've seen this beautiful hawk flying in Little Portugal! All other birds fear it, it's pretty rad.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cabbage Town Hawk
by: Anonymous

Saw the most beautiful hawk at about 5:00 p.m. downtown Toronto in Cabbage Town. I took a picture of it if you're interested in seeing it. Here's my email: davidlum@intetlog.com

Hi David, thanks for the info - I can't use the email you sent (above) but you can go to our Red Tailed Hawk page, and scroll down to where it says "Enter your Title" and "Tell us your Story" - our readers would love to see your picture, and include where, when you saw the hawk, what time of day and what the bird was doing when you spotted him. You can upload your picture there. Thanks!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawk Old Cabbagetown
by: Shayna

Jan 20 2016 - I had a visit from what I presume is a Red Tailed Hawk (both head and tail were a light tawny brown) in the tree next to my roof top deck today! It was huge! Only perched for a moment, on the same branch that I had seen a Peregrine last summer. What a treat! Hope it keeps hanging out in the neighbourhood.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail hawk spotted today!
by: Anonymous

I live near Gerrard Square, and was alerted when I heard what sounded like black crows outside in the trees, but to my surprise it was a Red Tail Hawk! My cat was also drawn to the noise and enjoyed watching the Hawk from the open window! What an awesome sight (-:
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bloor-Bathurst Corridor
by: Anonymous

For weeks now, there have been a pair of red-tailed hawks at the Bloor - Bathurst corridor very early in the morning. They are usually perched on top of the church across from the station. I have seen them on the roof of the hideous building behind the Markham Street entrance for Bathurst TTC. Also, they perch on the balconies of the new condos just south of Bloor.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-Tailed Hawk at Toronto City Hall
by: Anonymous

Spotted at the Peace Garden, Toronto City Hall, December 11, 2015

http://torontosavvy.me/2015/12/12/a-young-hawk-comes-to-town-photos-by-steven-evans-courtesy-of-plant-architects/
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk at Tecumseth and King
by: Anonymous

I looked out my kitchen window to see a huge hawk on the lamp post - almost the same size as the globe and lid. My neighbours saw one take down a squirrel in the same spot a few weeks back. I don't know if they go after cats, but one of my Siamese cats is quite small, so I'll have to watch more closely when they go in the garden. He then flew to a nearby tree and I got some photos of him. Is this a red tailed hawk? https://flic.kr/p/B8hqdP
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail Hawk
by: Anonymous

Hi there - we enjoy catching a glimpses of our neighbourhood Red Tail Hawk - Dundas and Dovercourt area - close to Trinity Bellwoods Park. But this morning, I was awestruck with this big beauty perching for a minute on my 5th floor terrace railing! Spotted him from my sofa through the window not 10 feet away. Made my day. October 6, 2015.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Re: distresses Red-Tailed Hawk
by: Strathallan

I live on Strathallan near Avenue Road and I have seen and heard this hawk as well. It circles overhead over and over again, continually calling - more loudly and frequently than in that YouTube video. Do Red-Tailed Hawks live in groups or pairs, and is it possible that this one has been separated from a group or mate? Is there any information about where Hawks might nest around here, and if there are have been any Hawk nests, groups, couples, or families in this area this summer? If this Hawk is really in distress, what can we do?
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bird sounds distressed
by: Anonymous

I live on St. Clements near Avenue Road and for the past week I have heard what I originally thought was a seagull in distress. My daughter tells me it sounds like a hawk. It calls throughout the day and over the past week it has changed location from the south side to the north side and today I heard it on the east side. I caught a glimpse of a bird flying at the same time as I heard its cry but could not identify it. I wonder why the bird sounds so distressed...I read somewhere that baby hawks are born in June and don't leave the nest for 6 weeks. Does it seem possible that it is a hawk, protecting the young or has something happened.

Red Tailed Hawks do have a distinctive cry, which is probably what you're hearing.

Here is a short Youtube video where you can here the call of the Red Tailed Hawk
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-Tail Hawk in July 2015 (Pape and Mortimer)
by: Holly Chercover

My husband and I were outside in our backyard around 8 am. I looked up on the telephone line and did a double take...I thought I was looking at an owl. Our backyard faces south towards the Danforth in an alley filled with many, very large, old-growth trees. On closer inspection we realized this was a red-tailed hawk. It spent approx 5 minutes looking around for breakfast while a squirrel was making a racket (the squirrel was what brought me outside in the first place). Our cat was attacked a couple years ago and had huge claw marks down her back. At the time we thought it was the result of a raccoon or a dog but now that I witnessed this enormous and beautiful bird of prey I have a whole other take on the matter.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail Hawks - Avenue Eglinton
by: Anonymous

I regularly see Red Tail Hawks in my neighbourhood at Yonge and Davisville. I was just out this afternoon on Braemar Ave. at Eglinton and heard a terrific screeching which sounded like a hawk. I saw at the top of the chimney at Oriole Park School a Red Tail Hawk. It was "talking" to another Red Tail which I could not see anywhere but was close by. I spoke with a gentleman who lived on the street who was also out investigating the noise. He said he could see a smaller bird. A baby maybe? They are making a heck of a screeching racket. But it did not sound like any of the screeches I found on the Internet. I hope they are not in distress!! It is a very large impressive bird! I love the see them in the city.
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starstarstarstarstar 		They've disappeared!
by: Anonymous

The 2-3 hawks that frequented the (outside) of 2300 Yonge Street office building have disappeared from here. Maybe since last Fall.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yonge & Eglinton Red-tails
by: Anonymous

About 2014 I was living on the 14th floor of 890 Mt. Pleasant overlooking Northern high school. I used to regularly see a lone large hawk I took to be a red-tail by its rusty-red tail. I saw it stoop twice into the trees, presumably for squirrels of which there are plenty in the area. One afternoon I was sitting on my couch when the hawk lit on the rail of my balcony. I stood up and was able to watch it roost there for about 10 minutes just scanning. She looked back at me once but otherwise ignored me. I was within 20' of her albeit with a glass window between us.
After that I saw a murder of crows try to run her off a roost on top of a cell tower on the roof of man office power at Mt. Pleasant and Eglinton, 2 blocks south of me. There was over a dozen trying ti dive bomb her. She ignored them for a while, then did a cartwheel off the roost at a diving crow and the crows withdrew telling their heads off.
I often saw the same hawk hunting east of my balcony but never saw what, if anything, she caught.
I saw the other posts for Y&E so I kicked in with mine.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail in Greek town
by: Cameron

I live on Cosburn Avenue about 2 blocks east of Broadview. This afternoon i watched what looked to me to be a young red-tail on the balcony across the grass between two highrise apartment buildings. I say I think it was a red-tail, but I am no expert. I just saw the wings go by my living room window and knew that was no pigeon. It alighted on the rail of the 6th floor balcony opposite mine on the 8th. I had a clear view through 8x Busch. grey-brown with a cinnamon tail. I will call her she; she walked crab wise up and down the bannister rail looking I thought at first into the windows. After maybe 10 minutes she flew off did a sort of barrel roll and landed on the rail of the balcony on the 5th floor. Again she went crabbing back and forth until she finally found it: she jumped down and retrieved a partially eaten pigeon, finished it and flew off. About half an hour in all. Once she left, the pigeons came back to roost. Abou half hour in all.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk's nest in the chimney of Regis College
by: Anonymous

For anyone interested, there's a RT hawk's nest in the chimney of Regis College, on the east side of Queen's Park at Wellesley.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawk
by: Jeff

I live on George Street, Toronto, just north of Dundas, and I have been seeing a young Red Tailed Hawk living in the trees outside my window for the past few weeks or more, he seems to be a young one.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tails Carlton & Jarvis
by: Anonymous

The pair of hawks are local residents. The female is much larger than the male, which is only obvious when they perch near each other. We have observed them from our perch - our 20th floor condo - on Maitland Place for the past three years, since moving here. Not sure where the nest is now but I have observed them in previous years nesting on both the east and west Primrose Hotel signs. They are a joy to watch soaring on thermals and hunting down pigeons.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawks around Maple Leaf Gardens area
by: HS Downtown

Over the past couple of weeks I have seen a pair of what I think may be red tail hawks. They appear almost every day around the same time (between 2 pm and 4 pm) and fly around Wood Street between the buildings. One usually lands on someone's balcony railing or on the roof of City Park Coop. I have yet to see one grab a pigeon, but I am sure that's what they are after. A few summers ago I witnessed a hawk pick off a squirrel and fly up onto a lamp post along Church Street at Maitland. Crowds of people got out their cell phones and started to take photos and video of it. You could still see the squirrel's tail thrashing about. Who knew wildlife in the down town could be so dramatic!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail Hawk in Rosedale
by: Anonymous

Say one this morning on Ramsden Park Road across from Rosedale TTC station.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cedarbrae Mall
by: Anonymous

I drive a wheeltrans bus around the city all day so I see large birds of prey all the time, however usually they are hanging out around the highways. On Sunday after a drop off at Cedarbrae Mall, I was coming out onto Lawrence there was a very large hawk or falcon on a snow mound in the parking lot of the Staples, eating a pigeon. It was shocking to see him just chilling doing his thing with so many people and cars around, he couldn't have cared less what was going on around him.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pair of Red Tail Hawks near Spadina and Bloor
by: Anonymous

We have a pair of very large Red Tail Hawks here on our corner. Not quite Spadina and Bloor, but one and a half blocks north east. On the corner of the Year on and floor there is a large church and a large parking lot behind the church. There are trees along the back of that parking lot and the Hawks like to perch in those trees. They fly around looking for prey in a large territory that seems to center around this particular block. They often give that classic hawk cry, yes very Hollywood lol. I've been noticing them here for the last three years, but they seem bigger this year for some reason. I almost mistook them for Eagles until I heard the cry. I've never seen them catch anything though, and they seem to ignore the many pigeons we have here. Pretty cool to share or urban neighborhood with these beautiful creatures.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cornell U link to Red Tail Hawks
by: Anonymous

Something happened to the link I posted the other day to the . Here it is again. Cornell Lab of Ornithology
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tails eating birds
by: Anonymous

While Red Tails prefer rodents, they certainly will eat birds. I've seen them eat starlings. The birds of prey you see around your feeders are most likely Cooper's or Sharp-shinned, though. If you enjoy watching Red Tails, Cornell University has a wonderful live-streaming camera set up at the university where a pair of Red Tailed Hawks have been nesting and raising their young for the past several years. They will likely start visiting and preparing the nest site in the next month or so.
Moderator, I'm in no way affiliated. I'm just a raptor lover who thought the readers might enjoy.
Thank you for sending this link, I'm happy to publish it as I'm sure our readers will enjoy it!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawk catching and eating a pigeon
by: McGill Street Resident

To the person who said Red Tail Hawks don't eat birds: Toronto ones do! We saw one on Saturday catch and eat a pigeon. We live just south of Maple Leaf Gardens. Here is an article I found from 2010 about a Red Tailed Hawk at Moss Park eating pigeons.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Falcons at Yonge & Eglinton
by: Jim

Thank you for the info; I will take a look at the link. Saw 1 or 2 flying around the buildings the other day but not sure where they go when its -20!
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starstarstarstarstar 		younge and eglington birds
by: cicely

Most likely the birds you are seeing are the Peragrine Falcons that live in Canada Square. You can learn more about them here Peregrine Foundation. I'm pretty sure the Red Tailed Hawks do in fact eat birds, at least the ones in Toronto do, those and squirrels.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawk Birkdale Ravine
by: Anonymous

Saw a Red Tailed Hawk swoop down and land on the Maple Tree overhanging our back yard from the ravine. Not far from me. They are large birds.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Assumed Red Tailed Hawk in Leslieville
by: Anonymous

Saw one today at Leslie and Queen it was perched on top of a building ;-) then flew off. Made for quite a breathtaking moment!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail Hawks Don't Prey on Birds
by: Anonymous

Red Tail Hawks don't prey on other birds. They generally eat rodents such as mice, rats and even rabbits. The hawks that you are seeing near feeders are usually Coopers Hawk or Sharp Shinned Hawks. They are smaller than Red Tails and have a much longer black and white striped tail.

For more information on the diet of the Red Tail Hawk, check out Red-Tailed Hawk info as this discusses the diet of these raptors, including occasionally birds, in detail.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawks at Yonge & Eglinton
by: Jim

Its interesting to read the accounts of the hawks and their prey because, of the 2-3 hawks here at Yonge & Eglinton, there are dozens of pigeons on and around the buildings here, I've never seen one of the hawks with a pigeon. Only once in three years did I see a hawk swoop down from the building and "scatter" the pigeons.
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starstarstarstarstar 		RT Hawk having a pigeon lunch
by: Agency Analytics

We are at Portland and Adelaide and a big ol's RT hawk landing on our window ledge.
Then it became clear it had a pigeon in its talons.
He was basically smothering it and waiting for it to die.
Then he took it over to a roof and starting tearing it apart. Feathers everywhere.
Such a big bird to see in downtown Toronto.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail in my backyard
by: Hussein

I was picking some stuff from my shed with my 9 years old son. I felt something moving in my backyard. I looked over my shoulder to my amazement, it was a RT Hawk feasting on a Squirrel. I asked my son to keep quiet. The Hawk was only 7 ft away. I snapped some photos my phone, I came as close as 4 ft, he became alert when heard the clicking sounds (snapping pictures). My wife yelled at me, she was afraid it would attack me. What a daring Hawk, he wouldn't leave his kill, in fact it stayed for a good hour and a half feasting on his kill. (Location: Lawrence and Warden. Scarborough)
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed in Leslieville
by: Anonymous

Saw what I think was a RT Hawk in my alley way. It was massive. Just stared at me as I opened the gate to back out. I tried to snap a photo but it took flight with a bird in it's talons.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawks
by: Jim Brydges

Yesterday as I was out for a bit I heard the sound that I am now understanding is a Red Tailed Hawk. I looked up and to my amazement
there were six Red Tailed Hawks playing or fighting over a rabbit. They were tossing it up into the trees only for another to pick it up and take it along the street. This was in downtown ‪Toronto‬! Not something that I had seen before and the people on the street, were to say the least, hilarious - frozen as if snowmen! Afraid to move, afraid to even grab a camera for in an instant they were gone - priceless!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two Red Tail Hawks in the Junction.
by: Joe

These two Red Tailed Hawks have been in the Junction and High Park area all summer, a friend has a photo of one perched on his balcony rail. Just saw both again this morning perched on Condo towers, on Heintzman Street near Keele and Dundas.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-tailed Hawk
by: Pam

Just saw a Red-tailed Hawk being chased by a small flock of birds. Located at Dawes Road and Danforth Avenue. He(?) likes to perch on the billboard sign on the building across the street. This is the second time I have seen him this week.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Just saw a large hawk in my backyard
by: Judy

I just saw a large hawk in my backyard at Queen near Trinity-Bellwoods, I think it was a Red Tailed Hawk. My house is covered with ivy which is full of little birds hanging out. The hawk swooped in, hung on to the ivy for a moment (looking as surprised as I was) and then flew to sit on the top of a telephone pole and sat for a bit. Rushed inside to get my camera but when I got back she or he was gone. What a thrill.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawk
by: Dave Andrews

I just saw a Red Tailed Hawk grab and fly away with a mouse or rat at Matheson and Eglington in Mississauga, while I was riding a Mississauga bus! Very cool.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk
by: Judy

This morning a juvenile Red-Tailed Hawk visited my backyard beech tree. We are in Little Italy, downtown Toronto. I feed the squirrels on my little balcony deck and I think the action of them running and chasing one another attracted the young hawk. My cats and I enjoyed the sight for at least 5 minutes before he flew away.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail Hawk
by: John

Seen Red Tail Hawk at Bloor and Royal York. As it flew over my yard across the street heard a distinct chirp. Hide your small dogs and cats. My dog instinctively hid in the portable dog house. Must have known or seen the hawk before.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red tailed hawk - Bathurst and Eglinton
by: Anonymous

This morning. A Red Tailed Hawk landed in the back yard when I was having breakfast on the deck. Left a feather behind. Beautiful bird. Saw one last year as well and was able to snap a photo.
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starstarstarstar 		Hawks at Yonge & Eglinton
by: Jim

Three years ago (July, 2011) I noticed a lone hawk flying and landing in and amongst the buildings at Yonge & Eg, primarily on the upper floors of 2300 Yonge, directly across from my balcony. Then there were two, now this year there are three! They all appear to be the same species (I'm not sure what). I've often wondered where they sleep, how they survive (I've never seen any of them with any prey). The first year I woke up at 5am one morning to a loud squaking and it was right outside my bedroom window on the balcony (I have a pic). Its the only time I've seen it on my building. This summer, two of the hawks have been chasing and attacking each other the past two weeks, making lots of noise....and tonight I saw one for the first time try to grab a squirrel on another building.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawks at Bathurst and Dundas
by: Little Italy

We seem to have a pair of large hawks living on our residential street in the Little Italy neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. They clearly enjoy the very tall trees on the street and are fascinating to watch, but I have to admit the calling sounds they make are eerie in such an urban area. I've seem them eyeing a local pug as it puttered in its yard! I hope he's a little too big to be prey for them.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawks Toronto
by: Anonymous

Saw two Red-Tailed Hawks flying over Geneva Street this morning - Cabbagetown - very noisy - swooping down after a squirrel scrambling across the roofs.
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starstarstarstar 		Red Tail Hawk
by: Steve

Spotted a Red Tail Hawk in a Maple tree behind our house on Oriole Plwy. It was having a rather large rat for breakfast. I've seen it several times in the same tree over the last year.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Here is another one
by: Anonymous

I actually saw a very large bird in downtown Toronto on February 8/14 at King and Ontario. I feel it may have been a hawk but I thought it was a odd setting to see such a big bird... but it did seem to be maneuvering very well around all the telephone lines etc.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-tailed Hawk in our yard today
by: Anonymous

Near Queen and Lansdowne. We had maybe the same one visit a few weeks ago. I guess it's keeping its eye on our bird feeder, i.e. on the sparrows, etc. that visit it.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Some really great pic to post
by: Fordmodel@hotmail.com

Blood and sherbourne I see them all the time. Got some really great photos.

We'd love to see your pictures - please send them in to us, using the form on Our Hawks Pages.

Thanks!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bloor and Spadina, Toronto
by: Anonymous

I was at the corner of Spadina and Bloor (right beside the school) when I noticed there was actually a hawk on the ground. He was just standing there looking around. I believe it was a juevenile Red Tail. There were people taking pictures of it and he seemed to be completely oblivious. Eventually he flew away but it was really awesome to see a hawk that close up!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk sighting
by: Tonie

I just saw a very large golden Hawk on the fence surrounding the tennis court at Bloor and Dufferin. He/she flew into the tree towards Dufferin mall. The bird had been on the ground in the leaves before flying up to the fence. It was literally 2 feet away ...no one else even noticed.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bloordale Hawk
by: Anonymous

I've been hearing at least one hawk the last three or so days through my bedroom window, at Wallace and Lansdowne (Bloordale/Junction Triangle).
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-tailed hawks on TV (antenna)
by: Peter

I have been watching that pair of red-tailed hawks
for the past three plus years. They spend a large
part of each day perched on the TV antenna on the
apartment building at Church and Wood St. I have seen them mating on top of the antenna at least
four times this year, the first time in February!
Interestingly, they reign supreme for most of the year, but come nesting season for songbirds, they
become the "prey". Starting around the beginning of May, a pair of grackles harasses them constantly. They perch on the antenna just a foot away from the hawks, vocalizing loudly and
dive-bombing them from behind. When the hawks
finally give up and fly away, the grackles pursue them, dive-bombing them all the way to what I presume is the border of what the grackles consider their territory. So, any time of the year you are around Church and Alexander/Wood St
look up at the TV antenna. You will likely see one or both of the hawks.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-tailed hawk merchandise building
by: Anonymous

There is a red-tailed hawk I have seen 4 times in the last week at Church/Jarvis and Dundas. The first time we saw it, it went to land on the edge of the building but soared back down and around when it realized the roof had a number of people BBQ-ing. Since I have seen it from my unit in flight, having perched on the government building across mutual street it flew up behind another bird and attempted to take a chunk out of it mid flight. The smaller bird screamed and they both flew out of sight. I think a certain level of concern should be had for individual that live here and have small dogs as there is a dog walk on the roof and many people don't would never think they might be at risk of a bird of prey in the city. Hold on to your teacup pooches.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Junction hawk
by: Cassandra

I see a lot of hawks in the Junction, and last week a large Red-Tailed hung out on my balcony at Dundas and Keele. It left me a present - hacked up a pellet of feathers into my garden!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawk at Bloor and Church
by: Anonymous

There is a Red Tail Hawk that nests on a building on the north side of Bloor Street at Church. Since moving into a condo that looks northeast (over Rosedale) in April, we have seen a Hawk or Hawks soar repeatedly north from the buildings that line the north side of Bloor Street.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tail Hawk
by: Anonymous

We live at Yonge and Carlton and we have a Red Tail Hawk that likes to perch on our balcony. We live on the 30th floor so I just think they love the view!!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Primrose Hotel
by: Anonymous

I witnessed a pair nesting on top of the sign on the Primrose hotel at Jarvis and Carlton. The female looked to have the twigs in her talons while flying around. Its cool that they're adapting to the madness of the city, though I don't know how healthy the area might be for their survival.
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starstarstarstarstar 		The Hawk and the Pet Parrot
by: Anonymous

Two pairs of Red Tailed Hawks, possibly one pair of same sex siblings and parents that nest around Bathurst and Bloor (Toronto). They are using a relatively big territory and my guess is that as the two youngsters are maturing, they are exploring the area to claim their own territories. One of the two kids is recently spending a lot of time around Bloor and Spadina and the fact that she/he (most likely a he, if he is indeed selecting territory) is taking his bath in the area tells me that he is here to stay. As beautiful as it is to watch this lovely bird, I own two parrots who are very afraid of him. The Hawk seems to hear my parrots and my attempts to relocate the bird cage has resulted in him attempting to get into my balcony. Needless to say, birds have awesome hearing skills and my birds scream. It is also known that some birds of prey like to try new flesh that is not native or common in the area. So this summer, if you have pet birds, watch for this awesome hawk.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Possible nesting Hawks!
by: Anonymous

I believe that the afore mentioned hawks I have just spotted from my apartment in Edward Street in Toronto heading over Ryerson University buildings - one of them was carrying a 'twig' in its beak!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sighting near Bathurst and Dundas
by: Anonymous

I work from home and at least once a week for the past few weeks I have seen, what I now think is, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks.

I don't know much about birds but I first noticed them because they are way bigger than the regular birds I see around here.

Just now one of them flew up past my window and indeed made that "Hollywood" hawk sound.

It's neat to see them but I wonder if this is not exactly the best environment for them? Hope there is no risk to the neighbourhood cats!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Hawk eating its prey on construction site
by: Anonymous

At 1:30 pm today while checking out the progress of a condo building under construction at the corner of Adelaide and John Street ("Pinnacle" Building) I saw a large hawk standing on the unfinished 3rd floor balcony calmly eating its prey. It was very close to the cement trucks, cranes and workers in full contruction mode. I mean VERY close. The cement trucks were coming in, literally, right under the spot where it stood.

It seemed completely at ease, plucking the feathers off whatever it caught, presumably a pigeon, then ripping off chunks of flesh while the work on the building carried on above and around it.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red tail
by: cookjdrc

Wow! Saw what looked to me like two Red Tail Hawks. They looked like full size adults. What a sight. I went out to see what my 2 cats were looking at in the full size balsam that is next to my house and there they were, perched at the top about 80 or 90 ft. Looking down at dinner, LOL. Guess they gave up because I was watching them they took off south east towards Scarborough bluffs. Wish I had a camera.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yonge and Gerrard - 24 Jan 2013
by: Anonymous

I saw a Hawk land on a light post around 3:30 this afternoon at Yonge and Gerrard (NE) side. It stayed there about 4 minutes before it flew off. Amazing.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Trinity Bellwoods
by: Anonymous

From the top floor of our building on Queen Street, we are almost at the same level as the two large hawks hanging out in a tree top next to the Trinity Bellwoods Park Community Centre. Their wingspan looks huge!
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starstarstarstarstar 		My Balcony
by: RED

I've been blessed of late with a large Hawk that has taken to using my balcony in the morning to watch for his morning prey.
As I have been recovering from botched surgery and don't get out much, it is a trip when I see him out there for a couple of hours now and then.
We have about 3 - 5 birds in our area of Queen and Sherbourne.

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starstarstarstarstar 		Big Bad Hawk at Queen & Ossington
by: Anonymous

One block west of Ossington, Brookfield, and a few homes north of Queen, some resident has a rather tall TV antenna at the back of their house. During the past few days this large Hawk has been surveying the landscape in the back alleys and while present, all of the small birds and pigeons make themselves very scarce. Earlier the gangs of sparrows would mount a full scale attack on him (or her) but I think that must have ended badly because they now hide very silently in the bushes. My wife,worried about our cat, took to screaming at the bird without effect. However, she re-learned how to whistle, Soccer-Stadium style,and that at least gets its attention.
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starstarstarstarstar 		St. Lawrence Market
by: Canada Wolves

I saw one today in a tree on a low branch (No fear of humans whatsoever) by the fountain at Market Square (opposite St. Lawrence Market) An avid bird follower was there to tell me it was a Red Tailed Hawk. The Hawk was devouring a pigeon and this was an awesome sight to see due to the fact that it was downtown Toronto and not on the nature channel.
It makes me happy that humans and buildings have not driven the birds away. It's also good getting rid of some of the pigeons, now if only they could work on the seagulls.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sighting
by: Anonymous

Just saw one today on the corner of Yonge Street and College Street, Toronto.
I wonder if it is not "Her Majesty" from Queen's Park.
We have seen her a few times already and once she had a nice Pigeon meal.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red Tailed Hawks
by: Sandra McLean

There are several at St Clair and Bathurst and they are attacking residents and the dogs they are walking.

One neighbour kept getting slapped in the back, 5 times in less than five minutes, when she was out walking her dog.

Totally fearless.

I think I'd rather have pooping pigeons than hawks that eat my dogs!

They are absolutely massive, was floored at the one that landed on my apartment building.

Wow, that is awful - they are not usually that bold, in fact I have never heard of Hawks doing this - they are usually trying to keep out of the way of humans!

Thank you for telling us this!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red tailed hawk Queen & Bathurst
by: Scott

I saw one yesterday (confirmed when a picture I took was viewed by a real bird-watcher) sitting on hyrdo wires in front of my house on Markham St. He hung out there for a few minutes then flapped over to an adjacent tree, while a Robin kept chirping at him. Birder consensus was it was a juvenile male.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Also saw a Hawk
by: Jen

Today May 15 2012, I saw a Hawk carrying a very large rat out of Kensington Market and fly west.

I wonder if it is one of the pair that you saw?
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starstarstarstarstar 		Red-tailed hawks
by: Darlene

Wow, how neat to see these birds! They're incredible.
I see a pair all the time in my neighbourhood (Don River ravine just north of Eglinton).
They're looking for "lunch" every day at the same time.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hawks in Dowtown Toronto
by: Mary Lynn

Well, with all those yummy, plump Pigeons you have in Toronto, it is a hawking paradise. Here´s hoping they don´t fly into all those windows. Mary Lynn

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