Raptors, Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian region is home to an impressive variety of raptors, including the bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, and black vulture.  Bald eagles, known for their striking white heads and powerful wingspans, are often seen near large bodies of water where they hunt fish with remarkable precision.

The red-tailed hawk, easily identified by its rust-coloured tail, soars over open fields searching for small mammals, using its keen eyesight to detect prey from great heights.  

The American kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America, exhibits incredible agility, hovering in midair before diving swiftly to catch insects and small birds. 

Black vultures, often seen gliding in tight circles, rely on their sharp vision to locate carrion.  By scavenging decaying animals, they help keep the environment clean and reduce the spread of disease.  These raptors can often be spotted along Appalachian ridges and open landscapes, especially during seasonal migrations in the spring and autumn.