When do Red-tailed Hawks in New York typically lay their eggs?

The timing of egg-laying for Red-tailed Hawks in New York generally falls in the March to April range. This period coincides with the onset of spring when the weather begins to warm, and prey becomes more abundant, creating a suitable environment for nesting and raising young. The reproductive cycle is closely aligned with environmental conditions, ensuring that the chicks have ample food resources when they hatch.

Egg-laying in February or March tends to be too early, as the conditions for successful nesting and chick survival are not optimal yet. Conversely, laying eggs in April or May would be slightly later than the typical window for this species, potentially impacting the success of the young hawks as they would have less time to mature and learn to hunt before colder months. May or June is also outside the typical timeframe, as by then, many hawks have already successfully raised their young and are preparing for the next breeding season. Thus, March to April captures the best period for Red-tailed Hawks to reproduce effectively in New York.