A series highlighting some of the wildlife of the Gettysburg Battlefield photographed there by the webmaster.

Offering a variety of habitat ranging from mature forest to open pasture, the Gettysburg National Military Park is home to many species of animals including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. This post focuses on the park’s red tail hawks.

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey. They are probably the most common hawk found in North America and Gettysburg boasts a health population of red-tails. Red-tails can vary significantly in coloration. Females are about 25% larger than males.

Best Places to See Them: Red-tails can be seen virtually anywhere in the Park, but some common locations include Reynolds Woods near the McPherson Barn (this bird was photographed on the McPherson Farm right on the edge of Reynolds Woods), the fields of Pickett’s Charge between Seminary and Cemetery Ridge, and the Excelsior Field near the Klingel Farm. Red Tails like open fields near woods. They often will perch on the park’s wooden fences. They can also be frequently seen flying in the skies over Gettysburg. Red-tailed Hawks like to soar above open fields, slowly turning circles on their broad wings.

Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views