The bird is not rare, per se, it is rare for one to be this south – ever. They stay mainly in the area of Canada and the Arctic, with southern migrations in winter to Michigan and other states in the Upper Midwest, and sometimes as far south as Oklahoma. Texas virtually never sees them. That’s what’s rare.

It is obvious that the extended drought has caused a shortage of rodents and other food sources for the predatory bird population as evidenced by the red tail hawks hunting in daylight. The big question is why the local bird population has so changed over the past decade including the presence of birds that traditionally were only found near the ocean and the absense of native birds like the Mockingbird. Global warming, air and water pollution, or something more natural?

They have also been spotted in Burleson,Tx

@bird watcher – I was wondering why I keep seen red tail hawks…I didn’t know they usually hunt at night. I guess that’s why I remember only rarely seeing them as a kid.

remarkably beautiful creature! what a joy to have some of these in texas..i understand the drought situation as one other person mentioned..i have see a lot of hawks..more than average..