I am able to observe numerous Red Tails in my area almost every day and in fact have seen as many as eight spirling upward, circling, etc. for long periods of time. Not sure what they are doing, perhaps searching for food, mating??
The Greenbier Resort used to have a falconry operation there, some years ago, and speaking with the person at the time, he informed me that only two states prohibit hunting with a falcon. Believe West Virginia was one and not sure of the other one.
Greenbrier is not far from Virginia and was told that they did take them there to hunt rabbits, quail, ducks, etc.
As for the Redtail Hawks, if you know what you are looking for, there are numerious Sparrow Hawks seen along the interstate searching for food as well. The hawk/raptor population must surely be on the increase and glad to see that taking place.

Near me on I-84 near Middletown NY is a wonderfull place to see redtails. I've seen at least a dozen in a 20 mile stretch and if lucky see them catching lunch.They are there all year long.Climbing in circles -they are catching a thermal and can climb high with little energy. This time of year you will also see courting flights which are interesting as they do things that you wouldn't see otherwise !!

Hello mete,
Public TV this weekend in my area had a very good hour long program on raptors and even though I had seen much earlier, really fascinating as to what really takes place with one practicing the art of Falconry. Had a tiny camera strapped on the back of a falcon and showed the strike of pray bird by the falcon. I did not realize that hunting with a falcon often involved the use of a dog for flushing the game birds, but can see how that would definitely work. How in the world does one train, condition a bird to return to your arm for a roost after being free to hunt?? Would think that would take great deal of time and knowledge to do properly. Perhaps being free as a bird is a myth??

I saw the tv program .Raptors are always fascinating.Becoming a falconer is a long difficult process.I am lucky to have one of the very best areas for migrating hawks not too far away [Hawk Mtn PA ].Seeing eagles doing courting flights, seeing ospreys going completely under to get a fish, lying on top of a mountain and finding that I was centered on a thermal which an osprey caught and spiraled upward, are all in the WOW catagory !!

Wanted to share an interesting redtail encounter. We were turkey hunting in Northern California. My husband had mounted a decoy hen in a feeding position and inserted a spring loaded stake into the mount with a long string attached. We sat in our blind gently working the string to get the interest of a few turkey birds in the distance. Shortly there after, a dark shadow loomed, closely overhead and the audible sound of air and wing were awesome. A redtail was coming in for the decoy hen, about 3' away from its target it must have sensed something wasn't right. Put on the brakes and amazingly cupped enough air to take off without touching down or looking back. My husband and I just looked at each other with that wide eyed 5 year old WOW smile on our faces.

Didn't connect with a turkey that day and didn't care, that sight was just too incredible!