Hawks

Visitors to Jamestown can often spot a red-tailed hawk if they keep their eyes sharp. These carnivorous birds feed on small mammals, fish, and other bird species.

Captain John Smith's writings show that falconers and many types of birds were present at early Jamestown. Jamestown Rediscovery archaeologists have uncovered small copper bells that may have related to falconry. While these birds of prey were revered by English colonists, the James Fort archaeological record shows that settlers did resort to eating them during difficult times. Osprey and sparrow hawks can also still be seen around Jamestown Island today.