Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) features a vast open world set in the American frontier of 1899. As you explore the diverse landscapes of the game, you may come across many different animal species, including various birds of prey. Eagles, hawks, owls, and vultures can be found hunting their natural prey throughout the game’s five fictional states. In this article, we will discuss where you can find the most common birds of prey in RDR2 and how to spot them.
What are birds of prey?
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are carnivorous birds that hunt and feed on small animals like rodents, fish, amphibians and other birds. They are equipped with sharp talons and curved beaks that are optimized for catching and tearing apart their prey.
Some common types of raptors in RDR2 include:
– Eagles: Large, powerfully built birds of prey with massive talons. Examples are bald eagles and golden eagles.
– Hawks: Medium-sized raptors that are agile and skillful hunters. Red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks appear in the game.
– Owls: Nocturnal raptors with impressive night vision and silent flight capabilities. Great horned owls and barn owls can be encountered.
– Vultures: Scavengers that feast on the remains of dead animals. Turkey vultures and California condors circle the skies.
– Falcons: Swift, compact falcons like the prairie falcon that specialize in catching birds in mid-air.
Spotting these majestic predators in their natural habitats is one of the joys of exploring the wilderness in RDR2. Next, let’s look at where to find them.
Where to find eagles
Eagles are large birds of prey that inhabit mountainous and coastal areas throughout RDR2’s map. Here are some of the best places to spot them:
– Grizzlies West: This rugged, mountainous area northwest of Owanjila is home to golden eagles. Scan the cliffs and you may see one perched high above.
– Sea of Coronado: Along the sandy beaches of this coastline, you can sometimes see bald eagles circling and diving for fish.
– Mount Shann: The tallest peak in the game is a prime nesting spot for golden eagles. Aim your binoculars near the mountain’s summit.
– Dakota River: Bald eagles nest along this river. Carefully inspect the trees along the riverbanks.
– Lake Isabella: Both bald and golden eagles frequent this massive, high altitude lake in Ambarino.
Where to find hawks
Hawks prefer open country like grasslands, deserts and farms. Here are some places they like to hunt:
– Great Plains: Red-tailed hawks and other species soar above the expansive grasslands searching for small mammals.
– Rio Bravo: Found south of Gaptooth Ridge, this is hawk haven. Cooper’s hawks dash through the scrub brush and red-tails perch on cacti.
– Heartland Overflow: North of Emerald Ranch, these wetlands offer lots of tree cover for hawks to nest and hide.
– Caliga Hall: The plantation fields and silos attract rodents, which in turn attracts hawks. Check the fences and barns.
– Radley’s House: This abandoned farm near Rhodes is surrounded by prime hawk habitat like prairies and marshland.
Where to find owls
As nocturnal hunters, owls are most active at night. Listen for their haunting hoots near:
– Old Bacchus Place: This eerie abandoned village has several owl nests hidden high in the rafters of the buildings.
– Shady Belle: The dilapidated manor houses large barred owl nests that can be seen at night.
– Braithwaite Manor: Hidden among the large oak trees on the property, you may hear great horned owls hooting after dark.
– Clemens Point: Your gang’s camp in Rhodes has owls that become active once the sun goes down.
– Dewberry Creek: The forested riverbanks north of Strawberry provide good owl habitats.
Where to find vultures
Vultures don’t hunt live prey, but you can often see them feasting on animal carcasses. They also roost in large numbers on cliffs and ledges. Some spots they frequent include:
– Sea of Coronado: The coastal cliffs are full of turkey vultures and condors circling the ocean winds.
– Rio del Lobo Rock: This massive cliff formation is a reliable vulture roost on the border of New Austin and Mexico.
– Cumberland Falls: Scan the canyon walls for California condors sunning themselves on the rocks and cliffs.
– Roanoke Ridge: Turkey vultures scour the heavily wooded areas of the valley for their next meal.
– Stillwater Creek: Lots of animal carcasses draw in scavenging vultures along this creek in Tall Trees.
Where to find falcons
Prairie falcons can occasionally be spotted dashing across open grasslands and deserts as they hunt for prey:
– Hennigan’s Stead: This massive open ranch north of MacFarlane’s is perfect hunting grounds for the elusive prairie falcon.
– Rattlesnake Hollow: Scan the hilly grasslands as you ride through this New Austin valley.
– Rio Bravo: Keep an eye on the peregrine falcon’s favorite hunting habitat – open skies.
– Henbane River: Follow this river northwest of Armadillo, where falcons search for rodents in the scrub brush.
– Tumbleweed: Watch for fast-flying falcons above the desert near this ghost town.
Tips for spotting birds of prey
Here are some useful tips for locating raptors in RDR2:
– Use binoculars – Equip binoculars and methodically scan cliffs, trees, ledges and the open sky. You can spot birds from great distances this way.
– Listen for cries – Many birds of prey have distinct, loud cries. Listening can help you locate a hidden owl or eagle.
– Look for circling – Vultures and hawks will circle in the sky when they’ve found food or a thermal updraft. Look up!
– Check abandoned buildings and farms – Owls, eagles and hawks all nest on man-made structures like barns, silos and rafters.
– Follow rivers and lakes – The waterways attract a lot of prey, so raptors hunt and nest nearby.
– Head to high vantage points – Climb to a high point like a large boulder to get the best view across an area.
– Return at different times – A spot that seems quiet during the day may come alive at night with owls or a pre-dawn eagle.
Notable birds of prey missions
In addition to random encounters, there are some story missions and side quests where you can get close-up views of raptors in RDR2:
– A Strange Kindness – Interact with a magnificent golden eagle.
– Duchesses and Other Animals – Visit a hawk conservatory.
– Master Hunter Challenge 6 – Track and kill the legendary Owiza bear, with help from an eagle.
– Geology for Beginners – Collect rock carvings across New Austin, several depicting large hawks.
– Smoking and Other Hobbies – Encounter a nest of great horned owls.
Useful equipment
Having the right equipment can really help with spotting birds of prey in the wilderness:
Item | Description |
---|---|
Binoculars | Essential for scanning the terrain and trees from afar to pinpoint raptors. |
Scoped Rifle | A rifle with a scope allows you to study distant birds in greater detail. |
Cover Scent Lotion | Rub this on to avoid scaring away birds as you approach nesting areas. |
Flight Feathers | Collect fallen feathers from eagle and hawk kills to craft talismans. |
Bait | Carrion bait can draw vultures and condors to a location. |
Having the right hunting tools and taking a stealthy approach will allow you to observe majestic predators like bald eagles without disturbing them.
Conclusion
Exploring the diverse landscapes of Red Dead Redemption 2 offers ample opportunities to spot magnificent birds of prey in their natural habitats. Eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and vultures can be found thriving across the mountains, prairies, wetlands and deserts if you visit their preferred hunting grounds. With a patient, observant approach and the right equipment, you’ll be rewarded with thrilling glimpses of these regal animals soaring, circling and swooping through the skies. Whether perched on a rocky ledge or mid-dive in pursuit of prey, RDR2’s raptors highlight the wilderness and history that the game evokes so powerfully.