Goshawk

hello,

We have a new Raptor spotted in the area a Goshawk. I had this confirmed from sightings around the immediate area. I was trying to ID the sound for a while (months) coming from the woods nearby & I wouldn't even know where to start trying to imitate the call. It appeared on Tuesday as I was watching at first the usual disturbance expected when a Raptor is in the area the Pigeons are off their mark, there's two Gulls that sit on the roof shadowing the Raptors followed by whatever Corvids are nearby join in. It apparently took a Feral Pigeon on the grass nearby then took to flight the nearest roof top in pursuit the Gulls, what a din. Spotted it fleeing across low level above the nearby gardens onto the high wall beside the woods & then it disappeared into the woods. It was later confirmed being spotted in the same woods as well as the path towards the Baron's Haugh Nature Reserve. Rumour there's a Sparrowhawk nesting on a nearby wall within the woods, I've seen the Sparrowhawk only so far. so I can chalk up another 'Urban' Raptor visitor.

Regards

David

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/goshawk/index.aspx

 

Great to get a good view of Goshawk,we have not seen one this year yet but have tried to turn a few Sparrowhawks into them.It may be worth passing your sighting on to the local recorder as Gos. numbers are difficult to gauge due the usual secretive nature of the birds.I am jealous but should get at least one sighting this year at least.

hello Seaman,

Details I believe were recorded via RSPB member from Barons Haugh Nature Reserve Group as allegedly two members did spot such near/over the reserve same week. I've passed on my details & hopefully at some point catch up with members from the group. I usually log details also with the Central Scotland Countryside Trust as they're interested in the wildlife within the same greenbelt corridor. That's Urban Peregrines, a Sparrowhawk, Buzzards, & now a Goshawk were doing well. No bad for an amateur..lol!

Regards

David

Spot on David,I am one of those strange people who think records of sightings are important.

It's always great to have raptors around, they're so dramatic, especially peregrines and goshawks. Your right, David, you are doing very well!

HK.

hello,

I wouldn't say it's strange recording such sightings, but it is important I agree.HK I find it of interest that these Raptors are spotted feeding on a regular basis as well as nesting in the urban areas & different types emerging is even better. We also have various species of Owls as well along the green belt corridor. Always Great to watch.

Regards

David  

The Gos is certainly an odd one in this type of area just shows the importance of green belt corridors.

I would agree with all. the only thing I would add is to make sure it is gentilis and not nisus.as we had a member who was forever sending sightings of gos, when in the end they turned out to be sparrowhawk, not saying this is the case and i am sure any recorder would have it checked out, but Like seaman I think it very important that sightings, are recorded.

caper1

I would agree with all. the only thing I would add is to make sure it is gentilis and not nisus.as we had a member who was forever sending sightings of gos, when in the end they turned out to be sparrowhawk, not saying this is the case and i am sure any recorder would have it checked out, but Like seaman I think it very important that sightings, are recorded.

I can't agree more. It is important that all wildlife gets recorded properly, which means that records should be submitted to the relevant county recorders whenever possible. If you are reporting a species which is scarce or rare in the area you may be asked to substantiate the record by providing photographs and/or notes to help confirm that the identification is beyond doubt. This is something that puts people off submitting records in some cases, particularly if they have records rejected - it is important to remember that if a record is rejected this does not necessarily mean that the records committee feel that you have made a mistake, it just means that the record is not fully proven (and it is important that official records only include the records that are beyond doubt).

In my area (Herts/Essex/London) Goshawk is a rare species, and is probably one of the most frequently rejected species (it can be very difficult to conclusively rule out Sparrowhawk with a written description).

RoyW

I can't agree more. It is important that all wildlife gets recorded properly, which means that records should be submitted to the relevant county recorders whenever possible. If you are reporting a species which is scarce or rare in the area you may be asked to substantiate the record by providing photographs and/or notes to help confirm that the identification is beyond doubt. This is something that puts people off submitting records in some cases, particularly if they have records rejected - it is important to remember that if a record is rejected this does not necessarily mean that the records committee feel that you have made a mistake, it just means that the record is not fully proven (and it is important that official records only include the records that are beyond doubt).

Quite agree Roy,in our recording area the Goshawk is the most misreported bird we have and in a written report hard to distinguish from Sparrowhawk,that is not to say the bird in question is not the real thing.If records are to mean anything they must be accurate,as the recorder for our small club up in the Dales my task is fairly easy but on the grander scale such as large clubs or county level it is quite an undertaking hence the length of time it takes to get records into print.

Wow david!!!

hello,

Positive ID on the Goshawk this evening this ones a Male. Was seen around the area earlier then caught sight of it in the shrubbery across the way think it was after some small birds that were in the Fir tree then in the bushes. Perched on the railing entrance to where I live for a short time undisturbed got a positive ID on colour markings etc.. around 20:45hrs then flew off. Grey light then I was more interested in the ID than checking for any leg rings, would such be ringed in the first place I wonder? Going on a 2nd Bat Walk later as it's a very nice night warm & dry, had an impromptu walk last night same conditions & spotted a number of Pipistrelle Bats completed a survey & details sent to the Bat Conservation Trust.There's a organised Bat Walk on 29th August through Greenlink. In all had a good nights work spotting & hopefully another for a few hours tonight.

Regards

David