Sadly Goshawks and other birds of prey are rapidly declining in this area due to illegal persecution. See the recent RSPB update report showing how the problem continues to get worse
http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/PeakMalpracticeUpdate2007_tcm9-165094.pdf
Graham
Hi Graham
Thank you for your information about this area. The link does make for sad reading. I think it is just that people misunderstand the BoP, and nothing is going to change them in a rush from thinking any different.. :-C
As what has been said many times, that there has to be drastic action taken to prevent the decline of BoP's. Of course taking strong armed tactics, and legal action against any person found disturbing them in any way at all.
If only that was the case as it appears not to be so clear cut as that. This is another issue altogether. So much has been said about it already here. :-C
peewit
We live near Manchester and used to see Goshawk pretty reliably at Derwent Water, but much more difficult now.
Forest of Dean next March may be a better bet when they are doing their roller coaster display on a calm sunny day. If you search the forum for New Fancy View, you will get details. AFAIK it's the most reliable known about spot in the UK.
And what to do in September instead? Keep you eyes on those weather charts and wait for a migrant fall - the most exciting birding there is, if it happens where you are, but very hard to predict.
Or look out for returning waders, lots of nice things to see even at inland birding sites near landlocked Bedford at this time of year.
Hi Liz
Thank you for your information, and your interesting observations here.
Sorry to be silly here, but what does AFAIK mean?. I will look at 'New Fancy Views' after I have typed this and see what you have posted. :t:
So March is the best time of the year to see Goshawks, at Forest of Dean, and that will be taken into consideration for a future visit. I hope that these birds are still around as they should be, wild and free.
As you say it is taking what you see at the time, and I will look out for the migrant fall at our next visit. It will produce lots of opportunities to see if ID-ing will be my new forte at the end of the day. Lots of improvements to be made there.
I think any trip is very weather based, and I find myself looking at 'Countryfile' on TV as it gives the full weeks weather - sad is it not - but necessary!!
We are thinking of visiting Grathan sometime over the next few weekends. It is a place closeby to us in Bedford, and we enjoy walking around it a lot at the moment.
Regards
Kathy
