goshawk in built up areas? (1 Viewer)

salty

geordie birder

• Apr 21, 2005

• #1

just been checking a local patch web site for my area (birding whitburn) and noticed a goshawk had been spotted at boldon flats near sunderland. the area is best described as flooded fields behind local housing, and is a haven for birds of all types, but i never thought a goshawk would be spotted there.

do they come into built up areas often and will this just be a passing bird (not local) anyone?

 

James Blake

chasing the shadow of a lowskimming gull

• Apr 21, 2005

• #2

Hi salty

I read an article a few years back (can't remember who by) about raptors moving into urban areas. The author thought there was an outside chance Goshawks would eventually move into urban areas.

regards
James

 

Touty

Well-known member

• Apr 21, 2005

• #3

Where they're common they come regularly into built-up areas. They often end up in chickne runs here in NE Italy

 

salty

geordie birder

• Apr 21, 2005

• #4

interesting. i see sparrowhawks on a very regular basis, and would love to imagine goshawks being as common and well seen!

not sure how the other birds would cope though.

does anyone know if they are common around coastal areas? - been a sighting in one of my other favourite patches, that so happens to be near the coast. do goshawks come to areas where waders etc feed/roost like peregrines do?

only seen 3 goshawks this year so far and they were all very much inland, around woodland/moorland.

 

Reader

Well-known member

• Apr 21, 2005

• #5

I must admit to thinking that Goshawks would stay clear of Urban areas but I remember when on Lesbos a few years ago that I saw a Goshawk on the edge of Skalla Kalloni. It actually took a chicken and was plucking it in full view of the nearby houses.

 

Jos Stratford

Eastern Exile

Staff member

• Apr 22, 2005

• #6

With Goshawks common in the country, I often see Goshawks passing through the city here - often migrants, but winter sees very few birds in general out in the open country (as everything migrates out or moves to the city), and I occasionally see Goshawks in the city at that time too, pigeons better pickings

 

Dave H

Well-known member

• Apr 22, 2005

• #7

I live on the north west outskirts of Glasgow, the suburbs I suppose, and have had the enormous pleasure of seeing a Goshawk make a kill in my back garden. We live fairly near woodland and the proper Scottish countryside begins only 5 minutes from the house. Ultimately though, we are in a busy suburban area and to see one was an unexpected surprise. It seems to me that there has been a growth in numbers of common raptors around my area so perhaps this is extending to the less frequently seen varieties...?

 

trealawboy

Well-known member

• Apr 22, 2005

• #8

I live in the South Wales Valleys. The area is typified by housing (sometimes dense) in the valley floors and lower hillsides. In many areas, the uplands are covered in Forestry Commission conifer stands where Goshawks are now common.

Goshawks are sometimes seen soaring above the houses. I've even had friends who've seen immature birds perched on the nurmerous homing pigeon cots that we have here.

 

W

wildart

Active member

• Apr 22, 2005

• #9

gos in built up area

As there are many falconers birds about now it may well be one of these. We have a pair near us but they dont look like they will breed.

Wildart