Tag: Northern Goshawk

Since early March there has been a Northern Goshawk frequenting Reifel. While it is not unusual to see one here, what makes this one particularly interesting is that it’s an adult bird. More often than not, it is juvenile birds we see. It has been several years since I have seen an adult Goshawk, and was not having much luck seeing this one for a few weeks. The other week I did manage a distant look, but this afternoon provided a better opportunity.

While heading back at the end of the day I found it at the southwest corner of the sanctuary. While it was obstructed by some branches, it was a much better look and photo opportunity than the other week of this striking bird.

It had been a fairly uneventful day on the photo front at Reifel. Toward the end of the day while walking along the inside grassy trail the numerous Robins and some Flickers suddenly scattered. The reason became clear as I then saw the Northern Goshawk streaking through the trees. This carried on for a few minutes without the Goshawk catching anything.

The Goshawk then alighted briefly on a branch over the trail providing this photo opportunity. While not ideal, it is the clearest photo I have managed so far of this winter visitor at the sanctuary.

A change of pace in the weather while helping out at Reifel this afternoon. It was overcast with a light rain and nowhere near the number of visitors the last few nice weekends had brought out.

One bird that has eluded me since first being sighted at the beginning of the month is the Northern Goshawk. It has been seen in a few different locations in the sanctuary. I started off my walk along the east dyke trail and from there made my way to the centre dyke trail. On nearing the south end I spotted the Goshawk briefly roosting up high. It then moved off back in the direction I had just come from. I backtracked to the trail that leads to the blind off the centre dyke, relocated the Goshawk and got a good look. Unfortunately I did not bring my long lens today anticipating it to be wetter than it was. I did have my 70-300mm on the camera under my jacket and managed a distant record shot.

About 20-30 minutes later as I was starting out along the outside dyke from the southwest corner the Northern Goshawk flew into a tree right in front of me.

This provided for even better viewing and photo opportunity. Too bad it was such a gloomy day and for all the branches between me and the bird. Now I just have to hope it sticks around and provides further opportunities on a nicer day.