30 December 10:40 A.M. Voyager RV Resort
1 Northern goshawk. The hawk was ripping through the sky at 100 or so feet of elevation. It was cold and windy and wet and raining, with some flecks of sleet. I observed this hawk for about 800 yards of its travel. The sighting was naked- eye.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
just another NG
29 December 9:30 A.M. - VRVR
1 female NG at 150 feet elevation, and with a long glide, and flapping with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. This hawk was heading toward the RV golf course.
Another example of how there are no hawk watchers in Tucson. And how I outshine all birders in Tucson. I am sure the birder's of Tucson are under the impression that to observe a perched raptor is what hawk watching is all about. This is an example of how ignorant birders can be and how easily they are being fooled by the experts. The fact is that the experts in Tucson are not interested in the Goshawks of Tucson. And cannot put the fire in the belly of birders to go out and learn about hawk watching. And this I can understand, as I have failed , and for 6 years in Tucson, to have anyone take an interest in my 17 years of living with Goshawks.
1 female NG at 150 feet elevation, and with a long glide, and flapping with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. This hawk was heading toward the RV golf course.
Another example of how there are no hawk watchers in Tucson. And how I outshine all birders in Tucson. I am sure the birder's of Tucson are under the impression that to observe a perched raptor is what hawk watching is all about. This is an example of how ignorant birders can be and how easily they are being fooled by the experts. The fact is that the experts in Tucson are not interested in the Goshawks of Tucson. And cannot put the fire in the belly of birders to go out and learn about hawk watching. And this I can understand, as I have failed , and for 6 years in Tucson, to have anyone take an interest in my 17 years of living with Goshawks.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Another Common Northern Goshawk
26 December 11:30 A.M. VRVR
1 female NG- circling and flapping at about 75 feet elevation. The hawk was near the golf course. I was with camera and on bike and gave chase, but could not re-observe.The hawk was in hunting mode.
1 female NG- circling and flapping at about 75 feet elevation. The hawk was near the golf course. I was with camera and on bike and gave chase, but could not re-observe.The hawk was in hunting mode.
Explanation of text
Explanation of text: NG- Northern goshawk; F-flapping; S- soaring; G-gliding; VRVR- Voyager RV Resort, S. Kolb Rd., SE. Tucson; EOB- elevation of bird (in feet); OT- observation time.
Monday, December 27, 2010
4 NG within 1 hour?
23 December 10:15 P.M. Sam Lena Park
Mel C. and I were half way around the loop when 7 Grackles were flying in one direction and pigeons were flying in another direction. Within that area but deep into the sky was a goshawk circling and flapping. Observation time about 3 minutes. This hawk could not be seen naked eye, but was glassed and identified.
Then 10 minutes later, as were observing a herd of Jack rabbits, at least 10 of them running, a female NG was circling at about 200 feet elevation. Then out off an evergreen tree flew a raptor. This raptor was also a female NG, working her way upward to join the other female NG. Observation time 8-10 minutes.
Also at 11:30 A.M., a NG flew just over our car as we pulled into the RV resort driveway. Then this female was circling over the desert scrub at about 150 feet elevation. It is possible the first NG sighting was also the first of the NG doubles sighting. Our cameras were at the ready, but were not raised , as the hawks were too far off. 1 perched Merlin was photographed.
Mel C. and I were half way around the loop when 7 Grackles were flying in one direction and pigeons were flying in another direction. Within that area but deep into the sky was a goshawk circling and flapping. Observation time about 3 minutes. This hawk could not be seen naked eye, but was glassed and identified.
Then 10 minutes later, as were observing a herd of Jack rabbits, at least 10 of them running, a female NG was circling at about 200 feet elevation. Then out off an evergreen tree flew a raptor. This raptor was also a female NG, working her way upward to join the other female NG. Observation time 8-10 minutes.
Also at 11:30 A.M., a NG flew just over our car as we pulled into the RV resort driveway. Then this female was circling over the desert scrub at about 150 feet elevation. It is possible the first NG sighting was also the first of the NG doubles sighting. Our cameras were at the ready, but were not raised , as the hawks were too far off. 1 perched Merlin was photographed.
Drive-under NG
20 December 11.30 A.M.- Rt 10 near exit 262
1 NG soaring at about 150 feet elevation. This was a drive-under sighting, going at 65 miles per hour. Once you train yourself to identify raptors naked -eye, then the next step is to cover lots of territory while driving, or in small aircraft and use the naked-eye technique.
1 NG soaring at about 150 feet elevation. This was a drive-under sighting, going at 65 miles per hour. Once you train yourself to identify raptors naked -eye, then the next step is to cover lots of territory while driving, or in small aircraft and use the naked-eye technique.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Correction of date
The last posting was incorrect, when mentioning the female NG of 9 December. The post should have related to the female of 7 December i.e., the 7 and 9 December female NG are the same hawk!
Tracking this female NG
10 December 4:55 P.M. Voyager RV Resort
1 female NG. The hawk came gliding and flapping through, quite slowly, at 60 feet elevation. Then at 5:25 P.M., the hawk was observed leaving the resort. This hawk was flapping with one-half depth wing beats. It also was at same elevation as female NG of 9 December. Also the hawk was in the same flight pattern as that hawk and at about the same time period. This information means that this raptor must be on its final sortie of the day.
Now I will track this hawk by getting into its flight pattern. I will spend many hours in different hawk watch sites, starting at about 4:45 P.M., until dark or near dark. My hawk watch positions might be separated by a mile or more, and that depends on the hawk.
That NG was black with no field marks. This was because the sun was near the horizon. No matter- Size matters; shapes matter; wing movement matters!
1 female NG. The hawk came gliding and flapping through, quite slowly, at 60 feet elevation. Then at 5:25 P.M., the hawk was observed leaving the resort. This hawk was flapping with one-half depth wing beats. It also was at same elevation as female NG of 9 December. Also the hawk was in the same flight pattern as that hawk and at about the same time period. This information means that this raptor must be on its final sortie of the day.
Now I will track this hawk by getting into its flight pattern. I will spend many hours in different hawk watch sites, starting at about 4:45 P.M., until dark or near dark. My hawk watch positions might be separated by a mile or more, and that depends on the hawk.
That NG was black with no field marks. This was because the sun was near the horizon. No matter- Size matters; shapes matter; wing movement matters!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Another Common Northern Goshawk
9 December 10:15 A.M. 22nd and Kolb Rd.
1 female NG. The hawk was at about 150 feet elevation. The sighting was naked eye and was a Goshawk, then the sighting was with binos.
This is another example of how I can outshine the birder's of Tucson. I have the strategies and experiences and the time in the field to excel at hunting goshawks!
1 female NG. The hawk was at about 150 feet elevation. The sighting was naked eye and was a Goshawk, then the sighting was with binos.
This is another example of how I can outshine the birder's of Tucson. I have the strategies and experiences and the time in the field to excel at hunting goshawks!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Just another Goshawk
7 December 5 P.M. Voyager RV Resort
1 female NG. The hawk appeared out of our blind side, while we were playing pickleball. The hawk was soaring at about 100-150 feet elevation. The bird was observed for about 1 minute as it went in straight -away flight. The sun was very low, therefor the hawk was black, with no pattern or color. NO Matter- size matters, shape matters, and wing movement matters. The wing beats were very rapid, and very flexible. The depth of wing beats was not as deep as can be possible.
1 female NG. The hawk appeared out of our blind side, while we were playing pickleball. The hawk was soaring at about 100-150 feet elevation. The bird was observed for about 1 minute as it went in straight -away flight. The sun was very low, therefor the hawk was black, with no pattern or color. NO Matter- size matters, shape matters, and wing movement matters. The wing beats were very rapid, and very flexible. The depth of wing beats was not as deep as can be possible.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Jo- Ann Fabric Goshawk
1 December 1:30 P.M. Very near Broadway and Kolb- Behind Jo-Ann Fabric
1 female NG- soaring, and drifting. I make this area a hawk watch about twice a month for 20 minutes per visit. The hawk was at about 250- 300 feet elevation. This entire area is a hot spot for raptors, and male and female NG. This area contains many areas to observe from. To clarify- the area from Wilmont and Broadway, to Kolb and Broadway, to Prudence and Broadway. Then from all the areas just mentioned up to Speedway.
1 female NG- soaring, and drifting. I make this area a hawk watch about twice a month for 20 minutes per visit. The hawk was at about 250- 300 feet elevation. This entire area is a hot spot for raptors, and male and female NG. This area contains many areas to observe from. To clarify- the area from Wilmont and Broadway, to Kolb and Broadway, to Prudence and Broadway. Then from all the areas just mentioned up to Speedway.
Monday, November 29, 2010
male Cooper's
27 November Fry's Market Rita Ranch Development 12 P.M.
1 immature male Cooper's Hawk dropped on prey (a small bird) on a flat cement flower- planting. I was in a sub shop observing. The nervous hawk flew with the prey. This is an indication of my concept - " Where you find Cooper's Hawks you will nearly always find Goshawks". This area is a hot spot for Goshawks and male and female Cooper's Hawks!
1 immature male Cooper's Hawk dropped on prey (a small bird) on a flat cement flower- planting. I was in a sub shop observing. The nervous hawk flew with the prey. This is an indication of my concept - " Where you find Cooper's Hawks you will nearly always find Goshawks". This area is a hot spot for Goshawks and male and female Cooper's Hawks!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Another Common Northern Goshawk
25 November 4: 15 P.M. VRVR
1 male Goshawk- a large accipiter lifted off over the park models. I thought the hawk may have been a Cooper's. The hawk was at about 50-75 feet elevation and went down near the lift off area- another reason I thought the hawk was a Cooper's. The hawk did not flap and I would not observe the shape of the wings. It is possible to observe 4 different Cooper's in this resort.
10 minutes later a (THE?) hawk appeared over the park models in active flight at about 80 feet elevation and circled back and went down. This hawk had very rapid, very flexible, and very deep wing beats. The hawk was a Common Northern Goshawk, male.
1 male Goshawk- a large accipiter lifted off over the park models. I thought the hawk may have been a Cooper's. The hawk was at about 50-75 feet elevation and went down near the lift off area- another reason I thought the hawk was a Cooper's. The hawk did not flap and I would not observe the shape of the wings. It is possible to observe 4 different Cooper's in this resort.
10 minutes later a (THE?) hawk appeared over the park models in active flight at about 80 feet elevation and circled back and went down. This hawk had very rapid, very flexible, and very deep wing beats. The hawk was a Common Northern Goshawk, male.
Voyager RV Resort Goshawk
24 November 4:30 P.M. VRVR
1 female NG- This hawk was struggling to keep on track. The winds at ground level were 15 plus miles per hour. The hawk was at about 250- 300 feet elevation and well-passed my position. The hawk was pumping straight into the wind. This observation tells me that this hawk was heading toward its roosting site. This is because of my many years of experiences with Goshawks in this particular area of Tucson. Also the time of day, the altitude of the hawk and determination of the hawk attempting to reach a specific ? area, all adds to my suggestion.
1 female NG- This hawk was struggling to keep on track. The winds at ground level were 15 plus miles per hour. The hawk was at about 250- 300 feet elevation and well-passed my position. The hawk was pumping straight into the wind. This observation tells me that this hawk was heading toward its roosting site. This is because of my many years of experiences with Goshawks in this particular area of Tucson. Also the time of day, the altitude of the hawk and determination of the hawk attempting to reach a specific ? area, all adds to my suggestion.
Rita Ranch Complex Goshawk
23 November 10 P.M. Rita Ranch Housing Complex
1 NG- the hawk was at 150 feet elevation and ripping through the sky, over a large scrub field. The sighting was naked eye and was a drive-by. Many of my NG sightings are made as I am driving, and the goshawk is in flight.
1 NG- the hawk was at 150 feet elevation and ripping through the sky, over a large scrub field. The sighting was naked eye and was a drive-by. Many of my NG sightings are made as I am driving, and the goshawk is in flight.
2 NG ?
22 November 4 P.M. Prudence and Broadway
1 perched Cooper's. This female Cooper's went to perch over my position. The hawk had thick, extensive streaking. But the streaking stopped at the under tail coverts. The hawk went toward the buildings, and used the structure as a shield, as Cooper's will often do. Goshawks do not act in this manner. The wing shape was Cooper's as the hawk pumped and glided over the structure. Initial impression- the hawk was a Cooper's because of the slim -look of the body. Also, the hawk appeared to be nervous or high-strung. Then doubt came as I observed the streaking- possibly this hawk is a Goshawk- but it was a Cooper's.
10 minutes later, on Broadway and Kolb- perched Doves and 30 perched pigeons. The pigeons lifted off and circled twice at 70 feet elevation, in a tight circle, and then went back to perch on same telephone wires and pole. It appeared the pigeons were active because a raptor was near-by. Off to my left flank, at about 150 feet elevation and going away was a large accipiter. The hawk was flapping and gliding, with pointed wing tips, and "S" shaped wings, and stubby wings.
At 5 P.M. behind Costco on Grant- 1 Goshawk came through rapidly at about 125 feet elevation, heading into the the large wash that contains many trees and much greenery. Was this the same Goshawk I observed at 4 P.M.? It could have been. This entire area is a Goshawk hot spot- Costco on Grant, Wal-mart on Speedway and Kolb, and Saint Joseph's Hospital near Wilmont and Broadway.
1 perched Cooper's. This female Cooper's went to perch over my position. The hawk had thick, extensive streaking. But the streaking stopped at the under tail coverts. The hawk went toward the buildings, and used the structure as a shield, as Cooper's will often do. Goshawks do not act in this manner. The wing shape was Cooper's as the hawk pumped and glided over the structure. Initial impression- the hawk was a Cooper's because of the slim -look of the body. Also, the hawk appeared to be nervous or high-strung. Then doubt came as I observed the streaking- possibly this hawk is a Goshawk- but it was a Cooper's.
10 minutes later, on Broadway and Kolb- perched Doves and 30 perched pigeons. The pigeons lifted off and circled twice at 70 feet elevation, in a tight circle, and then went back to perch on same telephone wires and pole. It appeared the pigeons were active because a raptor was near-by. Off to my left flank, at about 150 feet elevation and going away was a large accipiter. The hawk was flapping and gliding, with pointed wing tips, and "S" shaped wings, and stubby wings.
At 5 P.M. behind Costco on Grant- 1 Goshawk came through rapidly at about 125 feet elevation, heading into the the large wash that contains many trees and much greenery. Was this the same Goshawk I observed at 4 P.M.? It could have been. This entire area is a Goshawk hot spot- Costco on Grant, Wal-mart on Speedway and Kolb, and Saint Joseph's Hospital near Wilmont and Broadway.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
more of goshawks
18 November 8:10 A.M. VRVR
1 female NG over the RV park at 250 feet elevation. The hawk was the size of a Red -Tail Hawk, and was circling and flapping with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats.
Also at 11 A.M., very near the RV resort: 1 male NG- flapping and gliding. Elevation of hawk about 100 feet.
Another example of how I outshine any and all members of the Tucson Audubon Society, be they ornithologists or profession field trip leaders (guides).
1 female NG over the RV park at 250 feet elevation. The hawk was the size of a Red -Tail Hawk, and was circling and flapping with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats.
Also at 11 A.M., very near the RV resort: 1 male NG- flapping and gliding. Elevation of hawk about 100 feet.
Another example of how I outshine any and all members of the Tucson Audubon Society, be they ornithologists or profession field trip leaders (guides).
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Mature male NG
14 November 3:15 P.M. Voyager RV Resort (VRVR)
1 mature male NG- bright sun- the sun was fairly low. The NG was in hunting mode- in active flight. The sun reflected off the ventral area- chest , belly, under wings , and so. Elevation of hawk about 125 feet. Sighting was naked eye.
1 mature male NG- bright sun- the sun was fairly low. The NG was in hunting mode- in active flight. The sun reflected off the ventral area- chest , belly, under wings , and so. Elevation of hawk about 125 feet. Sighting was naked eye.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Mature male Gos
9 November Sam Lena Park - 11 P.M.
1 mature male NG- This hawk was soaring, flapping, gliding, and drifting with pigeons. We also observed this same hawk on 5 occasions. At times the hawk would soar to 500 feet or more elevation. At times the hawk would go into trees to perch. This is not an unusual sighting. Female NG also will hunt in this area. We observed this hawk for a total of about 8 minutes of flight. A Common Loon was also in the park!
1 mature male NG- This hawk was soaring, flapping, gliding, and drifting with pigeons. We also observed this same hawk on 5 occasions. At times the hawk would soar to 500 feet or more elevation. At times the hawk would go into trees to perch. This is not an unusual sighting. Female NG also will hunt in this area. We observed this hawk for a total of about 8 minutes of flight. A Common Loon was also in the park!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Male NG- Rita Ranch Complex
4 November 1 P.M. near Purple Heart Park- near Nexus and Rita Road
1 male NG. The accipiter was nailed by its size and shape. And by its very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. The hawk was within and above 50 pigeons. The pigeons had just lifted off of the resident's rooftops. This area is a common site for observing NG- Male and Female. HINT: never expect to observe a perched Goshawk!
1 male NG. The accipiter was nailed by its size and shape. And by its very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. The hawk was within and above 50 pigeons. The pigeons had just lifted off of the resident's rooftops. This area is a common site for observing NG- Male and Female. HINT: never expect to observe a perched Goshawk!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Red goshawk
2 November 4 P.M. Voyager RV Resort
1 female NG with red chest and belly. Elevation of bird 100 feet, naked eye, sun behind me. Observation time - about a minute or so.
1 female NG with red chest and belly. Elevation of bird 100 feet, naked eye, sun behind me. Observation time - about a minute or so.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Very rapid goshawk
31 October 4 P.M.- Voyager RV Resort
1 male Gos- ripping over the desert scrub - as fast as any dove or pigeon I have observed. The hawk was steady pumping - with very deep, very flexible, and very rapid wing beats, possibly 8-10 wing beats per cycle with a short glide between.
1 male Gos- ripping over the desert scrub - as fast as any dove or pigeon I have observed. The hawk was steady pumping - with very deep, very flexible, and very rapid wing beats, possibly 8-10 wing beats per cycle with a short glide between.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
My return to Tucson- 1 Goshawk
27 October-2010 3 P.M. Voyager RV Resort Route 10 and S. Kolb Road.
1 Goshawk (NG) soaring and flapping over my RV at the resort . The hawk was at about 300 feet elevation. And was flapping as a NG can flap with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. The hawk entered my area with a Raven. Observation time- 3 minutes.
I had expected to start observing NG on about November 1. I arrived in Tucson on October 18 and will depart April 1. I have 22 months of observing NG in Tucson, starting in winter 2000-01.
1 Goshawk (NG) soaring and flapping over my RV at the resort . The hawk was at about 300 feet elevation. And was flapping as a NG can flap with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. The hawk entered my area with a Raven. Observation time- 3 minutes.
I had expected to start observing NG on about November 1. I arrived in Tucson on October 18 and will depart April 1. I have 22 months of observing NG in Tucson, starting in winter 2000-01.
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