3 August 2011
I just called Tim Snow- Biologist Tucson Game and Fish, concerning the 7 photos of 3 different NG in Tucson 2011. Tim stated that he has no problem with the identification of 2 of the NG, one on Craycroft and 1 on S. Kolb Road. Still, I will not publish those photos.
I am now a full -time resident of Anacortes, Wa. And I am a home owner. Please heed- www.goshawkspugetsound.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Female NG Voyager RV Resort
27 March 3 P.M. VRVR 1 female NG- the hawk was at 300 feet or more of elevation. The hawk was circling over and over again, and flapping as an NG can flap. The size, shape , proportions, and color were of a female NG.
Letter to Tucson Game and Fish
28 March 2011- To Robert Fink- Wildlife Program Manager Here is my report on the Goshawks of Tucson 2010-11. It is possible I will send to you some photographs, as they have not been printed yet. I wish for you to understand that I am in the field every day , expecting to observe a raptor or 2 in flight. And that possibly 90 per cent of my time in the field I come up empty. One reason is that I do not live near a major or minor hawk migration route. So, because of my plethora of Northern goshawk sightings, I hope you do not brand me, " the man who saw to many goshawks." On March 30 I will depart from Tucson, and probably not return to Arizona. I am to be a full time resident of Anacortes, Washington.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
goshawks yes
26 March 10 A.M. VRVR
1 female NG soaring and flapping with relaxed , deep wing beats, over my rig, and drifting away. But, there was another female higher and farther away. Then a male NG ripped upward to be with one female. All 3 were visible at once! Goshawk triples! One female was mature, as the fluffy, white under tail coverts were fluttering out to both sides of the base of the tail.!
Also - 1 mature male NG 3:30 P.M.
As I was walking- 1 mature male NG ripping at 100 feet elevation. Then walking with camera- 1 mature male NG. All 3 photos were deleted, on purpose. Then on bike with camera another sighting. Observation time- 30 seconds- 3 minutes- 10 seconds. respectively. My time hawking and trying to re observe- 30 minutes.
1 female NG soaring and flapping with relaxed , deep wing beats, over my rig, and drifting away. But, there was another female higher and farther away. Then a male NG ripped upward to be with one female. All 3 were visible at once! Goshawk triples! One female was mature, as the fluffy, white under tail coverts were fluttering out to both sides of the base of the tail.!
Also - 1 mature male NG 3:30 P.M.
As I was walking- 1 mature male NG ripping at 100 feet elevation. Then walking with camera- 1 mature male NG. All 3 photos were deleted, on purpose. Then on bike with camera another sighting. Observation time- 30 seconds- 3 minutes- 10 seconds. respectively. My time hawking and trying to re observe- 30 minutes.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Hawking while driving
24 March 11 A.M.
We traveled 40 miles of hawking, and observed ZERO raptors in flight. The weather conditions were outstanding. 3 raptors were perched. 2 were Red-tailed Hawks. The third was probably a Red-tailed Hawk. I am reporting on what I observed, not on statistical probability. I did not report the hawk as a probable Red-tail Hawk, relating to the height of the perched hawk. Or the habitat or the time of day, or the season of the year. Hawk watchers and birders should always back-up their suggestions with the facts that are in the NOW!
We traveled 40 miles of hawking, and observed ZERO raptors in flight. The weather conditions were outstanding. 3 raptors were perched. 2 were Red-tailed Hawks. The third was probably a Red-tailed Hawk. I am reporting on what I observed, not on statistical probability. I did not report the hawk as a probable Red-tail Hawk, relating to the height of the perched hawk. Or the habitat or the time of day, or the season of the year. Hawk watchers and birders should always back-up their suggestions with the facts that are in the NOW!
Over my rig goshawk
23 March 9 A.M. VRVR
1 female NG naked -eye. The hawk was circling over and over again near my RV at 125-150 feet elevation. The hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. The wing beats were very deep, very rapid, and very flexible. At times the wing beats slowed - and showed pointed tips with a moderate"S" shape to the wings! OT- 2 minutes.
Also at 10:30 A.M.- 1 female NG circling over and over again in hunting mode at 125 feet elevation. The hawk was typical female goshawk. We left the area with the hawk yet circling. Location- near Prudence and Broadway.
I'm screaming to the birders of Tucson- "Wake up." But I must calm down and consider- the birders of Tucson are only birders. As I explain to any of my students- I will not put the bird in your hand- you will not see the red eye!
1 female NG naked -eye. The hawk was circling over and over again near my RV at 125-150 feet elevation. The hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. The wing beats were very deep, very rapid, and very flexible. At times the wing beats slowed - and showed pointed tips with a moderate"S" shape to the wings! OT- 2 minutes.
Also at 10:30 A.M.- 1 female NG circling over and over again in hunting mode at 125 feet elevation. The hawk was typical female goshawk. We left the area with the hawk yet circling. Location- near Prudence and Broadway.
I'm screaming to the birders of Tucson- "Wake up." But I must calm down and consider- the birders of Tucson are only birders. As I explain to any of my students- I will not put the bird in your hand- you will not see the red eye!
56 miles of hawking
18 March -11:30 A.M. - Rt 10 northward to Contaro- then south along Silver Bell- then back to exit of South Kolb Road
56 miles of hawking- not one raptor was airborne! 1 large raptor was perched on top of a high tension pole. Probably a Red-tailed Hawk, naked -eye. And this is why birders do not have the time nor the patience to go just hawk watching; the variety and amount of raptors in flight is inauspicious. AND THIS IS WHY I AM SO SUCCESSFUL WITH OBSERVING GOSHAWKS; WITH LETTING GOSHAWKS FIND ME!
56 miles of hawking- not one raptor was airborne! 1 large raptor was perched on top of a high tension pole. Probably a Red-tailed Hawk, naked -eye. And this is why birders do not have the time nor the patience to go just hawk watching; the variety and amount of raptors in flight is inauspicious. AND THIS IS WHY I AM SO SUCCESSFUL WITH OBSERVING GOSHAWKS; WITH LETTING GOSHAWKS FIND ME!
3 NG- Agua Caliente Park
16 March 10 A.M. Aqua Caliente Park
3 NG- Doubles Also! Mel C. and I went goshawk hunting at Aqua Caliente Park. From a very open area in the park- birders will not go there, because they are stuck within their style of birding; not enough greenery. 1 male NG ripping through the sky at 125 feet elevation. OT about 1 minute. Now , on the road outside the park, 1 female NG soaring. OT about 4 minutes. very briefly at the same time another female NG was higher, in the sun. NG doubles! 10 minutes later , 1 female NG came near our position, at 150 feet elevation and went over the park. 2 photos might be placed on my blog.
At 10:30 A.M. at Tanque Verde wash and Houghton Road- NG triples! 15 Ravens were in a kettle with 3 NG -Observation time 10 minutes or more. There was some bumping going on.
Then at 10:45 A.M.- 1 female NG soaring and flapping at Drexel Road and Houghton Road. Evaluation- it certainly appears 4 NG were observed on this hawk watch trip. 3 in one area, the same 3 in another area, and the 4th in another area. The 4th NG was already in the sky as we pulled over to observe it.
3 NG- Doubles Also! Mel C. and I went goshawk hunting at Aqua Caliente Park. From a very open area in the park- birders will not go there, because they are stuck within their style of birding; not enough greenery. 1 male NG ripping through the sky at 125 feet elevation. OT about 1 minute. Now , on the road outside the park, 1 female NG soaring. OT about 4 minutes. very briefly at the same time another female NG was higher, in the sun. NG doubles! 10 minutes later , 1 female NG came near our position, at 150 feet elevation and went over the park. 2 photos might be placed on my blog.
At 10:30 A.M. at Tanque Verde wash and Houghton Road- NG triples! 15 Ravens were in a kettle with 3 NG -Observation time 10 minutes or more. There was some bumping going on.
Then at 10:45 A.M.- 1 female NG soaring and flapping at Drexel Road and Houghton Road. Evaluation- it certainly appears 4 NG were observed on this hawk watch trip. 3 in one area, the same 3 in another area, and the 4th in another area. The 4th NG was already in the sky as we pulled over to observe it.
Voyager NG Doubles
14 March 7:30 A. M. VRVR
Goshawk doubles! With camera I went walking , to possibly observe a perched NG. 2 female NG together were gliding. These hawks were the size of Red-tailed Hawks. Their wings and tails were very long. The wing beats were very deep, very rapid, and very flexible. Then the wing beats slowed : the wing -tips were pointed and the wings had a moderate "S" shape configuration. Elevation of hawks, 100-125 feet.
Also, 1:30 P.M.- 1 female NG circling and flapping, over Turquoise and 22nd. Elevation of hawk- about 150 feet.
Goshawk doubles! With camera I went walking , to possibly observe a perched NG. 2 female NG together were gliding. These hawks were the size of Red-tailed Hawks. Their wings and tails were very long. The wing beats were very deep, very rapid, and very flexible. Then the wing beats slowed : the wing -tips were pointed and the wings had a moderate "S" shape configuration. Elevation of hawks, 100-125 feet.
Also, 1:30 P.M.- 1 female NG circling and flapping, over Turquoise and 22nd. Elevation of hawk- about 150 feet.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Another RED goshawk
13 March 5:30 P.M. VRVR
1 male NG- Biking with camera for goshawks. A male NG with red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts flew across at about 100 feet elevation. The hawk had a large area of white under tail coverts. The shape, size, and proportions were of a male NG. The wings were short and stubby. The leading and trailing edge of the wing was symmetrical ending with a pointed wing- tip. The chest of the hawk was robust. Then with truck I drove near the restricted area of the complex on Rita Road, where the NG flew, as it departed the RV park. Many times male and female NG will head for this restricted area after cutting through the RV park. This area is basically desert scrub. Note: Northern Goshawks -male and female- do not have to present with an "S" shape configuration to the wing. Don't be so quick to judge a photograph of an accipiter that shows no sign of the "S" shaped wings!
1 male NG- Biking with camera for goshawks. A male NG with red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts flew across at about 100 feet elevation. The hawk had a large area of white under tail coverts. The shape, size, and proportions were of a male NG. The wings were short and stubby. The leading and trailing edge of the wing was symmetrical ending with a pointed wing- tip. The chest of the hawk was robust. Then with truck I drove near the restricted area of the complex on Rita Road, where the NG flew, as it departed the RV park. Many times male and female NG will head for this restricted area after cutting through the RV park. This area is basically desert scrub. Note: Northern Goshawks -male and female- do not have to present with an "S" shape configuration to the wing. Don't be so quick to judge a photograph of an accipiter that shows no sign of the "S" shaped wings!
Voyager NG
11 March 5:30 P.M. VRVR
1 female NG- The hawk was ripping through the Eucalyptus trees, and over and past the trees. The sun was getting low, as the hawk was at about 25 feet elevation and to my front and going away. The chest and belly was of a dull-red vermiculation. Possibly there were many black or dark gray feathers also on chest and belly.
1 female NG- The hawk was ripping through the Eucalyptus trees, and over and past the trees. The sun was getting low, as the hawk was at about 25 feet elevation and to my front and going away. The chest and belly was of a dull-red vermiculation. Possibly there were many black or dark gray feathers also on chest and belly.
Ina Road NGS
9 March 9:30 A.M. Ina Road Dam
1 female NG soaring and flapping at about 200 feet elevation. After 1 minute the hawk just disappeared. The hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. The wings were long and the folded tail was long. The wing beats were very deep. The wing beats were quite slow and relaxed. The wing tips were pointed. The wings had a moderate "s" shape. 30 minutes later we observed the same hawk. I also observed a male NG rapidly climbing to 200 feet elevation. This NG was flapping with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. The size, shape, and proportions of the NG suggested MALE.
In my 18 years of living with Northern goshawks, I have only observed relatively slow , deep wing beats on 3-4 goshawks and all happened to be female. I will take a stab at it and suggest the reason for this unusual type of flight - The goshawk was fatigued!
There are some birders throughout the U.S. who are just waiting for this type of report, so they can castigate and denegrate me! Well, get yer own blog and CASTigate AWAY.
1 female NG soaring and flapping at about 200 feet elevation. After 1 minute the hawk just disappeared. The hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. The wings were long and the folded tail was long. The wing beats were very deep. The wing beats were quite slow and relaxed. The wing tips were pointed. The wings had a moderate "s" shape. 30 minutes later we observed the same hawk. I also observed a male NG rapidly climbing to 200 feet elevation. This NG was flapping with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. The size, shape, and proportions of the NG suggested MALE.
In my 18 years of living with Northern goshawks, I have only observed relatively slow , deep wing beats on 3-4 goshawks and all happened to be female. I will take a stab at it and suggest the reason for this unusual type of flight - The goshawk was fatigued!
There are some birders throughout the U.S. who are just waiting for this type of report, so they can castigate and denegrate me! Well, get yer own blog and CASTigate AWAY.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Goshawk Triples
As we entered the Voyager RV Resort and its double row of Eucalyptus trees an accipiter was ripping about behind , over and through the trees. The hawk then appeared to our front and at less than 100 feet elevation. It was a male NG with a large patch of white under tail coverts. The hawk had a robust chest. And had red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts. Goshawks - males and females, have been observed by me, for 6 seasons in Tucson, starting in winter 2000-01. This same male had stubby wings with pointed wing -tips. The structure of the wings was certainly NG, not Cooper's. Then the hawk was rapidly at at about 150 feet elevation, flapping with very rapid, very deep, and very flexible wing beats. The NG was now circling with another NG. And both were flapping as an NG can flap.
About 3 minutes later I was parked at my RV site, and viewing the area naked-eye. At about 150 feet elevation were 2 female NG. These hawks were the size of Red-tailed Hawks. The hawks were typical female NG, with long wings, and long folded tail.
But wait a minute, something is not right here. I know I observed a mature male Goshawk, so how can it be that I am now observing 2 female NG? About 10 seconds later, with the females separated by about 150 yards, a male NG rapidly climbed to be with one of the females, resulting in Goshawk triples!
At times it is possible to observe NG triples near or within 2-3 miles of their nesting site, as the raptors will often take to the sky with their young. It is a common sighting to observe doubles of NG in Tucson, usually 2 females. For 27 months I have been observing NG in Tucson, starting in winter 2000-10.
And not one person in Tucson is interested in this sighting.
About 3 minutes later I was parked at my RV site, and viewing the area naked-eye. At about 150 feet elevation were 2 female NG. These hawks were the size of Red-tailed Hawks. The hawks were typical female NG, with long wings, and long folded tail.
But wait a minute, something is not right here. I know I observed a mature male Goshawk, so how can it be that I am now observing 2 female NG? About 10 seconds later, with the females separated by about 150 yards, a male NG rapidly climbed to be with one of the females, resulting in Goshawk triples!
At times it is possible to observe NG triples near or within 2-3 miles of their nesting site, as the raptors will often take to the sky with their young. It is a common sighting to observe doubles of NG in Tucson, usually 2 females. For 27 months I have been observing NG in Tucson, starting in winter 2000-10.
And not one person in Tucson is interested in this sighting.
Sundown NG
7 March 6:15 P.M. VRVR
1 male NG- ripping through the RV park at about 100 feet elevation. The hawk was pushed by 15 mile per hour winds.
Interesting- at 12:50 P.M.with winds about 25 miles per hour, in the same location, traveling in same direction about 150 feet elevation, was a bird that first thought was a dove, but on second thought was an accipiter, because of the wing's flapping. The hawk seemed too small for a male NG. So, possibly it was a sharpie, but probably too big for a sharpie. If it was a sharpie it was probably the only one I have seen in Tucson. I think the hawk was a male NG.
1 male NG- ripping through the RV park at about 100 feet elevation. The hawk was pushed by 15 mile per hour winds.
Interesting- at 12:50 P.M.with winds about 25 miles per hour, in the same location, traveling in same direction about 150 feet elevation, was a bird that first thought was a dove, but on second thought was an accipiter, because of the wing's flapping. The hawk seemed too small for a male NG. So, possibly it was a sharpie, but probably too big for a sharpie. If it was a sharpie it was probably the only one I have seen in Tucson. I think the hawk was a male NG.
NG yet circling
6 March 11 A.M. VRVR
1 mature male NG circling at about 150 feet elevation. The hawk was flapping as an NG can flap, with very rapid, very flexible, and very deep wing beats. OT about 2 minutes. We departed the area with the hawk yet in circling.
Also- 2 NG females- DOUBLES! 1 P.M. Sahuarita Rd. The Green Valley Pecan Farm
30-40 pigeons were circling, lead to the conclusion that a falcon or goshawk was about. Then 10 more pigeons came into the flock, then another small flock entered the mass of pigeons. Over the pigeons at 500-600 feet elevation were 2 female NG circling and flapping. OT about 2 minutes. We departed the area with the hawks and pigeons yet circling.
1 mature male NG circling at about 150 feet elevation. The hawk was flapping as an NG can flap, with very rapid, very flexible, and very deep wing beats. OT about 2 minutes. We departed the area with the hawk yet in circling.
Also- 2 NG females- DOUBLES! 1 P.M. Sahuarita Rd. The Green Valley Pecan Farm
30-40 pigeons were circling, lead to the conclusion that a falcon or goshawk was about. Then 10 more pigeons came into the flock, then another small flock entered the mass of pigeons. Over the pigeons at 500-600 feet elevation were 2 female NG circling and flapping. OT about 2 minutes. We departed the area with the hawks and pigeons yet circling.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Stoplight Goshawk
4 March 11:20 A.M. Nexus and Rita Road
1 NG circling and flapping at about 150 feet elevation. The hawk was far-off, as I was stopped at a red light. The sighting was naked -eye. Again, the Rita Ranch housing development is a hot-spot for Goshawks.
1 NG circling and flapping at about 150 feet elevation. The hawk was far-off, as I was stopped at a red light. The sighting was naked -eye. Again, the Rita Ranch housing development is a hot-spot for Goshawks.
Flowing Wells goshawk
2 March 1:55 P.M. Flowing Wells Rd. and Wetmore
1 male NG: While waiting for a red light- 1 medium sized accipiter left its perch and went gliding and flapping. The wing beats suggested Cooper's, but then changed mechanically to become very deep, very rapid, and very flexible, meaning a male NG. Initially the wing beats were not as deep as what an NG can present. The sighting was naked -eye.
Not one birder in Tucson can understand the basics of this report. Another way to put it is- that this report is meaningless!
1 male NG: While waiting for a red light- 1 medium sized accipiter left its perch and went gliding and flapping. The wing beats suggested Cooper's, but then changed mechanically to become very deep, very rapid, and very flexible, meaning a male NG. Initially the wing beats were not as deep as what an NG can present. The sighting was naked -eye.
Not one birder in Tucson can understand the basics of this report. Another way to put it is- that this report is meaningless!
Pantano River NG
Also on 1 March 11 A.M. Pantano River Park
We observed 1 male NG circling at about 100 feet elevation. The hawk went down among the houses. OT - 1 minute.
We observed 1 male NG circling at about 100 feet elevation. The hawk went down among the houses. OT - 1 minute.
goshawk- Park Place Mall
1 March 10 A.M. Park Place Mall
Goshawks- Mel C. and I went hawking expecting to observe Cooper's and NG. Far off at about 100-150 feet elevation an NG was flapping and gliding, broad-side. The size of the hawk and configuration of the wing made the hawk appear to be female. Same exact location, 5 minutes later, a male gos was heading our way at about 150 feet elevation. This mature male NG was observed and photographe for 4-5 minutes as it clinbed to about 500 feet elevation.
Same location: 10 minutes later a male NG was circling at about 150 feet elevation. Observation time 3-4 minutes.
Goshawks- Mel C. and I went hawking expecting to observe Cooper's and NG. Far off at about 100-150 feet elevation an NG was flapping and gliding, broad-side. The size of the hawk and configuration of the wing made the hawk appear to be female. Same exact location, 5 minutes later, a male gos was heading our way at about 150 feet elevation. This mature male NG was observed and photographe for 4-5 minutes as it clinbed to about 500 feet elevation.
Same location: 10 minutes later a male NG was circling at about 150 feet elevation. Observation time 3-4 minutes.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Evergreen Cemetery NG
28 February 9:40 A.M. Evergreen Cemetery
1 female NG- Pigeons were circling low, giving me the impression that a Goshawk was about.
At about 150-200 feet elevation a female NG was pumping. This hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. The wings were long and tail was long. This was a drive-by sighting, naked-eye of course.
1 female NG- Pigeons were circling low, giving me the impression that a Goshawk was about.
At about 150-200 feet elevation a female NG was pumping. This hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. The wings were long and tail was long. This was a drive-by sighting, naked-eye of course.
Triple T NG
25 February 12:15 P.M. Triple T Truck Stop- Rt 10 and Craycroft
1 male NG- the hawk was over head at less than 50 feet as it was ripping through circling pigeons. The chest was robust. The folded tail was very broad at the base, and this broadness was carried throughout the length of tail. The hawk pumped steadily away for about 300 yards. The wing beats were Cooper's-like. The wings were very stiff, and only about one-half of what a goshawk's can be, depth -wise. But as the hawk was gliding and flapping, the wing beats were very shallow, yet very rapid and very flexible. As the hawk went soaring and flapping the wing beats were v.r., v.d., and v.f. One photo might be a keeper. The hawk was also glassed and was immature.
1 male NG- the hawk was over head at less than 50 feet as it was ripping through circling pigeons. The chest was robust. The folded tail was very broad at the base, and this broadness was carried throughout the length of tail. The hawk pumped steadily away for about 300 yards. The wing beats were Cooper's-like. The wings were very stiff, and only about one-half of what a goshawk's can be, depth -wise. But as the hawk was gliding and flapping, the wing beats were very shallow, yet very rapid and very flexible. As the hawk went soaring and flapping the wing beats were v.r., v.d., and v.f. One photo might be a keeper. The hawk was also glassed and was immature.
Mature male NG
24 February 3 P.M. VRVR
1 mature male NG- circling low at less than 75 feet elevation. Wing beats v.d., v.r., and v.f. The hawk dropped to less than 50 feet elevation. The folded tail was very broad at the base and this broadness was carried throughout the length of tail. The chest and belly was pearl-gray.
1 mature male NG- circling low at less than 75 feet elevation. Wing beats v.d., v.r., and v.f. The hawk dropped to less than 50 feet elevation. The folded tail was very broad at the base and this broadness was carried throughout the length of tail. The chest and belly was pearl-gray.
Murder of Ravens
23 February 10 A.M. VRVR
49 Ravens cruising through as they had just left their roosting site near the landfill.
49 Ravens cruising through as they had just left their roosting site near the landfill.
Phone call to Greg Norwood
i don't know Greg and he doesn't know me. He is an official counter at a hawk watch site.
"Hey Greg- please heed -www.goshawksoftucson2010-11.blogspot.com and stay tuned until the blog is completed on about April 1st, when I will depart Tucson. You should pay particular attention to my polymorphic Goshawks."
"Hey Greg- please heed -www.goshawksoftucson2010-11.blogspot.com and stay tuned until the blog is completed on about April 1st, when I will depart Tucson. You should pay particular attention to my polymorphic Goshawks."
Also 21st February- 1 female NG
21 February 1:30 P.M. VRVR
1 female NG- wing beats v.r., v.f., and v.d. The hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. The sighting was naked eye, and with camera, as I expected to photograph NG during my walk. The hawk was too far to attempt taking a photo. OT- about 10 minutes.
1 female NG- wing beats v.r., v.f., and v.d. The hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. The sighting was naked eye, and with camera, as I expected to photograph NG during my walk. The hawk was too far to attempt taking a photo. OT- about 10 minutes.
Tanque Verde Wash Gos
21 February 11 A.M. Tanque Verde Wash and Houghton Rd.
Goshawk Doubles! With Mel C., on our way to Agua Caliente Park, an NG probably male was flapping and circling and ripping away at about 150 feet elevation. We pulled over and with camera and binos observed a female NG over head at about 100 feet elevation. I took 1 photo and Mel another as the hawk climbed to about 600 feet elevation. This mature female had red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts. The base of the tail was very wide, and this wideness carried throughout the length of the folded tail. The wing beats- v.d, v.r., and v.f. The wings were long and the hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. OT- 10 minutes.
Goshawk Doubles! With Mel C., on our way to Agua Caliente Park, an NG probably male was flapping and circling and ripping away at about 150 feet elevation. We pulled over and with camera and binos observed a female NG over head at about 100 feet elevation. I took 1 photo and Mel another as the hawk climbed to about 600 feet elevation. This mature female had red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts. The base of the tail was very wide, and this wideness carried throughout the length of the folded tail. The wing beats- v.d, v.r., and v.f. The wings were long and the hawk was the size of a Red-tailed Hawk. OT- 10 minutes.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Female NG- VRVR
20 February 11 A.M. VRVR
1 female NG circling. Then this hawk dropped to about 100 feet elevation and did battle, briefly, with another female NG, or maybe they were cavorting. Then they split as one hawk went to about 300 feet elevation and the other hawk was at 150 feet elevation. Both hawks were the size of Red-tailed Hawks, and flapped with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. Observing the hawks broad-side in a glide, the head was hidden in the valley of the wrists. With folded tails- the tails had a broad base with this broadness carried throughout the length of the tail. The hawks were long winged with very long tails. Observation time about 4 minutes.
10 minutes later, over the desert scrub was a female NG far off , at about 300 feet elevation. I observed this female NG as it drifted toward me, over the Rv park. Now the sun was out and the hawk was observed (glassed)to be mature. OT about 10 minutes. Photographs were taken and might be presented (only) on my blog.
This sighting of goshawk doubles -and in Tucson- is NOT a rare event!
1 female NG circling. Then this hawk dropped to about 100 feet elevation and did battle, briefly, with another female NG, or maybe they were cavorting. Then they split as one hawk went to about 300 feet elevation and the other hawk was at 150 feet elevation. Both hawks were the size of Red-tailed Hawks, and flapped with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. Observing the hawks broad-side in a glide, the head was hidden in the valley of the wrists. With folded tails- the tails had a broad base with this broadness carried throughout the length of the tail. The hawks were long winged with very long tails. Observation time about 4 minutes.
10 minutes later, over the desert scrub was a female NG far off , at about 300 feet elevation. I observed this female NG as it drifted toward me, over the Rv park. Now the sun was out and the hawk was observed (glassed)to be mature. OT about 10 minutes. Photographs were taken and might be presented (only) on my blog.
This sighting of goshawk doubles -and in Tucson- is NOT a rare event!
Mature male NG- VRVR
17 February 5:45 P.M. VRVR
1 mature male NG- this hawk glided over the RV park, overhead, at less than 100 feet elevation. The sun was bright and lit-up the ventral area of the hawk. The chest and belly was pearly-gray. The hawk was also observed 200 yards away as it was circling over the roof tops, with very rapid, very flexible, and very deep wing beats. Then with camera I went to chase, but came up empty. The sighting was naked -eye.
1 mature male NG- this hawk glided over the RV park, overhead, at less than 100 feet elevation. The sun was bright and lit-up the ventral area of the hawk. The chest and belly was pearly-gray. The hawk was also observed 200 yards away as it was circling over the roof tops, with very rapid, very flexible, and very deep wing beats. Then with camera I went to chase, but came up empty. The sighting was naked -eye.
Lakeside Park- NG
15 February 12:40 P.M. Lakeside Park
1 male NG, circling over and over again. the hawk was at about 600 feet elevation. I was posted at the park- the hawk was far-off.
1 male NG, circling over and over again. the hawk was at about 600 feet elevation. I was posted at the park- the hawk was far-off.
NG- Drive -by
13 February 11:30 A.M. VRVR
1 NG circling over the houses at about 100-150 feet elevation. And was also flapping and gliding with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. This sighting was a drive-by, naked -eye, of course.
1 NG circling over the houses at about 100-150 feet elevation. And was also flapping and gliding with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. This sighting was a drive-by, naked -eye, of course.
NG- Voyager RV Resort
11 February 3 P.M. VRVR
1 NG circling over and over again, at about 200 feet elevation, at Voyager RV Resort. The hawk was also flapping with very deep, very flexible, and very rapid wing beats. Observation time 3-4 minutes.
1 NG circling over and over again, at about 200 feet elevation, at Voyager RV Resort. The hawk was also flapping with very deep, very flexible, and very rapid wing beats. Observation time 3-4 minutes.
Female NG - VRVR
10 February 3:15 P.M. VRVR
1 female NG circling near the RV resort, at about 200 feet elevation. The hawk went to about 500 feet elevation. OT about 4 minutes.
1 female NG circling near the RV resort, at about 200 feet elevation. The hawk went to about 500 feet elevation. OT about 4 minutes.
WOW- no NG sighting today
6 February 10:30 A.M. VRVR
33 Ravens in a kettle at about 1,000 feet elevation. When they spilled out of the kettle, is when I made an accurate count.
33 Ravens in a kettle at about 1,000 feet elevation. When they spilled out of the kettle, is when I made an accurate count.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
just another NG sighting
5 February 2011 11 A.M. VRVR
1 female NG- circling at 150 feet elevation. This hawk was also gliding and flapping, with very deep, very flexible, and very rapid wing beats. OT about 4 minutes.
1 female NG- circling at 150 feet elevation. This hawk was also gliding and flapping, with very deep, very flexible, and very rapid wing beats. OT about 4 minutes.
A goshawk ripping
3 February 2011 9:30 A.M. VRVR
1 NG- ripping through the sky at about 150 feet elevation. The hawk was steady pumping, with deep, flexible,and very rapid wing beats. The temp's were in the low 30's with about a 5 mile per hour wind.
1 NG- ripping through the sky at about 150 feet elevation. The hawk was steady pumping, with deep, flexible,and very rapid wing beats. The temp's were in the low 30's with about a 5 mile per hour wind.
Mature female NG
16 January 2011 2 P.M. VRVR
1 mature female NG at 200 feet elevation, circling over and over again. The sighting was naked eye and at least 8 people observed this hawk. And not one of them knew what they were looking at. One of them was a birder. But , if every one of them was a birder or even an advanced birder, not one of them whould have any confidence in identifying this Goshawk.
1 mature female NG at 200 feet elevation, circling over and over again. The sighting was naked eye and at least 8 people observed this hawk. And not one of them knew what they were looking at. One of them was a birder. But , if every one of them was a birder or even an advanced birder, not one of them whould have any confidence in identifying this Goshawk.
female NG- Voyager RV Resort
14 January 11:30 A.M. VRVR
1 female NG at about 200 feet elevation. The hawk was circling over and over again. OT- 5 minutes. The hawk had red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts. The tail -tip was irregular, with a thick , white terminal band. The base of the tail was very wide - with this wideness carried throughout the length of the tail.
1 female NG at about 200 feet elevation. The hawk was circling over and over again. OT- 5 minutes. The hawk had red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts. The tail -tip was irregular, with a thick , white terminal band. The base of the tail was very wide - with this wideness carried throughout the length of the tail.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Rita Ranch Complex NG
11 January 2011 1:30 P.M. Rita Ranch Complex
7 pigeons were circling low over the houses, giving me concern that a Goshawk was about. At about 800 feet elevation was a NG circling over and over again; the hawk never flapped its wings. This hawk was probably a female because of the length of the wings; or it was a long-winged male. The hawk had a rounded tail tip with a thick, white terminal band.
7 pigeons were circling low over the houses, giving me concern that a Goshawk was about. At about 800 feet elevation was a NG circling over and over again; the hawk never flapped its wings. This hawk was probably a female because of the length of the wings; or it was a long-winged male. The hawk had a rounded tail tip with a thick, white terminal band.
Agua Caliente Park NG
4 January 2011 1o:15 A.M. Agua Caliente Park
1 male NG circling and flapping. Observation time about 3 minutes. We drove away from the area with the hawk yet circling.
Also observed was Northern Beardless Tyrannulet. 5 of us observed and identified the bird. There after, I called the bird in and also identified it- naked eye.
Also at 5:15 P.M. a NG was flying and pumping over the resident's roof tops at Voyager RV Resort.
1 mature Peregrine Falcon was soaring over 22nd and Houghton at 12 P.M.
1 male NG circling and flapping. Observation time about 3 minutes. We drove away from the area with the hawk yet circling.
Also observed was Northern Beardless Tyrannulet. 5 of us observed and identified the bird. There after, I called the bird in and also identified it- naked eye.
Also at 5:15 P.M. a NG was flying and pumping over the resident's roof tops at Voyager RV Resort.
1 mature Peregrine Falcon was soaring over 22nd and Houghton at 12 P.M.
mature Male NG
3 January 2011 11 A.M. Kolb Road And Broadway
1 mature male NG - Pigeons circling about at 100 feet elevation ; with them was a male NG, and then by itself. This sighting was a drive-under as the NG was circling, and flapping with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. The chest and belly showed that the hawk was mature. The sighting was naked eye, and the chest and belly also showed reddish. Now if this belly and chest was a buffy -red, naked eye, what would the intensity of the red become if the hawk were viewed with binos! Answer - a stronger red!
1 mature male NG - Pigeons circling about at 100 feet elevation ; with them was a male NG, and then by itself. This sighting was a drive-under as the NG was circling, and flapping with very deep, very rapid, and very flexible wing beats. The chest and belly showed that the hawk was mature. The sighting was naked eye, and the chest and belly also showed reddish. Now if this belly and chest was a buffy -red, naked eye, what would the intensity of the red become if the hawk were viewed with binos! Answer - a stronger red!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
NG- Voyager RV Resort
31 December 11:30 A.M. VRVR
As I was relaxing in my truck- to the front at about 200 yards away 1 Northern goshawk lifted off from the house , at about 60 feet elevation, and just as quickly dropped back down into the very small back yard of the house. This is private property, with a brick wall and some greenery.
Later, at 3:30 P.M., I took a walk along the wide grassy dog -walk behind the houses.
About 200 yards up the walk a male NG raced from the houses, upward and away. I gave a 45 minute walk to many areas in this very large RV park, with camera, but came up empty. It was cold and windy. For many years I have been alerting birders and Audubon officials about this hot spot- but not a peep from any of them.
As I was relaxing in my truck- to the front at about 200 yards away 1 Northern goshawk lifted off from the house , at about 60 feet elevation, and just as quickly dropped back down into the very small back yard of the house. This is private property, with a brick wall and some greenery.
Later, at 3:30 P.M., I took a walk along the wide grassy dog -walk behind the houses.
About 200 yards up the walk a male NG raced from the houses, upward and away. I gave a 45 minute walk to many areas in this very large RV park, with camera, but came up empty. It was cold and windy. For many years I have been alerting birders and Audubon officials about this hot spot- but not a peep from any of them.
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