|
TBOSG Goshawk - Accipiter gentilis
|
|
|
In Britain Goshawk became extinct in the 19th century because of specimen collectors and persecution by gamekeepers, but in recent years it has come back by immigration from Europe, escaped falconry birds, and deliberate releases. The name Goshawk comes from the Old English word 'góshafoc' meaning 'goose-hawk' and may refer to this bird's barred plumage as well as its ability to take large prey; also the Middle English 'goshauk'. Some historical names for Goshawk include; Great Hawk and Tiercel. |
|
|
Earliest: January 21st 2005 near Marshfield. Latest: December 30th 2007 near Marshfield. Highest Count: Five in June & July 2009 site undisclosed. |
|
|
There have been around twenty-five Goshawk reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are; |
|
| 2010: (4) | A male and female returned to the breeding site in S. Glos and were noted in the first week of March; Two, a male and female over Yate and Westerleigh Common at 11:45 on April 13th then south-west towards Coalpit Heath; |
|
2009: (6 plus!) |
One was disturbed in Cloud Wood at the east end of Doncombe Valley south of Marshfield on January 21st and called several times as it flew off; A male was seen well in trees and then in flight for five minutes at Shirehill, Marshfield on April 18th. It was noted near Lower Shirehill Farm and Hazel Grove then flew west towards Rownham Farm; A male was seen with Buzzard in St. Catherine's Valley on the 28th May east of Ayford Lane near Motcombe Farm.
Successful breeding was recorded again this year at the same site as in 2008 when a pair successfully reared three young. |
|
2008: (6) |
A probable male was seen on the afternoon of February 9th in flight flying south-east over Davis's Farm Machinery Yard and then Marshfield School. Very slow wing beats and then short flat glides were noted; One, a male was seen at ST: 784 713 near Motcombe Farm in St. Catherine's valley at around 11:30 on December 7th.
The first occurrence of successful breeding was confirmed at a site in S. Glos in 2008 when a pair reared two young. |
|
2007: (1) |
One was reported seen briefly over Rocks East Woodland just south-east of Marshfield on December 30th. |
|
2005: (2) |
On January 21st an individual was reported near Marshfield over Rushmead Lane. (ST: 780 748); One, probably a juvenile was seen January 23rd over Northfield Lane near Marshfield. |
|
2004: (1) |
One, a female, was reported circling from Oldbury Power Station just north of Lagoon II on February 28th at around 13:00 and heading north towards Shepperdine. |
|
1999: (1) |
One flew across the estuary at Oldbury Power Station on March 26th. |
|
1998: (1) |
A juvenile male was seen on August 15th at Severn Beach. |
|
1997: (1) |
On July 6th at Severn Beach, a male was seen to fly inland. |
|
1989: (1) |
On June 25th near Thornbury a female was identified in flight heading west to south-east. This occurrence constitutes the first documented reference of this species for S. Gloucestershire. |