Goshawk learning tree

 The ABA, Audubon Society, e- bird and Cornell Labs, the State and County biologists and ornithologists are placing your mind into a position of believing that goshawks are a rare species in many areas of the U.S. Or that goshawks are a common species in some areas, but that you will probably not observe this species because they prefer to hide and live in the forests. I say that NG prefer seclusion while nesting, but after the nesting season NG prefer to hunt on the outskirts of the forest— in pasture land, deserts, farm land and cities and suburbs.  One way to try and prove my point is to observe birding check lists. In some areas NG are not present on check lists. In most areas the check list is presented as: SharpShinned Hawk ( SSHA), Cooper’s Hawk (COHA), SSHA/COHA, Goshawk (NG), accipiter sp. So, what is wrong with this picture?  COHA and SSHA are presented twice. NG is presented once. Here is the way to correct the situation— there should be a check off line such as — COHA/ NG.

  Here are my NG sightings in Arizona, all in flight and all not in migration: resident raptors. This compliments my story — You are Being Fooled. Tucson, Yuma, Apache Junction, Green Valley, Nogales, Tubac, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Congress, Elgin. I did not report or enter my sightings in my field notes as an accipiter. In other words, I called the species. NB.  If you do not realize what you have observed, then how can you report upon it? NB.

 There are different types of logic. Donald Peter Friday, an expert birder, one of the top birders in the U.S. writes: If you think you saw a Goshawk, you probably did not see a Goshawk. I say: If you think you saw a Goshawk, you probably did see a goshawk, but didn’t realize it! This is the  main thought of this entire website! In other words, if you didn’t see something, then you can’t speak about what you did not see! NB.

 Don’t tell me that I am not observing NG in S.D. I have been to S.D. for three times. All three times produced NG. The first time was in winter 1999. For two months I was observing the sky— expecting to observe NG. After two months at around Christmas I started observing NG, and continued for two months. Sightings from the Wild Animal Park to the Mexican border. Of course, you want to jump in with— Were they immature; Are they nesting? They are probably not nesting, because they did not arrive until 2000. Plus I assume there are not many hiding places in S.D. Where they could hide from observation. All the many sightings were of NG in flight, except for one. Doubles and singles were observed. NB.

 One of my developed favorite expressions: You have seen goshawks, your neighbor has observed goshawks and your friends have observed goshawks. How can I say that while I live in Washington, close to the Canada border? How can I say that while you live in Texas, or Oklahoma, or Kansas? The only answer is that NG are a common species in many areas of the U.S. And that they are readily available for observation in the sky. Which means they cannot hide in the sky. Which also means— the higher the raptor the longer the elapsed time of observation which can occur. But, what if structure, man made or natural structure interferes with your observation. Well, I don’t want to get ahead of myself. So, just to understand— the altitude of an accipiter is an important part of understanding the accipiters. But, we should  take into factor, the season or time of the year. More on this later— another posting. Donald Freiday— on his birding blog has stated— If you think you saw a goshawk then you proba

 Dear birders and hawk watchers— and there is a world of difference. There is a world of difference between a birder and a hawk watcher and a world of difference between a Cooper’s Hawk and a Goshawk — especially in flight. The next 4-5 postings will all be considered under the title of — You are being fooled. The postings will be about the publication Hawks in Flight. Also, my understanding of why goshawks do not prefer to live in the forests: how you are being fooled. I first arrived in  Deception Pass and in Anacortes, Fidalgo Island in 1999. Deception Pass is on North Whidbey Island and is considered to be the largest island in the U.S. From the very start I realized that NG were a common species. I was observing singles, mostly females, nearly always in the sky. Sometimes I would observe doubles, and one time at the Pass, triples of two males and one female. I am quite sure they are breeding in Anacortes Forest and also on North Whidbey Island. I would start observing them in earl