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.
There have been around twenty-five Goshawk reported from S.
Gloucestershire;
2011: (2)
A female was seen in the morning on January 8th in flight over
Gunning's Wood in the Shire Valley near Marshfield and was also
noted in the same area on January 30th and March 6th; A female
was seen flying west at Aust Warth on September 14th;
2010: (c.5)
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; An unconfirmed report of one
flying across the estuary from Gwent towards Aust Warth at 13:00
where it was seen by three observers circling before departing
north on October 18th.
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.