THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
GOSHAWK – Accipiter gentilis
As with all reports of
rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective
rarities committees
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 eight Goshawk reported from S. Gloucestershire, they
are;
1989: (1)
On June
25th near Thornbury a female
was identified in flight heading west to south-east. This occurrence constitutes
the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire.
1997: (1)
On July
6th at Severn Beach, a male
was seen to fly inland.
1998: (1)
A juvenile
male was seen on August 15th at Severn Beach.
1999: (1)
One flew across the estuary at Oldbury Power
Station on March 26th.
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.
2005: (1)
On January
21st an individual was reported near Marshfield over the lane from the West Littleton Road at Rushmead Lane. (ST: 780 748).
2007: (1)
One was reported seen briefly over Rocks East Woodland just south-east of
Marshfield on December 30th.
2008: (1)
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.