Monday, June 2, 2008
definition of abbreviations
NG= Northern Goshawk; F= flapping; G=gliding; S=soaring; RVP= Voyager RV Park, just outside city limits of Tucson; RT10 and S. Kolb Rd.; EOB=elevation of bird; OT=observation time
4 winters of NG tucson
I have lived with NG inTucson for 4 winters, starting in 2000-01. In 2007-08, I had 44 daily-sightings of NG during my 6 month (minus 9 days in Washington state) visit. During those 6 months I observed 5 sets of doubles! 2 of the sets were females, and 2 sets were male and female. 1 set was not sexed or aged, since I was chasing the birds and trying to work with camera in order to get photographs. All the photographs were taken by me, except for the 1 photo by Bert Jackson, and I was witness to that photographing. In winter, NG in Tucson, and just out side of city limits are a common species, and are "readily available for observation". Please note: I am referring to raptors in flight, not perched raptors.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
set type remarkability in Goshawks
These are the areas and dates of my sightings of what I call "Goshawks with expressed recessive genes": The chest, belly, and under wing coverts are of red vermiculation. All sightings were of the bird in flight.
Tucson - winter 2000-01; Costco parking lot (on Grant). The lighting conditions were excellent. The bird - mature female - was over head at about 100 feet. The bird had red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts.
Rockport, Texas - winter 2002-03; I had many sightings of the same mature, "long winged", dark-grey dorsal area, female Goshawk. I observed this bird over a 4 month period. This bird had red-orange vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts.
Anacortes, Washington - February 2005; Pioneer Trails RV Park; 1 mature female Goshawk (over head) at about 300 feet elevation; excellent lighting conditions. I have spent over 18 months in that area, and have yet to see that bird again.
Tucson - 4 December, 2005; Voyager RV Resort, Rt10 and S. Kolb Rd.
1 mature female Goshawk.
Anacortes, Washington - 18 April, 2007; Pioneer Trails RV Park;
1 mature male Goshawk; bright sun reflected off the red ventral areas.
Goodyear, Arizona - 14 October, 2007; Destiny RV Park; 1 mature male Goshawk was ripping up the sky. I know of only 2 species that can rip up the sky - a Merlin and a male Goshawk.
Tucson - 5 February, 2008; Wal-mart parking lot - Kolb Rd. and Speedway: 1 mature Goshawk; this bird had red vermiculation on chest and belly. The under wing did not appear to have any red.
Tucson - 2008 - Rt10 and S. Kolb Rd.; 6 and 8 February; 8 and 30 March; mature female Goshawk.
Note: In November 2006, I had a brief meeting with 3 biologists from Department of Arizona Game and Fish. Michael Ingraldi, Ph.D. (research biologist) told me - while at a Goshawk nest in Heber, Arizona, he had tried to trap a mature female Goshawk. The bird could not be trapped. The bird had a red chest and belly!
On 2 occasions in Rockport, Texas, Wilson J. Tarkington was with me as we witnessed the remarkable mature Goshawk of Rockport. Mr. Tarkington can identify Peregrine Falcons in flight , naked-eye. But, he had had no experiences with Northern Goshawks. Capt. W. Jay Tarkington, M.S. - Aquatic Education Program Director; Texas AM University - Corpus Christi.
Tucson - winter 2000-01; Costco parking lot (on Grant). The lighting conditions were excellent. The bird - mature female - was over head at about 100 feet. The bird had red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts.
Rockport, Texas - winter 2002-03; I had many sightings of the same mature, "long winged", dark-grey dorsal area, female Goshawk. I observed this bird over a 4 month period. This bird had red-orange vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts.
Anacortes, Washington - February 2005; Pioneer Trails RV Park; 1 mature female Goshawk (over head) at about 300 feet elevation; excellent lighting conditions. I have spent over 18 months in that area, and have yet to see that bird again.
Tucson - 4 December, 2005; Voyager RV Resort, Rt10 and S. Kolb Rd.
1 mature female Goshawk.
Anacortes, Washington - 18 April, 2007; Pioneer Trails RV Park;
1 mature male Goshawk; bright sun reflected off the red ventral areas.
Goodyear, Arizona - 14 October, 2007; Destiny RV Park; 1 mature male Goshawk was ripping up the sky. I know of only 2 species that can rip up the sky - a Merlin and a male Goshawk.
Tucson - 5 February, 2008; Wal-mart parking lot - Kolb Rd. and Speedway: 1 mature Goshawk; this bird had red vermiculation on chest and belly. The under wing did not appear to have any red.
Tucson - 2008 - Rt10 and S. Kolb Rd.; 6 and 8 February; 8 and 30 March; mature female Goshawk.
Note: In November 2006, I had a brief meeting with 3 biologists from Department of Arizona Game and Fish. Michael Ingraldi, Ph.D. (research biologist) told me - while at a Goshawk nest in Heber, Arizona, he had tried to trap a mature female Goshawk. The bird could not be trapped. The bird had a red chest and belly!
On 2 occasions in Rockport, Texas, Wilson J. Tarkington was with me as we witnessed the remarkable mature Goshawk of Rockport. Mr. Tarkington can identify Peregrine Falcons in flight , naked-eye. But, he had had no experiences with Northern Goshawks. Capt. W. Jay Tarkington, M.S. - Aquatic Education Program Director; Texas AM University - Corpus Christi.
some notes of the photos
The (3) photos of 6 February were sent to AZFO with my report of "Goshawks with expressed recessive genes".
The 1 photo - 16 February has 3 complimentary photos: male NG
The bird photographed on 8 March had a male companion. The female was also glassed - and had red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts. There is another photo to compliment the 2 photographs presented.
Bert Jackson is a photographer and Audubon member. The photograph of 10 march is a good photograph. The bird is past the ideal viewing position. The most pleasing and informative position to observe raptors is when the bird is over head and slightly past your position. Bert's photograph shows the long accipiter tail. The wind tips are pointed and show the typical large arm, small hand configuration. 2 "S" shapes can be seen; from the front or the rear - and from the dorsal or ventral view. If you were viewing from the side you would observe the third "S" shape. The broadside view would show the wing as an air foil or as an aircraft wing cross section. The 3 "S" shapes can become more prominent as the speed of the air over the wing increases. Also notice the sharp, clean outline of the wings, and that the wings have no dihedral.
The 30 March photo has a companion photo, that shows the NG in a soar-glide. As typical, there is no dihedral, and the wing's leading edge is straight across. I have many photographs of NG with the leading edge of wings straight across. Many field guides state that Cooper's Hawks can present with the leading edge of wings straight across - but Goshawks do not. Those field guides are not presenting proper information.
The 1 photo - 16 February has 3 complimentary photos: male NG
The bird photographed on 8 March had a male companion. The female was also glassed - and had red vermiculation on chest, belly, and under wing coverts. There is another photo to compliment the 2 photographs presented.
Bert Jackson is a photographer and Audubon member. The photograph of 10 march is a good photograph. The bird is past the ideal viewing position. The most pleasing and informative position to observe raptors is when the bird is over head and slightly past your position. Bert's photograph shows the long accipiter tail. The wind tips are pointed and show the typical large arm, small hand configuration. 2 "S" shapes can be seen; from the front or the rear - and from the dorsal or ventral view. If you were viewing from the side you would observe the third "S" shape. The broadside view would show the wing as an air foil or as an aircraft wing cross section. The 3 "S" shapes can become more prominent as the speed of the air over the wing increases. Also notice the sharp, clean outline of the wings, and that the wings have no dihedral.
The 30 March photo has a companion photo, that shows the NG in a soar-glide. As typical, there is no dihedral, and the wing's leading edge is straight across. I have many photographs of NG with the leading edge of wings straight across. Many field guides state that Cooper's Hawks can present with the leading edge of wings straight across - but Goshawks do not. Those field guides are not presenting proper information.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Mature female Goshawk
30 March 2008; RVP; it appears that the under tail coverts are flowing rearward.
mature male Gos
16 February 2008; RVP; 1 male Gos; this bird was ripping up the sky. I know of only 2 species that can rip up the sky; a Merlin and a male Goshawk. This bird has (as a Goshawk can) a square-tip tail.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
When do NG depart Tucson
It appears that NG depart Tucson area around 1 April. I usually leave Tucson on April 1st, and my sightings usually occur up to the day I leave Tucson. This year - 2008 - I left Tucson on 14 April. 2 April was my last sighting. Of course, this is an assumption. Just because only 1 sighting was made after 1 April does not present concrete evidence.
1 NG
2 April 2008 1:30 PM. RVP
1 NG; Flapping, soaring, gliding, and drifting. EOB- 500 feet. OT- 3 minutes.
1 NG; Flapping, soaring, gliding, and drifting. EOB- 500 feet. OT- 3 minutes.
1 mature female NG
30 March 2008 8:55 AM. RVP
1 mature female NG; an accipiter landed on a telephone pole; overhead was a mature female NG. This NG had red vermiculation on chest and under wing coverts. Photographs were taken and the bird was also glassed. OT- 3 minutes. After the NG departed the area the perched bird left its perch; a mature Cooper's Hawk!
1 mature female NG; an accipiter landed on a telephone pole; overhead was a mature female NG. This NG had red vermiculation on chest and under wing coverts. Photographs were taken and the bird was also glassed. OT- 3 minutes. After the NG departed the area the perched bird left its perch; a mature Cooper's Hawk!
1 mature female NG
29 March 2008 11 AM. RVP
1 mature female NG; EOB- 200 feet overhead; then rising to 400-500 feet. The bird never flapped. OT- 3 minutes. I am sure I have seen this bird before; same location. The bird had some dark streaking. The under tail coverts were bright white and fluffy; streaming out to the sides and also streaming over the top of the base of the tail. The under wings were very contrasty; black and white. The wing pattern was the same throughout. Winds were at 15 miles per hour.
1 mature female NG; EOB- 200 feet overhead; then rising to 400-500 feet. The bird never flapped. OT- 3 minutes. I am sure I have seen this bird before; same location. The bird had some dark streaking. The under tail coverts were bright white and fluffy; streaming out to the sides and also streaming over the top of the base of the tail. The under wings were very contrasty; black and white. The wing pattern was the same throughout. Winds were at 15 miles per hour.
Goshawks
28 March 2008 8:40 AM. RVP
While observing a Cooper's Hawk - an accipiter gave 3 flaps and landed on a telephone pole; overhead at elevation of about 200 feet was a female NG, the perched accipiter flew and gained altitude to be with the female NG. Both birds (NG) flew away together. Male and female NG.
Also at 11:30 AM. RVP
1 mature female Goshawk; hunting in the RVP. EOB- 150 feet, dipping to ground level. The bird was flapping (as a NG flaps) and circling and drifting.
While observing a Cooper's Hawk - an accipiter gave 3 flaps and landed on a telephone pole; overhead at elevation of about 200 feet was a female NG, the perched accipiter flew and gained altitude to be with the female NG. Both birds (NG) flew away together. Male and female NG.
Also at 11:30 AM. RVP
1 mature female Goshawk; hunting in the RVP. EOB- 150 feet, dipping to ground level. The bird was flapping (as a NG flaps) and circling and drifting.
March 20 and 21 Goshawks
20 March 2008 6:10 PM. RVP
1 NG; 1 minute of observation; elevation of bird 100 feet. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding. I was waiting for the bird - 20 minutes. The bird was going home to roost.
21 March 2008 10:15 AM. RVP
1 female NG; F and G into the residents' houses in the RVP. EOB- about 50 feet and less. OT-10 seconds. I gave chase on bike with camera and binos, for 1 hour; covering about 200 acres, but could not locate the bird.
1 NG; 1 minute of observation; elevation of bird 100 feet. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding. I was waiting for the bird - 20 minutes. The bird was going home to roost.
21 March 2008 10:15 AM. RVP
1 female NG; F and G into the residents' houses in the RVP. EOB- about 50 feet and less. OT-10 seconds. I gave chase on bike with camera and binos, for 1 hour; covering about 200 acres, but could not locate the bird.
UA . Goshawk
19 March 2008 10:30 AM. U of A.
I went to university to look for Goshawk. At 10:30 AM. - Euclid and University Ave, was a mature Goshawk circling and flapping. The bird was probably female. OT- 20 seconds. EOB-100-150 feet.
I went to university to look for Goshawk. At 10:30 AM. - Euclid and University Ave, was a mature Goshawk circling and flapping. The bird was probably female. OT- 20 seconds. EOB-100-150 feet.
NG- March 13 -15-18
13 March 2008 11:45 AM. RVP
1 female NG; EOB; 200 feet. OT- 5 minutes; the bird was rising to 500 feet elevation and drifting away.
15 March 2008 11 AM. RVP
1 NG; EOB-200 feet. OT-20 seconds; as I was playing pickleball. The bird was about 45 degrees off my zenith. Bird had a large, (puffy?) area of white under tail coverts. Naked eye - probably mature (fully).
18 March 2008 5 PM. RVP
1 NG; the bird was pumping and gliding; flapping (as a NG flaps). EOB- about 150-200 feet. OT- 1-2 minutes. I know what that bird was doing and where it was going! It was going home to roost.
1 female NG; EOB; 200 feet. OT- 5 minutes; the bird was rising to 500 feet elevation and drifting away.
15 March 2008 11 AM. RVP
1 NG; EOB-200 feet. OT-20 seconds; as I was playing pickleball. The bird was about 45 degrees off my zenith. Bird had a large, (puffy?) area of white under tail coverts. Naked eye - probably mature (fully).
18 March 2008 5 PM. RVP
1 NG; the bird was pumping and gliding; flapping (as a NG flaps). EOB- about 150-200 feet. OT- 1-2 minutes. I know what that bird was doing and where it was going! It was going home to roost.
Bert's Goshawk photos
10 March 2008 about 9:45 AM. Sam Luna Park
1 NG; EOB- about 150 feet or more. OT- 2 minutes. The bird was flapping (as a NG flaps), gliding, and circling. Witness- Burt Jackson. This was only my second trip to the park. Bert's photos show a probable male NG. My observations of the bird suggest a male.
1 NG; EOB- about 150 feet or more. OT- 2 minutes. The bird was flapping (as a NG flaps), gliding, and circling. Witness- Burt Jackson. This was only my second trip to the park. Bert's photos show a probable male NG. My observations of the bird suggest a male.
Goshawk doubles
8 March 2008 11:40 AM. RVP
Goshawk doubles; 1 mature female Goshawk, at elevation of 200 feet. Below the female, at elevation of less than 100 feet, was a male NG. I gave chase with camera and binos, and chased the the female for 10 minutes. Several photos were taken, and the bird was also glassed. A full report with photos will be published on my blog - in summer of 2008. This bird was the remarkable female (mature); 3 photos - prints.
Goshawk doubles; 1 mature female Goshawk, at elevation of 200 feet. Below the female, at elevation of less than 100 feet, was a male NG. I gave chase with camera and binos, and chased the the female for 10 minutes. Several photos were taken, and the bird was also glassed. A full report with photos will be published on my blog - in summer of 2008. This bird was the remarkable female (mature); 3 photos - prints.
more Goshawks
3 March 2008 10 AM. UA Campus
1 mature female Gos; EOB- 300-500 feet. OT- 15 seconds. This was my 6th or 7 th trip to the campus. On 3 of those birding trips, I have found mature Goshawk; twice perched and once in flight.
6 March 2008 9:30 AM. Sweetwater Wetlands
1 male Goshawk; EOB-200 feet. OT- 1minute. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding on wings with pointed tips and wings with typical S shape (large arm-small hand). Also saw Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Kestrel, Red-Tailed Hawks, and Harris' Hawks. ALSO- 2:30 PM., RVP; 1 Goshawk; EOB- 200 feet. OT-about 5 minutes. I chased the bird on bike with camera, for nearly 1 mile. But the bird kept drifting away.
1 mature female Gos; EOB- 300-500 feet. OT- 15 seconds. This was my 6th or 7 th trip to the campus. On 3 of those birding trips, I have found mature Goshawk; twice perched and once in flight.
6 March 2008 9:30 AM. Sweetwater Wetlands
1 male Goshawk; EOB-200 feet. OT- 1minute. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding on wings with pointed tips and wings with typical S shape (large arm-small hand). Also saw Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, Kestrel, Red-Tailed Hawks, and Harris' Hawks. ALSO- 2:30 PM., RVP; 1 Goshawk; EOB- 200 feet. OT-about 5 minutes. I chased the bird on bike with camera, for nearly 1 mile. But the bird kept drifting away.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
1 UC. Dove
26 February 2008 9:15 AM. RVP
1 Eurasian C. Dove - on 25 February, I received a report of a probable UC. Dove in the RV park on a tall antenna over the mail room. The bird was heard and seen - naked eye. In the morning, I saw the bird in trees and shrubs, near the main office of the RVP, then on the antenna. The bird flew as a Band -tailed Pigeon, and had a white-gray, very thick terminal band, as seen from underneath. When perched, the under tail (folded) was light gray. This was the same bird reported in my field notes on 20 February; perched and flying on the road in front of the RVP. At that time I called the bird (unknown dove).
1 Eurasian C. Dove - on 25 February, I received a report of a probable UC. Dove in the RV park on a tall antenna over the mail room. The bird was heard and seen - naked eye. In the morning, I saw the bird in trees and shrubs, near the main office of the RVP, then on the antenna. The bird flew as a Band -tailed Pigeon, and had a white-gray, very thick terminal band, as seen from underneath. When perched, the under tail (folded) was light gray. This was the same bird reported in my field notes on 20 February; perched and flying on the road in front of the RVP. At that time I called the bird (unknown dove).
1 NG
22 February 2008 11:45 AM. Speedway and Fremming
1 NG; Flapping (as a NG flaps) and gliding. OT- 20 seconds. EOB- about 70 feet. The bird had a large area of white under tail coverts.
1 NG; Flapping (as a NG flaps) and gliding. OT- 20 seconds. EOB- about 70 feet. The bird had a large area of white under tail coverts.
male Goshawk
20 February 2008 10:30 AM. RVP
1 male Goshawk; near the entrance of the RVP. EOB-50 feet. The bird was moving slowly. I gave chase on bike. I saw, seconds later, perched on a tall antenna, a mature male Cooper's Hawk. I continued the chase. I know that this is the case revolving about a non- hawk watcher's logic; when seeing the perched mature male Cooper's Hawk, the non- hawk watcher (birder) would give up the chase; thinking the perched accipiter was the accipiter that was seen in flight seconds before. I proceeded to look for the Goshawk; I swung right toward the desert scrub. At elevation of about 100 feet was the male Goshawk soaring and flapping (as a Goshawk flaps). Many photos were taken, all deleted. The bird rose to 200 then 300 feet. The bird joined with 2 Ravens. Then 5 more ravens joined the soaring. I chased them across the sky. Near my RV, I gave up the chase. Within 5 seconds the Goshawk swooped to elevation of 10 feet nearby. I again gave chase. Now the bird was heading toward the owl and its nest. On the way the Goshawk came very close to the perched Cooper's Hawk; neither bird became excited. The NG proceeded out toward the desert scrub.
1 male Goshawk; near the entrance of the RVP. EOB-50 feet. The bird was moving slowly. I gave chase on bike. I saw, seconds later, perched on a tall antenna, a mature male Cooper's Hawk. I continued the chase. I know that this is the case revolving about a non- hawk watcher's logic; when seeing the perched mature male Cooper's Hawk, the non- hawk watcher (birder) would give up the chase; thinking the perched accipiter was the accipiter that was seen in flight seconds before. I proceeded to look for the Goshawk; I swung right toward the desert scrub. At elevation of about 100 feet was the male Goshawk soaring and flapping (as a Goshawk flaps). Many photos were taken, all deleted. The bird rose to 200 then 300 feet. The bird joined with 2 Ravens. Then 5 more ravens joined the soaring. I chased them across the sky. Near my RV, I gave up the chase. Within 5 seconds the Goshawk swooped to elevation of 10 feet nearby. I again gave chase. Now the bird was heading toward the owl and its nest. On the way the Goshawk came very close to the perched Cooper's Hawk; neither bird became excited. The NG proceeded out toward the desert scrub.
1 large dove
20 February 2008 RVP
1 large dove - on telephone wires with Mourning Dove. The Mourning Dove looked pencil-thin compared to the unknown dove (UD). The UD was all gray at the chest, belly, throat, and sides of head. There was no buffy, or brown-ish to the bird. There were no visible black dots or white spots. When the bird flew, it was with wing beats of a Band- tail Pigeon; flat, snappy, wing beats. When the bird left its perch; the under tail showed a continuous, thick, white-gray terminal band. "Mexican Birds" by Peterson and Chalif - and NGS field guide showed no doves resembling the UD. I will try and get some photos.
1 large dove - on telephone wires with Mourning Dove. The Mourning Dove looked pencil-thin compared to the unknown dove (UD). The UD was all gray at the chest, belly, throat, and sides of head. There was no buffy, or brown-ish to the bird. There were no visible black dots or white spots. When the bird flew, it was with wing beats of a Band- tail Pigeon; flat, snappy, wing beats. When the bird left its perch; the under tail showed a continuous, thick, white-gray terminal band. "Mexican Birds" by Peterson and Chalif - and NGS field guide showed no doves resembling the UD. I will try and get some photos.
Gos pumping slowly
17 February 2008 1:35 PM. RVP
1 mature Gos; slowly pumping and gliding (as a Gos) can slowly pump. EOB- 70 feet. OT- 35-45 seconds.
18 February 2008
I received a report on a small dog, snatched from a lady. The dog was on a leash - no matter - the hawk flew with dog. The lady who told the story to me, heard the story on about 15 February. There is a good possibility the hawk was a Goshawk, probably female. I immediately went to investigate. Also, I just received a report of a number of sightings, from same person, of a Northern Oriole at a hummer feeder in the RV park.
1 mature Gos; slowly pumping and gliding (as a Gos) can slowly pump. EOB- 70 feet. OT- 35-45 seconds.
18 February 2008
I received a report on a small dog, snatched from a lady. The dog was on a leash - no matter - the hawk flew with dog. The lady who told the story to me, heard the story on about 15 February. There is a good possibility the hawk was a Goshawk, probably female. I immediately went to investigate. Also, I just received a report of a number of sightings, from same person, of a Northern Oriole at a hummer feeder in the RV park.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Goshawks female doubles
16 February 2008 1:10 PM. RVP
2 female NG; OT- 4 minutes. EOB- 200 feet, rising to about 500 feet. The hawks were S, F (as a NG flaps), circling, and drifting away. ALSO- 3:30 PM. 1 mature female (?) NG. The bird was low, possibly less than 100 feet and appeared to be going toward ground. I was about 500 yards away. OT- 30 seconds. ALSO- at about 3:45 PM., I went to track the Goshawk, on bike with camera; no luck. So, on my return , I saw in flight; 1 mature male NG. EOB-100 then 300 feet. 7 photos were taken. At least 2 are deleted, yet some of the photos are keepers. OT- about 4 minutes. Actually 3 are deleted!
2 female NG; OT- 4 minutes. EOB- 200 feet, rising to about 500 feet. The hawks were S, F (as a NG flaps), circling, and drifting away. ALSO- 3:30 PM. 1 mature female (?) NG. The bird was low, possibly less than 100 feet and appeared to be going toward ground. I was about 500 yards away. OT- 30 seconds. ALSO- at about 3:45 PM., I went to track the Goshawk, on bike with camera; no luck. So, on my return , I saw in flight; 1 mature male NG. EOB-100 then 300 feet. 7 photos were taken. At least 2 are deleted, yet some of the photos are keepers. OT- about 4 minutes. Actually 3 are deleted!
Goshawk in the rain
15 February 2008 4:30 PM. Park Place Mall
1 female Goshawk; low overhead, a female Goshawk was slowly moving and slowly moving its wings. Some primary feathers were missing. EOB- about 50-75 feet. The winds were 5-10 miles per hour. It was cold and raining. OT- 30-45 seconds.
1 female Goshawk; low overhead, a female Goshawk was slowly moving and slowly moving its wings. Some primary feathers were missing. EOB- about 50-75 feet. The winds were 5-10 miles per hour. It was cold and raining. OT- 30-45 seconds.
female Goshawk
8 February 2008 11:05 AM. RVP
1 mature female Goshawk: EOB- 100 feet. OT- about 5 minutes. 2 photos were keepers, one better than the other. The photo shows red vermiculation on chest and under wing coverts.
14 February 2008 11:00 AM. Continental Ranch (lake), Marana area.
With Bert Jackson; 1 Snowy Egret; in water and in flight. I also think I saw enough of a perched bird to say it was probably a Purple Finch. Around 12 February in the desert scrub at elevation of less than 3,000 feet, in Tucson: 2 sets of Purple Finches. Only 1 bird of each set was seen well enough to make my decision. One partner of one bird's tail was also seen - the tail was short and deeply forked. I am very excited of these observations, and the sighting of 14 February. I am impressed with Cornell's Web Site - drawings - of the Purple, Cassin's, and House Finch. Of course, the words relating toward the identification should be heeded.
Identifying a male or female Purple Finch is not at all difficult!! Size matters - shape matters! Size and shape of bill and tail matters! Color matters - extensiveness of color does not matter; Don't complicate the issue! Facial markings of the female Purple Finch ( the 3 similar finches) matters!
1 mature female Goshawk: EOB- 100 feet. OT- about 5 minutes. 2 photos were keepers, one better than the other. The photo shows red vermiculation on chest and under wing coverts.
14 February 2008 11:00 AM. Continental Ranch (lake), Marana area.
With Bert Jackson; 1 Snowy Egret; in water and in flight. I also think I saw enough of a perched bird to say it was probably a Purple Finch. Around 12 February in the desert scrub at elevation of less than 3,000 feet, in Tucson: 2 sets of Purple Finches. Only 1 bird of each set was seen well enough to make my decision. One partner of one bird's tail was also seen - the tail was short and deeply forked. I am very excited of these observations, and the sighting of 14 February. I am impressed with Cornell's Web Site - drawings - of the Purple, Cassin's, and House Finch. Of course, the words relating toward the identification should be heeded.
Identifying a male or female Purple Finch is not at all difficult!! Size matters - shape matters! Size and shape of bill and tail matters! Color matters - extensiveness of color does not matter; Don't complicate the issue! Facial markings of the female Purple Finch ( the 3 similar finches) matters!
female Goshawks
6 February 2008 10:20 AM. RVP
1 mature female Goshawk; hunting. The bird was over the desert scrub and the RV resort. EOB- about 200 or more feet. OT- about 5 minutes. 7 photos were taken - 3 keepers. I am spending more time in the field (sky), therefore, I am obtaining more than my average number of Goshawk sightings. And my field notes - to be converted to a blog in May 2008, will show the increase in my sightings. One of the photos show red vermiculation on the chest and under wing coverts. ALSO- 1 female Gos; 1 PM. at Pantano Drive and Irvington. OT-5 minutes or more. EOB- about 300 feet or more. There were small flocks of pigeons in various areas of the sky, near the Goshawk. This Goshawk happened to have stiff, flat wings - but the wing beats were very deep, also the wings were very long. Bright sun; no clouds.
1 mature female Goshawk; hunting. The bird was over the desert scrub and the RV resort. EOB- about 200 or more feet. OT- about 5 minutes. 7 photos were taken - 3 keepers. I am spending more time in the field (sky), therefore, I am obtaining more than my average number of Goshawk sightings. And my field notes - to be converted to a blog in May 2008, will show the increase in my sightings. One of the photos show red vermiculation on the chest and under wing coverts. ALSO- 1 female Gos; 1 PM. at Pantano Drive and Irvington. OT-5 minutes or more. EOB- about 300 feet or more. There were small flocks of pigeons in various areas of the sky, near the Goshawk. This Goshawk happened to have stiff, flat wings - but the wing beats were very deep, also the wings were very long. Bright sun; no clouds.
Goshawk 3 sightings
5 February 2008 9 AM.
1 Goshawk; far out, over the desert scrub; the bird rapidly heading northward. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding. EOB- about 200 feet. OT- 1 minute or more. ALSO- 1 female Goshawk; 10 AM. The bird was chased, and appeared to put down; chased by 2 Ravens. The bird appeared to be female [and was]. I chased with camera on bicycle. 15 minutes later, the bird was at elevation of about 200-300 feet.The bird was a female Goshawk; the bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and soaring, circling, and drifting. OT- 2-3 minutes. ALSO; 1 Goshawk; 3:05 PM.; Wal-mart parking lot, on Kolb and Speedway. The hawk was flying over Speedway at elevation of about 100 feet. OT- 30 -40 seconds. The bird was slowly and leisurely, flying along side of Speedway. The wing beats were slow, deep, and relaxed (as a Goshawk can fly in this manner). The wings in a glide had a distinct large arm-small hand with pointed tip configuration. The belly and chest had red vermiculation. It is possible the under wings also had red vermiculation.
1 Goshawk; far out, over the desert scrub; the bird rapidly heading northward. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding. EOB- about 200 feet. OT- 1 minute or more. ALSO- 1 female Goshawk; 10 AM. The bird was chased, and appeared to put down; chased by 2 Ravens. The bird appeared to be female [and was]. I chased with camera on bicycle. 15 minutes later, the bird was at elevation of about 200-300 feet.The bird was a female Goshawk; the bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and soaring, circling, and drifting. OT- 2-3 minutes. ALSO; 1 Goshawk; 3:05 PM.; Wal-mart parking lot, on Kolb and Speedway. The hawk was flying over Speedway at elevation of about 100 feet. OT- 30 -40 seconds. The bird was slowly and leisurely, flying along side of Speedway. The wing beats were slow, deep, and relaxed (as a Goshawk can fly in this manner). The wings in a glide had a distinct large arm-small hand with pointed tip configuration. The belly and chest had red vermiculation. It is possible the under wings also had red vermiculation.
Goshawk;hunting
4 February 2008 2:15 PM. RVP
1 Goshawk hunting; after the heavy rain - the clouds departed and came bright sun. I went outside to look for Goshawks. within 2 minutes a Goshawk was hunting near overhead. EOB- 200-300 feet. OT- 2 minutes. Then a steep stoop - 300 yards away, into the residents' homes. 3-4 photos were taken - they were useless. I tried to track the bird, but no luck. ALSO- 4 PM.; 1 mature Goshawk. Again, the stormy weather dissipated and over my RV was a Goshawk hunting. EOB- about 100 feet or less. OT- about 30 seconds. The bird went away in level flight. I tried for 30 minutes, with camera to locate the bird. The location was the same as bird of 2:15 PM. As I have published - abrupt weather changes can be use full toward finding Northern Goshawks.
1 Goshawk hunting; after the heavy rain - the clouds departed and came bright sun. I went outside to look for Goshawks. within 2 minutes a Goshawk was hunting near overhead. EOB- 200-300 feet. OT- 2 minutes. Then a steep stoop - 300 yards away, into the residents' homes. 3-4 photos were taken - they were useless. I tried to track the bird, but no luck. ALSO- 4 PM.; 1 mature Goshawk. Again, the stormy weather dissipated and over my RV was a Goshawk hunting. EOB- about 100 feet or less. OT- about 30 seconds. The bird went away in level flight. I tried for 30 minutes, with camera to locate the bird. The location was the same as bird of 2:15 PM. As I have published - abrupt weather changes can be use full toward finding Northern Goshawks.
Doubles Goshawk
3 February 2008 9 AM. RVP
2 mature Goshawks; the bird were circling with and over Ravens. 4 photos were taken - all of them were useless. While I was try to work with the camera - no attention was paid to the size of the Goshawks; therefore, I could not sex the Goshawks. OT- about 2 minutes. Also - about 5 minutes later, I found, perched on a telephone pole, a large raptor; naked eye. The bird was the size of a Red-Tailed Hawk. The tail was not visible, therefore, appeared to a "short-tailed Goshawk". The chest was grey-white; dorsal area silver-grey. The bird flew straight away - no long tail was visible - meaning the bird could be a short-tailed female Goshawk (mature). The wing beats were stiff, as a Cooper's Hawk. But, the wings were too long, and the wing beats too deep to be a Cooper's. Also, the bird was too large to be a Cooper's. Interestingly, the bird never went into a glide. If this was a Goshawk - then it was the first mature Goshawk I have seen, with this type of wing beats. Observation Time- about 30 seconds (flight).
2 mature Goshawks; the bird were circling with and over Ravens. 4 photos were taken - all of them were useless. While I was try to work with the camera - no attention was paid to the size of the Goshawks; therefore, I could not sex the Goshawks. OT- about 2 minutes. Also - about 5 minutes later, I found, perched on a telephone pole, a large raptor; naked eye. The bird was the size of a Red-Tailed Hawk. The tail was not visible, therefore, appeared to a "short-tailed Goshawk". The chest was grey-white; dorsal area silver-grey. The bird flew straight away - no long tail was visible - meaning the bird could be a short-tailed female Goshawk (mature). The wing beats were stiff, as a Cooper's Hawk. But, the wings were too long, and the wing beats too deep to be a Cooper's. Also, the bird was too large to be a Cooper's. Interestingly, the bird never went into a glide. If this was a Goshawk - then it was the first mature Goshawk I have seen, with this type of wing beats. Observation Time- about 30 seconds (flight).
Goshawk perched
30 January 2008 10:20 AM. RVP
1 probable Goshawk; the bird was perched on a light pole; the bird had a dark-silvery dorsal area with a relatively short tail.The bird was probably a female. I was driving through and didn't stop. This perch was about 600 yards from the Goshawk that I saw perched on 23 January.
1 probable Goshawk; the bird was perched on a light pole; the bird had a dark-silvery dorsal area with a relatively short tail.The bird was probably a female. I was driving through and didn't stop. This perch was about 600 yards from the Goshawk that I saw perched on 23 January.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
female Goshawk perched and flying
23 January 2008 2:05 PM. RVP
1 female Goshawk; mature. The bird was flapping leisurely and moving leisurely over the RV park. EOB- about 100 feet. There was no sun or shadows, yet the bird was low enough and enough to my side for me to notice the marking of the head, which showed that the bird was fully mature. OT- about 20 seconds. After a 5 minute walk to get into a more open area, I found the Goshawk; perched on a telephone pole off in the desert scrub. I did not pursue the bird, as I did not have my camera. OT- 5 minutes. ALSO- at 3:05 PM. - 1 mature NG; probably male. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding over the RV park. EOB- about 300 feet. OT- about 1 minute.
1 female Goshawk; mature. The bird was flapping leisurely and moving leisurely over the RV park. EOB- about 100 feet. There was no sun or shadows, yet the bird was low enough and enough to my side for me to notice the marking of the head, which showed that the bird was fully mature. OT- about 20 seconds. After a 5 minute walk to get into a more open area, I found the Goshawk; perched on a telephone pole off in the desert scrub. I did not pursue the bird, as I did not have my camera. OT- 5 minutes. ALSO- at 3:05 PM. - 1 mature NG; probably male. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding over the RV park. EOB- about 300 feet. OT- about 1 minute.
female Goshawk
17 January 2008 3:30 PM. RVP
1 female Goshawk; possible immature.
The bird was cutting through the RV park at elevation of about 100 feet overhead; gliding and flapping. OT- 20 seconds. The bird gained elevation over the desert scrub. The bird had deep wing beats- somewhat leisurely for a Goshawk. The wing beats were stiff - and the wings were flat, not pleated or flexible. The wing beats were Cooper's-like - but too deep and leisurely for a Cooper's. Is this an indication of the bird being immature?
1 female Goshawk; possible immature.
The bird was cutting through the RV park at elevation of about 100 feet overhead; gliding and flapping. OT- 20 seconds. The bird gained elevation over the desert scrub. The bird had deep wing beats- somewhat leisurely for a Goshawk. The wing beats were stiff - and the wings were flat, not pleated or flexible. The wing beats were Cooper's-like - but too deep and leisurely for a Cooper's. Is this an indication of the bird being immature?
Goshawk
14 January 2008 10:20 AM. RVP
1 Goshawk hunting; 3 sightings of a Goshawk - the last sighting the bird was going away from the RV park, at 150 feet elevation. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps). The other 2 sightings; the bird was hunting just above the residents' park model roof lines; also below the roof lines. Time period- 10:20-10:30. The winds were breezy and supposed to gust to 35 miles per hour - later in the day.
1 Goshawk hunting; 3 sightings of a Goshawk - the last sighting the bird was going away from the RV park, at 150 feet elevation. The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps). The other 2 sightings; the bird was hunting just above the residents' park model roof lines; also below the roof lines. Time period- 10:20-10:30. The winds were breezy and supposed to gust to 35 miles per hour - later in the day.
female Goshawk
13 January 2008 1:45 PM. RVP
1 female NG; hunting
The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding and circling and dipping; EOB- about 150 feet. OT- 1-2 minutes. Bright sun; winds gusting to 10 miles per hour.
1 female NG; hunting
The bird was flapping (as a Goshawk flaps) and gliding and circling and dipping; EOB- about 150 feet. OT- 1-2 minutes. Bright sun; winds gusting to 10 miles per hour.
5 sightings Goshawk
6 January 2008 9:15 AM. RVP
1 Goshawk; hunting. The bird was over the entrance of the RV park. OT- 1 minute. By 10:15 AM., I had 5 or 6 sightings of a Goshawk hunting at elevation of about 75 feet. Weather; winds were at 10 miles per hour; cloudy, overcast; no shadows. Also hunting, was a Prairie Falcon and a Cooper's Hawk.
1 Goshawk; hunting. The bird was over the entrance of the RV park. OT- 1 minute. By 10:15 AM., I had 5 or 6 sightings of a Goshawk hunting at elevation of about 75 feet. Weather; winds were at 10 miles per hour; cloudy, overcast; no shadows. Also hunting, was a Prairie Falcon and a Cooper's Hawk.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
return to Az. 1 Goshawk
30 December 2007 2:20 PM. RVP
1 Goshawk; probably male; probably mature. The bird was circling and flapping(as a Goshawk flaps). EOB- about 200 feet. OT- 30 seconds. Many times I see a Goshawk at elevations of 150 -200 feet, and for only 20-30 seconds. Many of my Goshawk sightings occur as casual sightings while I am outside socializing or doing some chores. If I were to walk away from my socializing or chores, then many of my 20-second- looks would be turned into 2-4 minute looks. In other words, a large tree or building was blocking my view.
1 Goshawk; probably male; probably mature. The bird was circling and flapping(as a Goshawk flaps). EOB- about 200 feet. OT- 30 seconds. Many times I see a Goshawk at elevations of 150 -200 feet, and for only 20-30 seconds. Many of my Goshawk sightings occur as casual sightings while I am outside socializing or doing some chores. If I were to walk away from my socializing or chores, then many of my 20-second- looks would be turned into 2-4 minute looks. In other words, a large tree or building was blocking my view.
large Accipiter
16 December 2007 3:50 PM. RVP
1 large accipiter; very low - cutting through the patio area. 1 minute later toward the front of the park - 1 Goshawk climbing. OT- 10 seconds.
Hiatus: from December 21 until December 29, I was in Washington state.
1 large accipiter; very low - cutting through the patio area. 1 minute later toward the front of the park - 1 Goshawk climbing. OT- 10 seconds.
Hiatus: from December 21 until December 29, I was in Washington state.
Goshawk
14 December 2007 1:30 PM. RVP
1 NG; the bird went over the RV resort at elevation of 150-200 feet. OT- 1 minute. The bird was fighting a strong breeze. The large arm, small hand and prominent pointed wind tip was observable when the bird was gliding. The bird was also flapping.
1 NG; the bird went over the RV resort at elevation of 150-200 feet. OT- 1 minute. The bird was fighting a strong breeze. The large arm, small hand and prominent pointed wind tip was observable when the bird was gliding. The bird was also flapping.
Goshawk
26 November 2007 10 AM. RVP
1 NG; the bird was going away; ripping through the sky; EOB- about 150 -200 feet. OT- 30 seconds.
6 December 2007 9:50 AM. RVP
1 NG; hunting; the bird was flapping and gliding in tight circles over the desert scrub. EOB- 200 feet. OT- 30 seconds. I left the area with the bird yet in the sky.
1 NG; the bird was going away; ripping through the sky; EOB- about 150 -200 feet. OT- 30 seconds.
6 December 2007 9:50 AM. RVP
1 NG; hunting; the bird was flapping and gliding in tight circles over the desert scrub. EOB- 200 feet. OT- 30 seconds. I left the area with the bird yet in the sky.
Goshawk
25 November 2007 10:40 AM. RVP
1 NG; probably female; the bird was over the RV park, at elevation of about 200-250 feet.
1 NG; probably female; the bird was over the RV park, at elevation of about 200-250 feet.
probable female Gos
20 November 2007 about 1:45 PM. Speedway near Kolb Rd.
1 probable female Goshawk; the bird was soaring as it went over my moving truck. EOB- about 100 feet. OT- 10 seconds.
ALSO: 1 NG; probably male; at 3:30 PM. The bird was in front of my moving truck; at elevation of 100 feet. OT- 10 seconds. The bird was F, G, and coming from the RV resort and heading northward. Location; S. Kolb Rd. and Rt. 10
1 probable female Goshawk; the bird was soaring as it went over my moving truck. EOB- about 100 feet. OT- 10 seconds.
ALSO: 1 NG; probably male; at 3:30 PM. The bird was in front of my moving truck; at elevation of 100 feet. OT- 10 seconds. The bird was F, G, and coming from the RV resort and heading northward. Location; S. Kolb Rd. and Rt. 10
Cooper's and Goshawk
12 November 2007 4:30 PM. RVP
1 mature female Cooper's Hawk; in flight.
1 Goshawk; 5 minutes after observing the Cooper's; the Gos was in flight and perusing the new development. The bird turned to peruse the front of the RV park - I gave chase on bike, for 20 minutes, but could not locate the bird.
1 mature female Cooper's Hawk; in flight.
1 Goshawk; 5 minutes after observing the Cooper's; the Gos was in flight and perusing the new development. The bird turned to peruse the front of the RV park - I gave chase on bike, for 20 minutes, but could not locate the bird.
male Goshawk
8 November 2007 10:20 AM. RVP
1 male Goshawk; This bird was very active - flapping and glide-circling over a small area. EOB - 200 then about 300 feet. OT- 4 minutes. This bird certainly had a lot of energy - with very rapid wing beats. Bright sun; winds 0-2 miles per hour.
1 male Goshawk; This bird was very active - flapping and glide-circling over a small area. EOB - 200 then about 300 feet. OT- 4 minutes. This bird certainly had a lot of energy - with very rapid wing beats. Bright sun; winds 0-2 miles per hour.
male Goshawks
6 November 2007 sun up 6:50 AM. RVP
1 male Goshawk; the bird was pumping rapidly and gliding, on the same straight course. EOB- about 200 feet. OT- about 1 -2 minutes. The bird was "going to work".
Also- 1 immature male Goshawk; 9:15 AM. Agua Caliente Park
My wife and I and 3 other birders had separated from the main birders group. My wife pointed to a raptor in the sky. The bird was flapping- with deep, rapid, flexible wing beats; the bird was also circling. Then the bird headed toward us - at an elevation of about 100 feet. The bird glided overhead. The chest and belly had thick black, extensive streaking. Later on, my wife commented: the bird had checkerboard pattern on chest and belly. OT- 1 minute or more.
1 male Goshawk; the bird was pumping rapidly and gliding, on the same straight course. EOB- about 200 feet. OT- about 1 -2 minutes. The bird was "going to work".
Also- 1 immature male Goshawk; 9:15 AM. Agua Caliente Park
My wife and I and 3 other birders had separated from the main birders group. My wife pointed to a raptor in the sky. The bird was flapping- with deep, rapid, flexible wing beats; the bird was also circling. Then the bird headed toward us - at an elevation of about 100 feet. The bird glided overhead. The chest and belly had thick black, extensive streaking. Later on, my wife commented: the bird had checkerboard pattern on chest and belly. OT- 1 minute or more.
doubles- female
30 October 2007 10:15 AM. RVP
doubles! 2 female Goshawks - the birds were in hunting mode together. The birds were F, G, circling, and drifting. OT- 1-2 minutes. EOB- about 100-150 feet. When a raptor flaps, it gives up its species. In other words, its species is no longer in doubt. Also, size matters! These birds were the size of Red-Tailed Hawks.
doubles! 2 female Goshawks - the birds were in hunting mode together. The birds were F, G, circling, and drifting. OT- 1-2 minutes. EOB- about 100-150 feet. When a raptor flaps, it gives up its species. In other words, its species is no longer in doubt. Also, size matters! These birds were the size of Red-Tailed Hawks.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
female Goshawk
26 October 2007; 10:20 AM., RVP
1 Raven was soaring and flapping - OT about 4 minutes; the bird flew away - and in its place; 1 female Goshawk- flapping, soaring, gliding and drifting. This was a strikingly contrasty; black and white (ventral areas) bird. I am calling the bird a sub adult. EOB- 250 feet, OT- 5 minutes. The sighting would have been longer, but for a conversation and the structure of a building.
1 Raven was soaring and flapping - OT about 4 minutes; the bird flew away - and in its place; 1 female Goshawk- flapping, soaring, gliding and drifting. This was a strikingly contrasty; black and white (ventral areas) bird. I am calling the bird a sub adult. EOB- 250 feet, OT- 5 minutes. The sighting would have been longer, but for a conversation and the structure of a building.
Goshawk
25 October 2007 - 4:35 PM.; RVP
1 Goshawk; the bird was cutting around me. The bird was F and G, at elevation of about 50 feet; then went flapping and gliding just over the desert scrub. OT- about 30 seconds. The wing beats were too deep to be a Cooper's. Also the wings were too big and the base of the wings too wide to be a Cooper's. Then 1 minute later, same location, but one half mile away - probably the same bird as seen before = 1 female Goshawk; F, S, circling; near Wilmont Road. EOB- 200-250 feet; OT- about 5 minutes.
1 Goshawk; the bird was cutting around me. The bird was F and G, at elevation of about 50 feet; then went flapping and gliding just over the desert scrub. OT- about 30 seconds. The wing beats were too deep to be a Cooper's. Also the wings were too big and the base of the wings too wide to be a Cooper's. Then 1 minute later, same location, but one half mile away - probably the same bird as seen before = 1 female Goshawk; F, S, circling; near Wilmont Road. EOB- 200-250 feet; OT- about 5 minutes.
mature Goshawk
18 October 2007; 1:30 PM., RVP
1 mature Goshawk - the bird was circling, F, G, and drifting. The bird was pushed and knocked about by the wind. The winds were steady at 10 plus miles per hour. Temps- 82 degrees. EOB- about 200 feet; OT- 1 minute. My reports of Goshawks of Tucson will be sent to EBird; at the end of the season, April 15 2008 - I will publish my sightings.
1 mature Goshawk - the bird was circling, F, G, and drifting. The bird was pushed and knocked about by the wind. The winds were steady at 10 plus miles per hour. Temps- 82 degrees. EOB- about 200 feet; OT- 1 minute. My reports of Goshawks of Tucson will be sent to EBird; at the end of the season, April 15 2008 - I will publish my sightings.
White Tailed Hawks- twins
We hit the road for Tucson on 7 October 2007.
16 October 2007 - 10:10 AM.; RVP
2 White Tailed Hawks (mature); My first impression was of a Herring Gull; second impression was of an Osprey. Then the second (twin bird) was circling with the first bird. The bird was a large buteo. The black wing tips were too extensively black to be a gull. The tails had a thick black sub terminal band. The head and neck was massive. The birds flew toward the west. The birds were bright white on the ventral areas; mature gull white. EOB- 200 feet; OT- 4 minutes. I have seen a White Tailed Hawk with ornithologist Ray Little at Rockport, Texas.
16 October 2007 - 10:10 AM.; RVP
2 White Tailed Hawks (mature); My first impression was of a Herring Gull; second impression was of an Osprey. Then the second (twin bird) was circling with the first bird. The bird was a large buteo. The black wing tips were too extensively black to be a gull. The tails had a thick black sub terminal band. The head and neck was massive. The birds flew toward the west. The birds were bright white on the ventral areas; mature gull white. EOB- 200 feet; OT- 4 minutes. I have seen a White Tailed Hawk with ornithologist Ray Little at Rockport, Texas.
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