Goshawk Viewing

Willy Ekaslyke · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 06:33 PM

Hi,

Could anyone suggest any sights in the South West (centered on Somerset) where you stand a reasonable chance of spotting a Goshawk. I realise late Feb/March would be best time due to displaying.

Regards to all. Willy.

Adam Cheeseman · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 06:51 PM

Dartmoor near to Manaton and Haldon Hill are two well known watching areas.

Cheers,

Adam

solus · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 06:58 PM

A bit further afield, New Fancy View in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire is one of THE places and I believe RSPB volunteers are there at weekends now to show the birds to the people! A day like today - blue skies and sunshine - would be perfect viewing conditions.

PS It always seems to be freezing cold up there!

Batfalcon · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 08:08 PM

Solus, while you are likely to see Gos's at New Fancy View (NFV) they are usually dots in the distance, in my experiance at least. I think nearby Symonds Yat Rock (SYR) is a much better place to see them up close. I usually see a couple of sightings while im there and have seen up to four soaring in the thermals, with good clear views through bins.

I believe the RSPB are holding their Goshawk project at SYR rather than NFV this year, for that reason.

One disadvantage of SYR, compared with NFV for some is the crowds, as I know it puts some people off.

Unfortunately, in answer to the original question, I wouldn't have a clue where to see them in Somerset! :-)

Willy Ekaslyke · #5 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 08:31 PM

Great replies. Many thanks! Did not mean in Somerset just as close as possible.
Any other info welcome.

solus · #6 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 09:33 PM

From The Gloster Birder website - 5+ individuals seen from New Fancy View today and two seen perched. I've never had difficulties seeing them from New Fancy but it does help to have a 'scope! (And gloves, hat and a woolly sweater!

)

htcdude · #7 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 08:51 AM

As Batfalcon has already mentioned Symonds Yat Rock or New Fancy is your best bet, I'd like to see these this year too! Went last year late in summer but they'd disappeared by then.

Also if you are planning on going that way, check out Nagshead RSPB Reserve it's an excellent place with some great species.

Nige

artdemole · #8 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 11:00 AM

Hi Willy,welcome to WAB.Not far from you in Peasedown.Have a look at post by ANDYC 12-03-2007 Somerset Goshawk might be a help.Also Bristol Ornithological Club Club Notices Species Report has 6 sightings.You might be lucky at Ham Wall.

Batfalcon · #9 (**permalink**) 12-02-2011, 07:15 PM

Great to meet you today at Symonds Yat Willy.

16 Goshawk sightings in one day!!

Good luck with the SEOs

Willy Ekaslyke · #10 (**permalink**) 13-02-2011, 10:24 AM

Yes! Great Spot and spotting. Goshawks well and truly ticked off list.

Birders there also seem a great crowd

Hope to meet Batfalcon and the gang there again maybe.

Screaming rally cars did make New Fancy View a no-go on the day but Symonds Yat rock looks the buisness.

Big Thanks to all !