Goshawk - 2003-07

During the last breeding atlas, a single pair of goshawks bred in the county. Since then they have colonised, presumably from the increasing core population in our neighbouring counties. By 2007 there were between 12 and 15 pairs and they are likely to continue increasing in both number and range within the county, though perhaps always with a bias towards the better wooded east and north.

They can be very easily overlooked especially after their initial display period in February to April but they tend to be site faithful so the distribution and population estimate can be considered reliable.

Paddy Jenks

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads)

Breeding confirmed = 4

Breeding probable = 11

Breeding possible = 13

Total tetrads in which registered = 28 (5.7%)