On my essay; Tails do not Nail — I did not complete the whole story. There is such a tail as a Goshawk tail. On certain Sharp- shinned hawks (SSHA), those hawks can have a Goshawk tail. Which means, Cooper’s hawks (COHA) will not have the Goshawk tail. This post is linked to the next post, coming up; What is Lanky.
In order to understand the Goshawk tail; The hawk should be in flight, near overhead, and the tail must be completely folded. Meaning; The side edges of the tail are parallel. If the tail is fanned slightly, then the base of the tail will appear “pinched.” Now your reading will be compromised.
Now, on perched raptors, perched on an open snag, or perched on a wall. You want to observe the tail from the rear. In other words, the tail is hidden behind the wall. The most important aspect is to view the folded tail— straight on or right in line with the tail. Then if the tail— the base of the tail is very broad, compared to the body of the hawk, then that is a Goshawk tail!
The tail of the COHA is thin compared to the body of the COHA! Note: You can only get a good feel for the width of the folded tail when the the hawk is straight on your line of sight. When the hawk is perched on an open snag, you probably do not have to maneuver to the rear of the hawk.
However, in winter, perched accipiters can appear very puffed out while perched, so now the tail can appear very thin. The tail can now appear very short. Also, that particular accipiter can have a shortened tail.
So, this concept has a lot of value. It is concrete information. NB.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Friday, December 27, 2019
I held back
Often it is best to be discreet. Be discreet when you first meet.
I was in the field when I bumped into a gentleman, who said he was the Director of Washington State Parks. He said he was visiting the islands of San Juan, and his biologist(s) informed him or showed him— the San Juan Islands are loaded with Cooper’s hawks and Sharp- shinned hawks.
What I did not say: Where you find Cooper’s hawks and Sharp- shinned hawks and Red-tailed hawks and a raven or two or many ravens— then you will nearly always find Northern Goshawks! NB.
I was in the field when I bumped into a gentleman, who said he was the Director of Washington State Parks. He said he was visiting the islands of San Juan, and his biologist(s) informed him or showed him— the San Juan Islands are loaded with Cooper’s hawks and Sharp- shinned hawks.
What I did not say: Where you find Cooper’s hawks and Sharp- shinned hawks and Red-tailed hawks and a raven or two or many ravens— then you will nearly always find Northern Goshawks! NB.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Grand Canyon Goshawks
We arrived at Grand Canyon, RV Park, business district one week before the season’s closing. The sun was low toward setting. A immature, female NG was flying over my position as I was strolling through and around the buildings. This raptor had dark, extensive streaking with a patina of golden bronze. On another day, I went to an area about three miles from the HQ. Standing on the rim scanning, slightly below the rim were two NG circling. One hawk tilted to turn and displayed a chest and upper belly of red- orange. The area appeared to be solid, with a flame tipped design, with the flame tips pointing toward the belly. On another day, in another area, while scanning top- side and slightly below the rim were two NG circling.
Then I read that HWI was having a survey of hawks in migration and the public was invited. When I got to the flat rim and was greeted by the intern and told we were not to go near the rim, because in defile were the hawk counters and were not to be disturbed. I had the superior position, as I could observe everything that was behind the hawk counters. But, of course they could observe everything that was below their position. A female NG was heading for our position. I alerted the hawk watchers— Goshawk Coming. The large accipiter came near our position at about 100 feet above us. Then the hawk went out over and past the rim for all to witness. Then I shouted— Female Goshawk!
There was some movement of a large hat just below the rim. Then a body started to developed and a man stood top- side and yelled— I’m calling it a Cooper’s hawk —That hawk did not have pointed wing tips. Possibly he yelled at me because of a light breeze, or because of the distance between us.
Here is the gist of the situation— the large accipiter came through slowly, the wing beats were relaxed and not rapid, rather lose and lazy. Under these conditions a Goshawk does not have to show pointed wing tips! Also, a Cooper’s hawk does not fly with lazy, relaxed wing beats.
The intern asked— What made that bird a goshawk? I said “ Everything about that bird said— “Goshawk.” The intern commented that she tried to observe the vermiculation on the chest of the hawk. I said “How do you expect to observe the vermiculation when you are looking into the sun?”
So, within seven days— four daily sightings of NG at Grand Canyon. NB.
Then I read that HWI was having a survey of hawks in migration and the public was invited. When I got to the flat rim and was greeted by the intern and told we were not to go near the rim, because in defile were the hawk counters and were not to be disturbed. I had the superior position, as I could observe everything that was behind the hawk counters. But, of course they could observe everything that was below their position. A female NG was heading for our position. I alerted the hawk watchers— Goshawk Coming. The large accipiter came near our position at about 100 feet above us. Then the hawk went out over and past the rim for all to witness. Then I shouted— Female Goshawk!
There was some movement of a large hat just below the rim. Then a body started to developed and a man stood top- side and yelled— I’m calling it a Cooper’s hawk —That hawk did not have pointed wing tips. Possibly he yelled at me because of a light breeze, or because of the distance between us.
Here is the gist of the situation— the large accipiter came through slowly, the wing beats were relaxed and not rapid, rather lose and lazy. Under these conditions a Goshawk does not have to show pointed wing tips! Also, a Cooper’s hawk does not fly with lazy, relaxed wing beats.
The intern asked— What made that bird a goshawk? I said “ Everything about that bird said— “Goshawk.” The intern commented that she tried to observe the vermiculation on the chest of the hawk. I said “How do you expect to observe the vermiculation when you are looking into the sun?”
So, within seven days— four daily sightings of NG at Grand Canyon. NB.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Best tip
Here is my best tip. My best tips should be rated: Number One through Three.
Often when you are outside or even inside looking out, you will be caught. You will be caught without your binoculars: While walking the dog; talking to you neighbor, observing a soccer game, going to the mail box, driving you car, being a passenger in a car, or airplane or train. So, practice going naked-eye. Practice going naked-eye at the same time you are in the field with binoculars.
Very seldom do I now carry binoculars. My binoculars are always in my car nestled on the door. I now carry a camera. I am always trying to photograph NG, in order to prove to you that NG are a common species; in many areas of the United States.
I will say it again— most of the time you will be caught; in conjunction with— if you can resolve it you can solve it. NB.
Often when you are outside or even inside looking out, you will be caught. You will be caught without your binoculars: While walking the dog; talking to you neighbor, observing a soccer game, going to the mail box, driving you car, being a passenger in a car, or airplane or train. So, practice going naked-eye. Practice going naked-eye at the same time you are in the field with binoculars.
Very seldom do I now carry binoculars. My binoculars are always in my car nestled on the door. I now carry a camera. I am always trying to photograph NG, in order to prove to you that NG are a common species; in many areas of the United States.
I will say it again— most of the time you will be caught; in conjunction with— if you can resolve it you can solve it. NB.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Big question
When you hang clothes out on a line; Do you you hang the clothes in the sky or in the air? On a nice day, when you put the American flag out; Do you you put the flag in the air or in the sky?
The purpose of the first two sentences is to get you to think.
Do you know the difference between the air and the sky?Do you understand the big difference between a Cooper’s hawk and a Sharp- shinned hawk; or a goshawk?
Where does the air end and the sky start? Is there a variable section separating the air from the sky? If you do not know the air from the sky, possibly the Cooper’s hawk can help you make a decision. NB.
The purpose of the first two sentences is to get you to think.
Do you know the difference between the air and the sky?Do you understand the big difference between a Cooper’s hawk and a Sharp- shinned hawk; or a goshawk?
Where does the air end and the sky start? Is there a variable section separating the air from the sky? If you do not know the air from the sky, possibly the Cooper’s hawk can help you make a decision. NB.
Friday, December 20, 2019
Goshawks Anacortes Part 2
I will not go into any of my many sightings of NG in Anacortes. If it is boring to me it is probably boring to you. The only rare sightings in Anacortes— red male and female NG. That is NG with red vermiculation of chest, belly and under wing coverts. Also, a Clay-colored sparrow. The bird was at my feet, pecking at gravel and small weeds.
Anacortes is a small town with a large, land area; Including two marinas, and probably the largest community forest in the United States.
The NG I have observed are not in migration. I am sure NG are nesting in Anacortes. I have observed them in all areas of the town limits and just outside the town limits. Nearly always in flight.
This information may help you. East of Anacortes is Mount Vernon and Burlington. I have never observed a NG in the sky over these two towns or areas. I have a feeling: If NG are nesting in the mountains of Blanchard and Alger, which is well east of Anacortes and North of Burlington, and they probably are nesting in these mountains; The goshawks of Blanchard Mountain, might drop down into the Bay View area to meet with the NG of Anacortes. This will facilitate the diversity of the gene pool. But, I only have one indication of one NG coming over the ridge line of Anacortes and heading over Fidalgo Bay. The next bay over is Padilla Bay. Then you run into the western side of Bay View. So, the question is ; Where are the goshawks of Bay View (male and female) coming from?
I received one e-mail from a resident of Anacortes, suggesting that NG are not a rare species in Anacortes. NB.
Anacortes is a small town with a large, land area; Including two marinas, and probably the largest community forest in the United States.
The NG I have observed are not in migration. I am sure NG are nesting in Anacortes. I have observed them in all areas of the town limits and just outside the town limits. Nearly always in flight.
This information may help you. East of Anacortes is Mount Vernon and Burlington. I have never observed a NG in the sky over these two towns or areas. I have a feeling: If NG are nesting in the mountains of Blanchard and Alger, which is well east of Anacortes and North of Burlington, and they probably are nesting in these mountains; The goshawks of Blanchard Mountain, might drop down into the Bay View area to meet with the NG of Anacortes. This will facilitate the diversity of the gene pool. But, I only have one indication of one NG coming over the ridge line of Anacortes and heading over Fidalgo Bay. The next bay over is Padilla Bay. Then you run into the western side of Bay View. So, the question is ; Where are the goshawks of Bay View (male and female) coming from?
I received one e-mail from a resident of Anacortes, suggesting that NG are not a rare species in Anacortes. NB.
Goshawks of Anacortes - part 1
When I first arrived on Puget Sound, I realized that NG were a common species in Anacortes and North Whidbey Island. That was in year 1999. This posting will include sightings from other areas, not to include Whidbey Island and Anacortes.
Firstly, NG in areas other than Anacortes and Whidbey Island.
In Bellingham: A male ripping through on Holly Street. In LaConner: Female from the sky, dropping into Shelter Bay. On another year— female dropping into Shelter Bay. In winter, a mature male in the sky. In Shelter Bay, late August, 2019, immature, female perched. Out of the truck I went with camera. Hawk went away from my position. Location: Enter Shelter Bay, LaConner. The first road to the right will dead- end at a container yard (rv. storage yard.)
Conway—female, immature, chased by 3 crows. Over Seattle. South of Tacoma, soaring over a field. Orcas Island. Lopez Island— mature female, over Paul Allen Estate. In the sky over Torrington. Male NG circling low over Yakima River. With Skagit Audubon— Rasar State Park— in a light mist, female spiraling up out of trees. Ten seconds later, another female, spiraling upward; At Iverson Spit— male deep in sky, displaying; Port Susan Preserve— immature female dropping toward ground, behind the dike. Padilla Bay Interpretive Center— mature female cutting through, one photo. Then ten days later, male cutting through, at same altitude, same direction. Bay View, Josh Wilson Road, female soaring; On another year, mature female soaring. Five daily sightings at Skagit Regional Airport. On D’Arcy Road, facing the Bay View ridge- line in winter — NG soaring. This area— Bay View is a large area— could be called a hot- spot for NG.
For six years I lived just outside the limits of Anacortes, at Pioneer Trails RV Park. Somewhat between Anacortes and Deception Pass. Often, I would drop off the ridge line to bird and hawk on Similk Bay. Only one sighting of NG; a red female at about 200 feet altitude cutting through. Many NG sightings on Gibraltar Road and in the sky near the RV park— also called Scimitar Ridge. NB.
Firstly, NG in areas other than Anacortes and Whidbey Island.
In Bellingham: A male ripping through on Holly Street. In LaConner: Female from the sky, dropping into Shelter Bay. On another year— female dropping into Shelter Bay. In winter, a mature male in the sky. In Shelter Bay, late August, 2019, immature, female perched. Out of the truck I went with camera. Hawk went away from my position. Location: Enter Shelter Bay, LaConner. The first road to the right will dead- end at a container yard (rv. storage yard.)
Conway—female, immature, chased by 3 crows. Over Seattle. South of Tacoma, soaring over a field. Orcas Island. Lopez Island— mature female, over Paul Allen Estate. In the sky over Torrington. Male NG circling low over Yakima River. With Skagit Audubon— Rasar State Park— in a light mist, female spiraling up out of trees. Ten seconds later, another female, spiraling upward; At Iverson Spit— male deep in sky, displaying; Port Susan Preserve— immature female dropping toward ground, behind the dike. Padilla Bay Interpretive Center— mature female cutting through, one photo. Then ten days later, male cutting through, at same altitude, same direction. Bay View, Josh Wilson Road, female soaring; On another year, mature female soaring. Five daily sightings at Skagit Regional Airport. On D’Arcy Road, facing the Bay View ridge- line in winter — NG soaring. This area— Bay View is a large area— could be called a hot- spot for NG.
For six years I lived just outside the limits of Anacortes, at Pioneer Trails RV Park. Somewhat between Anacortes and Deception Pass. Often, I would drop off the ridge line to bird and hawk on Similk Bay. Only one sighting of NG; a red female at about 200 feet altitude cutting through. Many NG sightings on Gibraltar Road and in the sky near the RV park— also called Scimitar Ridge. NB.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
On Cooper’s hawk
This post may be very controversial. Cooper’s hawks do not have an affinity for the sky. In my many years of hawking, I do not recall having observed a Cooper’s hawk (COHA) in the sky during non-migration. So, I suggest that you understand COHA migration times and add a fudge factor of a week or two.
I must describe “sky.” The sky is an area above the tallest trees, then add another 20 feet or so. A COHA must have a barometer or altimeter which will prohibit going into the sky, during non- migration times. I have just read recently, that COHA do not fly very high. What I am saying is much more defined than that short article I saw on the internet.
I am very aware of birding information presented on Tweeters (WA birders listserve), the NJ birders listserve, and PA birders listserve. I have read their information for four years. I notice that seldom do birders record the age of accipiters or of the sex. Of course, aging and sexing of accipiters is very rare. There are other factors that birders do not present— altitude of the accipiter and elapsed time of observation. And this is very understandable, as birders are not hawk watchers. Here is one of my profound statements: Birders are not hawk watchers and most of them will never become hawk watchers. It is too much of another discipline, too much of a leap of faith.
COHA do not have an affinity for the sky— only during migration. Think about it— do you age Turkey Vultures. Do your birding friends age and-or sex Osprey. How often have you observed a report on a Harrier, but the hawk is not aged or not sexed. I understand, that if you sex a male Harrier, you, at the same time will age the hawk. Also, if you happen to age a Harrier then that hawk will also be male. Also, what I am saying is that rarely will you observe a male Harrier and even more rarely will you observe a mature, male Harrier. NB.
I must describe “sky.” The sky is an area above the tallest trees, then add another 20 feet or so. A COHA must have a barometer or altimeter which will prohibit going into the sky, during non- migration times. I have just read recently, that COHA do not fly very high. What I am saying is much more defined than that short article I saw on the internet.
I am very aware of birding information presented on Tweeters (WA birders listserve), the NJ birders listserve, and PA birders listserve. I have read their information for four years. I notice that seldom do birders record the age of accipiters or of the sex. Of course, aging and sexing of accipiters is very rare. There are other factors that birders do not present— altitude of the accipiter and elapsed time of observation. And this is very understandable, as birders are not hawk watchers. Here is one of my profound statements: Birders are not hawk watchers and most of them will never become hawk watchers. It is too much of another discipline, too much of a leap of faith.
COHA do not have an affinity for the sky— only during migration. Think about it— do you age Turkey Vultures. Do your birding friends age and-or sex Osprey. How often have you observed a report on a Harrier, but the hawk is not aged or not sexed. I understand, that if you sex a male Harrier, you, at the same time will age the hawk. Also, if you happen to age a Harrier then that hawk will also be male. Also, what I am saying is that rarely will you observe a male Harrier and even more rarely will you observe a mature, male Harrier. NB.
Identification by moonlight
It was, I guess, around 1980’s that I read an article on identifying geese, swans, and possibly cranes and ducks by the full moonlight. I believe the scientist’s name was Mr. Evans. The birds were in migration. This post refers to my previous post- If you can resolve it, you can solve it. The concept is that you are not using color, pattern, field marks, or size to identify certain birds. So, as you might imagine, you are observing birds that are in silhouette; between you and the full moon. I think it was a Smithsonian publication.
If you could determine the distance to the bird from your position, and then measure the diameter of the moon, and how much space the length of the swan occupied within the full moon, then you might get a good idea of the size of the swan. So, what is involved in this survey of birds in flight: Wing movement, wing holding, wing structure, and apparent wing length. NB.
The Thought: I was perusing for the word “sneer.” I think it was from Wiki- something. It said - Charles Darwin was probably the discover of sneer, as related mainly to dogs, possibly cats, and humans. What a bunch of nonsense!
If you wish to learn of the genesis of art, or science, nearly always will the Chinese be involved. For centuries ago the Chinese were using the art- science of face- reading.
Do you have a suspended needle? NB.
,
If you could determine the distance to the bird from your position, and then measure the diameter of the moon, and how much space the length of the swan occupied within the full moon, then you might get a good idea of the size of the swan. So, what is involved in this survey of birds in flight: Wing movement, wing holding, wing structure, and apparent wing length. NB.
The Thought: I was perusing for the word “sneer.” I think it was from Wiki- something. It said - Charles Darwin was probably the discover of sneer, as related mainly to dogs, possibly cats, and humans. What a bunch of nonsense!
If you wish to learn of the genesis of art, or science, nearly always will the Chinese be involved. For centuries ago the Chinese were using the art- science of face- reading.
Do you have a suspended needle? NB.
,
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
To resolve is to solve
To resolve is to solve. Very simply, if you can resolve it you can identify it, usually. You do not need a scope or binoculars to resolve a raptor, even at a distance of one- half mile. I am getting ahead of myself, but only for one sentence. Possibly, my greatest tip is to practice your hawking skills naked- eye.
When a raptor flaps, it gives up its species. When a raptor holds its wing in a glide or a soar, it is giving valuable information. From this information you might deduce the structure of the wing. Also, the apparent length of the wing. we are not referring to size. Size is import to the bird. Size is important to the scientist, but the scientist does not use size to determine the species.
All of this advice can be used under low- light conditions. At close range, when it is dark, when the sun is below the horizon, many raptors can be identified. Also, within a heavy fog. I will post more, on this subject. NB.
The Thought: Lisa Page and Peter Strzok.
Three things are possible.
Lisa Page developed her sneer from Peter Strzok.
Peter Strzok developed his sneer from Lisa Page.
Or they both were enamored with each other because both of them had that sneer. NB.
When a raptor flaps, it gives up its species. When a raptor holds its wing in a glide or a soar, it is giving valuable information. From this information you might deduce the structure of the wing. Also, the apparent length of the wing. we are not referring to size. Size is import to the bird. Size is important to the scientist, but the scientist does not use size to determine the species.
All of this advice can be used under low- light conditions. At close range, when it is dark, when the sun is below the horizon, many raptors can be identified. Also, within a heavy fog. I will post more, on this subject. NB.
The Thought: Lisa Page and Peter Strzok.
Three things are possible.
Lisa Page developed her sneer from Peter Strzok.
Peter Strzok developed his sneer from Lisa Page.
Or they both were enamored with each other because both of them had that sneer. NB.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
More on Cooper’s
The Cooper’s hawk (COHA) is a sneaky, high-strung animal. It is all business-like. This hawk will kill just for the fun of it. It will kill just to kill, not to consume. Similar to the cat family. It does not prefer to be in the sky. When it is in the AIR, not the sky, seldom will the hawk circle about or soar. I believe that it does not soar often, because this is wasted time, also it presents too much of a silhouette. To get ahead of myself, concerning Identification: At close range in flight, with binoculars, sometime the tail of the hawk will tremble, some time the body of the hawk will tremble or vibrate. I would think this is the nature of a high- strung animal.
On the previous post of how a COHA arrives at structure penetrating into the sky, now I will advance my take on how a COPA departs the top of structure at 200 feet or more. The hawk will not depart straight- out level with the top of the structure. The hawk will immediately drop into to sky, outward and downward. The hawk wants to get to, let us say, 120 feet over ground level. I believe that is its comfort zone. In other words, the hawk will not linger in the sky.NB.
The Thought: The Northern Goshawk- loves the sun, wind, thermals, and clouds. Nearly always, the clouds are in the background. So the hawk is in the fore ground. The NG will soar, drift, hesitate, scoot, circle, and stoop. Not so the Cooper’s hawk.NB.
On the previous post of how a COHA arrives at structure penetrating into the sky, now I will advance my take on how a COPA departs the top of structure at 200 feet or more. The hawk will not depart straight- out level with the top of the structure. The hawk will immediately drop into to sky, outward and downward. The hawk wants to get to, let us say, 120 feet over ground level. I believe that is its comfort zone. In other words, the hawk will not linger in the sky.NB.
The Thought: The Northern Goshawk- loves the sun, wind, thermals, and clouds. Nearly always, the clouds are in the background. So the hawk is in the fore ground. The NG will soar, drift, hesitate, scoot, circle, and stoop. Not so the Cooper’s hawk.NB.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Khaki goshawk
This sighting should have been posted on my —- goshawks Whidbey Island.
I was traveling to Oak Harbor from Anacortes. Very near the Oak Harbor city limits, near Hoffman Road, a female NG cut in front of my car. It was tan or khaki colored. One year later, possibly the same exact location, a mature female NG cut in front of my car. NB.
The thought: I would not recommend this book: Educated.
I was traveling to Oak Harbor from Anacortes. Very near the Oak Harbor city limits, near Hoffman Road, a female NG cut in front of my car. It was tan or khaki colored. One year later, possibly the same exact location, a mature female NG cut in front of my car. NB.
The thought: I would not recommend this book: Educated.
About your question
Cooper’s hawks (COHA) do not have an affinity for the sky, related to my previous post. I think now, that it is best for you to determine where the air becomes the sky. But that is only part of the equation. For example, you might say that the sky starts at one- hundred fifty feet of altitude. So, here is the question you should be asking— if COHA do not have an affinity for the sky— but only during migration; Then how the hell does a COHA wind - up on top of a 200 foot evergreen tree, which is located in the middle of a field? Or on top of a 200 foot building? Here is one more example: I am hiking at Deception Pass State Park. The first part to the Goose Rock is steep, then you level off, then you go steep again, all the time through the trees, in order to reach the top, which is a saddle with a great view. The saddle is mostly grassy and mossy, with just a small tree or two. However, when you reach the top, there is a perched COHA! Or you are standing there taking in the sights of the flat pasture land and evergreen trees, when a raptor come out of nowhere toward you and low over head. No time for binoculars.
Actually, the hawk came from below your position. It did not come out of the sky. You spin around and determine that the hawk is a COHA. Or it went to perch. Or it went down the other side of the mountain.
Folk’s, the Goose Rock is 480 feet high. The same situation could present if you were on a mountain side 2,000 feet high. If so, how the heck did that COHA arrive there? And I think “ arrive” is the proper word.
Please take what I write with a grain of salt. What I am saying is the truth as I know it.
When an object protrudes into the sky; A mountain, a tree or a building, a COHA will treat the structure as a crutch or as a guide-on, at other times as a shield or a “screen.” The hawk will head straight for the screen, at high speed, then will dart around the screen to try and capture prey in the other side. This is because the hawk is sneaky, very sneaky. They will sneak right up the side of a house, sneak along the roof, and then drop down on the other side. Just as when the hawk is sneaking up the mountain side then sneaking down the other side.
Let us say that a COHA is 300 yards from a 200 foot tall tree in a clearing or a field. If the hawk wishes to get to the top of the tree will the hawk circle or soar upward to about 200 feet altitude, then level off and head for the tree top? NO! The same can be said for a 2,000 foot mountain. If the mountain side is barren the hawk can follow the contour of the mountain side, possibly from 120 feet away from the terrain, starting near the base and flapping upward to the top. Or more likely the hawk will start near the bottom of the mountain side and sneak the way up, or sneak up the mountain side, through the trees, which is the sneakiest way. So, the takeaway is that the hawk was uncomfortable with approaching the object from the sky, which is penetrating into the sky. Therefore, the hawk did not take to the sky, to arrive at the tall object.
So, what does all this mean? It really does not mean anything. This is the way the species acts or behaves. I can say a bird or two is not a species.
So, when you observe a raptor in sky and it is not migration time and the hawk is an accipiter: Can you think; That accipiter in the sky is not a COHA, because this guy on the internet says so. So it must be a goshawk or maybe a Sharp- shinned hawk. Absolutely not! You must take into account the object at hand. You must understand and use the proper words to describe what you observe, in order to present the proper words to the proper people.
A field guide with a range map. A range map cannot think. A range map cannot speak. A habitat cannot talk. A habitat cannot think. It’s up to you to describe the hawk in the sky.NB.
The thought : FBI man Christopher Wray will be fired. Should have been months ago. NB.
Actually, the hawk came from below your position. It did not come out of the sky. You spin around and determine that the hawk is a COHA. Or it went to perch. Or it went down the other side of the mountain.
Folk’s, the Goose Rock is 480 feet high. The same situation could present if you were on a mountain side 2,000 feet high. If so, how the heck did that COHA arrive there? And I think “ arrive” is the proper word.
Please take what I write with a grain of salt. What I am saying is the truth as I know it.
When an object protrudes into the sky; A mountain, a tree or a building, a COHA will treat the structure as a crutch or as a guide-on, at other times as a shield or a “screen.” The hawk will head straight for the screen, at high speed, then will dart around the screen to try and capture prey in the other side. This is because the hawk is sneaky, very sneaky. They will sneak right up the side of a house, sneak along the roof, and then drop down on the other side. Just as when the hawk is sneaking up the mountain side then sneaking down the other side.
Let us say that a COHA is 300 yards from a 200 foot tall tree in a clearing or a field. If the hawk wishes to get to the top of the tree will the hawk circle or soar upward to about 200 feet altitude, then level off and head for the tree top? NO! The same can be said for a 2,000 foot mountain. If the mountain side is barren the hawk can follow the contour of the mountain side, possibly from 120 feet away from the terrain, starting near the base and flapping upward to the top. Or more likely the hawk will start near the bottom of the mountain side and sneak the way up, or sneak up the mountain side, through the trees, which is the sneakiest way. So, the takeaway is that the hawk was uncomfortable with approaching the object from the sky, which is penetrating into the sky. Therefore, the hawk did not take to the sky, to arrive at the tall object.
So, what does all this mean? It really does not mean anything. This is the way the species acts or behaves. I can say a bird or two is not a species.
So, when you observe a raptor in sky and it is not migration time and the hawk is an accipiter: Can you think; That accipiter in the sky is not a COHA, because this guy on the internet says so. So it must be a goshawk or maybe a Sharp- shinned hawk. Absolutely not! You must take into account the object at hand. You must understand and use the proper words to describe what you observe, in order to present the proper words to the proper people.
A field guide with a range map. A range map cannot think. A range map cannot speak. A habitat cannot talk. A habitat cannot think. It’s up to you to describe the hawk in the sky.NB.
The thought : FBI man Christopher Wray will be fired. Should have been months ago. NB.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Tip- Cooper’s hawk
This is a good tip. Catch a Cooper’s hawk on a snag or perched in the open. Best to be in silhouette. If the head of the hawk is snapping about, left and right, or up and down, then it is probably a Cooper’s hawk. This hawk is probably not a goshawk. Sometimes when a goshawk is being bothered by sparrows or swallows, the hawk will be oblivious of being attacked.
This tip can be used naked-eye at a distance of up to one- hundred yards. The reason for head snapping is that a Cooper’s hawk is a very high strung hawk, very nervous. NB.
This tip can be used naked-eye at a distance of up to one- hundred yards. The reason for head snapping is that a Cooper’s hawk is a very high strung hawk, very nervous. NB.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
The tussle
Have you ever observed a Cooper’s hawk ( COHA) tussle with an eagle in the sky? SKY— my definition — one- hundred twenty feet of altitude or more. Under that altitude, I could call the air. Bet you have not. If you did it was in migration time.
How about a COHA tussle with a raven or an osprey or a Red-tailed hawk or a goshawk?
I have observed the NG tussle with Red-tailed hawk, osprey, raven, eagle, and Turkey Vulture. But never with a COHA. All in the sky. You will probably never observe a COHA tussle with other raptors in the sky, because COHA to no go into the sky to tussle.
If you do not live near a major migration route, you will probably never observe a COHA in migration. If you do not live near a major migration route you might never observe a NG in migration. If it is not migration time, that NG in the sky is probably a resident hawk.
If you observe an accipiter in the sky and it is not migration time, then that accipiter is probably not a COHA. Here is my take on the situation. I believe, I have never observed a COHA in the sky during non- migration time. Which leads to my profound statement — COHA do not have an affinity for the sky— only during migration! So, know your migration times, and add a fudge factor of a week or two.
The thought: Now this web site is starting to weave and revolve into some of my other posts and will work its way into many other up- coming posts. And I know what you are thinking.NB.
How about a COHA tussle with a raven or an osprey or a Red-tailed hawk or a goshawk?
I have observed the NG tussle with Red-tailed hawk, osprey, raven, eagle, and Turkey Vulture. But never with a COHA. All in the sky. You will probably never observe a COHA tussle with other raptors in the sky, because COHA to no go into the sky to tussle.
If you do not live near a major migration route, you will probably never observe a COHA in migration. If you do not live near a major migration route you might never observe a NG in migration. If it is not migration time, that NG in the sky is probably a resident hawk.
If you observe an accipiter in the sky and it is not migration time, then that accipiter is probably not a COHA. Here is my take on the situation. I believe, I have never observed a COHA in the sky during non- migration time. Which leads to my profound statement — COHA do not have an affinity for the sky— only during migration! So, know your migration times, and add a fudge factor of a week or two.
The thought: Now this web site is starting to weave and revolve into some of my other posts and will work its way into many other up- coming posts. And I know what you are thinking.NB.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Just leave it
Certain species are confusing to me, so at times
“ I will let that one go.” Often it is just that some coloring is absent.
To me, Dowitchers are a tough call. Here is what I go with. If the tertiary markings are tiger design, then the bird is Short- bill. If the tertiary are slightly colored or nearly similar to the Short-Bill, then the bird is a Long- bill.
I am in the field with you. We are observing Dowitchers. I can identify a few. Then you start calling the birds, explaining the species. I understand what you are saying, but it does not compute. As we depart the area, I am thinking. I can’t call many of those birds. I will have to: Just let that one go.
This is the way it is and this is the way it should be.
You are in the field with me. There is a raptor in the sky. We agree it is an accipiter. I explain why it is a Northern Goshawk and female. You do not argue with me. But what I describe just does not gel. As we walk away from the scene, you are thinking: That hawk was an accipiter, and that is good enough for me. As being a goshawk, I cannot take it that far.
This is the way it is— and this is the way it should be.NB.
“ I will let that one go.” Often it is just that some coloring is absent.
To me, Dowitchers are a tough call. Here is what I go with. If the tertiary markings are tiger design, then the bird is Short- bill. If the tertiary are slightly colored or nearly similar to the Short-Bill, then the bird is a Long- bill.
I am in the field with you. We are observing Dowitchers. I can identify a few. Then you start calling the birds, explaining the species. I understand what you are saying, but it does not compute. As we depart the area, I am thinking. I can’t call many of those birds. I will have to: Just let that one go.
This is the way it is and this is the way it should be.
You are in the field with me. There is a raptor in the sky. We agree it is an accipiter. I explain why it is a Northern Goshawk and female. You do not argue with me. But what I describe just does not gel. As we walk away from the scene, you are thinking: That hawk was an accipiter, and that is good enough for me. As being a goshawk, I cannot take it that far.
This is the way it is— and this is the way it should be.NB.
Have you seen
Dear birders and hawk watchers:
Have you read the book— No One Would Listen. It is also a movie. Have you seen the movie— The Man Who Knew Too Much. It is also a book. Have you heard of the man who saw too many goshawks.
They are all related. They all blend with each other. The man who knew too much relates to know one would listen relates to the man who saw too many goshawks relates to the man who knew too much! NB.
The thought: Possibly the worst place to cross the road is at an intersection. Possibly the worst intersection to cross is one with a traffic light. NB.
Have you read the book— No One Would Listen. It is also a movie. Have you seen the movie— The Man Who Knew Too Much. It is also a book. Have you heard of the man who saw too many goshawks.
They are all related. They all blend with each other. The man who knew too much relates to know one would listen relates to the man who saw too many goshawks relates to the man who knew too much! NB.
The thought: Possibly the worst place to cross the road is at an intersection. Possibly the worst intersection to cross is one with a traffic light. NB.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Hawkers
Dear birders and hawk watchers: And there is a difference. Yes, there is a difference between a hawk watcher and a birder. Yes there is a difference between a Goshawk and a Cooper’s Hawk.
I have developed a Koan. I think it is a beauty.
I can not tell the size of a hawk, but I know the size of the hawk. You are in the field with me, and you point out a raptor in the sky. I might say: I cannot tell the size of the bird, but I know the size of the bird.
The thought: I was in Safeway, but first I pulled my cart next to the men’s room. I was standing at the urinal. The wall in front of me was very dark, maybe black. Then a green light came on. Then a sign flashed “ Sorry Not A Winner. “
What was that all about?NB.
,
I have developed a Koan. I think it is a beauty.
I can not tell the size of a hawk, but I know the size of the hawk. You are in the field with me, and you point out a raptor in the sky. I might say: I cannot tell the size of the bird, but I know the size of the bird.
The thought: I was in Safeway, but first I pulled my cart next to the men’s room. I was standing at the urinal. The wall in front of me was very dark, maybe black. Then a green light came on. Then a sign flashed “ Sorry Not A Winner. “
What was that all about?NB.
,
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Goshawks of Whidbey Island
It is now nearing Christmas of 2020. From my reading— Northern Goshawks are a rare species on Whidbey Island. My reading might be interpreted as, Goshawks are a rare winter visitor to Whidbey Island.
It was in the springtime of 1999 when I first started living on North Whidbey Island, Deception Pass. From the get-go, I realized that NG were a common species on North Whidbey Island.
Whidbey Island is the largest island in the United States. It is long and thin. I say there are only three towns, Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Freeland. Oak Harbor contains NAS, which is a number of squadrons of aircraft fighter jets, which is backed up by navy intelligence aircraft. A little more about this later.
I would live at Deception Pass for six years. I would live there during spring and summer and then head south for the fall and winter. I did spend one winter there. So, it was spring, summer, fall, winter, spring, and summer. I often, weekly, spent time in Anacortes. It was then that I realized, Goshawks were a common species in Anacortes. I realized that I had to be observing two sets of NG. But that is another story.
I am certain that NG are breeding on North Whidbey Island. You may think that the nearly daily noise of the fighter jets with their afterburners would drive the raptors away, but it doesn’t. The jets are practicing their their landings on aircraft carrier simulations. They are using the airfield to simulate a carrier deck. Sometimes at night. The noise can be unbearable.
Only twice have I travelled to the southern part of the island. Possibly once a year on average will I go to the central area. I say that there are not enough birders to cover the area of the island. I contend there is not one hawk watcher on the island. Even though there are 15 birding hot spots and many birding groups visit the island, this not enough to cover the island. But, of course I am not a statistician or an ornithologist.
Here are my remarkable sightings for the island. I pulled into the Sleeper Road dead end. There are some old growth trees in there. Two raptors were flying over my car. I jumped out of the car with camera and photographed two female NG flying wingtip to wingtip. I took a single shot of one and another shot— of the same hawk? Don’t know.
Triple NG at Deception Pass. Male and female were in the sky away from my position and flying farther away. Below them and behind was a male NG. That male caught up with the other two. There was a message exchanged. Then the male took off in another direction.
At the Pass- in a clearing in the forest and below tree tops was a male NG carrying prey. It crossed the clearing and then was met and held up by three crows. The NG was confused or scared and circled back around the clearing in a circle or two. Then BOOM!, a female NG entered the clearing and nearly busted into all three crows. The crows fled. The the male NG came face to face with the female NG. A message was exchanged. The female turned around and went back into the forest. Now the male was confused and started retreating and circling around the clearing. Then it made a dash into the forest, the way the female went, the initial way the male was heading. If this is not an indication of breeding Goshawks, and the nest might be within 400 yards of the clearing, then what is.
Because triple goshawks are observed, it does not necessarily indicate that NG are nesting in the area. It depends on the location. In other words, NG from disparate areas can gather in a wintering area. I would think this has the potential the spread the gene pool.
Recently, I went to birding hotspot, South Whidbey for the first time. I observed a female NG in flight three times and perched three times. Also, a male NG in flight which went into trees. Then male and female NG were deep into the sky. I received a email from a resident birder... that said, NG have never been recognized in the area.
All of my NG sightings are on North Whidbey Island, except for a female in flight in Green Bank, which is central on the island. And the recent sighting, just mentioned.
To wrap it up. Male NG were observed, all in flight but not in migration. Female NG were observed. Male and female were observed together. Triples were observed once. Very seldom have I observed a NG perched. I have observed some NG going to perch far away. I do not recall ever observing observing a Sharp- shinned hawk. And just a very few Cooper’s hawks. I have observed very few rare birds. I do not chase birds— been there, done that once. While standing in the Wall- mart parking lot in Oak Harbor, two raptors were heading toward my position, flying in tandem, at about 150 feet altitude. They came through and past my position, heading north in late spring. They appeared to be Gyr Falcons. There was one
other rare bird sighting, that was so rare, I would not write it my field notes. I informed only one or two birders, years later. It must have been in August or September, 2001– a Whooping Crane flying over North Whidbey— flying eastward. NB.
,
It was in the springtime of 1999 when I first started living on North Whidbey Island, Deception Pass. From the get-go, I realized that NG were a common species on North Whidbey Island.
Whidbey Island is the largest island in the United States. It is long and thin. I say there are only three towns, Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Freeland. Oak Harbor contains NAS, which is a number of squadrons of aircraft fighter jets, which is backed up by navy intelligence aircraft. A little more about this later.
I would live at Deception Pass for six years. I would live there during spring and summer and then head south for the fall and winter. I did spend one winter there. So, it was spring, summer, fall, winter, spring, and summer. I often, weekly, spent time in Anacortes. It was then that I realized, Goshawks were a common species in Anacortes. I realized that I had to be observing two sets of NG. But that is another story.
I am certain that NG are breeding on North Whidbey Island. You may think that the nearly daily noise of the fighter jets with their afterburners would drive the raptors away, but it doesn’t. The jets are practicing their their landings on aircraft carrier simulations. They are using the airfield to simulate a carrier deck. Sometimes at night. The noise can be unbearable.
Only twice have I travelled to the southern part of the island. Possibly once a year on average will I go to the central area. I say that there are not enough birders to cover the area of the island. I contend there is not one hawk watcher on the island. Even though there are 15 birding hot spots and many birding groups visit the island, this not enough to cover the island. But, of course I am not a statistician or an ornithologist.
Here are my remarkable sightings for the island. I pulled into the Sleeper Road dead end. There are some old growth trees in there. Two raptors were flying over my car. I jumped out of the car with camera and photographed two female NG flying wingtip to wingtip. I took a single shot of one and another shot— of the same hawk? Don’t know.
Triple NG at Deception Pass. Male and female were in the sky away from my position and flying farther away. Below them and behind was a male NG. That male caught up with the other two. There was a message exchanged. Then the male took off in another direction.
At the Pass- in a clearing in the forest and below tree tops was a male NG carrying prey. It crossed the clearing and then was met and held up by three crows. The NG was confused or scared and circled back around the clearing in a circle or two. Then BOOM!, a female NG entered the clearing and nearly busted into all three crows. The crows fled. The the male NG came face to face with the female NG. A message was exchanged. The female turned around and went back into the forest. Now the male was confused and started retreating and circling around the clearing. Then it made a dash into the forest, the way the female went, the initial way the male was heading. If this is not an indication of breeding Goshawks, and the nest might be within 400 yards of the clearing, then what is.
Because triple goshawks are observed, it does not necessarily indicate that NG are nesting in the area. It depends on the location. In other words, NG from disparate areas can gather in a wintering area. I would think this has the potential the spread the gene pool.
Recently, I went to birding hotspot, South Whidbey for the first time. I observed a female NG in flight three times and perched three times. Also, a male NG in flight which went into trees. Then male and female NG were deep into the sky. I received a email from a resident birder... that said, NG have never been recognized in the area.
All of my NG sightings are on North Whidbey Island, except for a female in flight in Green Bank, which is central on the island. And the recent sighting, just mentioned.
To wrap it up. Male NG were observed, all in flight but not in migration. Female NG were observed. Male and female were observed together. Triples were observed once. Very seldom have I observed a NG perched. I have observed some NG going to perch far away. I do not recall ever observing observing a Sharp- shinned hawk. And just a very few Cooper’s hawks. I have observed very few rare birds. I do not chase birds— been there, done that once. While standing in the Wall- mart parking lot in Oak Harbor, two raptors were heading toward my position, flying in tandem, at about 150 feet altitude. They came through and past my position, heading north in late spring. They appeared to be Gyr Falcons. There was one
other rare bird sighting, that was so rare, I would not write it my field notes. I informed only one or two birders, years later. It must have been in August or September, 2001– a Whooping Crane flying over North Whidbey— flying eastward. NB.
,
Friday, December 6, 2019
Red goshawks
A red goshawk is a goshawk with red or red- orange vermiculation on the chest and belly. And the underwing is also reddish. A goshawk can mimic a Cooper’s hawk with coloration and also with wing movements, but this is not true mimicry as it does not serve a purpose. The NG can fly with wing beats that are the same depth as a Cooper’s hawk and the wing beats can be stiff and straight up and down, as of a Cooper’s hawk. I have noticed this condition with the NG, but it only seems to occur when the NG is at low altitude, such as when the hawk is below 50- 75 feet altitude. I assume that this is the most efficient way for the raptor to fly at this low altitude. But the NG does not always
use this method of wing beats at low altitude.
So, what does this mean? I will jump ahead of myself with this statement— if you think that you have observed a NG— then you possibly - probably have observed a Goshawk. Now my detractors are starting to get irritated. I might as well carry on, about my sighting of red NG. Here are the locations: Rockport, TX, more than one daily sighting of female, and a sighting of a male. Bacliff, TX, a female soaring. Georgetown, TX, a female over the Jon Berry Preserve. The suburb of Houston, Kemah. A female in flight.
Arizona- Tucson, many daily sightings — all in flight of male and female. And over a period of five years. Goodyear— a male in flight.
Anacortes,WA. Daily sightings over a three year period, of female or females, and have observed a male. All in flight. To be precise, only four or five daily sightings over a 20- year period. NB.
use this method of wing beats at low altitude.
So, what does this mean? I will jump ahead of myself with this statement— if you think that you have observed a NG— then you possibly - probably have observed a Goshawk. Now my detractors are starting to get irritated. I might as well carry on, about my sighting of red NG. Here are the locations: Rockport, TX, more than one daily sighting of female, and a sighting of a male. Bacliff, TX, a female soaring. Georgetown, TX, a female over the Jon Berry Preserve. The suburb of Houston, Kemah. A female in flight.
Arizona- Tucson, many daily sightings — all in flight of male and female. And over a period of five years. Goodyear— a male in flight.
Anacortes,WA. Daily sightings over a three year period, of female or females, and have observed a male. All in flight. To be precise, only four or five daily sightings over a 20- year period. NB.
Goshawk downtown Anacortes
A NG circling over and over again at about 150 feet altitude. The hawk was flapping with very rapid and very flexible wing beats. I happened to be sitting and eating in the Calico Cupboard. The raptor was near overhead. This is a great example of why as you advance you should practice observing naked - eye. More on this subject on another posting.
About this blog
This blog is about me and my goshawks. It is not about what you have not observed. That snide comment was aimed at my detractors. Some of you may refer to me as a — country a.. hole from the hills of Pennsylvania. That is ok, it doesn’t bother me. And I call them mountains not hills.
I am a real person, not an ornithologist, not a biologist. I am not an educated person. I will bet my detractors are howling. I am not much of a birder. I seldom go to birding hot spots. I... will seldom now carry binoculars but will often carry a camera... always have binos on the car door... am not a photographer and do not have an expensive camera, never will. Will not walk in weeds or tall grass, I am not stupid. Do not have a mentor, never will.
This website is of the raptors of Puget Sound (PS) and the same type of raptors in the East. Except in the East there are five or more species you will probably never observe in PS. The site will not refer to raptors in migration, as I do not live near a major migration route. It is about raptors on their nesting, hatching site and where they migrate, even if they migrate just ten miles.There will be few photos on this blog and they will be only mine. I will not analyze my photos for you. I will not analyze your photos for you. Much more on this subject on another posting.
I will alert you toward all my strategies and tactics. Beware, I do not wish to string you out or to aggravate. Therefore, at the very beginning of the website, I will advance some information that will bother you. I am putting this information at the beginning so that you can drop this sight effortlessly, rather than struggle through until the end. You will need an open mind to understand this blog. I am of the opinion that many advanced birders will not appreciate this blog. Nearly everything in this blog will connect with other things in this blog. This blog is about hawk watching. It is not about birding for hawks.
I am a real person, not an ornithologist, not a biologist. I am not an educated person. I will bet my detractors are howling. I am not much of a birder. I seldom go to birding hot spots. I... will seldom now carry binoculars but will often carry a camera... always have binos on the car door... am not a photographer and do not have an expensive camera, never will. Will not walk in weeds or tall grass, I am not stupid. Do not have a mentor, never will.
This website is of the raptors of Puget Sound (PS) and the same type of raptors in the East. Except in the East there are five or more species you will probably never observe in PS. The site will not refer to raptors in migration, as I do not live near a major migration route. It is about raptors on their nesting, hatching site and where they migrate, even if they migrate just ten miles.There will be few photos on this blog and they will be only mine. I will not analyze my photos for you. I will not analyze your photos for you. Much more on this subject on another posting.
I will alert you toward all my strategies and tactics. Beware, I do not wish to string you out or to aggravate. Therefore, at the very beginning of the website, I will advance some information that will bother you. I am putting this information at the beginning so that you can drop this sight effortlessly, rather than struggle through until the end. You will need an open mind to understand this blog. I am of the opinion that many advanced birders will not appreciate this blog. Nearly everything in this blog will connect with other things in this blog. This blog is about hawk watching. It is not about birding for hawks.
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