Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis
Rarely seen across its extensive territory, the robust forest-dwelling hawk is a striking sight for those fortunate enough to observe it closely. Adults are easily recognizable by their robust build, broad wings, and distinctive coloring: gray above and whitish below with dense barring, accentuated by a prominent pale eyebrow and fiery orange eyes. Resembling the Eurasian Sparrowhawk in its youth, this hawk distinguishes itself through its larger size, enhanced strength, more conspicuous white eyebrow, heavier underbelly streaking, and typically marked undertail coverts. While the Sparrowhawk frequents suburban locales, the goshawk prefers vast mature forests for its habitat. Known for its fierce nature, particularly during nesting periods, this raptor preys on substantial game such as hares and grouse.
I first photographed Goshawks in Spain back in 2023. They made an immediate impression on me with their haunting cries and piercing stares.
They arrived shortly after dawn - a male and female pair. Unfortunately this was too early and it was too dark to be taking photos. We could see them well enough, and they started feeding immediately. We got lucky with a second female turning up. The male chased her off, and the female mantled her prey for a good 30 minutes - just enough delay for the daylight to arrive and photography to begin.
My next chance was in Norway in 2024 where I was treated to seeing a massive female demoish a pigeon. It was quite gruesome, but just added to the grim charisma this bird has. I returned to Norway in 2025 and saw a juvenile one, suprisingly in an open field. You'd usually not expect to find them outside of dense woodland. Turns out this juvenile wasn't totally confident in it's hunting abilities, so it risked some carrion. I say risked - this was Golden Eagle territory, and the hunter was anxious to not become the hunted.
