As many of you may know there has been considerable progress on the Goshawk work in Fife. An informal group was set up to study this species in 2016 led by Harry Bell and myself. Last year we visited suitable woodlands and forest during the display time and found a minimum of eight pairs and a maximum of 12 pairs. The exact figure is more likely to be closer to the maximum figure. However, we also know we did not get them all. The work continues in 2018 and ALL birdwatchers in Fife can contribute. There are three levels of contribution. Firstly, if you see a Goshawk ( especially in the breeding season ) please report it to the county recorder and/or Harry or me. Secondly, If you want to look for Goshawks locally choose a nice day in the second half of March, find a good overview of ‘ your ‘ wood and give it as long as you can, preferably all day. Thirdly, if you are very keen contact the group.
The pairs we have are fairly well distributed with strongholds in the south-west and north-east of the Kingdom. The area which requires the most work is the centre of the county. Birdwatchers always ask me for very specific tips when looking for this species. Here is a VERY specific tip; display was noted at most sites on 24th March 2017, mostly in the mid to late morning. It was a good day, 5% cloud cover, SW2.
We are taking a very different approach to this species than most counties where the work is ‘top secret’. There are two very good reasons for this; we believe this secretive species is more common than once believed and secondly we trust our observers.
Ken Shaw on behalf of Harry Bell, Tom Ross, Graham Sparshott, Malcolm Ware.