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Northern Goshawk



Hi - While not as exciting as a wagtail - I had an adult N. Goshawk here 
in Southern Pines, NC - yesterday 10-23-02 at about 5:30pm.  I was at my 
sons soccer practice when I looked up and saw a large gray bird about 40 
- 50 feet up flying across the field. I was about 40 yards from the 
bird. The birds grayish white under parts and dark gray wings - broad 
rounded -  and upper parts were visible as it flew across. Its fluffy 
white under tail coverts really stood out/contrasted with the underside 
of the tail. The bird flapped two - three times and went into a glide 
into thick longleaf pines on the south side of the field and when it 
entered the trees it drew its wings up to "fit" through the branches 
etc.. a huge flock of grackles erupted. I observed the bird for less 
than five seconds and wanted to go chase it but as I was tied up 
coaching - couldn't go after it. It flew in the direction of Wayne 
Irvins house. Maybe it will stake out Waynes bird feeder:)  My first 
N.C. Goshawk.


Scott Hartley
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve
Southern Pines, NC - Moore Co.