Goshawks are ‘gray ghosts’ of northern forests Wary raptors a challenge to find

I have to admit I’ve always had an affinity for birds of prey. They are exciting to watch in action, if one is so lucky to witness hunting behavior. Even if they’re sitting immobile, their fierce and noble countenance is inspiring to behold.

Most raptors are secretive, forest-dwelling birds that are easily disturbed by human activity. Exceptions to this would be the peregrine falcons observed each year in Acadia National Park, the merlins that allowed me to witness the growth of their family this past spring and summer, and a pair of kestrels that nested and successfully raised three young in a working wood-chip bin.

One bird I’ve never positively seen and would like to get a chance to observe is the goshawk.

Some years ago I thought I saw one of these “gray ghosts,” as they have been very aptly nicknamed. I had been walking down a winding, snowy coastal road in Blue Hill. Just as I arrived at a break in the trees, a swift form flew silently just under the treetops, crossed over the road, and disappeared into the forest.

As with similar types of encounters, the element of surprise and excitement this time precluded a clear identification. I thought I noticed the telltale white “eyebrow” and dark mask characteristic of this species – but I wasn’t sure. One factor did tip the balance in favor of a gos identification: the season.

The goshawk is one of the few raptors that will winter in the northern United States and Canada. It is a partial migrant and may vacate portions of its range during the nonbreeding season. If food is scarce during hard years, it may “irrupt” into more southerly portions of the country. But this bird is an opportunist. It favors grouse, hares, and tree squirrels, but will also take insects and reptiles.

There have been reports of nesting goshawks in the Penjajawoc Marsh off Stillwater Avenue in Bangor, so I am hopeful of spotting one during future visits. These birds may wander up to 40 square miles after the breeding season, so I may be very lucky to see one before next spring.

The breeding season brings these otherwise solitary birds into close association. The male and female engage in acrobatic courtship displays, which include slow, elaborate flapping, undulating flight, and steep dives. Hopefully, I can find a distant spot to observe this behavior, and possibly the raising of young.

Staying away from the nest is most important during this stage. Not only should you not disturb the birds, because you also run a real risk of being strafed by the very aggressive and territorial female.

That’s one encounter I’d not like to have with the formidable gray ghost.

Chris Corio’s column on birds is published each Saturday. Corio, a volunteer at Fields Pond Nature Center in Holden, can be reached at fieldspond@juno.com