My philosophy

If you do not care for the way I present my information, or think that I am a liar, or a hoaxer, or that I am interpreting S.S. Hawks and Cooper's Hawks as Goshawks, then of course you will express your opinion. However, if you try and censure or black-list my reports, from listserves that are supposed to treat its members fairly, then I will sue you. Also, I will not answer your questions, queries, and comments, that you might post on my blog sights, or that you WILL post relating to my sightings that will be posted on Tweeter's listserve. However, if you wish to join me in the field, as I hawk-watch, your presence will treated with respect. Most of my field work is in Anacortes, North Whidbey Island, and sometimes in La Conner. In winter you might wish to join me in Tucson. At other times (winters) I might be in Texas or Southern California: all excellent areas to observe NG.

Explanation of text

F= flapping; G= gliding; S= soaring; Northern Goshawk= NG; EOB= elevation of bird; OT= observation time; Pioneer Trails RV Park= RVP (my residence - just outside of city limits of Anacortes)
When a raptor flaps its wings it gives up its species, in other words, its species is no longer in doubt. If yet in doubt, observe the wing shape and position of the wing in a soar. If still in doubt, observe the shape and position of the wing in a glide. Most raptors of the Pacific Northwest, and the Northeastern United States can be identified within 4-5 seconds of observation; that is if the bird is in flight, and it is during non- migratory conditions, in other words, when the bird is settled in its southern wintering quarters, or its "northern" breeding quarters.

Raptors in Flight

When a raptor flaps its wings, it gives up its species. In other words, its species is no longer in doubt. If yet in doubt, observe the shape and position of the wings in a glide. If still in doubt, observe the shape and position of the wings in a soar. Size matters; know that any "large"accipiter is automatically a Northern Goshawk, and is naturally a female. If you use certain words to define an object, be able to describe your meaning of the word; specifically, the word lanky as it is usually applied toward Cooper's Hawks.I have a very long definition of the word lanky.

Goshawks of Anacortes (2006-07)

My mantra: I am not interested in what you have not seen; example - I don't care that you have lived in San Diego for 40 years, and you have birded extensively, every week end in San Diego, for 20 years, and you and all your birding friends have never seen one Goshawk in San Diego. Example: I don't care that you have visited Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, 20 times, and have never seen a Goshawk. I will repeat: I am not interested in what you have NOT seen!



I have, over an 8-year period, experienced Goshawks in the Anacortes- North Whidbey Island area. If you wish to argue the point, or question me relating to how I identify raptors - this blog is not the place to contact me. I will not even look at your messages. If you wish to meet me in the field, I will show you the WAY. I can be contacted by cell; 360 420 9320. I am in the field every day. But, nearly always in Anacortes, or N. Whidbey Island in summer, and usually in Tucson city limits in winter.In 2008 I will, for one day, set a hawk watch on Mt. Constitution. I am expecting Goshawks to find us. My pal Ken Boyle and I, will also spend 1 day on Lummi Island (our first trip to the island). We are expecting Goshawks to find us. If you wish to join us, call me. When I return to Anacortes, I will subscribe to Tweeter's. If anyone tries to censure my posts, or black-list me, I will sue you!