Background and Methods

Established in 2012 by the Ontario Hawking Club and funded by a grant from the Falconry Fund and NAFA ($1000.00), the main objectives of the project were to advance goshawk conservation, build a database of nest-site locations in southern Ontario, and develop local knowledge that could facilitate research. Initial Surveys (2012-2019) were undertaken covering approximately 18,000 km2 of southern Ontario north, east and west of the city of Toronto. This a mixed urban/agricultural landscape, interspersed with forested areas of various sizes. Surveys focused on on conifer plantations, especially white pine stands, within this largely agricultural landscape. These plantations were established on abandoned farmland, and gradually converted to hardwood forest over the course of a 100-year rotation. Plantations were identified using Google Earth, Apple Maps, and aerial photography. Each year in March and June the Club organized 5-6 search teams of 1 to 3 people that would explore targeted areas on foot. Searchers used low-cost portable public address devices to broadcast goshawk alarm calls. When a goshawk responded, field technicians recorded the location and attempted to locate a nest. After the 2019 breeding season, the survey design was modified to collect additional data and standardize methods. In 2020 and 2022, goshawk calls were broadcast at more than 1000 random locations. Several raptor species responded to the broadcast calls including goshawks, but goshawk response rates were low.

Overall Results and Observations

From 2012 to 2022, 60 active goshawk nest sites were identified. In combination with the data from the 1980’s and 1990’s we now have information on more than 130 goshawk nest sites. Sites are typically active for 3 to 7 years, and most southern sites are on publicly-owned, county forest properties which were established 50 to 90 years ago.