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Goshawk arranging new home

 

Although I have trudged 24 kilometres during the last week only one species got added – the common or red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). A gang of three flew past and thankfully called sufficiently too. Otherwise I wouldn’t have known to pay attention to them. Despite the poor increase of my species score two long walks of about 6 kilometres served their purpose. I managed to find the new nest of the local goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) in a grove and putting it in order seemed to be in full swing. I noticed another nest as well; its owner is probably a goshawk or a buzzard (Buteo buteo). No fresh twigs seemed to be in the nest yet and so the goshawk will not be active there this year. But just in case towards spring this nest should be checked once more. Some other observations. Walking in remoter locations you must take in account the fact that dog walkers don’t keep their four-legged companions on leash particularly diligently. You must be mentally prepared for someone’s bull terrier rushing on you and trying to jump into your lap. Walking to work one morning I counted 21 blackbirds (Turdus merula) in the treetops on a 50 m stretch.  One very pale great tit (Parus major) also stood out but of course at that moment I had no camera along with me .