Northern goshawks are nesting in Byrne Creek Ravine Park in Burnaby, likely of the "regionally important" yellow-listed subspecies.
My wife and I first noticed them a couple of weeks ago, when we saw one sitting about 20m up in a tree tearing apart a midsize bird and eating it. A second one flew by every few minutes to try to grab a bite, only to be fended off.
We noticed one of them flying to a large nest about 20m off a major path. A few days later we went out to check on the nest, and as we were standing there we suddenly heard a hawk cry, and within seconds noticed one circling way above us.
We decided it would be best to move on, and were glad we did, for the second bird suddenly appeared, zooming by at tree-top level. They can be very aggressive in protecting their territory!
Later that same day we saw one of the goshawks drive off an eagle that was circling above the park.
Today we walked down to the nest again. Just a few seconds after we stopped and raised our binoculars, I heard a hawk cry. Looking up, we saw one circling, and felt the hair rise on our necks as we sensed the second nearby.
We quickly trotted down the path to put some distance between us and the nest.
It appears the goshawks do not feel threatened as long as people using the path keep moving. But if you stop and stare at the nest, they respond immediately.
It's exhilarating to have such wildlife in an urban area!
There is more info on goshawks in BC here.
Posted by Paul at May 6, 2004 07:18 PM