goshawk behavior

[northwoodsmn]

Recently my family was hiking on a trail in Superior National forest in northern Minnesota (near the border between the US and Canada for those not familiar with the area). A goshawk (I am fairly confident on the identification, but am no expert) treated us to a wonderful show. My chatty 4 yr old was left nearly speechless with a simple WOW. The raptor flew over our heads between 20 and 50 ft in the air for 6 passes. It would go up above the tree line and then dive through individual pines and also call out while overhead.

Anyone have thoughts to why the displays? Perhaps we were close to its nest? This was in July and we had our dog with us.

Thanks,

Shawn

[AndyB]

Hi northwoodsmn, would seem like it was protecting a nest (esp if your dog was close by). Breeding Goshawk is rare in Minnesota so if you're 100% confident on the ID, this would be a good record and worth notifying local birders.

[northwoodsmn]

Thanks Andy,

I contacted Superior Forest Biologists and they are going to see if they can find the nest. I mentioned that I was worried about mis-identification, but one of the biologist said it "Definately sounds like gos behavior" so I hope I'm not leading them on a goose chase.

2 years ago I saw a Foster Tern within a mile of the location I saw this bird. It was really curious (or something else - maybe too close to a nest) and actually followed me and my wife around a lake.

I have never considered myself a bird watcher, but am now starting to -

[northwoodsmn]

Follow up to this thread: biologist confirmed with the following email:

"I went out to the Sturgeon River ski trail today and found the nest and two
young juvenile goshawks right along the trail. Thanks again for sharing
this information with us. This will allow us to protect this territory in
the future."

Good day for the nesting goshawk!

[AndyB]

Great news! Well done Shawn on getting the ID right. Best, Andy