February 2018 Broomfield Naturalists Observation of the Month

Congratulations to 'katisonahikd' for winning the February 2018 Broomfield Naturalists Observation of the Month! Her observation of a Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) was the most popular observation on Broomfield Naturalists for February, 2018.

Although widely distributed in woodlands from the Front Range foothills westward, the Northern Goshawk is one of the least frequently seen birds in Colorado. They glide quickly and silently, striking unwary quarry feet first. If detected, these reckless hunters fly at high speeds in pursuit of fleeing prey, maneuvering through the forest using their long tail as a rudder, crashing through brush and even chasing a potential meal into the water if necessary. Northern Goshawks also occasionally stalk prey on foot. They can capture mammals such as snowshoe hares more than twice their weight. Around the nest, goshawks are famously aggressive; get too close and you'll be driven away!

Great find, 'katisonahikd'!

Visit Broomfield Naturalists to vote for the winner this month by clicking ‘fav’ on your favorite observation. Make sure to get outdoors and record the biodiversity around you, then submit your discoveries and you too could be a winner!

Posted on March 1, 2018 05:21 PM by bostech