What they like

Quiet and cover. An old wood, park or estate with tall trees to nest in, plus open areas around for hunting. Where pigeons and thrushes are nearby he’s right at home. Let a few large trees in the garden and yard grow on. Plant native shrubs like hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel: hiding places for prey birds, and thus a good hunting buffet. In farmland it helps if hedgerows, shelterbelts and small copses are left standing. Not everything neat. Prefer ragged edges.

Ecological importance

The goshawk rules the air. He keeps prey populations in check: mainly woodpigeon, corvids and songbirds. He themself is rarely eaten; larger owls can sometimes take a chick. Less disturbance around the nest means: more goshawks, more balance.

When in the Netherlands

All year round. Breeds early: from March, sometimes already late February.

Status

Resident. Common to fairly common, but sensitive to felling, nest disturbance and traffic casualties.