WINTER MOVEMENTS OF ADULT NORTHERN GOSHAWKS THAT NESTED IN SOUTH-CENTRAL WYOMING

Winter movements of four adult northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) that nest in southcentral Wyoming were monitored during the winter of 1992-93. Goshawks initiated fall migrations in early fall (primarily m id-September) while weather conditions are moderate. Female 1 migrated 185 km south of her nest. She wintered in a mountainous area in Color ado at a higher elevation (2774 m) than her nest site (2500 m elevatio n). Male 1 migrated approximately 65 km west southwest of his nest bef ore he was killed by a hard blow from a blunt object. This strike may have been caused by another raptor or a collision with the ground. Bot h Female 2 and Male 2 migrated in a southerly direction from their nes ts. They were located approximately 140 km and 70 km, respectively, fr om their nests before both birds were lost during inclement weather. A ll birds returned to their nests from wintering areas between 23 March to 12 April. Results from this study suggest to wildlife managers tha t some goshawk populations in the Rocky Mountains are migratory; effor ts to manage this species need to consider both wintering and nesting habitat requirements.