Jr. Squires et Lf. Ruggiero, WINTER MOVEMENTS OF ADULT NORTHERN GOSHAWKS THAT NESTED IN SOUTH-CENTRAL WYOMING, The Journal of raptor research, 29(1), 1995, pp. 5-9
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.