FALCONID^.. 



331 



THE GOSHAWK. 



AsTUR PALU.MBARius (Liniiaeus). 



Adult examples of the Goshawk are rarely obtained in the British 

 Islands ; but immature birds have occurred, at long intervals, in 

 autumn and winter, and sometimes in spring. These visitors are, 

 naturally, most frequent on the east coast of England and Scotland ; 

 but instances are on record from the vicinity of London, the southern, 

 the midland, and even the western counties. In Saxon times, and as 

 late as 1472 (Paston letters), falconers used to turn their Goshawks into 

 the woods in spring, in order that young might be obtained later, but 

 it may be doubted if the species was ever numerous in England. In 

 Scotland, prior to 1804, Colonel Thornton received a nestling from 

 the forest of Rothiemurchus, and saw some eyries in the old fir- 

 woods in the valley of the Spey ; but there is no later proof that 

 this species has bred in any part of Great Britain. Neither Mr. R. 



