Rare goshawks being bred on Cannock Chase

A rare bird of prey has begun nesting at a secret location on Cannock Chase.

The successful breeding of goshawks at the Staffordshire beauty spot has been revealed by Stafford ornithologist Kevin Jackson.

Known as phantoms of the forest because of the way they glide silently through dense woodland, goshawks, which grow to almost the size of buzzards, were driven to extinction in the UK by the early 1900s.

They were re-introduced in the 1960s and today it is though there are around 450 pairs in the country.

Mr Jackson, who has been watching wildlife on the Chase for many years, said: "We have known for some time that goshawks are back on the Chase.

"There have been a number of local sightings and earlier this year I was incredibly lucky to spot two juvenile goshawks close to a nest site.

"Despite being amongst our largest birds of prey,goshawks are incredibly difficult to see, preferring to stay hidden amongst dense woodland where they hunt for their main prey of pigeons and crows.

"Only during the late spring can they be spotted above the trees when they perform a dramatic aerial courtship known as a sky dance.

"With relatively short wings and a manoeuvrable tail, they are incredibly fast and agile for their size, managing to hunt amongst the trees where they grab their prey before flying off to a favourite perch to consume their catch."

Kevin said that goshawks were fearless predators that would defend their nests against all comers. "There are even reports of goshawks attacking people who threaten their eggs or chicks," he added.

Kevin said that prospects for goshawks on the Chase were encouraging as much of it is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offering legal protection and ensuring the landscape is conserved.

He will be on the RSPB stand at Shugborough on September 4 and 5 to discuss local wildlife issues. The RSPB hold regular weekend events for children at the estate including dragonfly making workshops.