American Goshawk in St. Louis County
2012-01-10

Uncommon in St. Louis County in the Winter season

I raise fancy pigeons and they attract a lot of hawks in the winter months. I was outside today and saw my dogs take off chasing a large bird and realize it a northern goshawk with one of my pigeons in its talons! I chased after them into the woods where I saw the hawk might have landed and scared it off its meal. The pigeon was still alive and took off flying but has yet to return home. The goshawk wasn't giving up yet and when I got back to my house it returned. This time i had my camera ready for the action and it chased my pigeons around a little more but wasn't successful catching another. I hate the fact it has killed 4 of my birds so far this winter but how can you not admire a northern goshawk hunting right in front of you!

Jason Mandich