Pennsylvania Goshawk Project
In 2017 to 2020 Hawk Mountain researchers are collaborating with scientists statewide to assess the status of the Northern Goshawk. The collaboration is called the Pennsylvania Goshawk Project (see pabiologicalsurvey.org/goshawk).
Although goshawks nested from the Kittatinny Ridge northward during the 1980s, few nest sightings have been reported in the recent decade in the southern part of the range. State ornithologists believe the range of goshawk may have contracted north across the state with remaining nests located only in northern counties. However, the elusive nature of the species, makes accurate assessment of the status difficult. From 2017 to 2019, Penn State University biologists conducted a study with a focus on understanding nesting season occupancy in Allegheny National Forest and assessing possible reasons for any changes in distribution.
In addition to scientific study, Hawk Mountain and collaborators seek assistance from hikers, birders, hunters to report sightings of goshawks to the Hawk Mountain sighting report form page. Volunteers also are being recruited to help search the larger forest tracts across the state to determine if goshawks still are nesting in the area.
If you are out in forests of Pennsylvania and see a goshawk, please report it using our online data form linked at the button below. For information on identification of goshawks, their call, and a nest description, click here.
All nests will be kept confidential and locations not divulged except to implement state habitat conservation. If you have questions regarding this study or use of the data gathered, contact Laurie Goodrich, Director of Conservation Science, 570-943-3411 x106 or [email protected].
Northern goshawk in flight over North Lookout
Close up of empty northern goshawk nest
Survey team collecting forest data
Tree with empty goshawk nest found during surveys of eastern PA forests
Survey team searching by foot for nesting sites
Research associates tracking their survey sites
Thank you to our Collaborators and Supporters
- Ornithological Technical Committee of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey
- Kittatinny Ridge Coalition
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Penn State University
- Pennsylvania Wild Resource Conservation Program
- Allegheny National Forest
- Generous private donors and volunteers
How can you help?
If you are unable to volunteer, we always appreciate donations to help our efforts. Contact Dr. Laurie Goodrich (570-943-3411 ext 106 or [email protected]), or click the button below and include in the comments of the form that the online gift is for the PA Northern Goshawk Project.