Yesterday, in the quiet early-morning hours, I spotted a Grey Goshawk at Manly Dam. This is only the second time I’ve seen one of these birds (the first was two years ago). Both times, I’ve been impressed with the atmosphere of calm that the bird projects. I guess if I were a mouse, my impression might be different!

In the video, you can hear Rainbow Lorikeets scolding and a wattlebird croaking. The hawk itself is silent. At the end, the hawk turns and drops off the branch to fly away. I watched this bird for a while, as it flew from tree to tree. The way it dropped off the branch at the start of flight was similar each time.

Common name: Grey Goshawk
Scientific name: Accipiter novaehollandiae
Approximate length: 40-55 cm. Wing span: 70-110 cm.
Date spotted: 14 January 2022 (summer)
Location: Manly Dam Reserve, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’53.6″S 151°15’08.7″E