On a walk through the Australian forests near Sydney, I stopped on a rocky ledge to take in the view. Then I noticed a Grey Goshawk on a branch close by, also gazing out across the valley.

These beautiful birds of prey are quite sturdy, about 55 cm in length from head to tail, and have a wingspan of about one metre. Their chest and belly feathers are white with light grey horizontal bars. The head is grey, with large dark eyes outlined in yellow, and a yellow beak tipped in dark grey. Add the dark grey wings and tail feathers, and you have a very striking bird.

The goshawk was standing on one leg, with the other foot tucked under its belly feathers. The bird turned its head to see whether I posed it any danger, then went back to quiet contemplation of the view.

After five minutes or so, it hopped off the branch and glided away.

This is only the second time I’ve managed to snap some photos of a goshawk, though I’ve seen them a couple more times.

Common name: Grey Goshawk
Scientific name: Accipiter novaehollandiae
Approximate length: 40-55 cm. Wing span: 70-110 cm.
Date spotted: 4 August 2023 (winter)
Location: Manly Dam Reserve, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’54.8″S 151°15’03.5″E