Goshawks in the dales?

[Ali]

Thanks all.

Definitely not a peregrine, I've seen plenty of them, totally different shape.

Thinking from the above links that it was a hen harrier 'on display'. I've seen them before, in Bowland, but never with that flight pattern.

Thanks everyone, Ali

[Mrs Bobbit]

Ali,

From your original description it was likely to have been a hen harrier and most unlikely to have been a goshawk.

Graham

Graham knows someone who breeds Goshawks and is sure to ask the guy if it's likely. He would always like to be sure of his facts, particularly as he recognises few birds... unless they are wearing shorts.