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GREY PREY
18/12/2020
Grey squirrels, attractive and characterful though they undoubtedly are, do not enjoy a good press amongst conservationists. They are infamous as an invasive alien species in Britain, and for being responsible for the decline to near extinction of the native red squirrel. They raid birds’ nests, strip bark off young trees, dig up favourite plants, steal from bird tables and generally make a nuisance of themselves. Apart from humans, they had few enemies in Britain, but recently I have been seeing predation of grey squirrels by a raptor that is becoming more common – the goshawk. Just in the last few months I have seen grey squirrels killed by goshawks living and hunting at the edge of a large woodland. My curiosity aroused, I checked on whether there were many records of squirrels being goshawk food and, yes, there certainly are. Grey squirrel had been found to be becoming a major prey item for goshawks in some places – as much as 95% of their food in one study.
The goshawk is one of several birds of prey staging a population recovery in Britain. Here they are more commonly associated with large woodlands and forest, but on the Continent they are not uncommonly found in urban areas, so it is not impossible that you will see them on our sites. They look rather like sparrowhawks but are considerably larger – more buzzard size, with broad wings and a long tail that is rounded, not square like the sparrowhawk’s. With binoculars you might be able to see the white line they have above their orange eyes. Females are larger than males. Fascinating fact: goshawks are copious copulators, up to 500 times or more per clutch! This is probably an anti-competition strategy by males to ensure partner fidelity so his genes win through rather than a usurper’s.
Betts Ecology work to protect and record our raptors. Buzzards, kestrels and tawny owls are the most commonly documented but, you never know, you may be lucky enough to see a goshawk on or over your greenspace, and if you see one attacking a grey squirrel, do let us know.
© Betts Ecology
