Kielder Water & Forest Park is the most tranquil spot in the UK according to the CPRE, but when it comes to animals it is like Piccadilly Circus.
Martin Davison, a Forestry Commission ornithologist, will lead the way by giving nature fans chance to see the goshawk’s amazing courtship display on 5 and 6 March.
The bird, once persecuted to extinction and which reappeared in Kielder in the 1960s, is one of the rarest in the UK and a special licence is required simply to visit its nest.
Every year Martin rings chicks, noting down their weight, wing measurements and state of health. And now he has to perform another delicate procedure - taking mouth swabs!
The samples are being used in a new project to analyse the bloodlines of Kielder’s goshawk chicks.
Blood tests carried out 20 years ago found that the local population derived from a single female – presumably the one which arrived in the forest 50 years ago.
Experts want scientific proof to confirm that new bloodlines have since come into the forest, adding to the DNA pool. Martin explained:
“It’s an interesting project, but very much in its early days. We expect the results to confirm that the bird is drawing on a wider gene pool of unrelated birds. That is important because it makes for a healthier and more viable population. Goshawks are magnificent birds and it’s good see the population is stable.”
While the science may be fascinating, it’s the sheer spectacle of male goshawks bidding to impress potential mates with a thrilling “sky dance” that will beguile people. Walks take place at 10.30am and 1.30pm (5 March) and 9am to 12 noon (6 March). Booking is required on 01434 220242 and the cost is £6 adults, £5 concessions and £16 for a family of four.
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