The Northern Goshawk is the largest accipiter in North America, an accipiter is a hawk that is usually bulky with short wings and a long tail. The Goshawk has distinct gray barring on the chest and a white line above the eye. They are found in forests with clearings or wetlands that provide some open spaces, especially in mountain areas. They are usually inconspicuous, unless they are defending their nest areas, which are usually in tall trees. Goshawks are fast and agile flyers that hunt mainly from the perch, once prey is sighted, they burst attack on the hare, bird, or squirrel they sought.

I saw this goshawk in an old growth Ponderosa Pine forest, it landed on a tree above me. It stayed for a few minutes then quickly flew deeper into the woods. I feel fortunate to have seen this bird, as they generally do not draw attention to themselves and are seldom seen.