Goshawk Safaris - North Yorkshire - Autumn 2026 Fight Club!

Fri 23rd Oct, 2026

I always plan our Yorkshire Coast Nature Goshawk Safaris over two seasons. Early spring and again in autumn. Late winter and early spring are peak time for display and courtship; pair bonding takes priority. After the summer hiatus, Goshawk activity kicks off again in late summer and autumn when the kids are in the air.

Goshawk Safari group - North Yorkshire October 2026 © Richard Baines

The first time I had an opportunity to show guests a juvenile Goshawk this autumn was a sighting on one of my Nightjar Safaris. Before we started the Nightjar watch I walked towards the nearby escarpment hoping to get a view of some late evening raptors. I had seen a juvenile Goshawk several times in the same area over the previous few weeks so I hoped we would get lucky.

Goshawk (juvenile) & hirundines - North Yorkshire August 2026 © Matt Steady

Withing seconds of arriving at the edge a large raptor appeared being mobbed by Barn Swallows and Western House Martins. This was a great view and in the evening as the sun set over the forest, so beautiful!

After the juvenile birds fledge the nest, the parents spend time providing for their young within their breeding territory. Shortly afterwards as the autumn wears on those tolerant parents turn nasty, moving their offspring away from the adult territory. At this time of year, the young birds also become aggressive as they learn how to defend themselves, attempt to find their own territory or even challenge their own parents!

Common Buzzard & juvenile Goshawks - North Yorkshire October 2026 © Danny Blake

On my Goshawk Safaris 9th and 10th October, we saw this happen with fabulous views of tussling Goshawks. The adult female and male were in the air and then we noticed the female starting her aggressive display; a slow wing beat, puffing out her feathers over the territory, a show of strength. Then a juvenile appeared and we immediately realised this was an intruder.

Later, the same morning two juveniles were in the air one following a Common Buzzard. At this time of year, the juveniles like a fight with anything even smaller birds. I have even seen a mid-air tussle between a Goshawk and Mistle Thrush.

A few moments later the female was being attacked by a smaller juvenile Goshawk almost certainly a male. We all really enjoying the action but only later when I received Danny’s photos did, I realise how close the action was!

Goshawks (adult female & juvenile) - North Yorkshire October 2026 © Danny Blake

Danny’s photo showed how the juvenile attempted to grab her tail; I was very impressed with his photo. At the same time as the juvenile attacks her, she tries to look as big as possible which she certainly does in Danny’s photos!

Common Buzzard & juvenile Goshawks - North Yorkshire October 2026 © Danny Blake

Goshawks (adult female & juvenile) - North Yorkshire October 2026 © Danny Blake

Goshawk (juvenile) - North Yorkshire October 2026 © Danny Blake

This was just one of many great experiences on my autumn Goshawk Safaris this year. Alongside the hawks I was very pleased to show my guests a host of other woodland birds including; Marsh Tits and Willow Tits, White-throated Dippers and Common Kingfisher on the nearby river and winter arrivals moving through the forest; Bramblings, Redwings and even Pink-footed Geese over the forest.

Marsh Tit - North Yorkshire October 2026 © Richard Baines

Join me on a late winter/spring Goshawk Safari

For all the details CLICK HERE

Richard Baines

Director and Wildlife Guide

Yorkshire Coast Nature