July 25, 2025- Researchers at the University of Maine are coordinating survey efforts to monitor American Goshawk occupancy across the northeastern United States and are seeking information on any known active goshawk nest locations observed between 2020 and 2025. If you are aware of any nesting records during this period, please submit any relevant details through this link.
The project, coordinated by Dr. Amber Roth and Dr. Adrian Naveda of the University of Maine, aims to advance the understanding and conservation status of the American Goshawk (Astur atricapillus) populations across the northeastern US. The project is divided into two key components: (1) the creation of spatially explicit maps of goshawk breeding distribution and suitable habitats, and (2) an estimation of goshawk occupancy in 2025.
Project Components
The first component of the project focuses on mapping both historical and current goshawk breeding distribution and suitable breeding habitats in the northeastern US. The University of Maine will lead the effort to develop spatially explicit models detailing:
- Historical breeding range (1970-2000): The maximum extent of goshawk breeding habitat from pre 2000 data sources will be mapped using GIS and spatial modeling techniques.
- Recent breeding range (2001-2025): A map showing changes in distribution since 2001 will be created, highlighting range contraction in response to ecological and anthropogenic factors.
- Habitat suitability: Using GIS and habitat data from The Nature Conservancy and other sources, a regional map of suitable breeding habitats will be produced, supporting long-term conservation planning and forest management.
The resulting maps will assist wildlife management agencies, conservation organizations, and stakeholders in evaluating habitat conservation strategies and developing policies aimed at stabilizing and recovering goshawk populations in the region.
The second component of the project focuses on estimating goshawk occupancy and distribution in 2025 by conducting field surveys based on the USFS goshawk inventory and monitoring technical guide. The key actions are:
- Sampling Stratification: The project will stratify 200 Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) across the breeding range of goshawks in participating states.
- Field Surveys: Field crews will conduct playback surveys to detect goshawk occupancy at selected PSUs between May 15 and July 31, 2025.
- Occupancy Modeling: Data from the field surveys will be analyzed to estimate the current occupancy and probability of detection of goshawks and producing a predictive map of probability of occupancy in the region.
These occupancy estimates will provide a comprehensive baseline assessment of goshawk populations in the Northeast, supporting state wildlife agencies with species assessments and helping identify areas most in need of conservation or management actions.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
This project will provide critical data on the distribution and habitat of American Goshawks in the northeast US. The spatial maps and occupancy models will be key in:
- Informing conservation strategies to reverse range contractions and enhance habitat quality.
- Assisting in the development of regional conservation measures and policies aligned with state and federal wildlife action plans (WAPs).
- Evaluating the impact of factors such as climate change and habitat loss on goshawk populations.
By documenting current and historical habitat ranges and estimating occupancy, the project will lay the groundwork for future research on goshawk demographics, including nestling survival and the impacts of nest predation.
Geographic Scope
Fieldwork will cover the historical nesting range of the American Goshawk across the northeastern US, from Maine to West Virginia. The analytical scope encompasses the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.