Goshawk - adult

The Goshawk is one of the hardest birds of prey to see well or photograph. The UK population is lower than it should be through continued persecution by some gamekeepers and egg collectors, and it is difficult to locate and observe in its woodland habitat.
Getting a decent photograph requires time and patience, to get to know their behaviour and habitat, or a lot of luck!
This bird, a superb adult and I thought female, based on size, but the very black ear-coverts indistinctly marked secondaries are more indicative of a large male. There are few birds more striking in appearance than this.

Goshawk - adult