Last year we experienced something quite special here at Den Lille Hagen – we had a visit from a goshawk. It had wandered in and was gently caught with a blanket so that both we and the bird were safe.

It's not often you get this close to a bird of prey. It might look a bit scary with that intense stare and open beak, but this is completely natural – it's stressed and trying to defend itself.

📚 Facts About the Goshawk

• Latin name: Accipiter gentilis
• Size: 50–65 cm long
• Wingspan: Up to approximately 120 cm
• Lifespan: 15–20 years
• Habitat: Forest throughout Norway
• Diet: Birds and small animals – including chickens

The goshawk is one of the most efficient hunters we have in Norwegian nature. It hunts quickly and precisely, often by surprising its prey among trees and bushes.

🐔 When You Keep Chickens

For those of us who keep chickens and other animals, this is a reminder that we share the area with nature. Birds of prey like the goshawk are a natural part of the ecosystem, even though it can be inconvenient for us.

💡 Tips for Protecting Chickens

• Have netting or a roof over the chicken coop
• Provide hiding places
• Avoid letting chickens out unsupervised
• Be extra vigilant in the morning and evening

This was an experience we won't forget anytime soon – and fortunately it went well for both us and the bird 🙌

👉 Have you had a visit from a bird of prey? Feel free to share your experiences!