A THIRD rare goshawk chick has been born in the New Forest – but it has been a stormy start for the young family after their nest was battered by heavy rain and strong winds.
As previously reported in the Daily Echo, two chicks were born within 24 hours of each other last Wednesday – and Echo readers got to watch all the action online thanks to a state-of-the-art ‘nestcam’.
A third chick hatched on Saturday – but their lives were thrown into jeopardy when the mother goshawk was blown from the nest by a strong gust, leaving the three chicks exposed and helpless.
RSPB spokeswoman Hester Phillips said the wet and windy weather had given the fledglings and their parents a rough ride.
She said: “It’s great to have the third chick with us but heavy wind and rain has caused them – and us – a fair bit of trouble.”
The Echo has joined forces with the RSPB to bring you all the action from the nest, including the birth of the fourth and final chick, expected some time today.
Visitors to the New Forest Reptile Centre near Lyndhurst and New Forest Gateway online viewers have already watched the female goshawk make the nest and lay four eggs.
Click here to see the nest, or bookmark www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/goshawks
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