On May 21, 2025, at 6:54 PM, Bet Gendron via NMCCSCeGroup <nmccscegroup@mailman.swcp.com> wrote:
Skiers and Hikers- This just out from Sandia Ranger District re Northern Goshawks defending their mating territory along some familiar trails. Please read the full notice below. My accents.Bet GendronNMCCSkiClub Egroups Chair_______________________________________________PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE
<image001.png>Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands
(505) 346-3900
Public Safety Notice
Northern Goshawks Defend Breeding TerritorySandia Ranger District: May - August
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – May 21, 2025 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is advising visitors to the Cienega and Sulphur recreation sites on the Sandia Ranger District that a pair of Northern Goshawks are defending a mating territory along the Amijo, Pine Drop, Cresta, and Valle Trails. Northern Goshawks often defend their breeding territories during nesting season with aggressive behavior, including loud vocalizations, swooping down, and, in rare cases making contact with intruders.
We are strongly encouraging visitors to avoid this area. Visitors that choose to recreate in this area should move quietly and calmly, wear wide brimmed hats, eye protection, and stay alert. If a Goshawk is encountered through alarm calls or defensive behavior, leave the area immediately while keeping eyes on the bird. ('protected' eyes- bg)
“The Northern Goshawk is a large and powerful forest dwelling bird of prey that depends on mature forests to thrive. The Goshawks have started to defend their breeding territory within the Sandia Mountains. Forest Service staff have received reports of these Goshawks aggressively swooping down on forest visitors. The Goshawks will continue to defend their territory through the middle of August, when the young fledge and venture out on their own. This unique species is an important part of a healthy forest ecosystem, and it is important that the public let these impressive raptors have the space and safety they deserve to raise their young successfully. Choosing another part of the district to enjoy is safer for both the Goshawk and for you.” Andrew Ellis, Wildlife Biologist - USDA Forest Service - Sandia Ranger District
<image004.jpg>Visitors to the Sandia Ranger District are encouraged to explore other recreation sites and trails on the Cibola National Forest at: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/cibola/recreation
Further information contact the Sandia Ranger District:
11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 (505-281-3304)Photo: Adult Northern Goshawk. Photo by Jack Kirkley.
This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
Volunteers_fosm mailing list
Volunteers_fosm@mailman.swcp.com
https://mailman.swcp.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volunteers_fosm
<image002.jpg><2025 Sandia RD Armijo Canyon Area Trail Map.pdf><2025_05_21_SandiaRD Northern Goshawk NR.pdf>_______________________________________________
NMCCSCeGroup mailing list
NMCCSCeGroup@mailman.swcp.com
To unsubscribe:
Login to our website at ski.nmccskiclub.org and click on the "Opt out of Egroup" option in your member profile, and scroll down and click "Save". You can toggle this at any time and changes will register within 24 hours.