22-05-2025
Cibola National Forest warns visitors about territorial birds
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands issued a warning for visitors about territorial birds that have swooped down on visitors.
A pair of Northern Goshawks is defending a mating territory along the Amijo, Pine Drop, Cresta, and Valle Trails on the Sandia Ranger District.
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Forest officials said the birds often defend their breeding territories during nesting season with aggressive behavior, including loud vocalizations, swooping down, and, in rare cases, making contact with intruders.
'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,' Andrew Ellis, a wildlife biologist with the USDA Forest Service, stated in a news release.
Staff are encouraging visitors to avoid the area. People who choose to visit the 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.
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