A mechanical workshop in Lyell Street in northern KZN had a surprise guest swoop in for a visit yesterday.

Northern Natal News reports that a gabar goshawk flew in, much to the surprise of staff. It remained in the workshop for a while, but has now left.

Local birding experts were not concerned, believing that the goshawk would eventually fly out.

“If, after a few days, it has not left of its own accord, we will contact a bird rescue organisation to capture the bird and release it,” said Ladysmith Birders president Peter Nelson before the bird left the workshop on its own.

The gabar goshawk is widespread throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. From savannas to open woodlands, thorn bushes, steppe habitats, agricultural fields and riparian areas, this species can be seen flying, hunting and perching in a wide variety of habitats throughout its range. However, it does avoid thick forests or extremely arid landscapes. Researchers have noted that, in relatively recent years, this hawk has started colonising urban areas in some parts of its range.

The bird most likely entered the building in search of food.

The gabar goshawk is categorised as a species of ‘least concern’, probably because it is widespread and common throughout open habitats of most of sub-Saharan Africa.

It consumes various types of prey, but seems to prefer hunting birds of all sizes. It will even feed on eggs and nestlings of other bird species, particularly those of weavers. Apart from a long list of bird species it hunts, it will also feed on small mammals, including bats, reptiles and insects.

Interesting fact

The gabar goshawk uses live spiders and their webs, likely for camouflage and potentially pest control, when it nests. As the spider webs grow, they envelop the nest, hiding it and trapping insects attracted to the nest’s food scraps.