When are pheasants most likely taken by a Goshawk?

The likelihood of a Goshawk taking pheasants on a reflush stems from the hunting behavior and strategies of this bird of prey. When pheasants are initially flushed, they might scatter in different directions, using their cover to evade predators. However, on a reflush, which can occur when the birds are startled again, they may be less cautious and more predictable in their movements, leading to an increased chance of being captured by the Goshawk.

During a reflush, the pheasants are often disoriented and may not have had the opportunity to find secure cover again, making them vulnerable. This behavior aligns with the hunting patterns of Goshawks, which are agile and opportunistic hunters. They exploit situations where prey is likely to be less alert or when they have already been startled once, allowing the falconer to capitalize on the pheasants’ potential confusion.

While the time of day can influence hunting success, the specific interaction between the Goshawk and pheasants during a reflush presents a unique opportunity for an effective hunt, highlighting why this scenario is optimal compared to the other options.