THREE Goshawk chicks that have hatched in the New Forest are doing well, despite a brush with a possible predator, said project managers.

The baby buzzards were born at a secret location and can be viewed by a webcam, both online at the Echo’s website, and at the New Forest Reptile Centre near Lyndhurst.

A viewer in America, who was watching the nest live last Wednesday night, reported seeing a shadow pass across the nest and the female getting very agitated.

Theresa Paul, project officer, said: “That may well have been a potential predator.

“Perhaps it was another Goshawk, flying overhead.

“This is a critical time for the chicks, which are most vulnerable during their first few weeks.

“Competition between chicks can lead to the weakest one starving to death, or they can die from exposure in bad weather.”

This is the third year of the Goshawks project.

It is a partnership between the RSPB, the Forestry Commission, the New Forest National Park Authority and Carnyx Wild.

You can view the Goshawks at bournemouthecho.co.uk/goshawks
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