Ghana’s secretive forest raptors!

Following the early success of the tour that Callan was leading to Ghana, with an incredible hour-long viewing of the seldom-seen and elusive Congo Serpent Eagle, we have had a string of exceptional sightings of more secretive forest raptors that normally require many visits!

The highlight must surely be the incomparable Long-tailed Hawk, a little-know squirrel hunter of the central African forest understory (see picture below). Next was a prolonged scope view of a tiny Red-thighed Sparrowhawk, its bright red eye contrasting with the grey plumage (not pictured) and its presence betrayed by a cheeky Velmet-mantled Drongo. On the forest edge too was a perched African Cuckoo Hawk, widespread but always good to see well, and a Red-chested Goshawk, seen shortly after completing its early morning display flight (with the barred chest). Photographs copyright tour-leader Callan Cohen.

Long-tailed Hawks hunt squirrels. This bird was photographed on a Ghana birding tour © Callan Cohen

Red-chested Goshawk on a Ghana birding tour © Callan Cohen

African Cuckoo-Hawk on a Ghana birding tour © Callan Cohen

Long-tailed Hawk on a Ghana birding tour © Callan Cohen

Long-tailed Hawk on a Ghana birding tour © Callan Cohen