I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my opposition to this proposal, primarily because there is no rationale provided. There is nothing to explain what makes it necessary or desirable to capture Goshawks from the wild, in addition to the four raptor species that may currently be captured from the wild for the practice of falconry.

I am not opposed to the responsible practice of falconry, including for the use of raptors at airports. I am, however, opposed to expanding the capture of wild birds without providing any rationale. I am also unconvinced that the Goshawk population is stable. It's certainly a rare sighting in the fall migration hawk count in which I participate.

I support the comments of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO), the members of which include many experts. I strongly agree with OFO's recommendation that the Ministry await the results of the next Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas to confirm the Goshawk population is indeed stable, especially given that the evidence from the previous two atlases showed a decline of this species (and others).

I urge MNRF to not proceed with this proposal. At minimum, the public is entitled to much more detailed information about the rationale for such a proposal and the evidence upon which it relies.

Thank you for your consideration.