The character Gus the Goshawk is actually the teenage nephew of Coach Hawksie. Goshawks are normally very secretive birds. The name goshawk comes from the Old English word for “goose hawk,” a reference to this raptor’s habit of preying on birds. The Northern Goshawk is well known for its fierce defense of its nest. It commonly attacks people and other animals that approach the nest too closely. Attila the Hun wore an image of a Northern Goshawk on his helmet.