A bird of prey labelled "secretive" and "difficult to see" has been spotted in Hampshire over the weekend.

Daily Echo Camera Club member Chris Cowell was almost caught off-guard while taking pictures outside Winchester.

The wildlife photographer based in the New Forest looked up and saw a goshawk above him, with the majestic bird of prey flying at full stretch.

"This goshawk took be by complete surprise," Chris said in a Facebook post.

"I was photographing some deer at dusk when suddenly I heard an angry crow, I looked up, and there she was.

"With no time to change the camera settings, I crossed my fingers and hoped that I could clean the images up."

READ MORE: Titchfield: Glossy ibis 'scarce' in the UK spotted

Despite not having time to get set up, Chris still managed to snap three photos of the goshawk.

The goshawk flapping his wings, as spotted and snapped by Chris Cowell.The goshawk flapping his wings, as spotted and snapped by Chris Cowell. (Image: Chris Cowell Photography) One caught the bird of prey at just the right angle as it could be seen in full stretch while soaring through the air.

Others in the comments called the bird "stunning" and praised Chris for capturing the "beautiful" goshawk in flight.

RSPB Bird and Wildlife Conservation Charity calls the goshawk "very secretive and difficult to see" on its website.

The charity's page on the goshawk says that they are very unlikely to turn up in a garden like a sparrowhawk, and are most commonly found in southern Scotland, northern England and Wales.

The RSPB says that the goshawk can be very secretive and difficult to see.The RSPB says that the goshawk can be very secretive and difficult to see. (Image: Chris Cowell Photography) The RSPB goes on to say that the goshawk can be identified by its bright red eyes, distinctive white eyebrow and steel-grey back and barred, white chest.

READ MORE: Rare UK bird of prey seen soaring near New Forest

In flight, the bird of prey's tail has rounded corners, with females being bigger than males and even reaching the size of a buzzard.

The RSPB does also note that eye colour can "vary from deep red to orange or yellow, depending on the age and sex of the bird".

Both males and females have yellow legs, which are thicker than the similar looking sparrowhawk's.

The Wildlife Trusts say that the goshawk is known as the "phantom of the forest" as it can fly through the trees at up to 40km per hour while hunting small mammals and other birds.