A dark phase adult gyrfalcon was seen twice this morning along Highway
#6 at the south edge of Fernadale, approximately half way up the Bruce
Peninsula. It was first spotted by Don Wilkes as it chased a rock
pigeon around the Northwinds Motel at about 9:00 am. The bird was
still in the area about 10:30 am when I arrived, but had moved to the
more pigeon-rich farm about 100m south of the motel, along the other
side (west) of the road. The bird was observed for several minutes,
perched and flying, although unsuccessful at capturing anything, and
at one point flew past at about 25m distance. Several good photos of
the bird in flight were taken. When the farmer began to snowblow his
lane with a tractor, the gyrfalcon flew south over the fields,
disappearing in the distance. There are a number of farms along the
"flats" south of Ferndale, so it is possible the bird is still hunting
in the general area, or may return to that farm.
Rod Steinacher
Cape Hurd
(RR #1, Tobermory)
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