The Gyrfalcon was present this morning along Trilby Rd., west of Taft Hill. When I arrived at 10:40, it was perched atop an insulator on the crossbar of one of the shorter (wooden) powerpoles, directly north of the larger steel tower #13 and about 30 m off the road. About 5 min. later, a magpie dove at the falcon and perched on the same crossbar, ~ 10 ft. from the falcon. The magpie was agitated and repeatedly bobbed its tail, and after 1-2 minutes, took off to the south, chased by the falcon. The falcon then flew to the west and back north over the road, continuing low over the ground as it coursed north. It landed in a tree to the NW of where I was observing, about 1/4 mi. away. Over the next 5 min., it was joined in the tree by 4 magpies and 2 ravens, which continually mobbed and harassed the falcon. The falcon took off and headed south, and the ravens and magpies took to the air. The falcon wheeled back to the north and climbed above the flying ravens, which it proceeded to pursue. Twice, it dove and attacked a raven, but without success. It then returned to the tree, and after perching there for 1-2 min., flew low to the ground to the north, and perched atop a fencepost about 1/4 mile north of the tree. Over the next few minutes it attracted 3 magpies, which perched on the fence nearby and continued their harassment. When I departed at 11:00 AM, the falcon was still perched on the fencepost.
David Steingraeber Larimer County, W. of Horsetooth Reservoir -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/m1ebsrrkbtwicvg37yoohr7w.1575918561180%40email.android.com.
