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Post by Janne on Dec 9, 2007 0:48:33 GMT -8
Today I attended a memorial service at the chapel at Watson Elementary School in Chilliwack. When it was over at about 3:30 PM a friend reported to me there was a Snowy Owl sitting on the "Watson School" sign above the front door. The bird was not an owl but, I believe, a Gyrfalcon. It appeared to be an immature white morph as the speckling was brownish. The bird was not in good condition from my observation with the tail feathers quite frayed and the breast disheveled rather than smooth. The bird did not flush even with a number of people staring at it from very close distance. After about 7 or 8 minutes, it spread it wings and held them out for a few seconds & flapped them a few times before gliding down to perch on a ventilator outlet on the roof. Watson School is opposite the entrance to Garrison Crossing. I hope some of you birders can find this falcon tomorrow.
Sadly I had decided to leave my camera at home so no photo although another observer with a photo enabled cell phone did take one. He said he would email it to me but so far nothing has arrived. If it does I will post it if I can remember how.
Janne Perrin Harrison Hot Springs
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Post by tmanson on Dec 9, 2007 14:47:57 GMT -8
Janne: Very interesting sighting. I guess I should have checked this site, before I l left Port Coquitlam for Hope today. I drove Highway 7 instead of the Transcanada, and would have stopped to have a look. Hopefully, the bird has found something to eat, if that is what the problem is. Also, hopefully, some local birders have had a chance to relocate it, not only to see it but to determine whether it needs rescuing. I can't make it to Chilliwack until Tuesday, but will have a look when I am there. Thor
Thor Manson Hope, B.C.
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Post by tmanson on Dec 9, 2007 15:06:22 GMT -8
Hi Janne: A quick question about the bird. In your post, you mention that the bird is likely a white morph juvenile. In the two guides I checked; Sibley's and National Geographic, they show an adult white morph, and juvenile grey morphs, which also have some white on them. Obvioulsy a White morph adult has to go through its juvenile stage as well, and I am curious what source you used? Not questioning, just wondering. Cheers, Thor
Thor Manson Hope, B.C.
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Post by Dave on Dec 10, 2007 21:41:38 GMT -8
Great Sighting, Janne! Thanks for sharing. I unfortunately will not be able to go after it in daylight as I am at work from dawn to dusk these days. No, I am not working longer, but it sure gets dark early.
DB
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