Gyrfalcon in Sumas Prairie

[ed]

Today a lightish raptor on the ground caught my attention. Too far off to make a positive ID, I decided to risk a walk into a muddy field to get within range. I was well away from homes and no signs were posted. I was rewarded with a beautiful Gyrfalcon. The barring on the back tended towards the white phase, the head had only sutle markings, but the overall impression from the long intial distance was abit lighter then the grey of a male Northern Harrier. It flew east and landed in the large Cottonwoods(northeast of Cambell and McDermott Road intersection).
Also 20-21 Eurasian-collared Doves seen near the usual area on Wellsline Rd.
Ed

[Gord]

Ed, super find. Wonder if it is the same one I saw two winters ago in almost the same area. I remember it being a grey adult. Raptors often have site fidelity and can be found wintering (and breeding of course) in the same areas year after year.

Dave, George and I wondered where those doves got to on count day! More than 20 makes "must have just missed them" a little harder to swallow!!! ;D ;D

[Dave]

Congrats on an awesome find, ed!

Dave