Agassiz Gyrfalcon continues Jan 14

[Dave]

Greetings Birders,

The Gyrfalcon Gord found yesterday continues in the same location. My parents and I went out this afternoon to look for the Gyrfalcon. We first did a loop by Kevin's area, and then headed to the intersection where Gord saw it. We stopped to admire all the swans and were busy pointing out the odd Tundra Swan in the mix when my mother called out the alert that a raptor was incoming. Gyrfalcon! We watched in amazement as it zipped in and out among all the swan necks trying to grab on of the ducks mixed in. Quite the action! Finally, after half a dozen unsuccessful arial attacks, it headed over to possibly the same tree Gord saw it in.

Here are a few of the pictures:


Duck for your life - Gyrfalcon coming!!!!

Check out the expression on the mallard as its enemy approaches.







A very polite bird - it even waved at me.


Not an overly sharp image, but I think this is the only Tundra Swan photo I have in flight.


An adult and juvenile Tundra Swan among many Trumpeters.


My Dad just sent me this sharp photo of the same Swans:


All for now.

[Mary]

Again great photos, and thank you, they really help me to identify these birds. I must admit, this web site has really brought back my passion for birding.
My family and I are heading that way 2mrw and hope to see both these birds

[murraybrown]

Great series of shots Dave.

[oldfulica]

Jan 14, 2012 20:29:51 GMT -8 Mary said:

Again great photos, and thank you, they really help me to identify these birds. I must admit, this web site has really brought back my passion for birding.
My family and I are heading that way 2mrw and hope to see both these birds

Nice to meet you today Mary. I didn't see the Gyr and didn't take the time search for Tundras but couldn't resist some Trumpeter Swan photos. As with other pictures I insert here from my Flickr account, you can click on them and then the map to see the exact location.


Trumpeter Swan 2 by Len Jellicoe, on Flickr

[kestrel]

Awesome series!