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Post by Gord on Dec 21, 2013 15:13:13 GMT -8
Murray forwarded some pictures from Gary that he took yesterday. Sounds like a Merlin was chasing this other falcon-sized falcon across the Fraser on Tuyteens ROad in Agassiz yesterday. Could this Eurasian Hobby?
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Post by birder1942 on Dec 21, 2013 15:29:26 GMT -8
Hi Gord. It sure looks a lot like a Eurasian Hobby. Certainly worth following up. John Vooys
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Post by Gord on Dec 21, 2013 15:36:42 GMT -8
John, I agree. I was rushed in my first post but Gary reports it went downstream over the Fraser. Often birds outside their range get picked on by the locals. This guy may get bounced around and have a hard time finding a place to settle. Worth watching for!
And to clarify, this falcon IS falcon sized (duh). I was rushed and now trying to make even funnier posts by using my autocorrect 'smart' phone.
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Post by Gord on Dec 21, 2013 17:27:03 GMT -8
Gary sent along the rest of his shots and here is one that shows a bit different angle. Gary reports seeing the bird there again today and, to add further intrigue, that there is another bird with it that is similar (perhaps the one I called a Merlin in my original post). Perhaps Gary can log on and share his experience as not to have me paraphrasing his emails. Gary, great job capturing these photos!
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Post by Dave on Dec 21, 2013 17:37:09 GMT -8
I think this bird could be an Eurasian Hobby. Having seen many of the species while living in NE China, it strikes me right away as a hobby.
I sent the images to my brother Tom who has lived a birded in China for around 10 years. *Edit*After seeing the 4th picture, his thoughts are:
The new photo definitely shows Merlin! Here'a picture I took here a month ago with a similar looking Merlin. Wow, what a difference a different angle can make! The wings appear very thin and quite pointed in the first set of photos. Tom
Great work getting photos, Gary. I look forward to hearing other thoughts about this bird.
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Post by Chris on Dec 21, 2013 19:07:33 GMT -8
A unique looking bird! Well done Gary getting the photos.
The first set of pictures look good for a Hobby but the last one seems a bit off. However, this is coming from someone that has no experience and very little knowledge on that species.
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Post by hank9 on Dec 21, 2013 20:17:52 GMT -8
is the hobby a rare bird for our area .
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Post by Chris on Dec 21, 2013 20:33:13 GMT -8
Hank, a Hobby would be rare for North America. Not to sure how many sightings there are but there would probably be very few.
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Post by Dave on Dec 21, 2013 20:50:16 GMT -8
Chris, I agree that the last photo seems off for a Hobby. I didn't see that image earlier as it must have been posted the same time I was commenting. I would like to send that image on as well for comment. Gord, do you know if Gary has more shots? The more the better The shape may be off for a Hobby, more like a Merlin. Do Merlins get such bold colouring as this bird? I haven't seen it, but it needs research on my part. Any merlin experts out there? Eurasian Hobby certainly does have these colours and that is what struck me instantly with the photo. Dave
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Post by Chris on Dec 21, 2013 20:53:36 GMT -8
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Post by Dave on Dec 21, 2013 21:01:15 GMT -8
I agree Chris. Strikingly similar! If you enlarge the photos above that show part of the facial pattern, you will see how it is more merlinish that hobbyish as well, matching your online photo.
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Post by Gord on Dec 21, 2013 21:08:09 GMT -8
That fourth photo certainly has changed the tide as Hobby was on many lips, text messages and emails this afternoon. Sort of shows the importance of getting pictures from different angles! On that note, excellent work, Gary spotting this odd Merlin (a Prairie population of Merlin as showed in the photo Chris shared) and getting the best pictures possible. One does not often see that population of Merlin our here.
A Hobby would be a first for BC if not Canada if Im not mistaken. Im sure some have been seen in the States and most likely out in the Alaskan islands.
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Post by hank9 on Dec 21, 2013 21:37:01 GMT -8
for it to be a hobby it should have a white throat.the only photogeaph of a hobby outside of Alaska was in 2001 in seattle.
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Post by hank9 on Dec 21, 2013 22:06:32 GMT -8
chris I spoke to soon there have been 2 reported sightings in british Columbia Merritt 1982 and Sooke in 2006 but there are no photographs.
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gary
Member
Posts: 53
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Post by gary on Dec 22, 2013 6:02:17 GMT -8
Hi guys, to think I wasn't going to bring my camera that day because of the snow...I sent the photos to Murray Brown to help with ID on this guy. I check my field guide and thought it looked like a Taiga strain.. It does look very much like an Hobby but Chris nail the ID with the last photo he put online... I did see this guy yesterday while walking the dog in the same spot.. Thanks for getting to the bottom of this.. This is why this is such a cool site... FYI Chris congrats on your new position...
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