[Umpqua Birds] Re: Falcon I.D.
- From: "Toni M" <creekwood@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <umpquabirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 17:46:18 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
Elizabeth: First, thanks for the challenge. As an amateur, I have only a few
observations. I have never seen a falcon this big! What a spectacular bird
it is. I have seen peregrine falcons, but I recall them as being more
mid-sized than large, though the females seemed a little larger. One thing
that was consistent with peregrine falcons, whether they were male, female,
or juvenile, was that there was some definitive dark coloring, and I'm not
seeing any on this falcon?? I did look through Cornell's and few other sites
photos, and I don't think this is a Peregrine. James' comments about
Gyrfalcons are on point, but I mostly see the large size as applicable. The
multiple color variations for Gyrfalcons and the similarity between some
females' photos and juveniles' photos make things confusing. As I'm finding
is often the case, many maps don't show the Gyrfalcon as being in this area,
not even for temporary migration. As a newbie, I think I've provided more
questions than answers :-)
Toni M.
So. Co.
-------Original Message-------
From: Gayner, Elizabeth
Date: 1/15/2015 5:20:16 PM
To: umpquabirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Umpqua Birds] Falcon I.D.
Hey Birders,
During our annual midwinter bald eagle survey (from Glide to Elkton) this
past Tuesday, I observed a falcon out on North Bank Road at 4.0 miles from
the bridge on the east (Glide) end of North Bank Road or 12,4 miles from the
west (Wilbur) end of North Bank Road. I have attached three (fuzzy) photos..
they are not great at all since the bird was a good distance away (550-600
meters) and I couldn't keep a steady hand zoomed in. What I can tell ya, it
was a BIG bulky falcon... at least the size of a large female red-tailed
hawk. We were doing an eagle survey and my coworker thought it was an eagle
(based on size) when she first saw it and when we finally were able to find
a safe place to park, this is the view we had of the bird. I tried to take
photos through the scope (forgot its camera adapter of course), but no luck.
When I took my eye away from the scope, it had flown off and out of sight
(probably behind the ridge it was sitting on) and we both missed it in
flight.
Please send me your thoughts on the species identification. I have
referenced several raptor books, pictures online, and other references, and
it only reinforces my determination. But, before making a final
determination I wanted to get input on the pictures from others.
Hope others get a chance to see it. It was on the north side of the road
when we observed it. I may try to go out and find it again on Friday
(tomorrow)... although, probably like looking for a needle in a haystack.
But one never knows.
Other birds of interest at 12.7 miles from the bridge on the Glide end or 3
7 from the Wilbur end of North Bank Road (this is nearly always a "hot spot"
for lots of raptors at one time with pretty good number of species too), we
had 8 red-tailed hawks, a harrier, Merlin, and turkey vulture. Also had 8
turkey vultures on Old Garden Valley Road. Had an average count (68 raptors
- primarily red-tails and a few kestrels) compared to past years on number
of raptors observed in general. Lowest count of eagles with one golden and
three bald eagles.
Thanks in advance. I look forward to your input!
Good birding,
Liz
Elizabeth I. Gayner
OR/WA BLM Peregrine Falcon Technical Coordinator
Lead Wildlife Biologist - Swiftwater Field Office
Bureau of Land Management - Roseburg District Office
Phone: (541) 464-3381; egayner@xxxxxxx
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