On 6 November 2020, Roy Gerig spotted a GRYFALCON at the top of a fir tree
next to a country road in Polk County. Being a species known to flush as a
result of human activity as far away as a thousand yards, my guess is very
few people who chased this bird dreamed it would present multiple
opportunities for very close observation. Many folks had views of the
falcon on prey at less than 30 yards. I, unfortunately, was not one of
them. I hoped that I would get close enough to see and identify key field
marks through my binoculars, which I am happy to report was accomplished.
It was fun to watch Northern Harriers harass the falcon as it was perched
on the ground digesting a recent meal, and then later get to see the
impressive aerial pursuit of the GYRFALCON by an immature BALD EAGLE. The
falcon could outmaneuver the eagle but could not maintain a safe distance
away from the eagle in level flight. The acrobatics lasted for a couple of
minutes in a tight circle nearly directly overhead. Still, it seemed much
longer than that, and there were multiple instances where I thought the
GYRFALCON might actually go down. The GRYFALCON called loudly each time
the BALD EAGLE closed ranks, which added a lot to the spectacle.
https://www.jack-n-jill.net/blog/2020/11/polk-county-gyrfalcon
I can't believe I waited almost two weeks before chasing this rarity, which
is a life bird for me.
Jack Williamson
West Linn, Oregon
