Hi fellow birders, This posting includes a snippet from yesterdays Border Birder Hotline Report
...and the highlight for this update period is a report today (January 23, 2003) of three gray-phase gyrfalcon, all observed together, out in front of the bush plane museum, on the St Mary's River ice. One of these birds was likely a male as it was smaller than the other two and appeared a bit lighter in colour. One of the two larger birds (which were likely females) was feeding on a Rock Dove out on the ice while the other two would alternate between flying around the kill site and landing on the ice by the feeding bird. All three birds were eventually chased off by an adult Bald Eagle that was looking to get into the action. Just to note that two of these Gyrfalcon were first seen on the 19th out in front of Pine Street Marina and one of these birds was seen on the 20th on the Church at Albert Street. At least two adult and two immature Bald Eagles have been observed regularly along the St. Mary's River since the 19th. The Sharp-shinned Hawk that has been hunting small birds behind White Pines High School was seen on the 19th and again on the 21st feeding on a prey item. On the 18th a Cooper's Hawk was observed at close range feeding on a Dark-eyed Junco at a residence on River Rd. The American Kestrel, that has been seen regularly, on Whitefish Island along the recreation locks, was last seen on the 19th.... ---- One of the larger (presumed female) Gyrfalcon was again seen today (January 24, 2003), feeding on Rock Dove not too far from where the three birds were seen yesterday. Directions to site: Once in Sault Ste. Marie, head for downtown. Try to locate Church/Pim Street and follow Church Street to almost the end and turn left into the parking lot of the District OMNR Office (please park in the visitors parking). Walk out to near the rivers edge and scan upstream (to your right) first, then try to cover as much of the river as you can. There are many other places along the river upstream and downstream to view birds. Grab a map and have fun. Ken McIlwrick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Forest Ecologist / Ecologiste forestier Canadian Forest Service / Service canadien des Forests Great Lakes Forestry Centre, 1219 Queen St. E. Centre de foresterie des Grands Lacs, 1219, rue Queen Est Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2E5 Tel/Tél(705)541-5643,Fax/Téléc (705)-541-5700 "McIlwrick, Ken" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
