Sorry for the delay in this post. I wasn't entirely confident about the identity until I sent a photo around and did some research. Thanks to those who helped. I haven't seen one in 20 years or so when I was 12 or 13 which didn't help me.
Today at 10:30, Steve Charbonneau and I had a gray phased Gyrfalcon just outside the Blenheim Landfill. I was scoping gulls at the main gate of the landfill when Steve showed up and noticed a falcon flying towards us. As it flew by my window I initially did think Gyrfalcon (and said so) as Peregrine would be extremely bizarre here this time of year and the bird just seemed different, mostly flight wise at that point. It landed in a tree and I quickly grabbed my camera and got a few pics (only 6) before it took off and chased some gulls unsuccessfully and continued on northwest. I caught up with it again one concession north but the view through the scope was a long ways away and undesirable. Steve showed up here again. The bird took off and circled high and flew off to the northwest where we lost sight of it. Total time viewing the bird may of been only 5 mins. This, if accepted, will be the first record for the Rondeau Area and long overdue. I'm not entirely sure what the access is to the landfill as I only look from the entrance on weekends not that it spent much time there. I assume its long gone as it seemed to be somewhat migrating but good luck to any who try for it. Jim Burk Directions: Exit 401 at highway 40. Drive south until you hit Drury line. Turn right here and proceed 4 concessions until you hit Erieau rd. Turn left and the landfill is a short ways down on the right. We basically last saw it around this intersection. Gulls usually sit in the field right by the landfill to the right. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
