Hi everyone,
The Gyrfalcon was seen for a few seconds yesterday afternoon by Joel Coutu as it was chasing European Starlings far from the road over the dump site. Several birders were present but only one person saw it. After conversing with many birders, it appears that a 3 to 4 hour stay does not guarantee a gyr sighting, and when seen, the looks are not always good. But some people have been lucky and have had long looks at close enough range, and witnessed interesting behaviour. To increase your chances of seeing it, park at loading zone 2 or 3; it will give you a wider view of the area and you will be able to see most of the poles and earth mounds that it sometimes perches on. See this link to see a new photo of the Gyrfalcon in flight and find out which experts, and why, are calling the Laflèche road Gyrfalcon a grey morph (colour) and not a white one; there is also a map showing where the Gyrfalcon is being seen: http://jacques-miroiseur.smugmug.com/Birds/Birds-of-Far-Eastern-Ontario/Bird s-of-Prey-1-Except-Owls/i-LJzkxpM At this next link you will find photos showing which wildlife you can see from Laflèche road while you wait for the Gyrfalcon to appear: http://jacquesbouvier.blogspot.ca/ DIRECTIONS: The Laflèche Rd landfill site is located at the dead end of Laflèche Road. >From HWY 417 take HWY 138 south (exit 58), turning right on Laflèche road which is the first road south of the 417. The dump is at the end of the dead end road, however, the public is not allowed past the main gate. The road is fairly busy (except Sundays) so it is best to park as far as you can on the shoulder (well ploughed lately). Look for the Gyrfalcon chasing the numerous starlings or gulls at the site; not always visible from the road. Park near the signs indicating loading zone 2 or 3 to get a better vantage point. Good Luck. Jacques Jacques Bouvier, St-Isidore ON Mes galeries de photos d'oiseaux (EEO birds): http://jacques-miroiseur.smugmug.com/ http://jacquesbouvier.blogspot.ca/ _______________________________________________ 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 Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
