Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Toronto Reports => Topic started by: musicalfool on February 20, 2010, 10:44:44 AM

Title: Gyrfalcon in Etobicoke?
Post by: musicalfool on February 20, 2010, 10:44:44 AM

I'm pretty sure that I have been seeing a Gyrfalcon around Royal York Road this week being harassed by crows.  Is this even possible  in this area.  Sighting pretty close to the peregrine falcons' nest ledge.

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Post by: Pat Hodgson on February 22, 2010, 11:28:25 AM

Gyrfalcons are very rare wintor visitors here.  So it is not impossible, but unlikely.  Why do you think this bird might be other than a peregrine?

Title: Gyrfalcon
Post by: musicalfool on February 22, 2010, 01:52:33 PM

Living very close to the Bloor/Islington Peregrines and volunteering at fledgling time, I am fairly familiar with the appearance of Peregrines and knew right away that this bird was different.  Sizewise it was much larger (about 1-1/2 times) and very light (almost white) with dark streaking and the wingspan also was a good size.

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Post by: Pat Hodgson on February 22, 2010, 02:18:01 PM

sounds pretty good - any chance of a photo?
let us know if you see it again - usually they do not stay long, unfortunately
killer gyr photo here (http://www.peregrineprints.com/ind__WhatsNew.htm)  - although colour varies a lot, of course

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Post by: musicalfool on February 22, 2010, 06:38:59 PM

Pat,
That's it! Wish I had a pictureto show you; took me completely by surprise as I set off to walk the dog and I just couldn't get back indoors to get camera.  Following day I was in the kitchen and the gyr came up out of the ravine towards the house very fast and, again, I was not quick enough on the uptake.  Appreciated the pictures.
thanks
diana

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Post by: kuips on February 22, 2010, 09:16:42 PM

Has it been showing up somewhat consistently within a given location?  I am extremely interested in seeing it...

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Post by: musicalfool on February 22, 2010, 10:49:18 PM

I have not seen the bird again but will post if I do.

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Post by: Lev on February 23, 2010, 06:33:23 PM

Hi Diana,


Where along Royal York Road did you see him? I am also quite interested in having a look!


- Lev Frid

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Post by: musicalfool on February 23, 2010, 10:47:19 PM

Lev,
I have not seen the bird in almost a week, but the area was Royal York and Leland area and the Mimico Creek ravine

Title: Could it be a Northern Goshawk?
Post by: csykes1 on March 09, 2010, 06:29:21 PM

Got a visit from a Northern Goshawk January 31 near Burnhamthorpe and Mill Rd. (at sunrise along creek behind plaza 666 Burnhamthorpe Rd.) Beautiful bird. Very large ie. 70cm. Shades of gray from behind except for shoulders. Looks like white scarf around neck. Breast is white, belly brown and white bands. Underside of wings brown and white. Has prominent white "eyebrows" giving appearance of mohawk hairstyle. Same bird? P.S. A gutsy squirrel told it to get out of his tree and won the standoff (hillarious).