Gyrfalcon in Etobicoke?

[musicalfool]

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.

[Pat Hodgson]

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?

[musicalfool]

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.

[Pat Hodgson]

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  - although colour varies a lot, of course

[musicalfool]

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

[kuips]

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

[musicalfool]

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

[Lev]

Hi Diana,


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


- Lev Frid

[musicalfool]

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

[csykes1]

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).