Today just after noon the pigeons at the Gov't Terminal located off Yellowhead Tr. at 131 St. burst into a tight climbing formation indicating they were under attack from a raptor. After watching for several minutes I sighted a large falcon diving past the west corner of the roof. The bird made a second turn around the west side & disappeared. As the pigeons started to settle down it was evident the raptor was gone before I had a chance to find it in the binoculars. At around 2:20 PM again the pigeons went into defensive formation & the raptor made a brief appearance before flying west down the rail line. This time I was able to briefly observe the flight pattern, wing & tail length as well as body profile & concluded it was indeed a Gyfalcon. The bird quickly returned approx. 5 minutes later & started to soar over top of the bldg. allowing another look at the profile. It then left the area as fast as it came, however this could be the start of another winter of watching Gyr's from the comforts of the livng room as has been the case since winter of 1995.
For birders going down to Gold Bar, watch closely as the Gyr may set up in the area & start hunting ducks.
Login
Register
Search 
Forums
