>From August 1 through Aug 3 this year, an immature Prairie
Falcon was seen by many observers in an agricultural district
of southern Vancouver Island. The identity of the bird is not in
doubt.

There is some question whether or not it is an escapee. There
was no visible evidence (no leg band). There are a number of
falconers in the area, though none admits to having lost a bird.

There have been only 2 earlier single observer sightings of
Prairie Falcon on southern Vancouver Island.

How unusual is this sighting for neighbouring areas, at this
time of year? Have there been sightings of first year birds in
Washington state at this time of year?


One note about the area in which the bird was sighted. It was
found near, and subsequently relocated near, a dairy barn. The
dairy farmer has recently started using a raptor call (fairly
loud, every 10 minutes) to scare away starlings and has
virtually eliminated starlings on his property.

The Prairie Falcon appeared to be drawn by the call. While it
would move away after a call, taking a pass over a nearby
reservoir, it regularly returned to perch on the top of the
barn.

So, the call appears to have had two results: it keeps away
starlings and may attract falcons. Hopefully it does not also
scare away shorebirds: the reservoirs around this farm are some
of the best places near Victoria to find shorebirds during
migration.

So, how likely is a first year Prairie Falcon in Washington
state in early August?

Brent

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Brent Beach, Victoria, BC, CA