We had the good fortune of observing a gray phase, immature Gyrfalcon at
relatively close range (~60 feet) in the Horse Heavens Hills of Benton
County today. Although Gyrfalcons are seen regularly farther north in
Eastern Washington, they are infrequently seen in Benton County.

The bird was located near the intersection of County Well Road and McBee
Grade Road (see DeLorme Atlas page 28 T8N R26E NE). We were driving to the
west when we first saw the bird, on the side of the road. We watched it for
approximately 15 min while it devoured a rodent and took short hops around
the field. After dropping its ballast, it flew to the north and landed in a
snowy field. After birding the upper end of McBee Grade, we saw it again
flying across the road to the West.

We made the following observations: First it was clearly a falcon based on
its wing shape, flight style, and mustache stripe. Peregrine was ruled out
because it had a very thin mustache stripe, and did not have a dark
"helmet". Prairie was ruled out because it did not have dark axillaries/
under wing coverts or a white patch behind its eye. Also, the wing tips
were well short of the tail when the bird was sitting. In addition, it
looked substantially more massive than its two smaller relatives when
sitting and in flight. It was a large bird with a broad chest and broader
wings than either a peregrine or prairie. The feathers of the upper wing
coverts and back were dark greyish-brown with thin, light fringing. The
feathers of its breast and belly were white with heavy streaking separating
it from a dark morph juv. Its cere was bluish gray.

Potential prey in the area (other than rodents) include Rock Doves and Gray
Partridge. There is virtually no waterfowl.

BTW, if anyone is planning to bird this area in the near future, do not
travel McBee Grade Road from Kiona. It is extremely icy and treacherous.
Access from Rt 221 or Webber Canyon are better choices.



Bill and Nancy LaFramboise
Richland, WA
wlafra at oneworld.owt.com