For the third consecutive winter, the gray-phase GYRFALCON has returned
to a feedlot in Kelowna, BC. Today, I watched the bird for about a half an
hour and took the following notes on the birds behavior.

-- Perched on a power-pole to the north of the feedlot, the Gyrfalcon
stretched, relieved himself and spread his wings before taking off. Its
flight towards the feedlot was low, about 3 feet above the ground, but
despite this, the massive collection of doves, blackbirds and starlings
spotted him well before he was upon them. They burst into an un-organized
flurry of feathers and at the same time the falcon pulled upwards, gaining a
couple hundred feet, placing him amongst the confounded mass of birds. He
proceeded to chase the flock, stooping upwards, then diving down through the
mess of pigeons. In what seemed like a contrived effort, the female MERLIN
took to the air to add assault. Inveterately, my eyes fixed again on the
Gyr. On its final attempt, the bird gained elevation, swiftly switched
direction, and with an explosion of feathers, grasped a Rock Dove in its
talons. Pursued by a raven, the falcon effortlessly motored back to its
pole, meal in talon. Immediately after resuming its initial perch, two
magpies arrived on the scene and began nipping at the falcon. Brave magpies,
I thought, however, perhaps they knew he was preoccupied. The falcon had
already started plucking feathers from the still alive and fighting pigeon.
Obviously annoyed by the scavengers, the Gyr took off and headed straight
for me, landing on a pole just 40 meters away. Through my scope I could see
bits and pieces of pigeon on the falcons bill, with blood smeared across the
throat feathers. As I left, the falcon descended to an open field where it
continued to consume the mornings catch, in peace --

Chris Charlesworth
Kelowna, BC




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