Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2022-70
| Common name: |
Gyrfalcon |
| Scientific name: | Falco rusticolus |
| Date: | 23DEC2022 |
| Time: | 1402 |
| Length of time observed: | 30 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Juvenile |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Pinhook Overlook, LaSal Mountain Loop Road |
| County: | Grand |
| Latilong: | 38.566944, -109.294514 |
| Elevation: | 7,614' |
| Distance to bird: | Initialy seen perched ~400' away. Flew past me at ~150'. Perched again more than 1/4 mile away. |
| Optical equipment: | 8x42 Nikon bins. 20-60x Kowa Spotting Scope |
| Weather: | Start 39°F Clear. BWS 2 Light breeze. |
| Light Conditions: | Clear, bright sunshine. |
| Description: Size of bird: | Large |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Broad-shouldered tapering to tail. |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Grayish. Dense streaking on underparts. |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Hooked. |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Observed falcon perched ~400' away. First thought it was a Prairie
Falcon, but appeared more bulky, and long tailed. Head markings less
distinct than Prairie or Peregrine Falcon.Took photos then went for
scope to get a closer look. Before I could deploy the big glass, a
Golden Eagle appeared and the falcon was chasing and being chased. Loud,
deep, angry "kek" vocalizations.Plenty good views of the bird in flight.
Appeared too large next to the eagle to be a Prairie Falcon. Axillaries
and underwing coverts not dark like a Prairie Falcon would be. Wings
quite broad at base, tips sharply pointed. Perched again more than 1/4
mile away, and even at that distance the feet looked very large and
bluish in the scope. This from Neil Paprocki "The dense grey streaking indicates a juvenile, and is also a nice point towards Gyr. As is the general grayish nature of the plumage overall (PRFA/MERL would have more brownish to tones). Weak facial markings (mostly rules out PEFA), and multiple thin tail bands also visible." (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | "Kek" calls. Loud, deep, and angry. |
| Behavior: | Initialy perched, then jousting with the Golden Eagle, then perched again. |
| Habitat: | Rocky shoulder of the mountain. Steep slopes. Scattered pine and juniper trees. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Merlin smaller and more brownish. Prairie Falcon smaller and more brownish. "Armpits" would usually be darker. Peregrine Falcon smaller with short tail and strongly patterned head. Red-tailed Hawk similar size but wings and tail broadly shaped for soaring, overall color and patterns different than Gyrfalcon. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
No experience with Gyrfalcon. Familiar with all the smaller falcons. |
| References consulted: |
Nat Geo Field Guide to Birds of NA. Cornell Lab Birds of the World. Macaulay Library. Neil Paprocki, raptor expert. |
| Description from: |
From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Steve Heinrich |
| Observer's address: | Castle Valley, UT |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | I sent a photo to Neil Paprocki. |
| Date prepared: | 25DEC2022 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |
There is a once in a generation Winter storm affecting much of the U.S. now,
and that may be a factor in why this falcon appeared here. |