NW Gyrs

We were able to enjoy two Gyrfalcons (both most resembling gray morph) while in the Seattle area, one a juvenile in the Skagit Valley and a subadult/adult in Vancouver.

Frank and I spotted the adult-like bird chowing down on a pigeon atop a distant building along the harbor. We had positioned ourselves, somewhat accidentally, between the bird and its favorite cottonwood tree. After finishing its meal, the Gyr flew straight towards us...

Gyrfalcon - grayish adult or subadult showing gray-brown upperparts, pale underparts with streaking heaviest at flanks where appearing barred, and bright yellow feet

The juvenile bird was quite distant, but Ryan and Jay first spotted it being pursued by a young Bald Eagle. The Gyr soon turned the tide and began to harass the eagle. It then landed in the same tree as an active eagle nest and proceeded to stare down the nesting bird before dropping out of sight!

 

Gyrfalcon - presumed gray juvenile showing brown upperparts and heavily streaked underparts

 - NB