[NatureNS] Grand Pre Sunday Sept. 16 Falcon

From: ulli@dunlin.ca
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:49:22 -0300
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Return-Path: <naturens-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>
Original-Recipient: rfc822;"| (cd /csuite/info/Environment/FNSN/MList; /csuite/lib/arch2html)"

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Hi Folks,

I passed by the Valley last Sunday and made brief stops in Wolfville  harbor (no godwit, and 
high water level) and Grand Pre.  Grand Pre produced a male (gray) N. Harrier and a falcon 
feeding on the beach on the East end (where the fishermen hang out).
The falcon was ripping up its prey, and since I left my optics in the car (wasn't expecting to 
see much due to high water and high wind) I had to go back to get it for a closer look.
By the time I fetched my gear and got back the falcon had finished the meal and took off a 
short moment later, flying low in direction to Evangeline beach.
On the beach it appeared larger and bulkier than a Peregrine. Its color was pale brownish, 
blended well into the color pattern of the beach, and it had a striped breast, The facial 
tearstripe was as well pale and not well defined, but clearly noticable. 
When it took off I flew not very agile, slow and with heavy wingbeats it left a  bulky 
impression with me.

Now, it could have been a juv. Peregrine as size is a subjective measure without something 
to scale it against, but locals should keep their eyes open in case a possible Gyrfalcon may 
have been in the area .....

Cheers

Ulli

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