This morning around 7:30 and again this afternoon from 1:20 to 1:35 I got
looks at what I believe was an adult male Prairie Falcon first along the south
edge of Western Prairie SNA and later soaring over the center and then west of
the same SNA.
The first look was at a perched bird seen from Wilkin County 15 1.3 miles
north of Wilkin 176 along a ditch at that location (looking west toward the
back side of the SNA. The second look was from the west edge of the SNA (Wilkin
165, almost 2 miles N of 176.) The first look was at an obviously hooded
raptor with a white belly, uniform brown specks on the belly (no apparent belly
band) and yellow feet. There were brown feathers on each side of the belly
but
the look was too distant to tell whether these were wings or other markings.
The soaring bird was overall creamy with brown tones. The tips of the
primaries were slightly browner as was the tail tip. The body was creamy white
with rows of brown flecks. The trailing edge of the wing was darker flecked.
The
wings were falcon-like, not substantially narrower at the body. They were
narrow and tapered without being pointed like a Peregrine. The axillaries were
dark brown/grey as were the underwing coverts (but the coverts were not solid
dark.) The bird soared with its wings held flat. There was no white rump patch.
The tail was light underneath with a slightly darker tip. The bird had a
moustache stripe/hooded effect. I watched the bird for 20 minutes before I lost
it.
There were many birds soaring and kiting, including F Harriers, Red-tails,
and there were Kestrals around for comparison. (Unfortunately no Peregrines.)
This bird probably was sighted by another birder last weekend whom I gave
directions to for Rothsay birding. He and his wife sent me a note and I am
waiting to hear more details (hopefully) from them.
Also saw 2 SEOwls and a late Rough-legged, lots of ducks, Cranes,
migrating Snows and Tundra Swans. A Prairie Delight! (Ice is out at Alberville,
north
of that the ice is varying shades of grey to dark grey with water around
edges.) Two Trumpeters setting up shop(?) just west of the exit (205) from
Eastbound 94 at St. Michael.
John Ellis. St. Paul
