Hi Folks, Just thought I would post a few interesting sightings from the Sault Ste. Marie area, for the last few days.
People have been asking me if the Gyrfalcon are still around in the Sault...Yes. I observed both gray phase individuals (one is darker than the other) this morning buzzing/swooping around 6 squabbling Bald Eagle (4 adult and 2 juvenile) that were out on the ice of the St. Mary's River (out from the Canadian Forest Service - 1219 Queen Street East). Sitting on the sidelines, watching all the action, were two Common Raven. I have seen this type of aggressive attacking behaviour (from the Gyrfalcon) before, when Bald Eagle have taken reign over a recently captured prey item. This may explain what I saw this morning. Also around are: 4 Harlequin Duck (2 male and 2 female), in the St. Mary's River down at the Sault Locks. (last reported on Feb 22/04); 1 Peregrine Falcon seen hunting around Whitefish Island/Algoma Steel on Feb 22/04; 2 Snowy Owl (one dark, one quite white) were seen near the intersection of Baseline Road and Carpin Beach Road (reported on Feb 22/04); 40+ Bohemian Waxwing - first observed on Whitefish Island a week ago but again observed today (Feb 24/04) at a residence on Linstedt St. also of note: A few Northern Shrike are around; Rough-legged Hawk are still relatively easy to find, Sharp-tailed Grouse are gathering together; Common Raven are performing courtship flights; Pine Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, Northern Cardinal and Black-capped Chickadee are singing away; Red & White-breasted Nuthatch are very active and Downy & Hairy Woodpecker are actively calling, drumming, chasing etc; Common Goldeneye males are actively displaying to females; American Crow numbers are building; Herring Gull are starting to re-appear. About 90 percent of the river is still ice-covered but the warm days ahead will surely open things up. Ken McIlwrick Sault Ste. Marie, ON "McIlwrick, Ken" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
