Possible Gyrfalcon -Archuleta County

[Jim Beatty]

I observed a possible white/light gray phase Gyrfalcon today in Archuleta County on County Road 600 about 10 miles north of US 160.  I only observed this bird in flight for about a minute.  I saw this large falcon coming towards me and the small nearby ranch pond with strong, deep wing beats and a very steady fight less than 50 feet above ground.  As it approached the pond it turned nearly 180 degrees and flew to the northeast with the same very steady, deep wing beats and disappeared behind a small hill parallel to CR 600.  I drove north on CR 600 for several miles and returned without seeing the bird again.  The habitat in the area is rolling grassland with very few trees of any type.  It was very pale underneath and slightly darker above, but still very pale gray.  The wings tips appeared to have dark edges.  Its size seemed to be about that of a harrier or larger but more robust appearing and with a definitely falcon-like profile.  The strong deep wing beats were the most remarkable feature of its flight.  It did not guide or sail at all for the time that I observed it.  Unfortunately I was not able to attempt any photos.  The location was about half way between the west parts of Pagosa Springs on US 160 and Williams Creek Reservoir to the north.  This area has extensive grassland although there are high mountains to the north and east.  To my knowledge Gyrfalcon has not been recorded in SW Colorado.

 

Birders in the area should be on the lookout for this bird.

 

Jim Beatty

Durango, CO