Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Wild Bird Wednesday



Gyrfalcon


The Gyrfalcon is the largest of the Falcon species. They breed on the Arctic coasts and for the most part live in the same areas ... far north.  They do disperse throughout the Northern hemisphere and even on occasion get as far south as Illinois.  This bird is a falconry bird, but he has gone blind in one eye so will very likely be coming to our Raptor Center.  He stole the show at the Expo because he is very active and a rare sight.
Cheers Everyone!

Andrea





17 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

I've heard of these but I have never seen them. With one bad eye it's better off in captivity, I guess.

eileeninmd said...

The Gyrfalcon is a cool bird. It is sad it is blind in the one eye.. I am glad it is well cared for! H ave a great day!

TexWisGirl said...

quite beautiful!

Karen said...

What a cool looking raptor!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

He is a lovely bird. I once saw one in Iceland.

Sylvia K said...

Such a handsome fellow he is!! Terrific captures for the day -- as always, Andrea!! Hope your week is going well!!

Elephant's Child said...

He is absolutely beautiful. I am so sorry about his eye, and very glad that he will have a home to come to.

thewovenspoke said...

Beautiful is that Gyrfalcon. Wonderful photos.

The Queen Jester said...

I can imagine being blind in one eye is not good for a falcon, he's fortunate to have found a comfortable home where he can represent his species and educate the public.

Jeanne said...

Love these, and especially the second with the motion of these beautiful wings!

Edna B said...

Gosh, what a beautiful bird! I've never seen one of these, It's good that there are folks like you to take care of these wonderful birds.

Only three and a half more weeks and Pogo and I head for Florida. The sun is going to feel sooooo good. I hope. Lately they seem to be having quite a bit of rain. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my daughter Audrey. Joe is coming down for the first week too. He deserves a nice break.

Have you heard from the kids? Hopefully, none of this wicket winter weather will interfere with any of their travel plans to come home. We are enjoying another day with no snow falling. I must say though that my yard looks like a snow dump. Ah well, Spring will be coming soon. You and Izzi have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.

Unknown said...

Beautiful falcon, too bad he has lost part of his eyesight.
I love the second one, that's a great catch :))
Have a fine day
【ツ】Knipsa

MTWaggin said...

How lucky you are to have gotten to see one!

NatureFootstep said...

such a beauty. Can´t remember seeing one before. Glad it is taken care of.

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

I've never seen one of these. Love the second photo!

Pat said...

He's gorgeous.

Ida said...

What a stunning bird.

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