Gyrfalcon
is a hard species to see - even in Øygarden. However, the
possibility of seeing this species is always present during the late
autumn and winter. These magnificent and elusive birds are usually seen
either during seawatches or whilst scanning the tops of offshore
islands.
Pale phase birds have been observed but are much rarer than the
"normal" type.
It is quite possible that this species gets overlooked - I regularly
see distant falcons that go down as "large falcon".
Above and below: Gyrfalcon at Herdlevær
25
October 2009 - although at the time I found this bird I was in a hurry
to see a Dusky Warbler that had turned up a few kilometres south and
the light was fading fast.
