The Gyrfalcon, the largest of all falcons, is a bird of the Arctic, breeding on the tundra and within the northern forest limits. This circumpolar species occurs in Alberta only as an uncommon, irregular winter resident. Most adults tend to remain on their breeding territories: the ones that visit Alberta generally are the young of the year. Several
colour forms exist: the darker ones are from the Canadian tundra and Alaska while the much rarer white form is from the eastern high Arctic and Greenland.
During winter, this species can occur anywhere in the province, rural or urban. Favourite places are around grain elevators and large bodies of open water. It often sits high on electrical towers which give it a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. In Alberta most sightings occur from mid-October to late March, with a few reports as late
as early May.
Birds comprise most of their diet, caught in flight. During their winter visits, the main food items are Rock Pigeons and waterfowl. In the Arctic, ptarmigan are a mainstay. Those Gyrfalcons travelling through the Rocky Mountains may take resident White-tailed Ptarmigan. Mammals may initially form part of the immatures diet, being easy to catch.
Nesting in the Arctic is usually on a cliff ledge or rocky outcrop, often in a river gorge. Old Rough-legged Hawk or Common Raven nests are sometimes used. The three to four eggs are laid in May. Incubation takes about 28-30 days, usually by the female alone, starting when the first egg is laid as fatal freezing temperatures still prevail. The female broods and tends the young while the male brings the food. Later, both parents hunt and feed the offspring. They fledge at 46-55 days but remain near the nest for another four weeks, before becoming independent.
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Where to find Gyrfalcons in Alberta
Gyrfalcons are absent to rare in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area from November to April. The few that are reported, are generally spotted hunting ducks from high above the Glenmore Reservoir. They are also seen on rare occasions perched atop the White Spruce trees overlooking the delta on the south side of the park. Brent Johner
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BRENT JOHNER
for serving as the society's PAST PRESIDENT this year
KEN OAKES
for serving 7 consecutive years on the society's Board