Well, even we birders have to learn to eat humble pie on
occasion. The white-phase Gyrfalcon that was first reported
at the Lebanon Airport last evening and then resighted today
turned out to be... a leucistic Red-tailed Hawk. About a
dozen seasoned birders, including yours truly, watched the
bird at a distance of 250 yards or more, some of us for over
an hour, and convinced ourselves it was indeed a Gyrfalcon.
The bird was virtually pure white, with just a dark smudge
on its hindneck, a few flecks on the chest, and some dark
coloration visible in the folded primaries. Then, at ~2:30
pm, it took off from its perch, flew high above the airport,
soaring in large circles on broad wings, and clearly showed
its... red tail. A few of us had seen the bird fly briefly
from perch to perch earlier and remarked on its Buteo-like
wing shape and slow, flapping flight, BUT the power of
suggestion is strong and no one seriously questioned the ID
(at least not out loud).
Thankfully, everyone had a good laugh, and no one took the
whole affair too seriously. But, for anyone who might have
been contemplating a late-day run over the Lebanon Airport,
don't go if your heart is set on finding a Gryfalcon!________________________
Chris Rimmer
Vermont Center for Ecostudies
PO Box 420 | Norwich, Vermont 05055
802.649.1431 x1
http://vtecostudies.org/
