I recall this statement from yesterday--- will attempt to spot the Gyr tomorrow but I don't have much hope!
Well, I was spot on. I arrived to the location in eastern Berks County where a Gyrfalcon has been seen sparingly over the past few days around 7 A.M. The location was already buzzing with other eager birders despite the bitter temps, brisk wind and occasional snow showers.
I and the others waited and waited and waited, enduring the elements, with the hope of seeing this rare arctic visitor. I had limited time this morning having worked last night, needing some sleep and having to get up early to make dinner with the in-laws to celebrate C's birthday. I decided 9 A.M. would be my departure time. Well, 8:50 A.M. was my limit. I wished the others luck and to enjoy the view when the bird came by once I left. I have had a LONG running streak of bad luck seeing a Gyrfalcon within the confines of the Keystone State. Sure enough, as I was making my way westward on I-78 my cell phone went off--caller--Chuck Chalfant, birding buddy on site. His call was to inform me that a "large dark falcon" had just buzzed over the nearby hillside and vanished to the west. I blurted out a few, choice, four letter words, informed him I was on my way home and would not come back to potentially ruin the birds possible return with my bad luck presence!
As a conciliation prize I stopped off at Karcher Lake Park, Hamburg, PA to grab a 2012 view of the long staying immature White Ibis. I figured with bitterly cold temps forecasted for the next few days this could be my last opportunity to see this bird. The ibis was present in the small spring seep between the two parking lots looking a touch forlorn....if an ibis can look forlorned!
I MAY try for the Gyrfalcon again on Thursday if it's observed on Wednesday. We shall see.
Species for the year Dauphin--53 PA--56
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