This cooperative Falcon seemed so massive, it had me thinking it may have been hybridized with a Gyrfalcon. Comments of many helpful Birders finally convinced me that this is simply a juvenile female Peregrine...such is life!.
I was driving west along Chamberlain Rd. in the Town of Aurelius, Cayuga County. I was looking for Larks and Longspurs, when I spotted this fellow just south of the Rd. perhaps 20 feet away at 11:10am. February-2006. Chamberlain Rd., on the east shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 200, Evaluative metering.
I was thinking Ferruginous Hawk, as I had just returned from SE Arizona. It was not, but a nice consolation prize! February-2006. Chamberlain Rd., on the east shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 200, Evaluative metering.
It soon became obvious that the head pattern was not quite proper for a Gyrfalcon. Still, it seems to have a rather long tail projection..? February-2006. Chamberlain Rd., on the east shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 200, Evaluative metering.
The back was very gray, but in different light conditions, it too looked brownish? February-2006. Chamberlain Rd., on the east shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 200, Evaluative metering.
When he settled in a nearby tree, I tried for better images... This shot looks good for a 'normal' Peregrine. February-2006. Chamberlain Rd., on the east shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 200, Evaluative metering.
Finally, at 12:27pm, the Falcon took off like a shot. I watched as he circled, higher and higher, and finally moved off to the NE for good. February-2006. Chamberlain Rd., on the east shore of Cayuga Lake, NY USA. Canon 10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 200, Evaluative metering.