A gray morph Gyrfalcon was found in Pine Plains by Neil Pell on January 10, 1987. The bird was seen by many others between that date and March 12, 1987 at various points between Johnnycake Hollow Road and Briarcliff Farm. This photo was taken January 20, 1987. There are 4 other records of Gyrfalcon in Dutchess County.

The January 1987 report was initially rejected by NYSARC but accepted after the photograph below was submitted.

The Gyrfalcon resides in northern Canada, but on occasion comes south ostensibly for food.  Immatures tend to come the farthest south.

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