Gyr Falcon in Madeira - an escapee from somewhere

On Sunday, the 26th of October 2008 an Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus was observed in Funchal coast, just near Santiago Fortress. Thanks to Tom McCanna who called to alert Madeira Wind Birds, Catarina & Hugo were able to observe this bird of prey too. This bird had black jesses on both legs and it seemed also two silver thin rings. It is certainly an escapee bird from a Falconry though most probably not from Madeira as there is no knowledge of any falconry in Madeira.

The Gyr Falcon was on some rocks near the sea and it seemed to be in good health. As the sun was already setting there was not enough light for good pictures.

Here are some other sightings from the last couple of days:

27th of October 2008
Caniçal
5 Starlings
1 Pied Wagtail
Common Tern

26th of October 2008
Funchal harbour
1 Black-headed Gull
6 Common Terns
7 Little Egrets - 1 near the marina river and 6 flying west
1 Gyr Falcon

Funchal sea
Cory's Shearwaters

Meanwhile we received a trip report from a Finish birdwatcher, Simo Veistola, who observed:

On the 15th of October 2008
At sea, near Funchal
3 Great Skuas
3 Fea's Petrels

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