A bird of prey identified by a local bird expert as a gyrfalcon carries a pigeon as it lands on a railing in Montreal, Monday, April 15, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andy Blatchford
April 15, 2013 - 1:11 PM
MONTREAL - A powerful bird of prey from the world's largest falcon species took part in a rare hunting expedition today in the heart of Montreal.
The gyrfalcon was seen on an apartment balcony clutching a freshly caught pigeon in its talons.
Feathers flew as the falcon manipulated its kill before it swooped away in the densely populated Plateau-Mont-Royal district.
A McGill University wildlife expert says the white-and-brown bird escaped last September from its handlers in western Quebec.
David Bird says gyrfalcons are considered the Lamborghinis of raptors and are coveted for their abilities in the sport of falconry.
Bird says gyrfalcon sightings are very rare in Montreal because they usually live in Arctic regions.
He says the falcon's owner told him the bird was spotted last week about 250 kilometres away in Quebec City.
Bird says the gyrfalcons are known to feed on ducks, seabirds and even large Arctic hares.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013