Gyrfalcon Portrait

Of all the falcons, gyrfalcons are the largest with a wing spread of four feet. Gyrfalcons live in the high latitudes near the North Pole where they can have gray phases and white phases with black spots. But in western North America, high in the Arctic, the plumage of the gyrfalcon is almost pure white. All raptors are fascinating hunters. But unlike the peregrine falcon that soars above its prey and then dives to knock it to the ground with its hind claw, the gyrfalcon overtakes its prey in level flight. Taking prey in this manner requires exceptional speed for so large a creature. Because it is so rare that one has the opportunity to see these wonderful birds, I wanted to paint one up close so that its beautiful markings could really be seen and appreciated.