Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) in January!!?

David Jonas write,

I saw a Peregrine Falcon today. It is January. They are supposed to migrate.

LEO says:

Four species of falcon breed in Alaska: peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus); gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus); merlin (Falco columbarius); and American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Two falcon species, gyrfalcons and Peale’s subspecies of peregrines, over-winter in Alaska if there is adequate prey, while other species migrate.Considered to be some of the most long-distance migratory birds, Peregrine Falcons that nest in the North Slope area may migrate as far south as Chile or Argentina. Source: ADF&G Falcons.

This observation was forwarded to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program.

ADF&G Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program Consult:

Travis Booms, Regional Wildlife Biologist writes; Very interesting observation. Yes, Peregrines should be long gone here in Fairbanks and I’m not aware of a sighting of such in the middle of winter before. A picture to confirm species ID would really be helpful. Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program

I think the most likely explanations are:

1. Possibly a local falconer could have been flying a captive Peregrine Falcon (though that’s highly unusual this time of year as well)

2. A falconry peregrine recently escaped captivity (also unlikely because falconers are required to report any such escapes to me/ADFG)

3. The bird was actually a Gyrfalcon with Peregrine-like plumage. Discriminating between Gyrfalcons and Peregrines can be very difficult, especially in low light situations. I suspect this is the most likely explanation. Even I make mistakes between these two species, so it’s reasonable to assume others do as well."

Resources:

Alaska Fish & Wildlife News – Alaska's Peregrine Falcons: Peregrines from Northern Alaska have been documented wintering as far south as Chile and Argentina. Most peregrines return to the same river bluffs and cliffs and re-use the same nest sites. The returning young tend to nest within a few miles of their parents on the same river system, but competition and other factors can cause them to disperse further. By Riley Woodford, Editor, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation

Animal Diversity Web (ADW) – Falconidae falcons (Also: falcons and caracaras) Falconids are found in nearly every terrestrial habitat, including desert, tundra, taiga, grasslands, savanna, scrub forest, chaparral, forest, mountains, coastal areas, wetlands, estuaries, lake shores, agricultural areas, suburbs, and cities. Source: the University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology