A group of bird enthusiasts led by Chris Blomme embarked on a journey to Foleyet in northern Ontario, following reports of a rare crested caracara sighting. While surveying the local area, they were alerted by the calls of crows near the dump, leading them to witness the striking appearance of the caracara landing in front of them. The bird, typically found in South and Central America, is a rare sight north of the southern United States.
Blomme, along with fellow birdwatchers from as far as Toronto, speculated that the caracara may have been displaced by a hurricane or a significant weather event, explaining its unusual presence so far north. The sudden influx of birdwatchers in the small community of Foleyet did not go unnoticed, as locals observed the visitors with binoculars and cameras in search of the unique bird.
Despite some claims of previous sightings in the area, the focus now turns to whether the crested caracara can survive the winter in northern Ontario. Blomme remains optimistic, suggesting that with sufficient food sources, even a tropical bird like the caracara could potentially endure the harsh northern climate.