Twwets

Got one of those "other duties as assigned " tasks today. The mayor's office
called to say that they had a small dark raptor on the railing of the 12th
floor of the Muni Building and they were worried because it didn't seem well.
I went to take a look and managed to arrive 15 seconds before it took off,
flying strongly. From the size and color I would say it was probably a
Merlin.

Since I was playing hooky anyway I dropped by the Fill to see if they might
be a trace of the Chestnut-collared Longspur. Alas and alack not a sign.
However I was rewarded with a good look at a Peregrine in one of the trees
on the south side near the water. It flew off and returnd twice while I
watched. There were also two Bald Eagles soaring near the 520 Bridge, and an
immature Northern Shrike by Stuart's Pond. Not a bad way to spend a sunny
lunch hour+++.

Mike Waller
WP Zoo