On Saturday, Feb 4th, I caught a brief look at the white phase Gyrfalcon
east of George. Undoubtedly the same bird which was reported in the
vicinity a month or so ago.

This time, the Gyr was about a mile north of I-90, along the east side of
the Winchester Wasteway, at the 2N road access to Game Dept land. To reach
this area, drive 15 miles east of George on I-90, exit north on Dodson Rd,
go 2 mi N to 3 NW, then 2 mi W to E NW, then 1 mi S to 2 NW then 1 mile W to
the access area.

The Gyr was cruising the big tree windbreak which separates farm land from
Game land, and was seen just before dusk on the farm land side.

This area has huge numbers of waterfowl and some pretty good flocks of
sparrows, especially near the north end of the windbreak. Great Horned Owls
are always present in the windbreak. In past years this has been a reliable
location for American Tree Sparrows, but I didn't find any this trip.

I spent most of the same day cruising back roads on the Waterville Plateau
looking for winter specialties, but nothing unusual to report. Much of the
snow is gone. The Horned Larks are already pairing off, and I saw one doing
a little dance in tight circles, undoubtedly a breeding dance. Looks like
an early spring again!

Dave Nunnallee
dnun461 at ecy.wa.gov
Bellevue, WA