My peregrine banding is done in conjuction with a survey of raptors
along the coast.

I have developed a methodology whereby I census raptors that use the
intertidal beaches and the adjacent dunes. I drive some portion of
the beach between Pt. Grenville and the Columbia River in my Bronco
(don't worry, it's not white) about once per week. Not only do I see
peregrines, but also merlins, bald eagles, ospreys, Northern harriers,
red-tailed hawks, and rough-legged hawks (don't get too excited...I
don't generally see lots of any of these). I am also working to
develop a method to survey shorebird abundance and distribution in
conjuction with the raptor survey.

This project will provide baseline information on raptor use of the
Washington coast, at least the sandy part where I can drive. I don't
think anybody does or has done this kind of work. Am I right on this?
Please let me know.

Dan Varland