You have reached the Seattle Audubon's Bird Sightings Hotline for
Saturday, February 17th, 1995, at 11:30 AM.

Highlights for western Washington this week include, GREAT GRAY OWL,
PRAIRIE FALCON, GLAUCOUS GULL, PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER, GOLDEN EAGLE,
YELLOW-BILLED LOON, KING EIDER, LITTLE GULL and ROCK SANDPIPER.

A GREAT GRAY OWL was discovered east of Bayview, in Skagit County, on
February 12th. To find this bird - from I-5 go west on Highway 20, turn
right, onto Porter-Skagit County Road. Go up to Ovenell Road and take a
left, then go down about a quarter of a mile. It had been in trees along
the road as recently as yesterday, February 16th.

The PRAIRIE FALCON that has been reported throughout most of the winter
at the 90 degree been of the Samish Island Road, east of Bow, continues
to be seen. It was last reported on February 11th. Also on February 11th,
a first winter GLAUCOUS GULL was seen near by, at the intersection of
Bradley and Allan Road.

On the Skagit Flats, just west of Conway along Fir Island Road, at the
90-degree bend and heading in the direction of La Conner, a single
PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER was seen in a group of BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS on
February 4th. This is perhaps the same bird that had been frequenting the
Samish Flats earlier in the season. Also in that same area on the same
day, an adult GOLDEN EAGLE was seen in the company of several immature
and adult BALD EAGLES

There have been no recent reports of GYRFALCONS in the Samish or Skagit
flast in recent weeks, however, an adult gray phased GYRFALCON was seen
breifly over the West Seattle Freeway and Highway 99 in Seattle on
February 14th.

The YELLOW-BILLED LOON at the John Wayne Marina, just to the southeast of
Sequim, was last reported on February 12th. Afternoon is the best time to
look for this bird as lighting conditions are most favorible at that
time. Other birds seen near the Marina include, 5 MUTE SWANS, EARED
GREBE, up to 6 BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS and MARBLED MURRELETS.

Also on the 12th, a first winter and a second winter GLAUCOUS GULL were
seen at the mouth of the Elwa River and at Ediz Hook in Port Angeles, 2
ROCK SANDPIPERS, WILLET, WHIMBREL, RUDDY TURNSTONES, BLACK TURNSTONE,
WESTERN SANDPIPER, DUNLINS, SANDERLINGS, and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER were
near the Coast Gaurd - Gaurd station.

The KING EIDER continues to be seen at the end of Hastie Lake Road on
Whidbey Island, last reported on February 12th. ANCIENT MURRELETS have
been seen this past week between Port Townsend and the Keystone Ferry
landing.

The LITTLE GULL at American Lake, south of Tacoma, was seen again on
February 11th.

Lastly, some early signs of spring have appeared in the past week. Tree
and Violet-green Swallows have been reported at various locatoin around
the lower Puget Sound.

For the most up to date information on rare birds call the Washington
Ornithological Society's Bird Box at (206) 454-2662, and for the latest
from Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho call (208) 882-6195 or the
Tri-Cities at (509) 943-6957.

For SAS field trips, or for information on conservation and education
issues please call the office at 523-4483 during office hours, 10-4
Monday through Friday and 10-2 Saturday.

That's all for now. If you have news to report, wait for the tone, then
give your name, phone number, and the details. Thanks and good birding.