Richard -

A number of years ago in the Sacramento area, at a time when Peregrine
Falcons were in short supply down there, a report came in of one which
had a favorite perch on a power tower. A number of people went out to
see it in the next couple of days. Finally one group hung around and
noticed that the bird was extremely still. They moved in very close and
it still did not react. Someone then climbed the tower (I know, a very
foolish act). It was a perfect, ceramic replica of a Peregrine. Turned
out a local artist had made a number of them and posted them in several
spots. The one on the tower was the only one reported. It served as the
"trophy" for several years on the Sacramento Christmas Count. Sure
fooled some very good birders for a while.

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville Wa
bellasoc at isomedia.com