Hi Tweets -

Yesterday, a group from Seattle Audubon visited the Samish/Skagit flats.
As mentioned by Gene Hunn, we stopped by the Skagit Game Range. We
didn't stay quite long enough for the Green-tailed Towhee - the trip
members were hungering after raptors. It was a good day we had
approximately:

20+ Red-tailed Hawks
8 Bald Eagles
30 Northern Harriers
10 Rough-legged Hawks, at least three from very close range.
7 American Kestrels (most I have seen in a single day on the Samish)
8 Merlins (two at Skagit GR)
3 Peregrine Falcons
1 Gyrfalcon

One of the Peregrines was perched on a phone pole near the north end of
Samish Island Road. While we were watching it made two forays out over
the south end of Samish Bay after ducks and shorebirds. No luck, but on
returning toward its perch the second time it made a pass at a large
falcon flying the opposite direction. The large falcon, the Gyr, did a
dipsy doodle twist up toward the Peregrine, twisted back and continued
flying SE with that direct, powerful flight. Disappeared in the
distance. Everyone enjoyed our 4 falcon day. (Also got close looks at
Snow Geese, and Swans).

Happy Birding,

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville, Wa
bellasoc at isomedia.com