Hi guys!

Good to see you still use tweeters. I've missed your weekly reports. Ar you
not doing that this year?

As far as raptors are concerned up on the Samish/Skagit, there should be
plenty there. Last week (Saturday January 4) Ed deal saw all five species of
falcons up there (Gyr, Peregrine, Prairie, Merlin and Kestrel). It is hard to
say where exactly you'll find the birds, but you are in good hands with your
teacher. I'm sure he'll take you to all the likely spots (including Allen
Road, Field 90, West 90, Samish River bridge etc.). Don't forget Big Ditch on
the way home!

Ed saw a gray Gyr at the Field 90, most likely the adult female reported these
past few weeks. Nobody has reported yet whether this bird is banded and may be
the same bird that was studied two winters ago. Also there's an immature brown
Gyr, also banded on her right leg floating around on the Samish Flats.

Ed was lucky enough to see the Prairie at about 50 feet away. I should be so
lucky! The species that was hardest to find was the Kestrel!

In addition you can expect to find Bald Eagles (of all age-classes),
Red-tailed Hawks (regular and dark morph and perhaps a Harlan's), Rough-legged
Hawks, Northern Harriers, Short-eared and Snowy Owls.

Hope you have great trips. Let us (tweeters) know what you find.

Martin Muller, Seattle
martinmuller at msn.com