Bob, tweeters,

A Peregrine Falcon at Green Lake (Seattle) is not an everyday occurrence, but
since our "invasion" of wintering Peregrines started in the late eighties,
it's not unexpected either.

In January 1993 I saw my first Peregrine at the lake. A second-year female we
(volunteers with the Falcon Research Group) dubbed "Electra". She was a
spectacular bird to wtach. Not shy, sitting in the cottonwoods you mention,
Bob, hunting over the lake, especially when the lake froze over for about ten
days. This bird was so spectacular because she acted very un-Peregrine-like.
She chased everything that flew. I've got pictures of her chasing adult Bald
Eagle, Northern Harrier, other Peregrine Falcons, Great Blue Heron, various
ducks and geese and American Coots.

Since 1993 I've seen Peregrines at Green Lake every winter and since the
species sttarted nesting in downtown also at other times of the year.

Thanks for the tip, I'll check tomorrow morning when I do my weekly census.

Martin Muller, Seattle
martinmuller at msn.com