Hi Tweets,

Some of you may remember that about this time last year, I reported an
immature Red-tailed Hawk, banded on the right leg and quite tame, that was
hanging around the part of Discovery Park where I work. Well, it's back!
Same spot, same time of year (was a few weeks later last year when I saw
it, I think), same behavior, same band on right leg, but this time in full
adult plumage, so looking quite different.

The bird did not winter in the area either year; I spend between one and
three mornings a week in that area, and never saw a Red-tail there last
winter or this until around now. He is quite obvious when he's there, as
he perches on fairly low branches, well below the canopy, and alongside
the loop trail. Last year he stuck around for a month in the same small
(couple acre) area. I'll see what happens this year. I'm curious as to
where he was originally banded, but didn't catch him to check last year
(I'm a licensed bander, but don't usually trap hawks), nor did I take
advantage of several generous offers from other tweeters last year to help
catch him. Our schedules just didn't mesh, I think. Maybe this time,
though!

Chris Hill
Everett, WA
cehill at u.washington.edu