Sue,

Ferruginous Hawks appear to be virtually extirpated as a breeding bird in
Yakima County. A century ago, it was the most commonly seen Buteo in the
county (Dawson: Birds of Yakima County). Demise of squirrels, black-tailed
jackrabbits and conversion to irrigated agriculture of the shrub-steppe zone
has probably caused their decline. A few pairs may still breed irregularly
north of Sunnyside on Rattlesnake Ridge. This magnificent hawk nests on
power poles on the Hanford Site (7-10 pairs currently). Many of those birds
commute to alfalfa fields surrounding Hanford to forage, apparently on
pocket gophers. Your observation is noteworthy.

Andy Stepniewski


>Hello Tweeters,
>
>The Swainson's were on holiday today.
>
>The Kestrels were busy hauling in the groceries to their young. Our TV
>antenna is one of their favorite perches and was pretty noisy today as the
>male brought in the feed and called to Ma to come and get it. Today was the
>first day that she brought in her own catch for the young.
>
>Late afternoon we had an awesome sighting. A pair of Ferugionous Hawks did a
>low fly by above us (30 ft). All white underparts with black wing tips. They
>were gone before we could scramble for the bird book. Any other sightings in
>the Yakima Valley?
>
>Sue
>Zillah
>
>