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This message is being forwarded to Tweeters (by Dan Victor) because the
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 07 Aug 1998 08:32:26 -0700
From: Baker Family <dbakers at myhome.net>

I can't figure out where to post this, or to whom to send it, so I guess
you're the lucky recipient! Please let me know where to post this sort
of thing in the future, should I ever be fortunate enough to see any
more exciting birds.

I'm not sure if this is a "rare" sighting or not, but I am excited about
it. I live in Winlock, WA, which is about 120 miles south of downtown
Seattle, just west of I-5. About a mile from my house, crossing above the
road, I saw what I am convinced was peregrine falcon. If so, it is the
first I have seen here in 8 years. It looked like the dark Peale's
variety. There is NO WAY is was a pigeon hawk (it was way too big), and it
was too dark to be a prairie hawk. The facial markings were very distinct,
as the bird was only about 40 or 50 feet from me, and the lighting was
ideal (late afternoon, striking on the bird directly, and coming from
behind me). The bird cooperated beautifully, changing directions and
angles so I was able to see all sides clearly, even without binoculars. I
have been birding for 26 years, albeit not intensely, and this is a life
bird for me. Please let me know if this is a fairly common sighting, or if
it truly merits the excitement I feel! It was beautiful, regardless.
Thank you!

-S. Baker
Winlock, WA
dbakers at myhome.net