Mary and I spotted the Gyrfalcon in the north lower branch of the dead
tree in the field opposite Windward Farms at about 2pm Monday. This was
after the tree had been vacated by an immature Bald Eagle. We watched it
for over a half hour through the scope. Driving to three vantage points
we were able to watch it from the front and the back. Most of the time we
watched the bird was preening. Then falcon flew southward straight across
the field. Its flight crossed that of a Red-Tailed Hawk. The Red-Tail
flipped backwards and flashed its talons. The Gyrfalcon also flashed its
talons but its flight never slowed. The Red-Tail righted itself and flew
out of the area as the Gyrfalcon climbed in a tight spiral then
circumnavigated the field and returned to the same branch. Amazingly we
had just driven to the south end of the field again as the angle of the
light was better there so we were able to catch all the action.

Seattle, WA
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