Tweets,

While perusing the Vancouver RBA I noticed a listing of a Northern hawk
owl observed near Blaine, WA. This was too close not to attempt a search
so off I went this morning and was not disappointed. This is one
handsome bird. I had never seen a hawk owl. Gorgeous!

Met many friendly and helpful Canadian birders with nice optical
equipment. Michelle, if you want a chance to try out several different
scopes I would suggest hanging out in the vicinity of this bird. Nothing
beats the experience of going from scope to scope and comparing images.

Directions to the bird as copied from the Vancouver RBA Jan 06, '01:

"A NORTHERN HAWK-OWL has been located just south of the border in Washington
State. To find this bird take I-5 to the Birch Bay/Lynden Road interchange,
head east, and then turn north onto Stein Road. The bird was perched on top
of a utility pole just past 8699 Stein Road."

Today the bird was seen to the east of the utility pole in forest edge
south of the raspberry canes and it was also seen from Delta Line Rd.
which parallels Stein Rd. to the east. Excellent views of the owl were
had from this location. The bird perched in the tops of young cottonwood
and alder trees that bordered the east side of the raspberries. A pair
of peregrine falcons stooped on the owl at one point. Made for a great
day!

Paul Moorehead
Guemes, WA