Hi Tweets -

This morning Michael Hobbs and I went to the Blaine area to find the
Hawk Owl. We first saw the bird from the Delta Line Rd. location about
0945. It was perched in the row of trees about midway across the field
to the west. It flew to another location in the same line of trees. This
is a truly beautiful bird. After a while the bird flew and disappeared.
We went around to the Stein Rd. location, where another birder said he
had seen it also with a rodent, and that it had been flushed by a
Northern Harrier and flew into the trees along the south side of the
raspberry field. We found it again in the top of a conifer, perched and
doing some preening. Good looks at all side of the head. The bird flew
in a large circle and returned to the same tree, but on a branch closer
to us with an unobstructed view. Great views for many minutes. The bird
then flew to a second tree with even better views. After about 5-7
minutes it left the tree, and flew down past us and landed on the top of
a telephone utility pole on the west side of Stein Rd, just barely north
of 8966. The bird did not seem concerned by our presence as we moved
closer. Eventually, Michael and I were able to attempt pictures from
just below it location. This bird is truly stunning with great markings.
About the time we left, around 1100, it had moved two utility poles
further north, but was still there.

For anyone planning on going to see this bird, you have a treat, and
great birding.

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville Wa
bellasoc at isomedia.com
www.peregrinenorthwest.com