Went back to Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA today to snap some shots of the
Sora. It was there as expected, poking around the lily pads, preening . . .
poking around the lily pads . . . preening. Such a simple life. Got a
couple of pics I can live with which I'm happy to share with those
interested, though they're just snapshot quality, if that.

Anyway, on the way in around 7:15am, I noticed a large brownish figure in
the middle of the field north of Lot G. I got a good bino look and was
pulling out the scope to get a picture when it flew up to one of the large
snags only to be quickly chased off by a few crows. Now I wish I'd spent
more time looking and less time trying to get the picture.

I don't know if this is an unusual bird to see here or not (tundra variety
that is). Sibley describes them as widespread in migration and winter. The
most telling characteristics were the thinner dark "mustache" and overall
lighter color than that seen in Sibley's juvenile Pacific variety. There
was no yellow on the bill at all.

I almost want to wish it into a juvenile Prairie Falcon, as I got a good
look at what struck me as very unstreaked undertail coverts. If anyone
else comes across the bird, please take a good look. First thing I'd
observe, if it's not flying, is the crown, as I don't recall if it was pale
or not, but I would think a pale crown would have grabbed my attention.
Also check the feet to see if they are yellow or blue/gray. Unfortunately,
I never saw the underside when it flew.
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Ned McGarry
Sammamish, WA