Tweeters,
Yesterday, a small hardy group drove through rain, wind and even snow to meet Bud Anderson of the Falcon Research Group in Leavenworth to visit their location on Entiat Ridge. A cool, wet system hampered the overall numbers but what an experience! First, the group and site, what a classy bunch of guys who not only know their stuff but are very open to sharing their knowledge and experiences with average joe's like me!!! The "ridge" is spectacular with 360 degree views of Glacier Peak, Enchantments, Sugar Loaf Mtn. and most of the Cascades and big views of North-Eastern Washington! A wonderful ridge that runs from North-West to South-East that literally can draw as many as 100 birds to the site a day! Yesterday however had snow levels just above our head, thundershowers filled with hail and rain, dense drifts of fog and brief breaks of sunshine to keep us on our toes and unfortunately the overall numbers down. 20+ birds viewed: list included (1) Harrier, (1) Red-Tail, (2) Coopers Hawk, (1) Osprey, (15) Sharp-shinned Hawks. Caught and banded were (1) Coopers Hawk and (7) Sharp-shinned Hawks. Close calls were many and seeing the Red Tail come in was really a treat. Watching these birds hunt from such close range (in a blind at 30') was just amazing. ALL birds captured were banded, weighed, measured and the information was charted. Again ALL birds captured were handled and released in a very careful way so as to not add undue stress or injury to them. Great care is taken in this to not injure the birds and keep EVERYTHING sanitized. Starting next year they will begin taking Cloacae swabs to check for the Aviary Flu Virus. The real bonus of this trip is the interaction between the researchers, the birds and the visitors. Each member of our small group got a chance to hold and release Sharp-shinned Hawks and Coopers Hawks. For those of you out there who have done this, consider yourselves very lucky as there are not too many places in this world to hold and release wild, native animals. The lessons learned and experiences will be with you for life. Those of you who have never done this....you have to do it! Bud is looking to get the public involved and is going to guide groups up the "ridge" the next 2 Saturdays. If you are interested be at the Safeway parking lot on U.S. 2 in Leavenworth (east side of town) at 9:00 a.m. each of the following Saturdays for a adventure you will never forget. Or contact The Falcon Research Group and Bud Anderson at bud at frg.com, or myself for any and all questions!

Bryan LaComa
Shoreline, Wa.
jennandbryan at msn.com