Last Sunday we counted seven Snowy Owls at Damon Point State Park. All
took to the air at once when a mature Bald Eagle flew over the point.

We also watched a Peregrine Falcon zooming low over the landscape.
When it reached a line of driftwood stranded by high waves, a flock of
Snow Buntings flew up in a panic - and the Peregrine nabbed one of
them! We watched as the Peregrine landed on a prong of driftwood and
proceeded to pick off the Bunting's feathers, which floated briefly on
a light breeze, and eat the prize catch. We were excited, of course,
but the news wasn't greeted with much enthusiasm by birders who had
specifically come to see the Snow Buntings.

We also watched a Bald Eagle dislodge a second Bald Eagle perched on an
old stump. The two eagles had a running aerial battle, with one flying
briefly upside down, talons threatening the other, too-close eagle.

All in all, a wonderful long day at Damon Point. Hundreds of happy
people enjoyed the park that day - most of them coming to see the
recently exposed wreck of the cruise ship Katella, recently featured on
Seattle local TV news.

Karen Rentz
Shelton, WA
lee at leerentz.com