Tweets,
En route to a wrestling tourney in Chehalis Saturday (I never got there) the
weather broke so I took a detour to search for raptors and found some fine
birds: RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, previously reported by Dennis Paulson et al.
Adult bird, absolutely gorgeous! observed with flight feathers and tail
fanned in the afternoon sun. Directions (Delorme p. 45): At the stoplight in
Rochester (Albany St.) turn south; ~.3 mile turn right at the
numbered road at Swede Hall (large bldg), which veers right onto
Independence Rd. At the curve ~.1 mile past Van Dyke the bird was in trees
along the flood zone, almost directly in line with the driveway at 13149
Independence. It then flew a short distance from Thurston Co into Lewis Co
into a line of trees just beyond the trailer house. Parking: There's a small
pulloff at the above address, or at the utility station adjacent. I parked
at the green gate before Van Dyke. Traffic is surprisingly heavy and the
pavement narrow.
LARGE FALCON at the site in northern Lewis Co where a Gyr hung out several
years ago. Directions (Delorme 46/45): Southbound Old Hwy 99 (accessed off
I-5 via Hwy 12/Grand Mound Exit 88 westbound, then immediate left at light);
west on Goodrich (just south of county line); cross the slough bridge; first
right at named
street (Warner? can't remember). The falcon was observed atop a utility pole
from near the "end of county road" sign beyond/behind the nearby large
solitary fir
tree which the Gyr apparently frequented in prior season(s). The bird is
prominently white below with well-spaced streaking; considerable white in
head, including some on the nape, around the eye, and especially behind the
eye, with a bold vertical line dropping from the front of the eye and (in
some postures) a less distinct secondary line behind the ear. Previous
history made me think Gyr, but upon checking my field guide later (novel
idea!) I'm thinking maybe Prairie. Size was really difficult to guage in the
open spaces, but it seemed smaller and slimmer than a Gyr, and I believe
lacked horizontal barring on belly (though there was a pale "v"-shaped
demarkation between breast and belly markings). Better light (it was 4pm),
and better optics and experience than I possess would give a more definitive
ID. Parking (limited): I checked with the residents. Do not go beyond the
end of the county road and avoid the furthermost houses beyond the "end"
sign and do not block (light) traffic. The shoulders provide a pulloff, but
the grassy areas are soft and slippery (caution!). The retired lady at the
first (blue) home offered parking in her concrete driveway if you'll check
in. Alternate vantage points to the vast open space: Check the end of
Goodrich. Also, turn off Old Hwy 99 on Prather Rd (just north of county
line); after ~.7 mi angle left at the numbered gravel road, and view from
the bridge over the slough and beyond. Or continue on Prather toward the big
bridge, where there's ample shoulder. Also present: Peregrine, redtails,
eagles, kestrels, harriers, and probably kites, as well as plentiful
waterfowl including a few Trumpeter Swans.
Good birding!
Paul Hicks, Tenino
phicks AT accessgrace.org