Hello Paul and Tweeters,

We would like to make a note and add that George Gerdts was the person that
originally observed and photographed the adult Red-shouldered Hawk near
Rochester on the 29th of December and NOT Dennis Paulson as you indicated in
your message.

Sincerely,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan


----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Hicks" <phicks at accessgrace.org>
To: ", tweeters" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 9:00 AM
Subject: [Tweeters] detour yields interesting raptors: red-shoulder &
"largefalcon"


> 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
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