Hi everyone,

I was fortunate to see a SHORT-EARED OWL hunting over the Snoqualmie Valley near Fall City last evening around 7:15-7:45. I was able to watch it for a good twenty minutes and at one point it flew within 20 yards of me. The location (I don't have a map in front of me, but this should be sufficient to locate it for those familiar with the area or who have a DeLorme) is about a mile south of the Tall Chiefs golf course on West Snoqualmie River Road (not West Snoqualmie VALLEY Road - the correct road starts near Fall City). There is a T intersection after you pass the golf course and round some curves in the road. At this T intersection (within sight of cars on Highway 202 to the south - the Fall City/Redmond Road) you go left if you're heading for 202 close to Fall City and right if you are heading for 202 closer to Redmond. There are open fields to the north of this intersection and a creek with blackberry brambles along it off to your right. To the south are more field!
s and a
brushy area a hundred yards or so off the road. The owl spent most of its time coursing over the brushy area to the south, but periodically would circle the open areas as well. It was still light enough at that time to see very well and the ID was easy with the characteristic flight, and dark "wrist" marks and and dark wing tips on the underwing. This was a life bird for me.

John Tubbs
Snoqualmie, WA
johntubbs at comcast.net
www.tubbsphoto.com