hi group(s) ... since I had the morning off today I went out to
Shillapoo Wildlife Area (Vancouver Lake Unit) to see if I could
re-find the Swainsons ... arrived about 10:00 ... did 3 passes
through the area he likes to hang out ... on the 4th pass (about
11:30) he was there !!!!!!!! ... same area I first saw him and same
area Scott had on his map ... bird was hunting in the field on the
south-southwest side of the road ... he would sit on fence posts very
close to the road ... and as someone else pointed out, he doesn't
mind cars ... there were 3 of us "birders" in cars ... I was starting
and re-starting my engine as he moved around and the bird ignored me ...

anyways, here's 3 of my "favorite" images which half turned out
considering the day was overcast and gray ...

http://columbiariverimages.com/Birds/HoldingPen/shillapoo_swainsons_hawk_12-03-08.html

IMPORTANT NOTE --- I did talk to one of the hunter folks ... Pheasant
season ended sunday however duck season is still going on and will be
this month ... he said blaze orange is not required however if you
dont have it on stay away from the duck hunters ... he also said to
leave NOTHING ... and he emphasised NOTHING in your car !!!!!!!!!!!
... there was a BIG PROBLEM with smash-and-grab this season ... he
also said yes, you need a parking permit ... now even tho I have a
parking permit (it came with my husband's fishing license) I often
dont carry it in the car as Gene (my other half) has it in his truck
... I have seen the ranger-folks drive through but they've never
questioned me ... but then too, I'm in my car or right along side it
... I'm not walking the fields ... do they check ??? ... according to
another dog friend who just runs his dogs and/or hunts out there ---
yes, they do check ... he says he was checked twice this fall ...

enjoy,
Lyn




Lyn Topinka
http://EnglishRiverWebsite.com
http://ColumbiaRiverImages.com
http://RidgefieldBirds.com