The immature Peregrine was a fly-over late in the afternoon. The Savannah
Sparrow was foraging inconspicuously on the ground shortly after the road first
approaches Rest Lake. The Merlin was in the same area I saw one-perhaps the
same individual- one week ago at hunters gate. I am unclear on the regional
type distribution of Merlin. The bird I saw was most consistent with the
Taiga phenotype, but I'm not sure if immature or first year "Pacific" Merlin has
the same pale-milk-chocolate features as Taiga adults. Which type would be
expected at Ridgefield, and is there large variation amongst the types anyway?
Watching the flock of 400+ Sandhill Crane fly in over the refuge at sunset
to wherever it is they roost for the night was a rich scene. 7 Hooded
Mergansers-same field of view, and 11 Bald Eagles on the "S-unit" route were both
personal high counts at the refuge. The Great Horned Owl was in the same
general treed area behind Canvasback lake where I saw it last week, it even let out
a couple muffled and disgruntled hoots. Beyond that, seemingly all the
expected regulars. There is still one youngish Rough-legged Hawk remaining in the
area.

Also, Inquiry: where is the best place in the greater Portland Metro area
[perhaps an hour in any direction] where one can see Beavers? I know they are
largely crepuscular or nocturnal and can be difficult to observe, still I have
never seen one and they seem to be one of the truly great and whimsical
beasts of our planet. Any advice on sites would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Blake Matheson
Carmel California & Portland Oregon



**************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp003000000025
48)