On Friday (7/18/08), Jon Isacoff, Jon's former student Virginia, and I headed northward into Pend Oreille County. The weather was cool and clear in the morning and became pleasantly warm by the afternoon.

Ever since Jack Morton reported finding a pair of Peregrine Falcons this spring, I have been meaning to make an attempt to see them. However, there hadn't been any recent reports, and no one knew of their current status. Even though it was a long haul up to Metaline and we had somewhat limited time, I decided to make a run for it.

As expected for late July, bird activity has markedly decreased. However, we still managed to pick up PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER, EASTERN KINGBIRD, CEDAR WAXWING, YELLOW WARBLER, RED-EYED VIREO, VAUX'S SWIFT, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, DOWNY WOODPECKER, and WARBLING VIREO at Calispell Creek. In Cusick, there were BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDs coming to a feeder. At the Cusick public boat dock, both CALIFORNIA & RING-BILLED GULLS were present. Of course, we saw plenty of DC Cormorants, OSPREYS, and BALD EAGLE too.

Immediately north of Usk, we had distant views of a LEWIS'S WOODPECKER flying away from us. While a family of WESTERN MEADOWLARKs seemed to dominate the the grassy openings of this site, numerous TURKEY VULTUREs provided air cover.

Near Boundary Dam, we ran into a birdy spot, and we enjoyed good views of DUSKY FLYCATHER, WESTERN WOOD PEWEE, MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER, and AMERICAN REDSTART. Finally, we reached the summit of Washington Rock. From this magnificent vantage point, we were overlooking the towns of Metaline Falls and Metaline, the Pend Oreille River, and the surrounding Selkirk Mts.

As we shaded our eyes while looking up at a pair of silhouetted raptors soaring overhead, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWs and WHITE-THROATED SWIFTs wheeled across the sky. Meanwhile, the soaring raptors executed dramatic dives down the mountain slope and landed in a snag. We were excited to note that these birds were the much hoped for PEREGRINE FALCONs.

A bit later, one of the Peregrines flew right toward us and landed in a pine tree that was a mere twenty meters away. It then cruised over our heads, called, and continued over to the rocky slope face. While we were mesmerized by the marvelous air show that the peregrines were providing us, the pair of birds disappeared from view. When they returned, we saw that the adult peregrines were joined by fully fledged young peregrine. Yes, the peregines had successfully nested and had managed to rear a healthy youngster! Apparently, this is the first confirmed nesting of this species for this county.

Watching the family of Peregrine Falcons soaring, diving, and flying by at eye level, was absolutely spectacular. We were thrilled to have witnessed such a lively performance! Congratulations to the happy peregrine family!

Gina Sheridan
Spokane, WA