Tweets,
Roger Orness emailed that on Sunday between 10 and 10:30 he observed a
GYRFALCON (dark second year juvenile) "on one of the armless poles east of
the steam plant, where the road takes the sharp bend [ie, short jog] to the
south [or north if headed east], next to the yellow cable gate pullout."
This is at the curvy section of road about a 1/2 or 3/4 mile east of the
plant between the "big pond" and the small narrow pond (that's oriented
east-west). The poles run along the dike alongside this pond (and perhaps
along the "big pond," too -- there are a number of poles and fence posts in
this area, as well as closer to the plant). There is a tiny pulloff on the
north/west side of the road at this "yellow cable gate" -- I can get totally
off the road if I carefully pull my car right up next to the cable. The bird
was on the 4th pole from the pullout. This area can also be scanned from a
high point further west that overlooks the "big pond." CAUTION: Parking
anywhere along this route may incite the unwanted attention of the roving
security guard; and always make sure you are totally off the road. The area
west of the plant is more difficult to view because of the trains. However,
there is a paved road up to an elevated substation from where you can scan
the area (scope needed). Note: Tono road from Bucoda may be closed or under
repair over the next few days, so the most reliable access is from SR507 at
Schaeffer County Park. Hopefully this bird will be sticking around. Good
birding!
-- Paul Hicks / phicks AT accessgrace.org / Tenino, s. Thurston Co