Last Wednesday (2.2.11) I spotted an unusual buteo across I5 from the entrance to the Nisqually NWR in Thurston County. The bird showed characteristics of a Swainson's Hawk, but that would have been highly unusual as they are rare on the west side of the state and do not winter in Washington. The bird was not an adult, which made identification difficult.

Just a few minutes ago, Bud Anderson confirmed the bird as a Swainson's Hawk. It's a two year old dark morph. Photos of the bird are at:

http://www.pbase.com/marvbreece/image/132380665

Now that was a good day.

Marv Breece
Seattle, WA
mbreece at earthlink.net