Subject: [Tweeters] Possible Swainson's Hawk, Nisqually
Date: May 12 20:04:28 2011
From: Mary Saylor - questing at pottersaylor.com


Had a distant view of what looked like a light Swainson's hawk soaring among the clouds, past the end of the boardwalk at Nisqually this afternoon. Buteo, white wing linings and body contrasting with very dark flight feathers, wings held at only a slight upward angle with black wingtip feathers flicked a little higher. Too far to see whether the tail had any striping but it was a medium shade, not black or white or pink-ish, spread so not obviously long and thin. The upper side was brown.

Hearing that Bud Anderson has only seen three Swainson's hawks in Western Washington makes me wonder if it could have been anything else. I've only seen Swainson's hawk five other times (not in Washington).

Also saw the Great Egret, 2 bald eagles (1 adult, 1 immature) numerous warblers (yellow, yellowthroat, Wilson's, yellow-rumped), swallows, lots of Vaux's swifts, wood duck, etc.

Mary Saylor
Issaquah