Subject: [Tweeters] Snowy Owl and Gyrfalcon Still Present at Umatilla NWR
Date: Nov 27 21:44:59 2011
From: Tyler Hicks - tyler_hicks at wsu.edu



Hi all,

The Snowy Owl and Gyrfalcon reported yesterday at Umatilla NWR were still present today. The Snowy Owl was in the same area as before and we observed the Gyrfalcon about 1 mile west of the steelhead hatchery near the grain elevator (plenty of pigeons!) and also in the vicinity of the Snowy Owl. Apparently, according to a local birder, the Gyrfalcon has been hanging around for a week moving back and forth across the river to Patterson, Washington. A Peregrine Falcon is hanging around in the same area and was observed harassing the Gyrfalcon. In addition, we observed a female Merlin in the area around where the Snowy Owl was observed.

Also while mapping curlew habitat on private lands near the Umatilla Chemical Depot we flushed a Burrowing and Short-eared Owl. Quite the day for raptors!

Cheers,



Tyler L Hicks
PhD Student
Washington State University - Vancouver

E-mail: tyler_hicks at wsu.edu
Website: www.thingswithwings.org

"Back off man, I'm a scientist!" - Bill Murray, Ghostbusters