Waiting to cross Roosevelt at 95th last evening I noticed a falcon approach
from the east, not to far above the trees. I assumed Peregrine, but quickly
became skeptical when I noticed how large it was. It approached quickly and
powerfully but I didn't begin taking mental notes until it shifted gears and
began to gingerly quarter a somewhat stiff southerly breeze. Beyond its
large size, I seemed to notice an unusual flapping pattern in which most
energy was smoothly exerted beyond the wrists, close to the tips. I work in
a skyscraper downtown and regularly watch the Peregrines at eye level; it
just didn't seem like a Peregrine. I couldn't get a good handle on
coloration, but it was certainly dark. Definitely a falcon, and around the
size of a Goshawk. Did I see a Gyrfalcon?

>
> James Rufo Hill
> Seattle, WA
> rufo dot hill at gmail dot com
>
>
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