Subject: [Tweeters] First in flight, first in light
Date: May 14 10:45:40 2012
From: David Hutchinson - flora.fauna at live.com



No this is not a post about North Carolina! But about a bird I saw flying for the first time yesterday at the foot of Umtanum Ridge, while leading a mothers' day field trip. We were standing by the first riparian grove on the left, before starting the climb up the metalled road from the valley. Blue skies, brilliant sunshine and at around 9.30 am - probably a Red-tailed Hawk hunting over the ridge put up these two birds. Seemingly about Flicker-sized, one flew over our heads at a hundred feet or so, with slow, delicate but direct flight. Broad wings, clear primaries, white tip to the tail, a lovely rufous tinge to the feathers in the sunlight, prominent head, with a distinct white crescent under the throat, a lovely Uncommon Poorwill, at least for me.

--
David Hutchinson, Owner
Flora & Fauna: Nature Books
Discovery Gardens: Native Plants
3706 Corliss Ave North
Seattle,WA.98103
http://www.ffbooks.net/
206-623-4727