Faye McAdams Hands, Carol Smith, Laurel Parshall, and I were also searching for this bird late in the day after birding the Samish Flats all day with Bud Anderson's hawk class (very successfully). Lucky for us, Marv was still there and gave us perfect instructions. Five minutes later we were looking at the bird. Because of the private property at the end of the county road as mentioned by Marv, scopes are required to clinch the ID. So thanks to the Taylors and Marv for passing on the info in the field.

Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Wauna, WA
Avosetta at hotmail.com


Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2014 16:11:01 -0500
From: marvbreece at q.com
To: Tweeters at u.washington.edu
CC:
Subject: [Tweeters] Saturday Gyrfalcon near Snohomish

Yesterday (Saturday, Feb 1) afternoon, Adam Sedgley and I were parked along Old Snohomish Monroe Road in hopes of seeing a Gyrfalcon. It was my 4th try and I believe the 2nd for Adam. Four angels pulled off the road behind us and told us exactly where they had been viewing the gyr a few minutes before. Within minutes we were enjoying a nice view of a fine GYRFALCON. Adam was kind enough to send the link below to a map of the gyr location. Thanks to the Taylors for first reporting this bird and to others for keeping up the reports.
I know there are still many who wish to see this bird. Whether you're a birder, a photographer, a Martian, or just a human being, please remember to respect private property at the location near French Creek Estates as well as the location I have just shared. By doing so, you are respecting the birds, the land owners and other birders whom you represent in the eyes of others, whether you like it or not. Oh, and please drive with sense and caution on Old Snohomish/ Monroe Road. I have seen some very poor decision making, creating undue risk, in the last 2 weeks. I'll get off my soap box now.
Earlier in the day I had seen 4 SANDHILL CRANES at Fairfield Park at the western edge of Monroe. They were on the grass at the far end of the park. I now regret opening my car door, for although they were a distance away, they spooked and flew a short distance and landed in the field to the north. They have been viewed by others at the same location, so likely will return. But by opening my car door I disturbed the birds and may have helped put them out of view of other birders, at least for awhile. Also at Fairfield Park Saturday were 2 adult male EURASIAN WIGEONS. Friday there was a female EUWI & no males.
Other birds of note for the day were 2 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS (1 tan stripe and 1 white), a HARRIS'S SPARROW, and a juv NORTHERN SHRIKE at Crescent Lake (aka 2 Rivers) off of Tualco Loop Road, barely north of Tualco Rd, south of Monroe.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=47.90321,-122.074224&num=1&t=m&z=16
It was a good day. A very good day.
GO HAWKS !!



Marv Breece
Seattle, WA
marvbreece at q.com


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