Four of us drove up from Olympia to Snohomish yesterday to search for the Gyrfalcon. After five hours in snow and rain we had the most amazing display from the bird! The Gyr seemed to be showing off to us making passes up and down the field in front of us and then perching for great looks. Well worth the effort of the drive and search! Life bird for half of the group and life looks for the others. We all went home giddy with excitement and couldn't hold a conversation for long without going back to discussing the Gyr.

It's been a while since anyone posted details on this bird so I thought I'd go back to the basics.

Most recent sightings have been from 103rd and this is where it finally turned up for us.

When you come off US2 at Snohomish take a left on 115th (before you reach town). Drive past the ball fields and 103rd is a short dirt road at the end near the junk yard.

There are a group of tall cottonwoods at the end of the road and this seemed to be it's favourite perch. The large flock of Starlings didn't seem to mind it being there.

Other vantage points we checked from included, 92nd (which is the next road to the north from 115th) and from Old Snohomish Rd (turn left on Lincoln as you pass through town).

The bird we saw was an adult grey morph but I have heard reports of an immature also.

Also of note were dozens of Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, a male Harrier and the flock of Snow Geese.

Happy searching and may your experience be as wonderful as ours.

Chris Warlow
Olympia