A Gyrfalcon was found last week by Donna LaCasse and seen again yesterday. It is on McCord AFB property which cannot be accessed without military clearance. However, I was told of a way to scope the bird from public roads without disturbing this now listed sensitive species.
Marcus Roening, Heather Ballash and I were able to re-find the bird this afternoon. It was our first sighting for Pierce County! Donna has excellent photos and I took some using my scope.
It favors the telephone poles on the east side of the runway. It is far enough away that a scope is best.
Directions: I 5 to the 512 exit. Head east on 512 and immediately get in the right lane and take the Steele street exit. At the light turn left and head south. Stay in right lane. Go past the first light (Hwy 112) and turn right at the next which is the last part of Steele Street. Go to end and park. Look straight down all the poles on the east side of the air strip.
How long it will stay with all the plane traffic is a questionable.
Happy Holidays to all!!!
Bruce LaBar