Yesterday (11.17.18) there was a GREAT EGRET at the Hayton Preserve on Fir Island. Also a SHORT-EARED OWL along Dry Slough Road.


On the Samish flats, I could find neither Prairie Falcon nor Gyrfalcon. I did see a flock of about 70 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS which included a few DUNLIN and 2 DOWITCHERS. I say dowitchers because I am still studying my photos. Short-billed is unlikely, but not impossible. These birds were working fields north and south of Samish Island Road between the Samish T and the West 90.


Although I didn't see gyr or prairie, falcons were in good numbers. Between Snohomish & Skagit Counties I saw 6 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 3 PEREGRINE FALCONS and 5 MERLINS. There was a very obliging Merlin in Edison; perhaps the same bird that spent the previous winter there. Other Merlins: one at Hayton Preserve, one on Pioneer Hwy barely south of the Skagit County line. One on Norman Rd. One on 7th Ave NE & 220th St NE, off of Pioneer, just west of I5.


It was a good day.


Marv Breece
Tukwila, WA
marvbreece at q.com

Concepts shape our world.
Concepts are not hard wired.