Tweeters,

Just after noon, I visited the Steele Street viewing point, but no Gyrfalcon. I then decided to tour the airfield, since I have access. I drove as much of the area around the field as was available, but no sign of the bird. I even drove under the water tower (next to the Fitness Annex Center) where the Gyrfalcon was reported as seen yesterday. Altogether, I spent just over 2 hours touring the airfield.


I decided to visit Morey Pond (restricted access), which is located on the east side of the runway, almost directly opposite the Heritage Park fleet of historical aircraft (located south of the control tower, which is on the west side of the runway). I got sorta excited because of a raptor that was in a nearby tree -- turned out to be an adult Red-tailed Hawk. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable to see a nice collection of ducks in this small wetland through which Morey Creek runs. (Note: this is a wildlife viewing area.) The list for Morey Pond is below.


Morey Pond, McChord Field (Restricted Access), Pierce, Washington, US
Jan 7, 2018 1:10 PM - 1:45 PM
Lightly raining, almost no wind at Morey Pond area. Viewed from both sides of the pond.
11 species

Gadwall 2
American Wigeon 8
Mallard 2
Ring-necked Duck 7
Common Goldeneye 3
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
California Scrub-Jay 1
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 1

May all your birds be identified,

Denis DeSilvis

avnacrs4birds at outlook.com
<http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41729078>