Yesterday (Jan 14, 2018) I saw 5 species of falcon in Skagit County. The last time I had a 5 falcon day was Feb 26, 2000.


It seems that visiting winter Gyrfalcons used to be more loyal to a particular perch or perches. Not so much in recent years. Thus, they have been harder to find; and now with ebird withholding Gyrfalcon sighting information, it becomes even more difficult to see a Gyr. All the more reason for birders and photographers to be respectful. The GYRFALCON I saw yesterday (thanks to Bob Kothenbeutel for the tip) may have a favored perch. I hesitated to report it because this perch is exposed. The perch is on Fir Island at the Polson Road 90, west of Dry Slough Rd. It took 2 tries yesterday. The first time the perch was occupied by a MERLIN. If you visit this site, please view and photograph from a distance and do your best to depart with the bird still perched. It will have less impact on the bird and there will be others who will want to see this bird after you leave.


I first saw the PRAIRIE FALCON just south of Edison in the scope of 4 very kind birders. Later I saw the/a Prairie perched in a tree from Sullivan Rd, looking north. A juv PEREGRINE FALCON was perched at Field & Farm to Market just before dark. I saw several AMERICAN KESTRELS at various locations.


Also, the adult light morph HARLAN'S RED-TAILED HAWK continues on 7th off of Pioneer Hwy just west of I5 in Snohomish County. I couldn't find a Rusty Blackbird within the large flock of Brewer's at 7th & Pioneer.


http://www.pbase.com/marvbreece/new_images
https://www.flickr.com/photos/138163614 at N02/




It was a good day.






Marv Breece
Tukwila, WA
marvbreece at q.com

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