Read a post by Jon Houghton a week back about the gyrfalcon on the Bayview Edison Rd. Since it would be a lifer for me, I dragged a neighbor on the long expedition, and long shot, to find the regal bird. Headed north on Whitney Bayview rd off of Hwy 20. It does some doglegs then straightens out heading north. Quickly approached the Padilla Bay Trail head. Immediately saw a red-tailed hawk on a pole before the trailhead, then noticed a light colored bird perched 3 poles further along….it was the gyrfalcon. Great view with binos, then it flew back south to the pole at the trail head parking lot. Got it in the spotting scope for long view. Such a beautiful bird.
As happens, eBird questioned the entry. Winter sightings of gyrfalcons in that area have seemed regular for several years now.
david armstrong

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