An astonishing moment, Tom. Even for one who has seen or heard thousands of birds over the years, a close encounter of the life-and-death kind would be intense. Thanks for sharing. I read that Cooper’s sometimes rocket about at their own expense. In studies of deceased Cooper’s, about 20% had broken sternums, presumably from crashing into tree parts as they’re nipping through the foliage at high speed.
You’re also a known and respected person in certain corners of local law enforcement. I was recording ducks feeding in the shallows near the West Greenbelt Bridge several weeks ago when a couple of middleaged gentlemen from the Boise Police Departement strolled up to say hello. They walk and bike the Greenbelt keeping an eye out for the random citizen raising a ruckus. When they saw my interest in the ducks they told me about a chap they see all over the Greenbelt accounting for the local birds. “Is he riding a bike and is his name, Tom?” I asked. They grinned and said, “The very same.” They had warm praise for you and asked me to tell you hello.
Is anyone interested in going on a 3-hour tour boat this Thursday to see the several Tufted Puffins and 1 Horned Puffin around Smith Island off Fidalgo Island (Anacortes, WA) They have been there since August 3rd and weather report is good. This is a whale tour company but they have a group of WA birders who want to go out (max. 8) for the puffins. You have to get to Seattle at least by Thursday a.m. and take ferries from Anacortes to San Juan Island for a departure of 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. Bill and I are leaving tomorrow but flying is an option. Reply by email if you want contact information for the tour company—Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching
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