Raptor

Peregrine falcon

Falco peregrinus

The fastest bird in the world winters on the Samish and Skagit flats and along the bay shorelines, hunting dunlin flocks and ducks.

This species is sensitive to disturbance. WildLookout doesn't map nests, roosts or colonies.

Seasonality

Peaks across 4 months. Most often seen from October to April, when wintering birds follow the shorebird flocks; a few pairs nest in the region.

Perches on a snag, power pole or driftwood log for long stretches between hunts.
Hunts with high-speed stoops into flocks of shorebirds and ducks.
A suddenly bunching, wheeling dunlin flock usually means a peregrine is nearby.

Watch the shorebird flocks: when they bunch and wheel, scan above them for the falcon.
Perched birds allow patient framing; wait for a stretch or a preen, which often comes just before takeoff.
Use the fastest shutter speed you can (1/3200s or faster) for hunting flights.