ML534346971

Observation details

Distant but definitive views from the bridge. Val and Jon saw it in flight (after it was called out by other birders), with a bald eagle—even with distant binocular views, the white leading edges of the wings were clear. Dropping behind the trees, the Steller’s disappeared from view for awhile, and then several people saw it fly in to a white pine to roost. Scope views, with enough field marks visible to make it clear we were seeing the Steller’s: large white areas on wings; some white on tail; and large, bright orange beak (visible the few times it turned its head to show its beak). Views were partially obscured by a pine branch across the bird’s body. Eventually, the Steller’s flew, down (?) the river away from the bridge, and we were able to see the field marks better if more briefly: white patches on the leading edges of the wings, white on the tail, and orange beak. Life bird for John and Calvin. Poor record photos.