Sharp-shinned Hawk

I recently downloaded the Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Labs. You can download regional bird packs (libraries) and identify birds via photo or sound. The app is free.

Today, I snapped this photo of a bird I don’t usually see sitting on my patio fence. It was a noticeably larger bird than, say, a crow. It had a stout breast and a wide wingspan on takeoff. The app identified the bird as possibly a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

They are known to frequent the PNW during the winter months but are rarer during breeding season due to other larger predators coasting above for prey. Most travel north to Canada to breed. They feed on smaller birds in flight and backyard bird feeders. One bird site recommends taking down bird feeders for a bit if you see one nearby.

Market Off Market

Anker Ballard Flats has a new business coming into their ground-floor retail space. A new sign says, Market Off Market. I have not found any additional information about this business. Is it another brewery, a mini grocery store (15-minute neighborhood energy), a restaurant, or something else? There is a new retirement community across the street, which might support a local milk-and-eggs market.

The location is also across from Gilman Playground, a community gathering space for dog lovers (illegal), sports leagues, families with young kids, summer camps, high school kids smoking doobies on the bleachers, and pickleball enthusiasts. A general store would do steady business.