Today, we are flying to Germany. First thing this morning, I opened my eyes and from my bed could see a massive bird sitting in an old dead fir tree at the edge of our property. The bird was so large, I thought it was a Great Horned Owl and raced to get my camera (with the big lens). As soon as the bird came into the view-finder, I knew it wasn't an owl. I had just taken a few photos when the bird took off, screeching down the south side of Cooper Mountain. It was a Golden Eagle Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey! In the end, my Dad determined it was an immature Red Tailed Hawk... but I think it is too large. I think it was a Golden Eagle.
Whatever the make/model, I think of this bird as a great omen of a great trip. Until my next update, I remain, your "updating from PDX" correspondent.