This year we've had more birds of prey than other birds except the ever present Steller's jays. We've seen kestrels flying over our meadow and posing on trees near the bird feeder looking for an easy chippie snatch. So far I've not seen them be successful. The other morning this beautiful Merlin showed up and shook up the whole bird neighborhood. No one wanted him around. Look at those claws!
He would come swooping in very low -- below the bird feeder -- scattering jays and chippies alike. He was heckling the jays and chasing them around and around. This beautiful Flicker got into the act too and engaged in mid-air battle a few times. I was pretty impressed with his maneouvers. Amazing.
All for my viewing pleasure with my morning coffee, right outside my dining room window. Who needs television?
Posted by Rick on 09/27/2014 at 12:49 PM
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