On Thu, 12 Feb 1998, Mickey Gibson wrote:
> >
> >It's my understanding, and a couple of years of observation, that about
> this time of year a female merlin chooses a nest site; then she sits there
> and yells "feed me, feed me" in a quite noticeable tone of voice.
> Meanwhile the male obligingly brings her back part of his prey. This goes
> on for some weeks before they actually mate.

What an appropriate topic for Valentine's day! So, if his offerings
aren't good enough, does she ditch him and go look for a guy that treats
her to swankier restaurants?

Kelly Cassidy -- Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Box 357980, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195