Subject: Peregrine Falcons
Date: Mar 16 07:11:11 1998
From: "Susan C. McDougall" - scm6501 at hps12.iasl.ca.boeing.com


On saturday, March 14, we observed the chase of a Bonaparte's Gull by a
pair of Peregrine Falcons. This occurred in Burrow's Bay near
Washington Park (Anacortas region). The falcons chased the gull in
sequence, first one swooping, and then the other. As the falcon would
approach, the gull would hit the water, effectively stopping, while the
falcon flew over. Eventually, the tired gull was a bit slow and was
caught by the largest (female?) falcon. Both falcons then flew to a
tree on a cliff where the female ate the gull.

Is this type of cooperative hunting common with Peregrines? The method
was effective, if unplanned (in a human sense).

Susan McDougall
Susan.C.McDougall at boeing.com