Yesterday, at the Potlatch boat launch (where water from the North Fork
Skokomish plunges to turbines along the Hood Canal), I got out of my truck,
heard chattering, and looked up to see a Merlin carrying off an apparent
swallow immediately overhead. I at first thought a Sharp-shinned hawk was
likely what I was looking at but it simply wasn't. It landed in the top of
of a snag across Hwy 101 and I walked closer with my binoculars in hand.
I got a brief look before it flew and it was a very dark Merlin. I believe
it had killed a swallow though there were Purple Martin vocalizations
coming down from high above as well as the chattering of Violet-green
Swallows. I never could pick out the silouette of any of the martins but
they were obviously there. They are known to nest in rotting pilings just
a little ways north at the docks of Hoodsport.

I was pretty impressed. I seldom see Merlins in western Washington and
I can't remember another one I've seen during August.

Kelly McAllister