Subject: Prairie Falcon takes Long-billed Dowitcher at Mud Lake near Toppenish, Yakima County
Date: Oct 30 08:15:33 2000
From: Andy Stepniewski - steppie at nwinfo.net


Tweeters,

Yesterday afternoon (3 PM), I was scanning with my scope a large (200+)
group of Long-billed Dowitchers at Mud Lake west of Toppenish NWR, in Yakima
County, WA. Suddenly, a Prairie Falcon (female I think, it appeared large
and heavy-bodied), dashed in from the east and plucked a dowitcher from the
loose-knit flock of shorebirds as they exploded into flight. The act was
completed so swiftly that I wasn't sure if the shorebird was in flight or
still wading in the shallows. The falcon flew off to the west, and
disappeared. This hunting strategy strongly resembled shorebird hunting by
Peregrines or Merlins I have observed.

Also on the mudflats rimming Mud Lake were:

Green-winged Teal - 250
Mallard - 50
Killdeer - 3
Dunlin - 10
Common Snipe - 5

After birding here a bit, I hiked up Toppenish Ridge to the south, noting
only two species of birds:

Chukar - noted two coveys marching up to the ridgetop, but promptly flew
down into ravines on the north side of the ridge once they detected me.
Horned Lark- a few flyovers.

It soon became dark very early and quickly; I was rudely reminded just how
much shorter the day seems to be once the clock changes.

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato WA
steppie at nwinfo.net