I spotted a Merlin on the Yakima river by Ellensburg last Wednesday while guiding a fly fishing trip. My client and I watched the Merlin chase a Tree Swallow for about ten seconds before the Merlin finally overtook the Swallow, grabbing it out of the air and carrying it into a grove of cottonwood trees. It was quite a sight.

Jim Gallagher
Ellensburg
Tight Lines Angling
509/933-2503
www.tightlinesangling.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Hill
To: inland-nw-birders at uidaho.edu
Cc: TWEETERS
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2003 6:00 PM
Subject: Othello area birds


Yesterday a Merlin flew through my yard in town. Mid-July seems a strange time. This morning I wish I had a scope and maybe even a field guide as I went by the County Line Ponds along SR 26 west of Othello. There was one Semipalmated Plover there, lots of Least Sandpipers and a few Westerns, three Wilson's Phalaropes, and lots of Am. Avocets. One bird appeared to be a nearly basic plumage Dunlin but had a little more scalloped back than I normally see. Another small peep had a pretty rusty appearance to the breast, a potential Rufous-necked Stint. When I walked down to get a closer look the whole flock took off and crossed the road. I hope to get out there tomorrow but if anyone is in the area please check it out.

Randy Hill
Othello
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