Hi Tweets,

It became apparent several days ago that there was someone in the
neighborhood that made the feeder birds in my backyard nervous. I had found
a small pile of feathers in the yard the day before Thanksgiving and
suspected a Sharpie was terrorizing the 'hood. Yesterday afternoon I found
the culprit sitting on a birch tree across the street.
The Merlin (columbarius) was carefully watching my backyard and seemed
oblivious to the dogs, walkers, and joggers going up and down the street.
I got out the scope and camera and pictorially documented my new yard
bird and watched until he left.
This morning he was back. Only this time he showed off his hunting style.
He came gliding on silent wings, very low, and rose just enough to clear the
6 foot fence between my backyard and the neighbors. As he cleared the fence
he headed directly for the feeder.
What made this so interesting is there were no birds at the feeder. There
hadn't been any for some time. I suspect the Merlin has the location of the
feeder and my backyard layout completely imprinted and is using stealth and
surprise to hunt rather that sight.
I hope he stays around for a while and thins out the Starlings and House
Sparrows.

Cheers
Doug Schonewald
Moses Lake, WA