Subject: [Tweeters] 4 falcon day at the Samish flats
Date: Dec 27 16:46:34 2009
From: Bob Kothenbeutel - viper.bob at verizon.net


Yesterday (12/26/09) I spent most of the day on the Samish flats in search
of raptors to photograph. While there I saw 2 kestrels, 3 merlins, 2
peregrines and 1 prairie falcon. The peregrines put on quite a show as they
hunted together as a team. They stooped on a large flock of dunlins that
were resting on an ice covered field next to the road. The smaller falcon
(male I assume) was successful and was "chased" by the larger one (female).
As I watched through my camera he dropped the dunlin which was captured by
the female who flew off to a telephone pole to eat it. This happened within
10 minutes of my arrival.

Just when I thought my day was a success I spotted a prairie falcon on a
tall snag. It allowed me to take several photos before it flew to the same
location where the peregrines had been hunting and allowed me several more
photos. What a gorgeous bird it was.

The merlin was present in Edison but too high in the trees for decent
photos. Two additional merlins were located near the foot of the hill
leading up to Samish Island. A Cooper's hawk was also in the same area. The
telephone wires produced two kestrels. Several harriers, red-tailed and
rough-legged hawks were also out and about as well as a few bald eagles.

It was a great day!

You can find pictures in the last uploads album of my website.



www.photos.rlkimages.com



Bob Kothenbeutel

Woodinville