Having just read Ed Swan's post regarding a Peregrine/crow interaction I
was reminded of a slightly similar observation a few days ago at Dumas Bay
(just east of Dash Point Park in Federal Way). Cathy and I were at the
beach and noticed a very dark Merlin flying around. Never perching, it
would disappear and reappear wheeling above the trees behind the beach
area. It seemed to have moved on but then shortly there it was again in the
open over the water. About that same time we noticed three crows in nearby
trees. I hadn't observed any previous interaction before we saw the Merlin
bank and stoop on them twice! The Merlin seemed to have had its fun and
blasted away over the water on a beeline to the west.

I can't imagine the crows were ever intended as prey for the Merlin and
likewise have never heard of peregrines taking crows, but they're certainly
capable. A falconer friend has told of a Peregrine knocking a Canada goose
out of the air!

Greg Pluth
University Place
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