[Tweeters] Merlin capturing a Bushtit

[flick at gorge.net]

July 14, 2022 
 

Hi Michelle, 
 

I visually encountered a MERLIN adult female 'alarm calling' while conducting a Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) Route in WA - June, 2010. 
 
I did three JULY follow-ups post-BBS to determine reproduction. 

On one of these three visits, a MERLIN adult brought back an immature (most likely Rufous for this specific area) hummingbird & also a Pine Siskin on the same morning, perched with each prey in its bill to wait for a food-transfer to its partner, who flew by, captured the prey with its talons from its partner's bill, and then flew to the nest to feed nestlings (heard only). 
 
Sooo, what I am suggesting with this described experience is that you may have also witnessed an adult MERLIN capturing a Bushtit to feed to its nestlings. 
 

CJ FLICK 
 White Salmon, WA
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