[Tweeters] Twin Lakes Merlin and Dragonflies

[Dennis Paulson via Tweeters]

Hans, I’m glad to hear that dragonflies are doing well. Purple Martins definitely need them as their chicks grow larger, and Merlins take a lot of them as well. Too bad we don’t have Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites to take advantage of them too!

Dennis


> On Jul 31, 2025, at 10:49 PM, Hans-Joachim Feddern via Tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu> wrote:

> 

> This morning I was treated to some great views of our resident Merlin hunting dragonflies over Lake Lorene, Treasure Island Park, Twin Lakes in Federal Way. It would zoom very low over the water and snatch dragonflies on the wing. It even landed on a bare branch in an alder close to me, affording even better views. while it was crunching and munching on its prey. It was a very dark bird of the Pacific race. We have  a nesting pair here in Twin Lakes for several years now. There may have been a second bird, but I never saw two at the same time. I also saw one again this evening.

> 

> Dragonflies seem to be more abundant this year  - Dennis? Unfortunately there were no swallows for the Merlin to catch. I haven't even seen a single one over the lake for weeks now! 

> 

> Good birding!

> 

> Hans

> 

> -- 

> Hans Feddern

> Twin Lakes/Federal Way, WA

> thefedderns at gmail.com <mailto:thefedderns at gmail.com>

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