Well, other posts reminded me of two others, in spite of myself.
Once, at the formerly vaunted Bay Ocean Shorebird Flats (RIP), I was
scoping a many-hundred, mixed, shorebird flock; mostly Westerns. A Merlin
came in fairly high, flew over the flock, flushing it, flew around a little
and disappeared. Wasn't hungry I thought. But...maybe just checking the
flock out. I continued to scope the shorebirds and about 10 minutes later
it was back, approaching very fast from far south.. Its flight was flat,
12-18 inches above the bay shoreline. I probably flew at least a quarter
mile this way. The shorebirds flushed but it was already into the flock and
simply plucked one of the multitude. I think this may be a fairly common
hunting strategy.
On the ocean beach on San Diego long ago I was observing various birds.
The beach had large, flat rocky areas interspersed and these were easy to
walk on, even with street clothes. A busy road parallels the beach with
apartments, shops, stores, etc. on the landward side. There were lots of
beach goers, many walking around in street clothes on the rock and beach.
The birds were well accustomed to people. I noticed a couple of Willits
languidly pecking at a small pool on the flat rocks and walked close enough
for full frame photos.
Earlier I had seen a peregrine perched on the edge of a roof about 1/4 mile
north. My back was to it now and I had forgotten about it. As I said,
lots of people on the beach. Suddenly there was a frightening whosh and a
minor explosion of birds. I almost dropped my big camera as the peregrine
shot by me waist high, 5 feet away, at a zillion mph. I guess he had
figured out the system. Attack when the prey is preoccupied by the human
traffic. But, so had the Willets, both of whom escaped and so well, that
the peregrine didn't even bother to chase them.
\
Bob OBrien
