I haven't spent a lot of time at Red Rocks this year, but I have yet to hear
or see merlins there.  I don't think they are nesting near the picnic tables
again.

Steve Antell

----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott W. Morrical" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2005 3:26 PM
Subject: [VTBIRD] Merlin, South Burlington, food chain


> Hello:
>
> Yesterday evening (6/23, about 6 PM) I observed a Merlin carrying prey,
> flying
> west of Spear St. in South Burlington towards the direction of Red Rocks
> Park.
> The victim was fairly substantial in size, maybe a robin or a blackbird.
> Any
> Merlin nesters in the area this year?
>
> This morning 6/24, at UVM dairy farms along Spear St. there was a
> Red-tailed
> Hawk flying with large prey, appeared to be a rabbit!  American Crows
> mobbed
> and repeatedly slammed into the hawk.  A violent neighborhood.
>
> Several Sharp-shinned Hawks around the 'hood the past few days.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Scott Morrical
> <[log in to unmask]>
> South Burlington
>