Falcon aerial acrobatics over Flat Bay and other sightings!

[Merle and Anne Archie]

Raptors ruled over Flat Bay today - we counted 2 adult and 3 non-adult Bald Eagles harassing gulls this morning, 4 Osprey soaring and playing in the strong winds this afternoon and a falcon duel around 4:30 pm.

 

A Merlin was chasing peeps on the other side of the bay (Merle was following this through his spotting scope!) and caught one.  Then a Peregrine swooped in and started chasing the Merlin.  Both birds flew towards our side of the bay (to the east) and the Merlin dove into trees on our property.  The Peregrine swooped up and glided overhead.  Then the Merlin (minus the peep that was in its talons during the chase) rose up behind the Peregrine and started to dive on it.  Both birds soared and swooped at each other until they just broke off and each soared away. 

 

Anne Archie

Harrington, ME