Just 10 minutes ago, as I stepped out of the east door of the Castle,
a catbird came flying fastaround a tree and flew into a shrub, calling
loudly.  Close behind came a female Merlin, which veered away (almost
at eye level) and flew off into the Enid Haupt Garden, spreading
terror as it went.
   Fall raptors are now officially on the Mall!

                                Jim

Jim Felley
Smithsonian Institution