While birding along the Potomac River in DC today, Damien Ossi & I spotted a
Merlin near the Washington Channel.  While we were checking out a red fox,
we noticed the Merlin flying around really quickly and abruptly with another
bird clutched in his talons!  The Merlin landed on a tree and started
tearing away at his prey, which appeared to be a starling.

 

Soon after, a red-tailed hawk came swooping through.  

 

Other highlights in Constitution Gardens-

American Widgeon (2)

Redhead (1)

Ringneck Duck (22)

American Coot (8)

American Black Duck (1)

Bufflehead (4)

 

I think someone recently spotted a Gadwall there, but I didn't see it.

 

Mary

 

Mary Pfaffko

Wildlife Biologist

DC Fisheries & Wildlife

District Department of the Environment

51 N Street, NE, 5th floor

Washington, DC 20002

202-535-1739 (phone)

202-535-1373 (fax)