While driving along Rt 301=MD 3 thru downtown Bowie yesterday at 9:30 AM, near 
the intersection with Rt 197, I noted a flock of Starlings wheeling in unison as 
they sometimes do. Since it was more compact and rapidly changing course than 
usual I looked again and sure enough, a MERLIN was sailing thru them, passing in 
and out as the coherent group swirled more rapidly than it could keep up with. 


This is a common defense mechanism of Starlings, and if none breaks rank, nearly 
always effective since the raptor cannot single out any one individual. I was 
reminded of the ancient Roman legions, which often prevailed against larger 
forces thru the application of the same iron discipline.

Also in Bowie recently, at the 301/Pointer Ridge intersection, a Wild Turkey 
strutting in the median strip - which here is ~ 4 car lengths wide and offers 
good cover.

Fred Fallon
Huntingtown (CV Co)