Merlin/P.Woodpecker-birds of a feather?

[tmanson]

Hi all: As Murray says, if you bird your local patch regularly, you can see some interesting things.
I have been noticing recently that a Merlin has been taking advantage of a high perch in a dead spruce tree just across the river from my place. He/she seems to be most interested in the large number of Vaux's Swifts that seem to be always there these days.
Today a Pileated Woodpecker decided to investigate food possibilities in the same tree, and got quite close to the perched Merlin. A pretty brave woodpecker, or maybe they have something worked out!! Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.

[Gord]

Something I might not expect to see! Nature never ceases to provide new and interesting things to see!

Birds do seem to know who to be wary of and whom they can ignore. I remember once watching a puddle of different birds. A Merlin came flying by, and the Killdeer and smaller birds took fright. The ducks barely paid any attention. However, about 15 minutes later, this changed when a Peregrine Falcon came by. Everyone was in an uproar over that!