A few weeks ago a peregrine falcon couple set up shop in our woods next to the garden. I was thrilled when I saw it dive and snatch a vole from the garden. I have a huge vole population in my garden. I thought finely nature balancing itself out. I’ve actually talked to a great horned owl several months ago scouting in an alder tree, I complained that he wasn’t doing shit about the voles. Anyway, last night while letting the dogs out for final pee, I saw the said owl swoop across the woods edge talons out snatch the falcon, the flacon screeched, it was over in an instant. Now I have only one lonely falcon taking care of the garden. lol 😂 Nature.

#nature #gardenstr

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Owls don't play around. I've seen tons of eagle/hawk nest cams with owls just smacking one out.

The only thing a great horned should be worried about is another great horned. Just checking, are you the falcon wasn't a Merlin? Just seems weird behaviour for a peregrine, in the woods hunting voles? Sounds like more Merlin like to me.

I was wondering if it was a merlin. From certain angles it looked like peregrine

Looked it up definitely a Merlin. Never even heard of Merlin before. Thanks!

Cool, glad that helped identify the #birdstr. Sometimes behaviour and habitat can identify birdsbetter than any plumage details.

Update, after spending way too many hours on bird sites and listening to different calls all the hawks make. I am 95% sure it is a Cooper’s hawk.

I’m so confused, sorry to bug, but it might be a northern goshawk. If it isn’t very obvious I suck at bird identification. Now not sure if it is a Merlin. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Try to get a pic someday and bring it here! We have a bunch of birders.

We have a bad pic.

Great story! Nature indeed! We have plenty of stork, heron, kites and kestrels here keeping our rodents in check. Don’t hear or see any owls sadly!

I’ve found owls to be quite unwise and unreasonable. that whole “wisdom” hold over thing from the Owl of Athena worship days is dumb. 🦉

What an awesome sight to see