I just saw a robin get nabbed

[GoddessOfGuinness]

by some kind of small falcon-like bird in my backyard. We have peregrines around here, but I don't think it was large enough to be one. I estimate wingspan was about 15".

Too bad it didn't catch a starling instead... :(

[Gato Moteado]

1. probably a kestrel or a merlin

in texas i see big hawks all the time. i've seen them pick off pigeons.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. Could've been a merlin....

Checking my Peterson's guide. His back was mostly grey.

[trumad]

2. Must have been a damn big Falcon!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

6. oops

Your pic didn't post.

The one in your sig line is chilling, though...

[scarlet_owl]

3. Could be a kestrel.

I was once watching some juncos eat, and a kestrel came and picked one off! I'd never seen anything like that before.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

5. When they've gotta eat...

I guess they aren't picky about what or where.

[Xandor]

7. May I humbly suggest...

Take a look at www.bdi.org (my own site) and use its search engine to identify the bird you saw. We've been working for years on this thing and now we're trying to spread the word. :hi:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

9. This is wonderful!

I've bookmarked it!

Here's the culprit:


Thanks for the link!

[rumguy]

8. I would say Merlin, could have also been a Sharp-Shinned or Cooper's Hawk

Merlins are small falcons. Sharp-Shinned hawks and Cooper's Hawks are accipters - hawks with short rounded wings, long tails and able to ambush birds with surprise and stealth...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

10. It's a Merlin...

I've often seen a Cooper's Hawk along a stretch of road that I frequently travel. He hangs out one a power line in the middle of an abandoned farm field. They're beautiful birds!

[DS1]

11. Quick! To the Batmobile!