A Merlin is a small, dashing falcon. Margaret is
Australian. Margaret was on a brief visit to the UK. Margaret is a birder.
Margaret had never seen a Merlin. Driving past Broom Gravel Pits, en route to
the RSPB HQ at Sandy to look for the Dartford Warbler that was temporarily in
residence, a Meadow Pipit flew fast and low across the road in front of the
car, hotly pursued by a small falcon. Merlin! Almost of its own volition, the
car veered across the road and into the handily placed and vacant lay-by before
those in the back realised what was happening. Margaret, in the front, was
trying to get out of the car before it had come to a complete stop but was
persuaded to stay in her seat while a lorry thundered past. When the view
cleared the chase was still on. The Meadow Pipit climbed and dived, twisted and
turned and jinked this way and that across the field but could not shake the
Merlin from its tail. As the aerobatic display continued the pipit climbed
vertically, followed by the Merlin, and then dived for the hedge. The pursuit
which must have lasted about three minutes from when the birds first flew in
front of the car came to a sudden end when the Merlin struck as the pipit
sought the safety of the hedge. The Merlin flew north over the field carrying
its prey and was eventually lost to view amongst (or against) the belt of
trees. Margaret reckoned it was the best raptor chase she had ever seen.
Margaret is Australian. Margaret was on a brief visit
to the UK. Margaret is a birder. Margaret has now seen the small, dashing
falcon that is a Merlin.
