Participant Photo: Merlin Falcon – backyard experience

While sitting at our breakfast table on April 5, 2022, we heard a loud thump on a window nearby. Through the window I saw the Merlin holding down a Red-winged Blackbird on our patio. He hopped away from the patio to near our back fence and then spent about 4 hours dining on the Blackbird. I saw him finally fly away and land on our gate carrying some of the Blackbird remains. After that, he flew away to parts unknown.