Posted by Rock Jetty on September 25, 2003 at 18:35:16:
Exiting ENP after a hard day's work, Albert G. and I stopped by Lucky Hammock and were treated to a real spectacle. We were hoping to catch a glimpse of some raptors before heading back to FIU, but we weren't prepared for the following series of events:
To the right of Lucky Hammock, a Red-shouldered Hawk appeared, flying low in our direction, with what at first looked like a prey item clenched in its talons but turned out to be...twigs? As I'm watching the hawk, Albert yelled "Peregrine!" to which I immediately locked on as it dive bombed (at an incredible speed) right past the hawk (it was coming in from the opposite direction and for a moment I thought it was gonna nail the hawk) and after a small bird, possibly a shorebird, whom it did nail out of the air. By this time Albert spotted a second Peregrine and both birds started an aerial acrobacy that would put the Blue Angels to shame. Meanwhile the Red-shouldered hawk was perched on one of the powerlines wondering what was going on. Neither falcon went after the presumed dead bird but the hawk did, and neither falcon fought for the claim although one of them landed near the hawk. The whole thing was just totally awesome! Gotta run.
Cheers,
Rock Jetty