We are hosting a bird feeder in our front yard this summer that attracts finches. These adorable little birds bring us daily pleasure as we watch them feed, drink from our water feature, share, argue and sing. Late yesterday afternoon as I was sitting on the front deck, I saw a much larger bird fly in from my left. It was an elegant, impressive and deadly brown falcon. The bird swooped low almost touching the water, then arched up to the tip of a peaked roof next door. It sat there, head moving back and forth sweeping the horizon. After a few moments it flew to the tree across the street and then left.
As I continued to sit out front, I realized how quiet it was and it dawned on me that no birds were singing. In fact, none of our little feather denizens were anywhere in sight for the rest of the evening. This morning all remained quiet in the front yard. We usually awaken to the site and sound of half a dozen finches jockeying for position at the bird feeder.
To our horror, we wondered if the falcon had killed and eaten them, or if they were just being judicious and staying away. I'm going to have to consult Wikipedia to see if brown falcons eat finches. (I know that peregrines will eat medium-size birds.) ~ I must admit that I admired the beauty, swiftness and skill of this bird of prey. He (or she) does have to eat after all. I just hope it wasn't one of our little visitors.
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