Cape May Peregrine

[huddiecat]

Don and I just returned from our annual pilgrimage to Cape May/Pine Barrens.  Seeing the Red Knots is always a treat and when we pulled into the area, we saw huge clouds of Red Knots, gulls and various shorebirds suddenly fly up.  When we got to the viewing platform someone mentioned a Peregrine had grabbed a duck.  The Peregrine had flown over the mass of shorebirds several times, causing all to flee, except for this one.  We looked at the Peregrine in the scope and could see her standing in the sand with  her prize lunch.  It reminded me of Quest on Cape Cod/Nantucket.
 
The Peregrine flew off with her food.  We tried to follow, but could not relocate her.
Suzanne   

[MAK]

   Good to hear from you Suzanne! 

[Donna]

Wow, nice story Suzanne but poor duck. He flew off with it? Now that has to be a sight. Thanks!!

[huddiecat]

Well, actually we didn't see any "ducks" around, so most likely she flew off with a Red Knot or a Dunlin.  Many shorebirds had just flown in from their migration north.  They were exhausted, hungry, and probably easy prey for a swift Peregrine.

Suzanne