UK/ Raptor chasing singing skylark (1 Viewer)

[gradders52]

Raptor chasing singing skylark

Out on open farmland. There was a male Merlin hunting low level, flying low along a ditch and springing up to attack some tree sparrows and the like.

However, you know how high skylarks go, well this one was singing high up and being chased by a small raptor. No idea what is was. Any ideas? What small raptor flies that high chasing skylarks? Not a kestrel, not a peregrine, not a sparrowhawk ... would a merlin go that high?

Very high, casually fly close to the skylark and then swoop in, (not climb high above and stoop, flap 'alongside' then attack); skylark would sidestep the attack. Repeatedly for three or four minutes or more. Skylark got away, raptor flew off. Don't know why I'm putting what images there are, but just in case they help.

Any thoughts (on an ID) appreciated.

THANKS
g

 

[Andy1979]

Another merlin I would think, but the length of the tail leans towards Kestrel?

 

[KenM]

I once observed a Merlin streaking across the sky looking like a small 'longer tailed' Hobby.

 

[lou salomon]

sounds and looks good for merlin, they can chase small passerines for a while high up in the air.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

sounds and looks good for merlin, they can chase small passerines for a while high up in the air.

Yes I once saw one chasing a Snipe high in the air for several minutes before the Snipe gave it the slip.

Stephen.

 

[phil baber]

There's great footage of Merlin hunting singing Skylark high in the air on Attenborough's "Life of Birds". Apparently the larks do it to show off to the ladies how fit they are! Wouldn't fancy it myself! That's some bravado!!!

 

[Parker]

I've also seen Merlins chasing Skylarks or Meadow Pipits high up, so it sounds good for Merlin to me.

Neil.

 

[deborah4]

Agree with Merlin. First pic shows a good comparison for size and second on shape. I've also seen Merlin hunting high chasing hirundines although on each occasion I've witnessed this, they started low while hirundines were hawking over fields - think they get caught in the hunt mode and just keep chasing if they're onto something! Never seen them successful though doing this.

 

[apbarr]

I used to fly my Merlin at Skylarks and they will go incredibly high, on some occasions literally into low clouds. They would appear to be ignoring each other climbing in circles some distance apart until the Merlin felt it had a height advantage when it would start to chase the lark. Most times the lark escaped by diving to the ground.

 

[gradders52]

Thank you

I guess Merlin is favourite, and I have learnt something, so thank you all very much. Didn't know they chased that high (doesn't say in my books). Having slept, remembered I did think 'what is that 'swift' doing here in March...?' obviously not a swift.... but indicates my thinking (odd as always!). And if you wondered how high up...

Glad the awful pics were some use, size comparison, shape etc (was the idea).
Must do 'Life of Birds' sometime.
Thanks for confirming other people have seen Merlin hunting high (now we can rewrite the books!).

THANK YOU
g