Adrian Dancy
9P1A9875 Meadow Pipit, Anthus pratensis (Holcombe Moor)
Meadow Pipit.
1400.2211
I wished I had a larger portfolio of these delightful birds. This species won my complete respect many years ago (at Parkgate) when I saw one pursued by a Merlin. The pipit dodged and weaved to evade the clasp of the Merlin's talons when both birds were in close proximity to each other. The battle for life probably only lasted a minute but for the pipit it must have felt like an eternity till the Merlin gave up. The aerial display by both birds was breathtaking. I have also seen Meadow Pipits feeding on the ground being watched by a perched Kestrel, however one pipit would perch near the Kestrel as an observer so it could alert the flock if the Kestrel moved. That pipit would get replaced by another when it wanted to feed. This was a clear and obvious display of co-operation requiring utmost trust.
9P1A9875 Meadow Pipit, Anthus pratensis (Holcombe Moor)
Meadow Pipit.
1400.2211
I wished I had a larger portfolio of these delightful birds. This species won my complete respect many years ago (at Parkgate) when I saw one pursued by a Merlin. The pipit dodged and weaved to evade the clasp of the Merlin's talons when both birds were in close proximity to each other. The battle for life probably only lasted a minute but for the pipit it must have felt like an eternity till the Merlin gave up. The aerial display by both birds was breathtaking. I have also seen Meadow Pipits feeding on the ground being watched by a perched Kestrel, however one pipit would perch near the Kestrel as an observer so it could alert the flock if the Kestrel moved. That pipit would get replaced by another when it wanted to feed. This was a clear and obvious display of co-operation requiring utmost trust.