Underwater escape!!

[oneidalaker]

The other evening at about 6:30 PM I was checking a few gourds when a hen martin slashed into the water about 10 feet offshore. A Sharp Shinned hawk landed on the rocks close by at the water's edge waiting for the martin to surface. I was able to shoo the hark away and a few moments later the hen popped up to the surface, jumped out of the water with a wing beat and flew away. The hawk must have been in hot pursuit and the only escape possible was the plunge into the lake. I was amazed that the hen could somehow stay underwater for about 20 to 30 seconds. I was amazed that the Hawk knew to wait for the hen to surface so that it could grab her. I was also amazed that the hen could fly from the water's surface.

[Louise Chambers]

holy cow! now THAT is seeing something amazing! Marlin Perkins should have been there Thanks for sharing this.

[KathyF]

I remember "Marlin Perkins"! Does that date us?

Anyway, HOLY COW! That is so cool! Smart hen too... may she raise many more like herself at your site!