Avian Predators!

Merlins are our second smallest falcon. Merlin pairs have been seen teaming up to hunt large flocks of waxwings. One Merlin will flush the flock by attacking from below; the second Merlin comes in moments later to take advantage of the confusion.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/merlin/overview

This individual was waiting at the end of the street on my way into Canatara Park. Merlins are increasingly common around towns where there is a steady supply of House Sparrows. 

https://birdwatchinghq.com/falcons-in-ontario/

Bald Eagles can often be found soaring in the area as they search for open water.

For such a powerful bird, the Bald Eagle has surprisingly weak-sounding calls. These two were having a "conversation" in the air above me. I heard a series of high-pitched whistling notes. They sound nothing like the Eagle call heard in movies which is actually the recorded call of a Red-tailed Hawk.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/sounds

3 Bald Eagles hanging out together: They were situated above an open section of the St. Clair River.

Bald Eagles have a varied diet which can include live and dead (carrion) prey. This eagle is devouring a coyote carcass.

The Red-tailed Hawk is probably the most common hawk found in North America. They soar above open fields, slowly turning circles on their broad, rounded wings. Other times they can be seen atop telephone poles, watching the ground to catch the movements of a vole or a rabbit. They may also be waiting to climb a thermal updraft into the sky.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-tailed_Hawk/overview

Snowy Owls have been hard to find in SW Ontario this year. Thick feathers for insulation from Arctic cold make Snowy Owls North America's heaviest owl. They typically weigh about 4 pounds which is one pound heavier than a Great Horned Owl and twice the weight of a Great Gray Owl!

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Owl/overview

Male Sharp-shinned Hawks are slightly larger than a Blue Jay. They are the smallest hawk in Canada and the United States and are daring, acrobatic fliers. They have long legs, short wings and very long tails which they use for navigating at top speed through their deep-woods homes. They are easiest to spot in the fall on their southward migration, or occasionally at winter feeders.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/sharp-shinned_Hawk/overview