A bloke at work has just told me that Merlins hunt and eat Skylarks...!
To back this up, he found this abstract on a website (http://www.springerlink.com/content/j5k55r2152h71335/)
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Abstract : Skylarks show a range of anti-predation behaviours including flocking, refuge-seeking and song. Responses by skylarks to merlin attack were recorded over three winters on a Scottish estuary to determine the effectiveness of song as a pursuit-deterrent signal, and its use with respect to other anti-predation options such as flocking. Mortality due to merlin predation was high. Skylarks used song as a pursuit-deterrent signal. Merlins chased non- or poorly singing skylarks for longer periods compared to skylarks that sang well. A merlin was more likely to catch a non-singing than a poorly singing than a full-singing skylark. ... The frequency of capture on merlin attack depended on the escape response used by the skylark. ... The optimal escape option available to a skylark on merlin attack was probably dependent on its condition, as indicated by its ability to sing on attack.
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So Dave - lets hear you sing...
I'm guessing your not very good, so its skylark for dinner -
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