Hi Donald,
I'm trying to determine if Merlins are migrating right now? I checked my field
guides but could not determine if they are migrating through or are here for
the winter.
I had an incredible, close view of an adult male at Huntley yesterday around
12: 15 pm. I first saw what appeared to be an interesting bird fly into and
perch on a tall tree across the water near the end of the boardwalk. Before I
could get a good look at it, the bird took off heading in my direction. I
almost fell over as I swiveled trying to stay with it but I lost it.
Fortunately for me, another birder/photographer was sitting on the boardwalk
about 30 feet away from me. I found the bird perched in a small tree about 30
feet in front of me by following the sight line of his camera/scope.
I've seen a Merlin only once before a long time ago, but it was not nearly as
close as this one. That man must have gotten 100 shots or more. The bird stayed
perched for quite awhile.
:Lori Keeler
On November 26, 2017 at 2:13 PM Donald Sweig via va-bird
<va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Some of the folks on this morning's regular Sunday morning birdwalk at Great
Falls national Park (those who stayed to the very end) were treated to a
long, clear, relatively close look at an adult (probably female) Merlin (
Falco columbarius ), perched high on a snag, in the bright sunshine, between
the trail and the river. This is a very unusual bird for this location. In 25
years of birding at this park, I don't believe I've ever seen one there
before. What a treat!!
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Virginia
Sent from my iPad
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