Merlin Meal
I barely missed my first Snowy Owl of the season earlier today, but my consolation prize was this Merlin finishing up a meal. I am not positive on the identification of the prey, but I did observe the raptor eating the entire leg and foot. Snowy Owls seem to be spreading out all over the region with new sightings coming every day! Have you spotted any yet? I am looking forward to seeing and sharing images of one soon… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMerlin Meal
Here’s a little Throwback Thursday to a very recent day – my Christmas Bird Count! This Merlin (Falco columbarius) was the last new species added to our section of the count circle, and we enjoyed it chasing House Sparrows upon initially sighting it. A Cooper’s Hawk came out of nowhere and scared all of the birds, startling the falcon and causing it to drop its prey. However, a little while later we saw it had successfully captured another House Sparrow, this time without losing the meal. It took the bird to a snag and went on with its early evening dining under cloudy late...
Read MoreMagnificent Merlin
This magnificent Merlin certainly looks wonderful on a warm spring morning! I photographed this friendly bird today. I actually saw three of them in total as they are on the move back to their breeding grounds, some of which may be right near us. Last year we had a Merlin nest only a couple blocks from us at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, and others were scattered throughout Chautauqua County. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreMerlin on Wire
Merlins certainly do love their power lines! Perhaps next spring and summer you will find one like this in your neighborhood with a nest not far away. We are seeing more and more of them locally in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region. During the last breeding season we had a pair less than a mile away from us at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History in Jamestown, New York. They can be found even in suburban to near urban habitats.
Read MoreMerlin (Falco columbarius) HD video
This migrant Merlin (Falco columbarius) was found taking a short rest in this tree during a very windy day – all the more conducive to fly with! Whenever I get the chance to observe one individual like this for a prolonged period I inevitably wonder where it has been and where it is going. I wish I knew where this bird was now… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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