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 MoreOctober Merlin
October is a terrific month to spot some falcons flying by in migration, and like with our winter friends the Snowy Owls, sometimes a pole is the best place to look! If you’re lucky enough you might be able to get an American Kestrel, a Peregrine Falcon, and a Merlin like this all on one day. I would suggest waiting and watching because seeing them soar back into the sky is worth it. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreFemale American Kestrel
This has been one great late fall stretch for raptors for me. Not coincidentally, it has also been a poor stretch for passerines during my survey work, with very little of note apart from common and expected species in low numbers. Snowy Owls, Northern Harriers, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper’s Hawks have all been providing some great looks or photos. The unfortunately uncommon American Kestrel has even cooperated with this female being seen semi-regularly at Stratford Point. Her she is perched on the flagpole at the lighthouse before zipping off. I...
Read MoreBanded Peregrine Falcon
Here is a recent flashback story for everyone on this lovely Friday. October is always a terrific month to find all sorts of raptors making their way south for a prolonged migration or dispersing from their nesting area to find acceptable wintering grounds. Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) continue to rebound from their demise due to pesticides in our region in the last century, taking up breeding sites on skyscrapers in major cities, under bridges on interstates, and even nest box platforms at locations like Dunkirk’s power plant on Lake Erie in our own Chautauqua County. Some of...
Read MoreAmerican Kestrel
This is a terrific time of year to spot American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) heading south and making their way through the sky and farmlands of places like our own Chautauqua County. They will need place to stop and feed along the way, hunting all the songbirds also migrating through the region as well as dragonflies. There are so many birds passing over our heads right now – don’t forget to look up!
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