Tweets (especially Linda),

The Merlin in Kent, WA hangs out at Smith Dairy III which
is EAST Valley Highway (or Kent's "Central Ave" or Auburn's "Aub-
urn Way North") This small dairy is often confused with the big
Smith Brothers Dairy which IS on WEST Valley Highway. Further,
they are both reached via S 277th St from Highway 167. I don't
know why people find this so confusing ;)

To find the Merlin at Smith Dairy III take the 277th St
exit from Highway 167 and go EAST. The Merlin often perches in the
trees around the dairy and occasionally on the light pole in
the middle of the stockyard. I see it perhaps once a week on my
way to work. Falcons are seen on occasion at the other Smith
Dairy along West Valley but I don't know exactly where. Falcons
do use conspicuous perches, as do most raptors, so just pull off
wher you can do so safely and scan any pole, treetop or snag.

Jim Flynn
Renton, WA
bf519 at scn.org